| Author: | | Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 1-15 of 114 | | | MogseyOBoyle New Member Registered: September, 2023 Posts: 2 | | Review Date: November 17, 2025 | Recommended | Price: $140.00 | Rating: N/A | | Pros: | Character and colours | | Cons: | Sharpness across the frame when wide open | | Sharpness: 9 Aberrations: 7 Bokeh: 10 Handling: 10 Value: 10 Camera Used: Fuji | |  | | | Angus_M89 Forum Member Registered: October, 2024 Posts: 81 | | Review Date: February 19, 2025 | Recommended | Price: $25.00 | Rating: 9 | | Pros: | Handling, sharpness, focusing | | Cons: | None | | Sharpness: 9 Bokeh: 9 Handling: 10 Value: 10 Camera Used: Spotmatic F, SV | | | Bought a worn out Spotmatic F purely for this lens and leather case at $50AUD hence the $25 price tag. Sold the F it came with as my other one is much better. Absolutely wonderful to use. Smooth focusing and changing aperture. Produced some really crisp photos at f/5.6 outside and inside. Bokeh on f/2 is good while retaining sharpness at the focus point. At f/9 it is likewise sharp. Using this lens with a UV filter on the good Spotmatic F and Kodak Gold 200 has made this my favourite set up for photographs with the family. | | excaliburst New Member Registered: January, 2017 Posts: 1 1 user found this helpful | | Review Date: May 18, 2024 | Recommended | Price: $130.00 | Rating: 9 | | Pros: | This is very sharp, colors, contrast, bokeh... lots of beautiful bokeh, and the most delicous transition from in focus to oof | | Cons: | Thorium radioactive element in the lens (yes I think about it) | | Sharpness: 8 Aberrations: 6 Bokeh: 10 Handling: 9 Value: 10 Camera Used: OM Systems OM-1 | | | Shooting M43 I found the need for ultra fast glass, when I got used to the very big DOF inherent in this platform. And I found this glass available in vintage glass starting with the Olympus Zuiko OM 50/1.4. A very nice small package compared to modern AF lenses. It is sharp and has the very thin DOF that I was searching for. However om M43 it turns into a 100mm F2.8 eq on FF. That I didn't like. So I bought a Viltrox EF M2 II Focal Reducer/Speedbooster. And tested the sharpness of this combo. I was blown away. This combo turns the little OM lens into a 71 mm F1.0... Very nice. I chose to make the Canon EF mount my receiver mount on the focal reducer, as I could readily adapt from the EF to any other mount with thin dumb adapters (without chip/electronics) (flange distance permitting). After a couple of years I read about the lens in question here the Pentax Super-multi-coated Takumar 50/1.4 and it's superior bokeh. I bought one and have now been using it for 6 months. Funny thing. In all the reviews of shooting vintage lenses on a modern digital camera. I have not seen anybody mention the biggest boon that comes with shooting vintage glass on these. BATTERY LIFE quadruples! When the camera does not drive AF. There is much more juice for shooting. My fantastic modern OM-1 Camera and it's beefy batteries now last me much longer. With AF lens, I'd say I get approx 3-7 hours of shooting. With vintage lenses I get more than 20 hours. Back to the review I have just made a comparison between this lens (Super-Multi-Coated Takumar with 7 elements and 8 aperture blades) and the Olumpus Zuiko OM 50/1.4, Minolta Rokkor PG MC 58mm f1.2, and the Super Takumar 50mm 1.8. From these lenses this one definitely beats the others on all apertures from wide open to f4. I seldom shoot that stopped down. This comparison made me return the Minolta 1.2 immediately. I will not part with my Oly OM 1.4. It is a very nice piece of glass too. And it works well on the Viltrox EF-MII Speedbooster that I use to adapt all vintage glass to my M43 camera. Honestly I will never part with this lens. Both the optical quality and the production precision is something to behold (built like a tank) of this vintage lens is unique. | | | ohjajohh New Member Registered: May, 2021 Posts: 15 | | Review Date: September 24, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $50.00 | Rating: 9 | | Pros: | Build quality, sharpness, color and contrast | | Cons: | (slightly) radioactive | | Sharpness: 