Just Scored an SMC Takumar 55mm F1.8!

[Colorado CJ]

I found a SMC Pentax Taumar 55mm F1.8 lens locally for $30.00. It looks like it has never been used!

Along with the lens a got a set of Pentacon screw mount extension tubes and the M42 adapter, all for $30.00

Now for some testing. I bought the Pentax M 50mm F1.7 lens last week for $9.95 and I want to see which one I like better overall.

BTW, the adapter that the lens came with make the lens mount with the distance scale on the bottom of the camera, instead on the top like they should be. Is this how all screw mount lenses mount to K mount bodies? I know it isn't really a problem, but I'd like to be able to see the distance scale and Fstop at the top of the camera like all my other lenses.

Well here's a couple pictures of the lens (shot with the M 50mm f1.7). This is how I received it, I haven't cleaned the lens yet.

 

[zxaar]

very good lens.

--
::> I make spelling mistakes. May Dog forgive me for this.

 

[Coldamus]

Congratulations. It is a great lens. I bought a new Spotmatic back in about 1965 with one of them. At the time, I couldn't afford the 50mm f1.4. That proved to be a blessing as the 55mm f1.8 does not use thorium treated glass and therefore does not suffer from yellowing with age as the 50mm f1.4 does. I would have to say it was the best lens I've ever had and was my primary lens for many years until the Spotmatic and Takumar were stolen about 10 years ago.

I recently bought another 55/1.8 which I'm currently using on a Samsung NX10 with M42 adapter. It is in almost perfect condition except that the distance scale is loose.

To answer your question, no the adapter should not invert the lens. The distance scale and aperture markings should be at the top. It is possible that some of the cheaper adapters may pay no attention to this. Also, if the adapter has a flange, you may not be able to focus to infinity. The genuine Pentax m42 - Pentax K adapter is flangeless and a worthwhile investment.

 

[JeffAHayes]

I'm often amazed how some older models (unless they're considered "antiques") lose so much value, when often their quality meets or exceeds anything made today -- whether we're talking about camera equipment, or whatever. I took up woodworking a few years back (currently on hold until I get my garage cleared back out to the point I can use it again, lol), and that's another excellent example... A great many of the old, manual tools were made with great care and workmanship; made to last, and if they were taken care off, and you can get your hands on one -- even many of the electric models -- you'll have something better than anything available today -- or at the very least a MUCH better value!

Congrats on your lens purchase. I don't think I want to go back to anything pre-autofocus, but if I did, I'd likely go that route, as well... The big question for me is whether to get the OLD F1.4 50mm KAF lens Pentax still makes that I used to use with my PZ1 before my bag got stolen along with that lens and everything BUT my PZ1 and the one lens that was on it (they were both with me, in my office, while the bag was in my car), or should I "move up" to the newer DA* 55mm F1.4, which is WR (something I REALLY LIKE, since I've NEVER been able to shoot in inclement weather before). The price difference between the two is almost 2-1.

Any thoughts on that? (I'll likely wait until I get other lenses I want, either way.)
Jeff
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May the Blessings Be.

 

[Colorado CJ]

Yeah, you can't beat old glass. I think the only glass comparable today are the high end Zeiss and Voigtlander manual lenses. Even "high end" new pentax glass just doesn't have the feel of the old legacy glass like this Takumar.

Here are a couple of shots from my back yard with this new lens. I'm EXTREMELY pleased so far with this lens. These are also my first macro's and I can tell right now, it is going to get addicting.

"Peeka Boo" (F11 ISO 1600 Pentax K-x)





"Fruit Fly" (F8 ISO 1600 Pentax K-x)

 

[Joseph Tainter]

Congratulations. It's a fine lens. I had one from 1966-69.

It is designed to be a flat-field lens, meaning you can use it for copy work with no parts being out of focus or distorted. It's also fine for all-around shooting.

Joe

 

[DarylK]

That's interesting, Joe. Is the K series 55mm F1.8 of the same optical design? I have one of those which came with my first Pentax, the KX bought in 1977.

Daryl

Congratulations. It's a fine lens. I had one from 1966-69.

It is designed to be a flat-field lens, meaning you can use it for copy work with no parts being out of focus or distorted. It's also fine for all-around shooting.

Joe

--
"Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear

bright until you hear them speak. " - Daniel Whitney (aka Larry the Cable Guy)