Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Takumar

Takumar is a renowned line of photographic lenses produced by Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. (later known as Pentax) from 1952 to 1975, designed primarily for single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras such as the early Asahiflex models using the M37 screw mount and later Pentax models using the M42 screw mount, and celebrated for their optical clarity and build quality.^[1]^[2] The name "Takumar" honors Takuma Kajiwara, a prominent Japanese-American portrait painter and photographer who was the younger brother of Asahi Optical's founder, Kumao Kajiwara, and it was first applied to the standard 50mm f/3.5 lens for the inaugural Asahiflex I camera.^[3] Over its lifespan, the series evolved through several variants, beginning with preset-aperture Takumar lenses in the 1950s, progressing to Auto-Takumar models with automatic diaphragm control in the early 1960s, and introducing Super-Takumar lenses in 1962, which incorporated improved coatings for enhanced contrast and reduced flare.^[4] Notable advancements included the Super Takumar 70-150mm f/4.5, Asahi's first zoom lens released in 1964, and the Fish-eye Takumar 18mm f/11 in 1962, the world's first diagonal fisheye lens for 35mm SLR cameras.^[1] By 1971, the Super-Multi-Coated (SMC) Takumar variant further refined performance with advanced multi-layer coatings, minimizing ghosting and boosting color rendition, particularly in models like the SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4.^[5] The Takumar branding concluded in 1975 with the transition to the bayonet K-mount, after which Asahi's lenses were rebranded as SMC Pentax, though Takumar optics remain prized by photographers for their vintage character, sharpness, and distinctive rendering in both still and cinematic applications.^[6]

History

Origins and Early Lenses

The Takumar brand emerged in 1952 when Asahi Optical Co. introduced it for lenses designed specifically for their new single-lens reflex cameras, the Asahiflex series. The name honors Takuma Kajiwara, a renowned Japanese-American portrait photographer and painter who was the brother of Asahi's founder, Kumao Kajiwara.^[3] This naming reflected the company's aspiration to produce high-quality optics inspired by artistic excellence, marking the beginning of a lineage that would define Asahi's lens production for decades. The inaugural Takumar lenses were developed for the Asahiflex I camera, which utilized the M37 screw mount—a 37mm diameter thread standard at the time. Key examples included the standard Takumar 50mm f/3.5, a Tessar-type design with four elements in three groups offering sharp central performance for general photography, and the faster Takumar 83mm f/1.9, a Sonnar-type lens with seven elements in three groups optimized for portrait work with controlled aberrations.^[7]^[8] These lenses featured a preset diaphragm mechanism, allowing photographers to pre-select apertures via a secondary ring before composing, which facilitated smoother operation in the era's manual SLRs. Construction emphasized durability with chrome-plated brass barrels, providing a robust yet compact form factor without multi-layer coatings, relying instead on basic single-layer treatments to mitigate flare.^[9] Production of these early M37 Takumar lenses remained limited, closely aligned with the output of the Asahiflex I (introduced in 1952) and Asahiflex II (1954) models, which together saw modest manufacturing runs as Asahi scaled up SLR production. By 1956, as demand grew, these designs served as the foundation for evolving to the more universal M42 screw mount in 1957, enabling broader compatibility.^[10]

M42 Mount Era and Advancements

In 1957, Asahi Optical Co. adopted the universal M42 screw mount for its Asahi Pentax SLR camera, marking a significant shift that enabled the production of interchangeable Takumar lenses, including the initial 50mm f/2.0 model with preset aperture control.^[11] This mount, standardized at 42mm diameter with a 1mm pitch, facilitated compatibility across multiple manufacturers and laid the foundation for Takumar's expansion into a versatile lens system.^[12] Prior to this, Takumar lenses designed for the earlier M37 mount on Asahiflex cameras served as precursors, with some models adaptable to the new standard via simple rings.^[9] The M42 era saw rapid technological advancements in Takumar design, beginning in 1958 with the introduction of the Auto-Takumar series, which incorporated semi-automatic aperture mechanisms for improved exposure control during focusing and composition.^[13] By 1962, the Super-Takumar line debuted with single-layer coatings to reduce flare and enhance contrast, alongside fully automatic diaphragm operation that stopped down only at the moment of exposure.^[9] The 1964 launch of the Pentax Spotmatic camera integrated seamlessly with these lenses, introducing through-the-lens (TTL) metering that leveraged the Super-Takumar's automatic features for more accurate light measurement.^[14] Advancements continued in 1971 with the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar, enabling open-aperture metering on cameras like the Pentax ES, which allowed photographers to compose and meter at maximum aperture before stopping down.^[15] In 1971, the Super-Multi-Coated (SMC) Takumar series applied a pioneering 7-layer multi-coating process across all elements, minimizing reflections to 0.2% per surface and significantly boosting light transmission and image quality.^[1] Over the 18-year M42 production span from 1957 to 1975, Asahi manufactured more than 100 distinct Takumar models, ranging from wide-angle to telephoto focal lengths, with standardized filter threads of 49mm for normal lenses and 58mm for longer ones to simplify accessory use.^[16] These lenses were also incorporated into the Pentax 6x7 medium-format system starting in 1969, where Super Takumar 6x7 variants adapted the M42 principles to 6x7cm film for professional applications in portraiture and landscape photography. This extensive lineup underscored Takumar's versatility and reliability across formats. Economically, the M42 Takumar lenses played a pivotal role in democratizing high-quality optics, as Asahi's efficient production techniques made Japanese lenses affordable—often half the price of German equivalents—while maintaining optical excellence, which fueled massive exports and established Japan as a global leader in camera equipment during the 1960s.^[17] By the mid-1970s, millions of Takumar-equipped Pentax cameras had been sold worldwide, contributing to the brand's reputation for accessible innovation.^[11]