9 Aberrations: 9 Bokeh: 9 Handling: 10 Value: 9 Camera Used: Sony A7III | | | I have the last version of this lens (SMC, 37908) and it's an absolute beauty We probably all know that this lens contains thorium, and thus the rear element is a bit yellow. This can create very nice and warm pictures. It's a perfect 'summer lens' but I wouldn't use it on a snowy day. Build quality is as with every Takumar outstanding. Smooth focus, perfect working aperture, just a pleasure to use. Here is a small comparison to the Pentax-M 50 f1.4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9lUo60naio | | | Sroqraf New Member Registered: December, 2015 Location: Piła Posts: 6 | | Review Date: January 2, 2023 | Recommended | Price: $70.00 | Rating: 10 | | Pros: | sharp even wide open (!), handling, weight, build quality | | Cons: | none | | Sharpness: 10 Aberrations: 8 Bokeh: 10 Handling: 9 Value: 10 Camera Used: Pentax K5II | | | Phenomenal lens for me. Great sharpness at f/1,4 and still excellent when closed. Great build quality, nice rings work. This Takumar has astonishing bokeh, I'm very sattisfied with this item. Very usefull min. focal distance. I love this lens. | | | MikeGatchPhotography Site Supporter Registered: December, 2020 Location: Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago Posts: 42 2 users found this helpful | | Review Date: March 15, 2021 | Recommended | Rating: 9 | | Pros: | Build quality, character, rendering, bokeh, sharpness stopped down | | Cons: | Not the sharpest wide open | | Sharpness: 9 Aberrations: 9 Bokeh: 9 Handling: 10 Value: 10 Camera Used: K-1 | | | So, I think there's enough reviews for this lens, and more than enough information about it out there. The prices have come up in recent years, but I'd still say this is one of the best value vintage lenses for a beginner. This lens will teach you a lot, and you will grow with it, but never OUTgrow it. I'm a bit biased because I never did care for autofocus, or maybe I just can't afford adequate autofocus? Either way, these lenses are an absolute must. There's enough of them to go around, so everyone should have one! Here's a few of my photos through this lens. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lordawesome/albums/72157716958274137 I've since gotten my hands on the SMC version https://www.flickr.com/photos/lordawesome/albums/72177720305467037 | | | tsoybeans New Member Registered: November, 2020 Posts: 5 1 user found this helpful | | Review Date: December 18, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $118.00 | Rating: 9 | | Pros: | Sturdy, well built and affordable | | Cons: | Weird aberrations, lens yellowing | | Sharpness: 9 Aberrations: 6 Bokeh: 6 Handling: 10 Value: 9 Camera Used: Spotmatic SPII & Adapted Canon Rebel T6 | | | Rather hard to achieve good focus at f/1.4 even with my Spotmatic compared to my other M42 mount lenses. Mine was rather yellowed, but using the NÄVLINGE LED work lamp from IKEA cleared it up in a matter of days. Because of the small count of aperture blades, it leads to weird aberrations and strange, unrefined bokeh. That being said, it's my favorite 50mm lens I've ever owned and is just so much to handle, and look at - it's gorgeous. | | | Vintage Lens Shooter New Member Registered: November, 2020 Location: Bangalore, India Posts: 2 5 users found this helpful | | Review Date: November 27, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $90.00 | Rating: 10 | | Pros: | Bokeh, Color rendition, Handling, Reputation and availability | | Cons: | None | | Sharpness: 9 Aberrations: 8 Bokeh: 10 Handling: 10 Value: 10 Camera Used: Fuji XE-3 | | This is an incredible lens, far superior than what I had expected for a lens that is 50 years old and what I paid. Mine is model 2 which is probably least sought after but I am still blown away. Sharpness is decent to excellent, color rendition and bokeh is beautiful and if you compose carefully, you get almost circular highlights. I am seriously considering purchasing the 8 element version and the later Super Multicoated versions. I am surprised not many people know about it, since most people look for unique look which this lens easily delivers. Also, it is widely available and not hard to get a good copy. I have seen some almost new copies on Ebay (especially sellers in Japan) for bargain price. Built like a tank, it would outlast any modern lens. In fact modern lenses seem like toys in comparison. I think even if you own a fast prime, you should try this and I am sure you won't be disappointed.  