Update: It's now November 2018 and I still use this lens professionally all the time. Just about every wedding I do has 2 tight angles on the couple....a 70-200 f/2.8 IS II on one cam, and this on the other. Matches beautifully. Also, as many have pointed out, this lens was made by Pentax, not "takumar" as I misstated in the video.
Thorium was used extensively in camera lenses until early 80's. Thorium dioxide (ThO2) was used in the elements of camera lenses and was delivering great optical quality which even today can't be reached in many cases. Thorium dioxide increases the refractive index and decrease dispersion like no other chemical compound and that is very important in optics. The Asahi Super Takumar series of lenses or the Canon 50mm f/0.95 dream lens are some of the many examples of lenses that are praised for their optical quality even today. Thorium dioxide was used in the premium lenses of Kodak, Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Pentax, Hasselblad, Leica lenses and made them exceptional. Until late 70's the unhealthy radioactivity of these lenses wasn't know to the general public. When the scandal broke all manufacturers of lenses moved to the lanthanum oxide which is still used today but offers inferior quality. Old manual focus lenses in good condition of 60's and 70's with Thorium dioxide (ThO2) can be used today with adapters on mirrorless digital cameras and are abundant with various prices in eBay. It is not hard at all to spot a lens with Thorium dioxide. The glass of the lens elements has a brown tint. The radio decay of Thorium dioxide after some years gives a brown tint to the glass. This tint can be remove easily in a few days or weeks with constant exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation or with special UV lamps. The radioactivity of these lenses isn't something very serious. I am not a doctor but it is said that if you have such a lens attached to your body permanently for six months you will get the equivalent radiation of a typical X-Ray examination. I have bought an Asahi super Takumar 50mm f/1.4 from eBay for my Sony α7 mirrorless camera. I removed the brown tint which can been seen in photos. The photos I shoot with this lens are impressive and comparable of much more expensive modern lenses.
Thanks for the reply. Its not the pin that is sticking out but something else - its connected to the aperture control. I did some research and it seems to be only on the first version of the SMC 135mm. Not on the Super or on the later SMC version that you mention in your video. I've ordered a different type of adapter, without a lip after the m42 thread so hopefully that will work... Thanks anyway
1- The desirable lens has 8 blade aperture. The earlier lens has 6 (Hexagonal). 2- The before Infinity mark focusing distance on desirable lens is 35 meter(last written distance). On the earlier 5 element version it is 30. 3- 43812 number is desirable lens with 6 elements @3:00 . The 43801 and 43802 are 5 elements (Earlier vs). 4- Desirable is 6 element in 6 groups. The earlier vs has 4 groups and 5 elements (You can't see this unless lens dissected! 5- The desirable has Red Diamond mark on IR focusing scale aligns with F # 4 visible under diamond. Earlier lens has No #4 and you see only the two F 8 s on either side of the diamond point. Bottom line, - both of these versions are better than F2.5 K mount newer Pentax. - All three are better than F3.5 - No superior version with bad glass is better than good condition lens of inferior class.
Ya the "Super" was later changed to "SMC," so it has the same coatings, essentially. And it sounds like you got a good copy! It's not impossible that it's just as sharp as the 6 element version.
Hey Ruaraid. Switch the metering switch to the manual position (so "MAN" is showing). It shouldn't matter if the pin is pushed down or not if the switch is in this position (at least it doesn't for my takumars). Other than that I'd say it might be your adapter.
the easiest way is to find a adapter that comes "without" the sleeve that push the aperture pin, for many adapters, the diameter (with the sleeve) can be too small for Takumar lenses because there is an additional light-meter coupling protrusion behind SMC Takumar lenses. Or, you can use sandpaper to trim the inner rim, make the inner diameter of the adapter 1mm wider.
you can also tell the 5 elements from the 6 elements version by the first metric mark after infinity. It is 35 (meters) opposed tho 30 on the 5 element version.
jay palmer That's a different lens. A Takumar Bayonet for K-mount. It is non smc-coated and soft wide open. It was made as a cheaper offering next to the smc-m and smc-a lenses. Sadly Pentax abused their old Takumar brand for it.
I read the update. Obviously, revising the video is too difficult. But it's easy to revise the title and/or description to say that it's a "Asahi Pentax" Takumar lens, not just a Takumar. You know, as in Nikon Nikkor, Konica Hexanon and Minolta Rokkor?