Transition and Later Use

In 1976, Asahi Optical Co. (later Pentax) transitioned from the M42 screw mount to the new K-mount bayonet system for its 35mm SLR cameras, effectively ending the primary production of Takumar-branded lenses for that format as the company shifted to naming lenses under the "Pentax" brand.^[18] This change aligned with the launch of cameras like the Pentax KX and KM, which required the more efficient bayonet coupling for aperture control and faster lens changes.^[19] However, Takumar production continued in limited form for the Pentax 6x7 medium-format system, with variants such as the Super-Multi-Coated (SMC) Takumar lenses remaining available until the early 1990s to support ongoing demand in professional photography.^[20] During the 1980s, Pentax revived the Takumar name for a series of entry-level K-mount lenses targeted at budget-conscious consumers, branding them as "Takumar Bayonet" to denote the mount type while using simplified, cost-effective coatings instead of the premium SMC treatment.^[18] Examples include the Takumar Bayonet 28mm f/2.8, a compact wide-angle prime valued for its affordability and solid performance in everyday shooting, and the Takumar 135mm f/2.5 Bayonet, a telephoto option produced from 1980 to 1988 that offered good sharpness at a lower price point.^[21]^[22] These lenses emphasized accessibility over high-end features, appealing to amateur photographers entering the Pentax ecosystem. By the late 1980s, Pentax discontinued the Takumar Bayonet line as the company standardized on SMC Pentax designations for its K-mount offerings, streamlining branding and focusing on advanced coatings and automation compatibility.^[23] For the 6x7 system, production of select Takumar lenses persisted longer, with models like the SMC Takumar 105mm f/2.4—renowned for its portrait-friendly focal length and creamy bokeh—remaining in the lineup into the 1990s before the shift to full Pentax 67 branding.^[24] This transition significantly influenced Asahi/Pentax's lens strategy, prioritizing the K-mount's advantages in mechanical reliability and compatibility with evolving electronic camera features, which helped the company compete in the bayonet-dominated market while phasing out the screw-mount legacy.^[10] The M42-era coatings, such as those in Super-Takumar designs, briefly informed early K-mount optics by providing a foundation for multi-layer treatments that reduced flare in the new format.^[18]

Technical Features

Optical Design Elements

Takumar lenses predominantly employed multi-element optical formulas in their prime designs, typically ranging from 6 to 8 elements to achieve balanced aberration correction and image quality. For instance, the Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 featured a 7-element, 6-group configuration in its later production variants, which improved upon the earlier 8-element, 6-group design by enhancing resolution and contrast through refined element arrangement.^[25]^[26] Other standard primes, such as the 55mm f/1.8, utilized a 6-element, 5-group formula derived from Gaussian principles, prioritizing compactness and sharpness.^[10] Later models incorporated aspherical elements to further control spherical aberrations and field curvature, as seen in the rare SMC Takumar 15mm f/3.5, where the aspherical surface enabled a compact ultra-wide-angle design without compromising edge performance.^[27] Certain Takumar lenses from the 1960s integrated thorium oxide in their glass elements to achieve higher refractive indices and dispersion control, particularly in high-speed primes for better light transmission and reduced chromatic aberrations. The 7-element Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 and the Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 are notable examples, where the rear thorium elements provided exceptional clarity but introduced mild radioactivity.^[28] Over time, this thorium glass can yellow due to radiation-induced discoloration, resulting in warmer color rendition, though the effect is reversible through prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, which restores neutrality without altering optical properties.^[29] Non-thorium variants, like the initial 8-element Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4, avoided this issue while maintaining similar performance.^[25] The Takumar lineup spanned a broad focal length spectrum, from ultra-wide 15mm to super-telephoto 1000mm, though fixed prime lenses formed the core of early offerings, emphasizing versatility for 35mm format photography. Early wide-angle models included the 35mm f/3.5, with designs like the Super-Takumar 28mm f/3.5 using 7 elements in 7 groups for wider field of view control, while telephoto options extended to 300mm and beyond, such as the 500mm f/4.5 employing 4 elements in 4 groups for long-range compression.^[30]^[31]^[32] This range catered to portrait, landscape, and sports applications, with primes dominating until zoom variants emerged later.^[33] Takumar lenses were renowned for their high contrast and central sharpness, attributable to precise glass grinding and element alignment that minimized flare and veiling glare even in uncoated forms. Standard focal length primes exhibited low distortion typical for the era, with barrel distortion in wide-angles and pincushion in telephotos being minimal when stopped down to f/5.6–f/8, enabling accurate architectural and product rendering.^[34] These traits, combined with effective coma correction in faster apertures, contributed to their enduring reputation for punchy, three-dimensional images across the series.^[28]

