Classic vintage lenses
Super-Takumar / SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4
A Japanese Asahi Pentax lens from the 1960s and 70s. Loved for its build and sharpness, one of the best fast M42 lenses.
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What the image looks like
Soft at f/1.4, sharp from f/2.8. The SMC versions have better coatings and flare less.
Aperture on an adapter
Auto/Manual switch: on an adapter set it to Manual, otherwise the aperture stays wide open.
What to check before you buy
- Yellowing: many copies have thorium glass that turns brown over time. A few days under a UV lamp or in sunlight usually reverses it.
- Fungus and haze on the inner elements.
- Oil on the aperture blades (the aperture should snap closed quickly).
The yellow cast is easy to fix with white balance, and on black and white film it acts like a mild filter.
Which adapter?
Pick your camera in the checker: it works out the adapter thickness and framing, and suggests menu settings.
Photo coming soon
Photo coming soon