I love it so much that I made a short video showing some of the pictures taken with it. All those pictures were shot almost back to back within 30-45 minutes. Check out some pictures I recently shot with this lens! Thank you. https://youtu.be/uj2ppRzxQbo  | | | muso83 New Member Registered: March, 2013 Posts: 5 1 user found this helpful | | Review Date: November 1, 2020 | Recommended | Rating: 10 | | Pros: | cheap | | Cons: | none | | Sharpness: 10 Aberrations: 9 Bokeh: 10 Handling: 9 Value: 10 Camera Used: kr | | | awesome lense | | | pcoch New Member Registered: March, 2019 Posts: 2 1 user found this helpful | | Review Date: February 11, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $100.00 | Rating: 9 | | Pros: | build quality, smooth focus, f1.4, great indoors in low light | | Cons: | hit and miss IQ | | Sharpness: 8 Aberrations: 9 Bokeh: 9 Handling: 9 Value: 9 Camera Used: Sony a6000 | | | I bought this lens because of its reputation and I wanted to try for myself. My lens does have a real yellowing to the elements which makes black and white photos looks fantastic, as well as indoor shots. When pockets of light are present in patches the photos are beautiful. But, in my opinion the yellowing doesn't make colour photos pleasing at all. Grass especially looks to bright for my liking. In conclusion this is a lens that is going to take some working out to know when it will work and when to leave it at home. As with all taks, the build quality is superb, as is the smoothness of the focus ring. It is a joy to behold. | | | Gimo New Member Registered: July, 2016 Location: New York, NY. Posts: 1 4 users found this helpful | | Review Date: February 3, 2020 | Recommended | Rating: 9 | | Pros: | Sharpness, color rendering, ease to handle, built quality. | | Cons: | N/A | | Sharpness: 10 Aberrations: 9 Bokeh: 10 Handling: 9 Value: 9 Camera Used: Sony a7II | | I own this lens for over a decade and have used it with several camera systems. Currently enjoying it Sony cameras. The built construction and design of the lens is superb. Wide open you get a dreamy yet sharp image. Contrast and color rendering and both great. Bokeh can't be judge in a negative way. One of my favorite 50's and one of my top 10 lenses. Only edit in the picture below was to add a "W" on the cat's tag to hide the contact info.  Watson by Gimo Nasiff, on Flickr | | | massao New Member Registered: April, 2015 Posts: 11 | | Review Date: January 31, 2020 | Not Recommended | Price: $165.00 | Rating: 5 | | Pros: | Sharp above f/2. Robust construction; M42 | | Cons: | Soft and hazy wide open | | Sharpness: 4 Aberrations: 3 Bokeh: 7 Handling: 10 Value: 6 Camera Used: K-S2; NX500 | | | I have the second version (1965-71): 7 element. This lens is acceptably sharp at f/2 (white dot). At f/1.4 it is soft and hazy on 100% view. For portraits, that might be okay for small image sizes. CA is a serious problem. Green on one end to magenta on the other. | | | Frugal Photography New Member Registered: October, 2019 Posts: 1 3 users found this helpful | | Review Date: October 23, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $80.00 | Rating: 10 | | Pros: | Price,IQ, Build, Sharpness, fast and smooth focus throw. | | Cons: | Discoloring, Radioactive, | | Sharpness: 9 Aberrations: 8 Bokeh: 9 Handling: 10 Value: 10 Camera Used: canon 6d | | | I am not sure if this is a review or a love letter. I bought this lens years ago to go on my Canon Rebel, namely for the sake of video. I always thought that one day I would upgrade to expensive Canon L glass. My first and only upgrade was to a full frame Canon 6d, that I replaced the focusing screen in. Then I realised what this lens was really about. Instead of buying something new I just shot on this lens on my canon 6d for the next 6-7 years. I