Coatings and Mechanical Innovations

Takumar lenses advanced significantly in surface treatments, beginning with the introduction of single-layer coatings on the Super-Takumar series in 1962, which primarily aimed to reduce lens flare and improve contrast in bright light conditions.^[30] This coating technology marked a step forward from uncoated or minimally treated earlier designs, enhancing overall image clarity by minimizing internal reflections. By 1971, Asahi Optical introduced the Super-Multi-Coated (SMC) process, applying up to seven layers of anti-reflective coatings across lens elements, which dramatically increased light transmission to approximately 99.8% while further suppressing ghosting and flare across a broader spectrum of wavelengths.^[1]^[35] Mechanically, Takumar lenses incorporated an auto-diaphragm linkage as early as 1958 with the Auto-Takumar series, enabling semi-automatic aperture stop-down via a camera-body lever for more precise exposure control during focusing at maximum aperture.^[36] Certain models containing thorium oxide in their glass elements for improved optical dispersion carried warnings about induced radioactivity, a precautionary measure due to the material's alpha-particle emission, though levels were generally low and posed minimal risk under normal use.^[28] Durability was bolstered by leatherette grips on select barrels for secure handling and all-metal construction that resisted environmental wear. Filter and accessory compatibility followed standardized sizes, with 49mm threads common for normal focal length lenses and 58mm for many telephoto variants, facilitating interchangeable use of filters and hoods across the lineup.^[29] Aperture mechanisms evolved from preset rings, requiring manual pre-setting before exposure, to fully automatic stop-down systems that streamlined operation with compatible camera bodies. Takumar build quality emphasized robust all-metal bodies with precise helicoid focusing mechanisms, ensuring smooth and accurate adjustments; prime lenses typically weighed between 200g and 500g, balancing portability with structural integrity.^[28] These innovations complemented the lenses' optical designs by providing reliable mechanical support that minimized play and maintained alignment over time.

Lens Variants

Auto-Takumar Series

The Auto-Takumar series, launched in 1958 by Asahi Optical Co., marked the introduction of semi-automatic aperture control in Takumar lenses, specifically designed for compatibility with early Asahi Pentax cameras such as the Pentax K model. This innovation allowed photographers to focus at full aperture and stop down to the selected f-stop via a camera-linked lever or pin, transitioning from the manual preset mechanisms of prior Takumar lenses. Representative models included the standard 55mm f/1.8, which featured a compact six-element optical design in five groups, and the wide-angle 35mm f/3.5, both optimized for the M42 screw mount prevalent in Pentax SLRs of the era.^[37]^[9] Initially lacking multi-layer coatings, the Auto-Takumar lenses prioritized mechanical reliability and integration with precursors to through-the-lens (TTL) metering systems, enabling stop-down exposure measurement in cameras like the Pentax S series. The series emphasized chrome finishes, often in a distinctive black-and-chrome "zebra" style for durability and aesthetic appeal, with production spanning from 1958 to 1962 and encompassing approximately 20 models across focal lengths from wide-angle to telephoto. These lenses supported a range of apertures and filter sizes, such as 46mm for the 55mm f/1.8, facilitating versatile use in 35mm photography.^[10]^[9] A key limitation of the Auto-Takumar series was the requirement for manual aperture stop-down in certain exposure scenarios, particularly with semi-automatic variants from 1958-1959, where users had to cock a lever to return to full aperture after metering. This design, while advanced for its time, demanded precise coordination between lens and camera bodies to avoid exposure errors in dynamic shooting conditions. The series laid foundational groundwork for later iterations, evolving into the Super-Takumar line around 1962 with the addition of single-layer coatings to enhance contrast and reduce flare.^[37]^[29]

Super-Takumar and SMC Series

The Super-Takumar series, introduced by Asahi Optical Co. in 1962 alongside the Asahi Pentax SV camera, represented a premium evolution of the Takumar lineup with single-layer coating applied to all air-to-glass surfaces, enhancing contrast and reducing internal reflections compared to the uncoated Auto-Takumar predecessor.^[38] These lenses were produced until 1971 and featured an auto/manual aperture switch for compatibility with both preset and automatic exposure systems.^[38] Notable examples include the 50mm f/1.4 (later versions featuring a 7-element design incorporating radioactive thorium oxide in the rear element for improved aberration control), which became a kit lens for the Spotmatic camera introduced in 1964, enabling through-the-lens metering.^[39] Another key model was the 135mm f/2.5, prized for its compact size and sharp telephoto performance in portraiture.^[40] Over 50 variants were released, spanning primes and early zooms, all emphasizing optical quality over the more basic lines.^[30] From 1971 to 1975, the SMC Takumar series succeeded the Super-Takumar, introducing the world's first 7-layer multi-coating process—branded Super-Multi-Coating (SMC)—which dramatically improved flare resistance and light transmission while maintaining high contrast across a broad spectrum of lighting conditions.^[1] This coating enabled full compatibility with open-aperture TTL metering in cameras like the Spotmatic series, allowing precise exposure without stopping down the lens. Exemplifying the line's versatility, the 105mm f/2.4 for the Pentax 6x7 medium-format system delivered exceptional bokeh and resolution wide open, making it a favorite for portrait photographers seeking shallow depth of field in larger formats.^[24] More than 30 SMC models followed, including zooms such as the 45-125mm f/4, offering versatile coverage for general-purpose shooting.^[30] Shared across both series were premium construction traits, including a shift to black anodized aluminum finishes starting in 1966 for a more modern aesthetic and reduced glare, standard auto-aperture actuation via the M42 screw mount, and elevated pricing that reflected their superior materials and performance relative to entry-level Takumars.^[41] These features solidified the Super-Takumar and SMC lines as benchmarks for M42-mount optics during the 1960s and early 1970s, integrating seamlessly with Asahi's advancing SLR systems.^[1]