Awesome video, Carl. I do own a manual focus lens in the exact same focal length, so just curious to know how does SMC Takumar 135 2.5 (6 element) lens compare with the Nikon AI 135 f/2.8 or 3.5? Is the resolution, micro contrast and bokeh so much better than the Nikon 135 f2.8?
Thank you very much for your review. I am considering buying this version of 135 mm lens but some reviews indicate that the K version with 6 elements is optically identical (and much cheaper). What is your opinion? Thanks
There is an easier way to determine the version. The first meter marking on the distance scale of the 6 element version is 35. On the earlier 5 element version it is 30. (okay I already said this four years ago :p)
I think it is a bit much. Got mine for about 85 euro's but I got it from a belgian ebay seller they usually get less bids than German or Brits for some reason. You can mount it on any crop body as long as there is an m42 adapter for the mount. Nikon is a bit problematic because it needs an adapter with a glass element in het to focus the lens right.
Thanks for the review, Carl. I have the exact same set up just not big into cinematography. One thing in which you film makers may be interested is focus breathing. There is a bit of focus breathing on this lens - especially noticeable at closer distances. Also, you may want to mention the 8 blade aperture for those who want to stop down. I haven't shot much with it, and can't comment on the bokeh when stopped down, but wide open it's very smooth.
its crazy i just picked this lens up at a very low price today its the m42 mount its not smc but man this thing is sharp at 2.5 mines is 43801 super takumar 2.5 made in japan this thing is still very sharp what do you think of the 43801 version compared to yours..
I know you did this quite a few years ago but I'm curious to know if I have the 6 element version of this lens cause my lens reads at 135mm @ f2.5 but the aperture extends all the way to f 32 & it doesnt say Takumar just SMC Pentax 135MM F2.5?
Thank you my friend, I was lost for the last several weeks try to figure out which one to get, I almost bought the 135/3.5 and then I came across your video,
All metal body, made in Japan. Nuff said. That already puts it ahead of 80% of lenses out there. The Takumars were quality lenses, designed by insane level lens geniuses in Japan. That lens will render better than 90% of modern lenses, which are now all designed for digital. Sharp as hell, but very little character. The Tak will give your photos a classic / timeless look. The look of the masters of the past. I have the 55mm f/1.8
Hi CSM Media, I've just bought a SMC Takumar 135mm 2.5 to go on my 5D MarkIII but the aperture is connected to piece that sticks out of the rear of the lens - when I screw on my m42 - EOS adapter it locks down the piece that sicks out and stops me adjusting the aperture. Any advice? Thanks
damn that lens is fast. i already have the takumar 50mm f1.4 and the 28mm f3.5(which i am looking to upgrade). ill look for this in bangkok in a few months, thanks
A lens is made up of a number of pieces of glass (elements). So a five element lens has five pieces of glass inside the lens. The number of sides in the aperture is counted by how many aperture blades there are.
Can I used this lens on Nikon mount ? I want to use for portrait's, so I don't need to use infinit focus ... This lens works perfect for portrait with adapter without glass?
Tumi Rametse yes, but it’s a full frame lens so you’ll be using the center of the lens only and will act as a 202.5mm or 216mm depending on your exact crop factor.
A little knowledge would help. Takumar is the name that Asahi Optical gave to its lenses. Asahi Pentax - not Takumar!!!!!!!! Sheesh - Named after the Japanese-American portrait painter, Takuma Kajiwara whose brother Kumao Kajiware founded Asahi Optical.
William Pearce you sound like Cliff from Cheers. People care about that about as much as they care about the Grandparents of the criminal Hillary Clinton. haha
Your "extensive research" evidently failed to discover that there is no lens manufacturer called Takumar: it's a Pentax lens, Takumar is a range of Pentax lenses.
Really jetlag?? Of course the guy knows it's made by Pentax. Scheech..like saying someone who drives a Impala and not knowing it's made by Chevrolet. Or Corolla and Toyota.
islandboy274 - I actually got one piece of this Unique and - to me, definitely unvaluable 135 mm SMC Pentax Takumar Lens - And, do believe me, I will NEVER ever sell it in my whole entire life, it's truly Unique and truly a genuine optical treasure to me - but - the fact is that these Lenses and their similar companions among comparable Original SMC Pentax hardware can be bought quite resaonable here in Sweden and probably around the other Scandinavian nations too - I would estimate you'll have to pull up with around 55 to 75 EURO or a bit above that sum. - Tobbe in Sweden -
@@Thbenjaminsson I will never anyway get my money back. I just bought mine the 6 element 135 2.5 for 340$ from Japan. I will collect it tomorrow . I also got from different seller the Killer Planar 50 1.4 and the 85 f/1.8. Also from Japan. They are both on their way to me. I am very eager to receive them
For the price the Asahi Takumar 135mm f2.5 going for, I will go with TAIR 11a 135mm f2.8 because it is declicked, new old stock, and 20-50 dollars less. Plus, I think the TAIR 11a is better on image quality.