did pick up a takumar 135mm 3.5 and those two became my bag for years. I would add an odd lens here or there, but those I always traded in and tried new things. This and the 135 are such consistent performers and they are both 49mm thread so the thickness is the same. This helps muscle memory and is now the basis for how I pick out a lens. I only shoot on 49mm thread lenses 99% of the time. This lens has some serious sample, I have tried five versions(including the 8 element) of this lens, I've owned four and also own and use the Pentax-m 50mm 1.4. The 2 7 element super takumars seemed to be the sharpest and the most discolored. I really did not care for the 8 element I tried, It was not as sharp as the others and not different enough to good enough to justify the collector's item inflated price it has. It definitely is not "Better" and to be honest if you are looking for a pentax/takumar 50mm just don't get a k mount 50 f2 and you will have a seriously great lens. The S-M-C(Spelt out version) was sharp enough wide open to be usable, the SMC(Rubber ring) takumar I had was too soft wide open, I always shoot @f2 and by then the only difference in any 7 element version after that is gone. Basically almost all samly variation will be found wide open. Pentax-m 50 1.4 looks and feels identical, just not discolored. Where this lens really shines(and this includes basically every version, 8 element, smc pentax k mount, pentax-m, and pentax-a) is it's focus throw length and dampening combined with its weight give possibility one of the best feeling lenses that can be had in this price range. If you can wait and not buy the first one you see on ebay you can find them for $50, sometimes less. Ebay tend to have them for around 80 on average I would say. I also see them on facebook marketplace all of the time. There you can find them for super cheap. https://www.flickr.com/photos/101506171@N05/22312368432/in/dateposted-public/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/101506171@N05/22312368432/in/dateposted-public/ https://sbpphoto.smugmug.com/Portraits/i-F6Ww6cM/A https://sbpphoto.smugmug.com/Music/i-TFZcdpT/A | | | Ronaldlees New Member Registered: June, 2018 Posts: 16 1 user found this helpful | | Review Date: September 22, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $100.00 | Rating: 9 | | Pros: | Sharp focus, bokeh, focus feel, build | | Cons: | Can't think of any | | Sharpness: 9 Bokeh: 9 Handling: 10 Value: 10 Camera Used: Pentax K5 | | Very nice lens. It's the best vintage lens I have (easily). Great bokeh even when using the K5's crop camera sensor. Maybe if had to say anything negative, it might be the color is maybe not quite as warm as some of my other lenses. Love to use this one though! I have the non-radioactive version. Anyway, a pic's worth much more than my few words, so here's a test shot taken recently:   I've ordered some old M42 macro tubes to see what more the lens can do ... | | | martin42mm Pentaxian Registered: February, 2014 Posts: 590 | | Review Date: August 11, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $85.00 | Rating: 9 | | Pros: | Excellent sharpness | | Cons: | cost! | | Sharpness: 9 Aberrations: 8 Bokeh: 8 Handling: 9 Value: 7 Camera Used: Pentax K-S1 | | | Excellent lens, and despite some comments to the contrary, they can exist with yellowed inner elements. Not a clue if they are radioactive or not, but leaving in bright sunlight can help, although I have a UV light which speeds up the reversal of the yellowing. But don't get hung up on it-even with the yellowing, colour rendition is good, and can also be altered in post-processing. Compared with many other manufacturers it is a compact lens, as are most of the prime Taks. I still use one on my Pentax DSLR with an adapter. Is it worth the extra cost over the f1.8? Only you can answer. Back in the day when that extra bit of brightness was a bonus on the Spotmatic viewing screen I would have said yes. Now, I'm not so sure, especially with amazing asa speeds I would have killed for when I first started using colour back in the 1960's. 25 asa anyone? | | |
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