Notable Models

Standard Focal Length Lenses

The Takumar lineup of standard focal length lenses, particularly the 50mm primes, represented the core of Asahi Optical's production during the M42 mount era, offering versatile optics for everyday photography. The Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4, introduced in 1964, featured an innovative 8-element in 6-group design that delivered exceptional sharpness and creamy bokeh, earning it a reputation as a "Zeiss killer" among photographers for its high-contrast rendering even at wide apertures. This early version was non-radioactive, but starting in 1966, a revised 7-element iteration incorporated thorium oxide in the rear element to further optimize aberration control and light transmission, though this introduced mild radioactivity and a tendency for glass yellowing over time. By 1971, non-radioactive 7-element designs returned under the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar branding, maintaining the lens's optical excellence while addressing earlier concerns.^[25]^[42]^[43] Complementing the f/1.4 model, the 50mm f/1.8 variants spanned multiple Takumar series, providing a more compact and budget-friendly option without sacrificing image quality. Produced from the mid-1960s onward in Auto-Takumar, Super-Takumar, and SMC Takumar iterations, these lenses utilized a 6-element in 5-group formula that balanced sharpness across the frame with natural color rendition, making them ideal for general use on Pentax SLRs like the Spotmatic. The design emphasized portability and ease of handling, with minimal distortion at normal perspectives. The 55mm f/1.8 Super-Takumar, specifically tailored for the Spotmatic camera series starting in 1964, stood out for its remarkably compact form factor, measuring just 38mm in length and accepting a 49mm filter thread despite its metal construction. This lens, with a 6-element in 5-group optical arrangement, prioritized low-light performance and smooth out-of-focus areas, rendering it a staple kit lens for amateur and professional photographers alike. Its all-metal barrel ensured durability, contributing to its longevity in the field.^[44] Across these models, performance was consistent with aperture ranges from f/1.4 to f/22, minimum focus distances of 0.45m, and weights hovering around 200-250g, facilitating handheld shooting in diverse conditions. Later variants benefited from advanced coatings that reduced flare and improved contrast in backlit scenarios. As best-sellers, the standard focal length Takumars accounted for a significant portion of Asahi's output—estimated at over 100,000 units for key models—and found widespread use in portraiture for their flattering perspective and subject isolation, as well as general documentary and street photography due to their reliability and unobtrusive size.^[28]^[45]

Wide-Angle and Telephoto Lenses

Takumar wide-angle lenses expanded the creative possibilities for landscape and architectural photography, offering focal lengths below 35mm with designs optimized for single-lens reflex cameras. The Super-Takumar 28mm f/3.5, announced in 1962, employed a retrofocus optical formula to maintain a short flange distance while providing a broad field of view, making it one of the earliest wide-angle primes in the lineup.^[46] Early versions featured a 58mm filter thread and stopped down to f/22, while later iterations from 1966 onward used a more compact 49mm thread.^[34] This lens excelled in controlling distortion at the edges, a key trait for wide-angle optics in the era.^[47] The Fish-eye Takumar 18mm f/11, released in 1962, was the world's first diagonal fisheye lens for 35 mm SLR cameras, providing a 180-degree angle of view with its fixed f/11 aperture and 8-element in 6-group design.^[1] The SMC Takumar 35mm f/2, introduced in the early 1970s as part of the Super-Multi-Coated series, represented a high-speed wide-angle option with an 8-element, 7-group design that delivered sharp resolution across the frame even at full aperture.^[48] Weighing approximately 240g and focusing down to 40cm, it balanced portability with performance, featuring a 49mm filter thread in its later production run from 1967 to 1971.^[48] For even more expansive views, the S-M-C Super-Takumar 20mm f/4.5, produced between 1968 and 1975, provided an ultra-wide perspective ideal for dramatic landscapes, with its retrofocus construction ensuring compatibility with M42-mount SLRs.^[49] In the telephoto category, Takumar lenses catered to portraiture, wildlife, and sports applications with longer focal lengths exceeding 85mm, often incorporating larger apertures for low-light versatility. The Super-Takumar 135mm f/2.5, manufactured from 1965 to 1975, stood out for its compact form factor despite the fast f/2.5 maximum aperture, utilizing a 58mm filter thread and weighing around 500g for handheld use.^[40]^[50] This design minimized size while offering creamy bokeh and solid low-light performance.^[40] The Super-Takumar 200mm f/4, introduced in 1965, provided a medium telephoto option with 5 elements in 5 groups, measuring 64.5mm in diameter and 136mm in length for balanced handling on 35mm cameras.^[51]^[52] The Super-Takumar 70-150mm f/4.5, introduced in 1964, was Asahi's first zoom lens, featuring a constant f/4.5 aperture, 12 elements in 8 groups, and weighing 1209 g for versatile telephoto applications on M42-mount SLRs.^[53]^[1] Longer telephotos included the S-M-C Super-Takumar 300mm f/4, produced from 1965 to 1971, a rare and substantial lens weighing approximately 946g that demanded tripod support for stability during extended shoots.^[54] Unique variants for medium format included the S-M-C Takumar 6×7 300mm f/4 (for the Pentax 6×7 medium format system, produced 1971–1975), which weighed about 1430 g and provided coverage equivalent to a 150 mm lens on 35 mm film for portrait and nature work.^[55]^[55] Overall, Takumar telephotos emphasized brighter apertures relative to their era for better low-light capability, while wide-angles prioritized distortion correction to preserve straight lines in architectural scenes.^[40]^[47]

