Samples: Macro-Takumar 50mm F4

Samples: Asahi Pentax Macro-Takumar 50mm F4

mount: M42
format: FF
made by Asahi Opt. Co. in Japan
year: 1964-1966
max aperture: f4
min aperture: f22
elements/group: 4 elements, 3 groups
aperture blades: 8
min focus distance (mm): 210
-officially, believe mine can focus much closer-
filter diameter (mm): 49
length (mm): approx. 56-110 -extended-
weight (g): 265


additional information:

there are 3 versions of the Takumar f4 macro.
only the earliest model, the Macro-Takumar, can reach 1:1 magnification.
against 0.5x magnification with the later Super- and SuperMultiCoated-models, that have a different construction.

preset, 2 aperture control rings! (see 'Note' below?)

it has its own 'Takumar 4/50' hardcase.

at f8 the 1st version produces star-shaped bokeh

the specifications:
http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/S-M-C-Super-Macro-Takumar-50mm-F4.html

the review:
https://www.flickr.com/groups/71139756@N00/discuss/72157607962817714/

the pics!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/95859572@N06/sets/72157644855700903/


NOTE:
before the mid 1960s, M42 lenses often? had preset aperture controls.
preset lenses typically have 2 seperate aperture control rings near the front of the lens.

One of the rings is used to set the smallest aperture. This ring is usually marked with f/ numbers and often will have detents that allow it to hold its setting.
Turning it usually doesn't get any response from the aperture blades.

The second ring may also be marked with f/ numbers or sometimes simply with the letters "o" and "c" or it may be entirely unmarked.
It usually doesn't have any detents, but turns smoothly. Turning this second ring towards "c" (close) allows the lens aperture to actually be closed to the f/ value set on the first ring, whereas turning towards "o" opens the aperture.
both aperture rings on the Takumar macro show the same settings.

(a few preset lenses (e.g. Volna-9 or Tessar?) actually use a single ring at the front of the lens for both functions. pressing that ring towards the camera body allows setting the stop.

These lenses often will have the aperture blades far out on the lens body, away from the camera body. More significantly, there are often many aperture blades, giving a very circular opening. Unlike other lenses, a little oil on the blades generally is not a problem for a preset lens. Friction is pretty high, but your hand turning the second ring can provide plenty of force).



This thread is open for C&C and for posting additional pictures. Please ONLY post pictures taken with the lens in the title- or start a new thread.
Please state camera, version of the lens and adapter in your post!


Edited by angora - 06 January 2017 at 18:23

Nice pic's, I love these Takumar lenses.

Looking at the Pentax Forum info I think the 2nd version passed through my hands:



But I guess I never stopped it down to f8 as never noticed the interesting shaped bokeh.


Konica-Minolta Maxxum 5D ,Pentax 50mm f/4 Super-Macro-Takumar
1/160s f/? iso80

And here's two examples wide open at f4.0 on an A850

And one on the NEX5, if I remember correctly @ f5.6, but again not 100% sure

Tak macro, 1st edition



extreme crop






(linaria Canon J. Went, a fav plant despite the Canon -sorry! ;-) -)
pics tend to be on the dark side btw -compared to other lenses-




(home grown :-))



Edited by angora - 12 February 2017 at 12:58

Seems to be a fine lens indeed, sharp and pleasant bokeh