Pentax 50/1.4 SMC vs Takumars?

[grapejohnson]

I just picked up a nice Pentax 50/1.4 SMC at a great price at the local camera store. I've read that the original 8 element Super Takumars are supposed to be some of the best lenses of all time. How does this one compare? Serial number starts with 107 -- There's no M on the lens, but it's not an A lens. I imagine it'll be close in performance to my Canon FD 50 1.4 (non-S.S.C.). Anyone have some info on this fast 50?

 

[GoneSavage]

With no M or A designation, it's likely the earliest model, often referred to as the K 50/1.4. I've heard K lenses are better than the Ms an not as good as the As. Not sure what the reasoning is, however. I have a K 50/1.4 and I've always been happy with it.

 

[peterm1]

You will be impressed with its sharpness and bokeh. I dont know how it compares with the 8 element verison though I only have the slightly later version. But it is excellent.

 

[raid]

I have three Takumars 50/1.4 from different years, and they are all great lenses.

 

[grapejohnson]

With no M or A designation, it's likely the earliest model, often referred to as the K 50/1.4. I've heard K lenses are better than the Ms an not as good as the As. Not sure what the reasoning is, however. I have a K 50/1.4 and I've always been happy with it.

After doing some reading, apparently the Super Taks and the "K" have the same optical formula. I wonder if the 49mm A and M versions have the same as well?

 

[Pioneer]

There was an 8 element Super Tak as well but the 7 element version is the better one anyway, and by far the more common.

This is actually a good review of these lenses. http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/sm-02-11-24.shtml