Legacy

Collectibility and Cultural Impact

Takumar lenses hold significant appeal among vintage photography collectors, particularly the thorium-containing models such as certain Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 variants, which are prized for their rarity and distinctive optical characteristics.^[25] These lenses often exhibit yellowing of the glass due to thorium dioxide degradation, serving as a visual marker of their composition and age, which enhances their collectible status despite requiring occasional de-yellowing treatments.^[56] In the 2025 market, values for well-preserved Takumar lenses typically range from $50 USD for common Auto-Takumar models in average condition to $500 USD or more for rare thorium examples like the 8-element Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4, influenced by factors such as serial number, coating integrity, and minimal yellowing.^[57] This pricing reflects ongoing demand in online auctions and specialty sales, where pristine examples command premiums for their historical authenticity.^[58] As symbols of the Japanese optics revolution in the 1960s and 1970s, Takumar lenses contributed to Pentax's rise as a global leader in high-quality, affordable SLR photography gear, competing effectively with European brands like Zeiss and fostering widespread adoption among professionals and enthusiasts.^[3] Their cultural footprint extends to appearances in period films and photography documentation, featured in promotional materials for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, underscoring their role in the era's aesthetic.^[59] Takumars have earned a cult following for their "vintage glow"—a soft, characterful rendering with subtle flare and bokeh that evokes the era's aesthetic, often highlighted in modern photography books on Japanese lens design and vintage optics.^[60] This legacy from the M42 mount era underscores their enduring influence on photographic style and equipment evolution. Preservation of Takumar lenses involves addressing specific issues like low-level radioactivity in thorium-equipped models, which emit primarily alpha and beta particles with gamma exposure rates typically below 1 mSv per year for average handling—far under regulatory limits and posing negligible health risks to collectors.^[61] For Super-Multi-Coated (SMC) variants, maintenance focuses on gentle cleaning to protect the multi-layer coatings; recommended practices include using a blower to remove dust, followed by microfiber cloths or lens tissue with a mild, alcohol-free solution like photo-grade cleaner, avoiding abrasive materials or excessive pressure that could scratch the surfaces.^[62] Fungus prevention entails storing lenses in low-humidity environments with silica gel packets, while periodic UV exposure can mitigate thorium-induced yellowing without disassembly. Enthusiast communities, notably on PentaxForums, actively track Takumar serial numbers to date production batches and authenticate models, with a dedicated database cataloging thousands of entries to aid collectors in verifying rarity and provenance.^[63] These forums facilitate discussions on restoration techniques, market trends, and shared collections, reinforcing Takumar's status as a cornerstone of vintage lens culture.^[64]

Adaptations for Modern Cameras

Takumar lenses, originally designed with the M42 screw mount, can be readily adapted to modern mirrorless camera systems such as Sony E-mount and Fujifilm X-mount using simple, flange-less adapters that maintain mechanical compatibility without optical elements. These adapters, often constructed from brass or aluminum, allow for infinity focus and manual operation of aperture and focus rings, though they lack electronic coupling for autofocus or automatic exposure metering. For instance, Fotasy and K&F Concept adapters enable M42 Takumar lenses to mount securely on Sony Alpha and Fujifilm X-series bodies, preserving the lens's native focal length on full-frame sensors while providing a 1.5x crop factor equivalent on APS-C formats.^[65]^[66] On digital sensors, Takumar lenses deliver strong performance characterized by pleasing bokeh, vibrant color rendition, and a distinctive vintage aesthetic, particularly when paired with APS-C or full-frame mirrorless cameras. The Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4, for example, produces smooth, creamy out-of-focus areas due to its 8-blade diaphragm, making it suitable for portraiture on platforms like the Fujifilm X-T series, where its coatings enhance contrast and minimize chromatic aberrations in backlit conditions. Users report excellent results on Fujifilm GFX medium-format digital backs as well, where the lenses' optical character imparts a film-like warmth and micro-contrast not easily replicated by native digital optics.^[28]^[67] Modifications to Takumar lenses often address compatibility issues for digital use, including the addition of CPU chips to later K-mount variants for recording EXIF data such as aperture values in camera metadata. These chips, available from third-party manufacturers, can be epoxied to the lens mount and programmed to simulate modern lens profiles, enabling basic metering support on Pentax DSLRs without altering optical performance. For infinity focus discrepancies—common when using thin adapters on mirrorless bodies—adjustments involve shimming the adapter with thin washers or recalibrating the lens's helicoid by loosening the focus ring screws and aligning to a distant light source under live view. Such fixes are particularly noted for M42 models like the Takumar 35mm f/3.5, ensuring precise focus calibration across sensor sizes.^[68]^[69] In 2025, Takumar lenses have gained popularity among hybrid photo-video shooters seeking affordable alternatives to high-end cine optics, with their adapted use on mirrorless systems like the Sony A7 series and Fujifilm X-H2S providing a sought-after "vintage glow" in both stills and motion capture. Aftermarket services now offer re-coating of elements with modern multi-layer treatments to further reduce flare in high-contrast scenes, extending the usability of uncoated or lightly coated examples. Additionally, Pentax 6x7 Takumar lenses, such as the 105mm f/2.4, are increasingly adapted to digital medium-format cameras like the Fujifilm GFX 100 via focal reducers like the Kipon Baveyes 0.62x, which shortens the effective focal length while maintaining edge illumination and enabling shallow depth-of-field effects on 44x33mm sensors.^[70]^[71]^[72]

