The Takumar Lenses

I have not used my Super Takumar 35mm f/3.5 enough. When I saw this rare image made with it I was reminded of how sharp it is. FP4 Plus in ID-11 1 + 3 loaded in a Zeiss Ikon Icarex 35S TM.

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Canon also had a superb 35mm f 3.5 in their FD lens lineup.

I always got a kick out of these trend setting Japanese optical firms producing a slow and mild wide angle lens so late in the game.
 
Isn't the 28/3.5 very inexpensive and also very excellent?! Who has it?
I have the SMC Pentax 28mm f/3.5, which technically is not a Takumar (it's a Pentax-K bayonet lens) but is a truly exceptional lens (8 elements in 7 groups):

smc_Pentax_28_3_5_optics.jpg

Credit: Pentaxforums.com

Regarding M-42 lenses, the original Super-Takumar (7 elements in 6 groups) was the weakest of the group (although a very good lens regarding its age):

Super-Takumar_28_3_5_model1_early_optics.jpg

Credit: Pentaxforums.com

The later Super-Takumar Model II and Super-Multi-Coated Takumar (7 elements in 7 groups) were superb lenses offering great resolution and contrast, with almost the same optical design as the Pentax-K lens:

Super-Multi-Coated_TAKUMAR_28_3_5_optics1.jpg

Credit: Pentaxforums.com

Cheers!

Abbazz
 
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Super-Takumar 28mm 3.5
My 28mm was given to me with original caps and case...in like new condition...very inexpensive...


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I have had this Super-Takumar 28/3.5 for some time now, but have yet to shoot it. That changes tomorrow.

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It seems to be the better Super-Takumar "Model II" with 7 elements in 7 groups. You can confirm by looking at the model number (next to the "Auto-Manual" switch), which should read 43871. The "Model II" also has a 49mm filter ring, vs. 58mm for the previous model.

Cheers!

Abbazz
 
I bought my 28mm 3.5 and 35mm 3.5 several years ago via the LF forum. The two lenses together from Canada cost US$70. One of the best bargains ever for me. This is from last April with the 28mm 3.5 in early morning light. Tmax 100 expired in 2004, developed in D23.

I couldn't be happier with the Taks. A lifetime of photographic interest has brought me full circle, from the best of modern Zeiss, Nikon and Canon, with built-in motors and electronics, to humble Spotties and Taks. Doesn't get much better from the point of view of satisfaction and pleasure in the craft of photography.
 

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One of the few lenses that I truly regret selling is the SMC Takumar 50/1.4 that I used to for this image.


Untitled by Colton Allen, on Flickr
Pentax Spotmatic SPII
SMC Takumar 50/1.4
Kodak Gold 100
Epson V750-M Pro​
 
Some really stunning images in this thread.

I've been lusting after a Spotmatic for some time simply because I think they're gorgeous cameras. I finally bought one, and while I'm not an SLR lover, I'll probably make excuses just have it in the hand.

What has me even more excited are the lenses. I've just ordered an M42 to M-mount adapter so that I can use the 35/3.5 Super-Takumar on the Ricoh GXR A12 and M2 (zone focused). Just out of curiosity, is anyone else doing this with M42 wide angles? If it works out well, I think I'll be buying a 24/3.5 as well.
 
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