Pentax 58mm f2 M42 Lens

[Frontman]

I recently bought an old Pentax SLR camera which came with an old Takumar 58/2 lens. I haven't seen one of these before, anyone have any experience with this lens? I plan to use it on a Pentax K which I have not been shooting,

 

[Doug]

I have not seen the 2/58mm... what model Pentax SLR did you get it with? A model "S" or is it unmarked?

According to The Ultimate Asahi Pentax Screw Mount Guide 1952-1977 by Gerjan van Oosten... The Pentax K (May 1958 - May 1959) introduced the auto stop-down plate at the bottom of the body mount, and came with a new Auto Takumar 1.8/55mm lens with semi-auto diaphragm tripped by that stop-down plate upon exposure release. The model S production covered about the same dates but was a bit simpler, with 1/500 max shutter speed. The "original" Asahi Pentax was made the prior year, and also sold as a Sears Tower 26.

I'll be interested in your comments as you use the lens...

 

[xayraa33]

That 58mm f2 Takumar is the only Sonnar design lens of normal focal length made for a 35mm SLR camera.

 

[Pioneer]

This is a good lens. I have it in K-Mount and it works very well. You can read up a little about it here - http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Super-Auto-Takumar-55mm-F2.html

After a closer look my lens is actually the 55 f2. A very nice lens but certainly not the Sonnar 58 f2.

 

[raid]

He has a 58mm lens and not a 55mm lens.

 

[charjohncarter]

http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/Takumar-58mm-F2.html

 

[raid]

So it is the bokeh where this lens shines.

 

[f16sunshine]

Yup it's the only SLR "normal" with a Sonnar optical formula.
I have one also but it has been in for a CLA.
They are worth some money and also provide very nice images.

 

[jarski]

this article sums things nicely, and has comparison images of the lens and other Tak's.

the Takumar 58mm f/2. This was a classic Sonnar design and remains to this day the shortest focal length Sonnar ever made for any 35mm SLR camera. Unfortunately, Sonnars shorter than 58mm require the rear element to sit closer to the film plane than is feasible with an SLR without fouling the mirror - if you want a wider Sonnar then it has to be on a rangefinder. This particular Sonnar was also not helped by the fact it cost far more to manufacture and buy than the 55/2.2 while not being as ultimately sharp. Still, there's more to a lens than sharpness alone and Sonnars tend to make up for their lack by producing oodles of lovely bokeh, so we'll see if this one is true to its heritage.

Because they sold in such small numbers (they were only in production for the single year) getting hold of any example is like finding a hen's tooth.

 

[Pioneer]

He has a 58mm lens and not a 55mm lens.

Sorry about that, grabbed the wrong link. Thanks John Carter

 

[tunalegs]

It is a very sought after lens because of its unique design amongst SLR lenses, but in every comparison I've seen with other lenses it came out near the bottom for sharpness, even when stopped down. Though as pointed out above sharpness is not the end all be all, if you want a unique vintagey effect then it would be one of the lenses to reach for.

 

[Dwig]

Another good link covering the various vintage Asahi lenses:

http://www.taunusreiter.de/Cameras/Pentax_Takumar_Collection.html

 

[charjohncarter]

Another good link covering the various vintage Asahi lenses:

http://www.taunusreiter.de/Cameras/Pentax_Takumar_Collection.html

Gads, what a batch of great lenses. I bought a Spot w/ 50mm/f1.4 in 1969, but never imagined all the cool stuff that came before.

 

[jarski]

early Takumars are so nicely made, especially ones without plastic parts. am having 28/3.5 and 55/1.8. keeping eyes open for ~100. except the most common lenses, prices have gone through the roof in past years.

 

[Doug]

FWIW, and not relevant to the 2/58mm, I've just uploaded a couple of 1.8/55mm Auto Takumar pics shot with my Pentax K. They're titled "Red xxx Shadows" at http://www.rangefinderforum.com/rffgallery/showcollection.php?cid=3076

 

[charjohncarter]

Nice group Doug.

 

[Doug]

Nice group Doug.

Thanks! Years ago I had a project of shadows and geometric shapes, so it's hard to resist when I see a fit subject later... 🙂
Harking back even farther to when I was in high school, the 1958 lens can still perform well.