References

[1]
history of PENTAX
"Asahi Optical Europe" is established in Belgium · The "ASAHI PENTAX SV" is launched · The "Fish-eye Takumar 18mm F11," the world's first diagonal fish-eye lens ...
[2]
M 42 Takumar: - www.pentax-slr.com
When starting producing the Asahiflex waist level slr cameras in 1951, Asahi Optical named the new lenses Takumar. This name was to be worldknown as high ...
[3]
Rokkor, Nikkor, Takumar and Zuiko - The Stories Behind Japanese ...
Feb 20, 2020 · Takumar (Pentax) But unlike the previous brands, the name of these lenses has nearly nothing to do with the name of the parent company. For the ...Rokkor, Nikkor, Takumar And... · Nikkor (nikon) · Takumar (pentax)
[4]
http://www.pentax-slr.com/71760571.html
[5]
S-M-C Takumar - www.pentax-slr.com
This new Super-Multi-Coating Takumars added better contrast and colours and reduced flare. The new lenses were introduced with the SP II, Electro Spotmatic and ...
[6]
DA- lenses on K-1 - www.pentax-slr.com
I am also testing M 42 Takumars from 1957 and on. The test photos may be presented on the Takumar pages. For more about the variety of lenses for K-1/K-1 II: ...
[7]
Takumar 50mm F3.5 Reviews - M37 Screwmount Prime Lenses
This standard lens of Tessar type was introduced in 1952. It came in two variants: 1) With a manual diaphragm (first photo)Missing: origins Takuma
[8]
Takumar 83mm F1.9 Reviews - M37 Screwmount Prime Lenses
This fast 83mm short tele and portrait lens was introduced in 1953. It had aberrations well controlled due to its many lens elements.
[9]
Early Pentax Takumar Lenses - Cameras
The initial Takumar lenses made for the Asahiflex (1952) were made in chrome brass, probably with rare exceptions. All of them have preset diaphragm with two ...
[10]
Asahi Takumar and Pentax normal lenses - theatre of noise
Nov 9, 2024 · In 1952 Asahi Optical was the first Japanese company to release an SLR, following the German firms. The Asahiflex (1952-57) used M37 mount ...
[11]
Asahi Pentax and Pentax K (1957 - 1958) - mike eckman dot com
Sep 10, 2019 · Early Pentax SLRs famously used the M42 screw mount which at the ... Whether or not you use one of Asahi's Takumar lenses or a German screw mount ...
[12]
The Evolution of the Pentax M42 Mount - Articles and Tips
Mar 20, 2019 · The original M42 Takumar lenses featured preset aperture mechanisms and were matched for use with the Asahi Pentax (AP) (1957) and Pentax S ( ...
[13]
SMC/Super-/Auto-Takumar 55mm F2 Reviews - Pentax Forums
- Auto-Takumar 55/2 (1958–1959): Semi-automatic diaphragm, 10-blade aperture, 46 mm filter thread, 175 g. Known for its zebra or silver/black styling and ...
[14]
Review: The Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP - davidde.com
Feb 25, 2021 · The 1964 Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SP was the first commercially-available M42 SLR that combined auto-diaphragm lens operation with TTL light metering.
[15]
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/Super-Multi-Coated-TAKUMAR-Super-Takumar-105mm-F2.8.html
[16]
Standard Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR - Takumar Field Guide
... 1971 without open-aperture metering facilities was unsuitable for the new ES and SP F cameras. A solution was found by replacing it with a fast new lens ...
[17]
Takumar 58mm F2 Reviews - M42 Screwmount Normal Primes
The Takumar 58 mm f/2 is a rare and historically significant standard lens introduced in 1957 for the M42 screw mount, designed to accompany the original ...
[18]
Pentax M42 Screwmount - 678 vintage cameras
In 1952, the Asahi Optical Company introduced its first SLR, the Asahiflex ... The Takumar family of lenses went on to build a fine reputation for both optical ...Missing: origins | Show results with:origins
[19]
Pentax K-mount - 678 vintage cameras
Jun 9, 2017 · "K" Lenses (1975-85) - The "K" series was a bit of an anomaly among Pentax lenses. Most of them were bumped up in size from their SMC Takumar ...
[20]
M42 to K Mount History Question - PentaxForums.com
Feb 1, 2022 · The S2 would use auto Takumar lenses not k mount. K mount lenses came out in about 1976 with the KX, KM, K1000, K2 and K2DMD. Your MX and ME ...SMC Takumar vs K vs M versions of Pentax 50mm f4 Macro lensabout K-mount takumar lense - PentaxForums.comMore results from www.pentaxforums.com
[21]
S-M-C Takumar 6x7 / Takumar 6x7 600mm F4 - Pentax Forums
Jul 9, 2015 · The SMC Takumar 6x7 600/4 was never updated and was still in production in the early 1990's. (I can't find any info on the actual ...
[22]
Takumar 28mm F2.8 Bayonet Reviews - Pentax Forums
It's a surprisingly good, solid lens. Similar in concept to the E series nikon lenses. My copy is surprisingly sharp and has okay bokeh when wider open. Colours ...
[23]
Takumar 135mm F2.5 Bayonet Reviews - Pentax Forums
The Takumar 135 mm f/2.5 Bayonet is a budget-friendly manual-focus telephoto prime introduced by Pentax in 1980 and produced until 1988, designed for ...
[24]
Takumar Bayonet lenses | Photrio.com Photography Forums
Sep 14, 2012 · In the 1980s Pentax brought the name back and used it on a range of cheap K mount lenses as "Takumar Bayonet". These had simplified coatings ...
[25]
SMC Pentax 67 / S-M-C Takumar 6x7 / Super Takumar 105mm F2.4
Standard lens for the Pentax 6x7 system, field of view 37 degrees horizontally like a 55mm lens on a 24x36mm camera. The lens exists in three variants, all with ...
[26]
Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 (8-element variant) - Pentax Forums
The Super-Takumar 50 mm f/1.4 (8-element variant) is a legendary M42 screw-mount prime lens produced by Asahi Optical Co. from 1964 to 1966.
[27]
Differences between 50mm f/1.4 Takumar lenses.
Mar 15, 2010 · 1. Super Takumar 50/1.4 - old optical formula (8 elements, no thorium), single-coated, 6 aperture blades · 2. Super Takumar 50/1.4 - new optical ...Difference between 8-element Super Takumar 1.4/50 and 7?Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 (8 elements)More results from forum.mflenses.com
[28]
SMC Takumar 15mm F3.5 Reviews - Pentax Forums
A limited number of units (around 900 total, with 400 featuring an aspherical element) were produced, making it one of the rarest and most collectible Takumars ...
[29]
SMC/S-M-C/Super Takumar 50mm F1.4 Reviews - Pentax Forums
The first "Super" version (introduced 1964) has 8 lens elements (listed separately). All subsequent versions (including K, M, F and FA K-mount versions) ...
[30]
SMC/SMC/Super-/Auto-/Takumar 55mm F1.8 - Pentax Forums
1: Takumar 55mm F1. · 2: Auto-Takumar with semi-automatic diaphragm (this lens) · 3: Auto-Takumar with automatic diaphragm · 4: Auto-Takumar with automatic ...
[31]
Takumarology - Takumar Field Guide
The 108 M42 Takumar lenses came into production as batches in different ways and their Serial numbers can show this history.
[32]
Pentax Takumar lenses M42
Below you will find a list of all Takumar lenses that were made for the Spotmatic and were available at the time the Spotmatic was sold.
[33]
Takumar - Camera-wiki.org - The free camera encyclopedia
Apr 25, 2025 · Takumar is a line of high-quality lenses by Asahi Optical, named after Takuma Kajiwara, and used in Pentax 35mm and 6x7 cameras.Asahiflex Lenses · M42 Lenses · Takumar bayonet lenses · Legacy and notes
[34]
S-M-C/Super Takumar 28mm F3.5 Reviews - Pentax Forums
Early Super-Takumar versions (1962–1966) have a 58 mm filter thread and stop down to f/22 or f/16, while later versions (1966–1975) use a 49 mm thread and a ...
[35]
AOHC - Asahi Optical Historical Club: Screw Mounts
The 1.8/55 Auto-Takumar lens introduced a new generation of lenses where the diaphragm stops down operated by the release button of the camera. A lever on the ...
[36]
Auto-Takumar - www.pentax-slr.com
A fast normal at the time, the Auto-Takumar 55/1,8. This -170542-version has been presented as the only Zebra design Takumar ever produced and thus easy to ...
[37]
http://www.pentax-slr.com/71760570.html
[38]
Pentax Spotmatic SP – pentaX marks the spot - Photo Thinking
Jan 1, 2021 · The Pentax Spotmatic SP is a 35mm SLR camera made in Japan from 1964 until 1973. It incorporates an M42 screw mount, giving access to most M42 mount lenses ...Missing: integration | Show results with:integration
[39]
Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR/Super-Takumar 135mm F2.5 Reviews
This is a very good lens, with a nice takumar color rendition. The bokeh is neutral at 2.5 but it can present heavy green and red CA even at the center when ...
[40]
S-M-C/Super/Auto Takumar 35mm F3.5 Reviews - Pentax Forums
The 35mm F3.5 M42 screwmount lens was introduced in 1959 as an Auto-Takumar and the optical design remained unchanged all the way to a K-mount version!Missing: single- | Show results with:single-
[41]
Pentax Super Takumar 50mm F/1.4 M42 Mount Lens Review
Jul 28, 2017 · The lens build incorporates eight elements in six groups, including a cemented triplet with curved surfaces.
[42]
A Look at the Radioactivity of Old Manual Lenses | PetaPixel
Oct 11, 2012 · This lens is the famous 50mm f/1.4 Super-Multicoated Takumar (SMC Takumar), well known for its radioactive thorium glass element near the rear of the lens.
[43]
Repair: Asahi Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 - Richard Haw
Jun 29, 2021 · This version of the Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 was sold from 1965 to 1971 but this venerable lens family was sold from 1958 up to 1975 and were sold in under ...Missing: variants | Show results with:variants
[44]
1 : 1.4 / 50 (358) 8 element - Takumar Field Guide
INTRODUCTION The first model of the fastest standard Super-Takumar. It has 8 elements in 7 groups. The back of the aperture control switch is blank and has ...
[45]
Asahi Super-Takumar 28mm F/3.5 | LENS-DB.COM
Announced: · 1962 ; Class: · Slow full-frame wide-angle prime lens ; Maximum format: 35mm full frame ; Focal length: 28mm ; Speed: F/3.5.
[46]
Super-Takumar 28mm F3.5 Lens Review
The Super-Takumar 28mm f3.5 is a wonderful vintage lens for your travel and street photography. Come see why it should be in your bag in this review.Missing: single- | Show results with:single-
[47]
S-M-C/Super Takumar 35mm F2 Reviews - Pentax Forums
The first model has a 67 mm filter size with the optical design shown in the rightmost diagram whereas the second model has a 49 mm filter size and the optical ...Missing: telephotos | Show results with:telephotos
[48]
S-M-C/Super Takumar 20mm F4.5 Reviews - Pentax Forums
The S-M-C / Super-Takumar 20 mm f/4.5 is a rare and distinctive ultra-wide-angle prime produced by Asahi Optical Co. between 1968 and 1975 for M42 ...
[49]
Asahi Super-Takumar 135mm f/2.5 - Stephen Daugherty Photography
The lens is pretty big and hefty made completely out of metal. It has a big for its time 58mm filter thread and a huge metal screw in hood to match.
[50]
S-M-C/Super Takumar 200mm F4 Reviews - Pentax Forums
S-M-C/Super Takumar 200mm F4 ; Lens Cap, Coating, Weather Sealing No ; Diam x Length 64.5 x 136 mm, Weight 550 g, Production Years 1965 to 1971 ; Engraved NameMissing: 1963 | Show results with:1963
[51]
Asahi Super-Takumar 200mm F/4 - LENS-DB.COM
Specification ; Mount and Flange focal distance: M42 [45.5mm] ; Diagonal angle of view: 12.3° (35mm full frame) ; Diaphragm mechanism: ; Diaphragm type: Automatic.Missing: 1963 | Show results with:1963
[52]
S-M-C/Super Takumar 300mm F4 Reviews - Pentax Forums
The S-M-C / Super Takumar 300 mm f/4 is a classic telephoto prime lens for M42 screw-mount cameras, produced by Asahi Optical Co. between 1965 and 1971.Missing: 200mm 1000mm
[53]
SMC Pentax Reflex 1000mm F11 Reviews - K Prime Lenses
Description: The SMC Pentax Reflex 1000mm F11 is much shorter than the 1000mm F8, as it employs mirror elements at the cost of slower and fixed aperture.Missing: Takumar | Show results with:Takumar
[54]
SMC Pentax 67 / S-M-C Takumar / Super Takumar 6x7 300mm F4
The SMC Pentax 67 / S-M-C Takumar / Super-Takumar 6×7 300 mm f/4 is a series of manual-focus telephoto primes designed for the Pentax 6×7 medium format ...
[55]
Takumar 80-200mm F4.5 Bayonet Reviews - Pentax Forums
Pros: Versatile zoom range, build decent, good IQ ; Cons: No SMC, quite heavy, hood a bit flimsy ; Sharpness: 7 Aberrations: 6 Bokeh: 7 Handling: 8 Value: 7 ...
[56]
Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 8 Element Thorium Prime Lens ...
In stock $17.75 deliveryThe thorium lenses have a tendency to have a yellow tint to the glass, this one has clear glass with hardly any of the yellow tint.
[57]
PENTAX Super-Takumar Camera Lenses for sale - eBay
4.6 3K · Free deliveryGet the best deals on PENTAX Super-Takumar Camera Lenses when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Free shipping on many items | Browse your ...
[58]
f/1.4 Vintage Camera Lenses for sale - eBay
Free deliveryCLAed CINEMA MOD Deyellowed Declicked Pentax Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4 lens m4/3. $112.50. Was: $125.00was - US $125.00. $11.00 shipping.
[59]
Rare Takumar 100mm f2 Lens Discussion and History - Facebook
Sep 14, 2024 · Another suggestion is that these lenses were first provided to photo journalists at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. 1 yr. 1.Are pentax takumar smc lenses radioactive? - FacebookThe Takumar 83mm f1.9... probably my all time favorite ... - FacebookMore results from www.facebook.com
[60]
https://www.andrepel.com/blog/asahi-super-takumar-50mm
[61]
Thoriated Camera Lens (ca. 1970s) | Museum of Radiation and ...
They also estimated an exposure of 0.7 mrem per year for an average photographer. If the camera lens contained the maximum permitted concentration of thorium ( ...
[62]
SMC coating. How to clean Pentax lenses? - PentaxForums.com
Oct 12, 2006 · I use lens cleaning solution and lens tissue purchased in a photo store. Always have. I have never detected any damages. The only advice I have seen from ...Takumar 35mm f/3.5 M42 Cleaning - PentaxForums.comsafely removing fungus from Takumar M42 lens elementsMore results from www.pentaxforums.comMissing: tips | Show results with:tips
[63]
Pentax Serial Number Database - PentaxForums.com
This database contains an ever-evolving listing of serial numbers for every kind of Pentax photographic item, including cameras, lenses, and accessories.
[64]
Takumar Serial numbers - PentaxForums.com
Oct 28, 2008 · Takumars appear to be numbered per optical model, regardless of coatings, cosmetics, or years. I recently purchased a 135mm/3.5, and I noticed that the Autos ...Super Takamur serial numbers - PentaxForums.comSerial Number of Super-Takumar 50mm F1.4 Early - 8 ElementsMore results from www.pentaxforums.comMissing: community | Show results with:community
[65]
Fotasy Copper Adjustable M42 Lens to E Mount Adapter, 42mm ...
This adapter allows M42 42mm lenses to fit on Sony E-mount cameras, with infinity focus, but no electrical contacts for auto-functions. It is compatible with ...
[66]
https://www.kentfaith.com/USKF06.307_m42-screw-to-fuji-x-mount-copper-adapter
[67]
Vintage Lenses on Fujifilm X series and GFX cameras
So the Takumar lenses have a rich pedigree, being produced under the Pentax umbrella for their cameras in the late 1950's through to the 1970's, and were very ...
[68]
What is the difference between Dandelion focus-confirmation chips ...
Feb 27, 2018 · I have a fair number of M42 Pentax Takumar lenses I'd ... On the chinese chips I can change the aperture so they appear in the exif data.
[69]
How to adjust infinity focus on Takumar 35MM 3.5 - Pentax Forums
Jun 22, 2013 · Take the focusing ring off, visually adjust the focus until you achieve infinity, then remount the focusing ring with the infinity hard stop right next to the ...Takumar 50mm f1.4 can't focus to infinity - PentaxForums.comSuper Takumar 55/1.8 infinity focus adjustment - PentaxForums.comMore results from www.pentaxforums.comMissing: modifications CPU chips
[70]
Best Camera Lens of All Time - DIYPhotography
Aug 26, 2025 · The Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4, made by Asahi Optical Company, makers of the renowned Pentax line, is a 7-element, 6-group Zeiss Planar-inspired ...
[71]
KIPON Baveyes Pentax67-Fuji G 0.62x Focal Reducer. - Eric L. Woods
Oct 24, 2025 · And like Hasselblad, you go the all Pentax film lens to to digital medium format film or digital route with a 67 to 645 adapter. But there is a ...
[72]
https://www.josephdagostinophotography.com/joedagostino-photo-blog/2018/1/10/fujifilm-gfx-and-pentax-105mm-24