Eric Matic well 1080 is pretty forgiving for absolute image quality, especially on APS_C / S35 sensor. 4K OTH is a whole new ball game. it comes down to what kind of image you want to create. for commercial product work I generally want ideal image quality. for image pieces, music videos, anything where a more emotional image is involved, I'll use whatever works
This lens like many great lenses of its era has radioactive Thallium oxide. Thallium oxide delivers phenomenal optical quality which can't be achieved even with modern affordable lenses. However Thallium oxide is slightly radioactive. The radiation decay after years gives a yellow tint to the lens. This can be easily fixed with the UV radiation of the sun in a week. Modern lenses have the safe lanthanum oxide which has inferior optical quality. eBay is full with cheap exceptional lenses with Thallium oxide. They are a real bargain. I suggest this lens to be used with live view only instead of looking into the viewfinder. Keep it away from the sensitive eye and brain.
Sorry but its called thorium, but ya they are AWESOME! I have the Super Takumar 2:35mm 1.4:50mm 1.8:55mm 2:55mm 1.9:85mm and finally I have the 4:200mm coming in the mail and I am ecstatic! My 135mm is only the 3.5 but with focal reducer its effectively a 2.5 and let me tell you if the IQ is anything like the 3.5 or better - its a definite must get... This thing resolves well beyond the 16mp of my camera's - both a Sony and a Panasonic and if its still sharp with minimal loss of sharpness with a 2x and 3x TC attached on m43 then you best believe its sharp... Thats 1350mm effective people.
@@smashtime1904 A side from the 135mm, is there higher quality variations of the other Takumar focal lengths as well? And is the SMC overall better than the Super?
Update: It's now November 2018 and I still use this lens professionally all the time. Just about every wedding I do has 2 tight angles on the couple....a 70-200 f/2.8 IS II on one cam, and this on the other. Matches beautifully. Also, as many have pointed out, this lens was made by Pentax, not "takumar" as I misstated in the video.
Thorium was used extensively in camera lenses until early 80's. Thorium dioxide (ThO2) was used in the elements of camera lenses and was delivering great optical quality which even today can't be reached in many cases. Thorium dioxide increases the refractive index and decrease dispersion like no other chemical compound and that is very important in optics. The Asahi Super Takumar series of lenses or the Canon 50mm f/0.95 dream lens are some of the many examples of lenses that are praised for their optical quality even today. Thorium dioxide was used in the premium lenses of Kodak, Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Pentax, Hasselblad, Leica lenses and made them exceptional. Until late 70's the unhealthy radioactivity of these lenses wasn't know to the general public. When the scandal broke all manufacturers of lenses moved to the lanthanum oxide which is still used today but offers inferior quality.
Old manual focus lenses in good condition of 60's and 70's with Thorium dioxide (ThO2) can be used today with adapters on mirrorless digital cameras and are abundant with various prices in eBay. It is not hard at all to spot a lens with Thorium dioxide. The glass of the lens elements has a brown tint. The radio decay of Thorium dioxide after some years gives a brown tint to the glass.
This tint can be remove easily in a few days or weeks with constant exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation or with special UV lamps.
The radioactivity of these lenses isn't something very serious. I am not a doctor but it is said that if you have such a lens attached to your body permanently for six months you will get the equivalent radiation of a typical X-Ray examination.
I have bought an Asahi super Takumar 50mm f/1.4 from eBay for my Sony α7 mirrorless camera. I removed the brown tint which can been seen in photos. The photos I shoot with this lens are impressive and comparable of much more expensive modern lenses.
That is great background on the manufacturing thanks very much!
Thanks for the reply.
Its not the pin that is sticking out but something else - its connected to the aperture control. I did some research and it seems to be only on the first version of the SMC 135mm. Not on the Super or on the later SMC version that you mention in your video.
I've ordered a different type of adapter, without a lip after the m42 thread so hopefully that will work...
Thanks anyway
1- The desirable lens has 8 blade aperture. The earlier lens has 6 (Hexagonal).
2- The before Infinity mark focusing distance on desirable lens is 35 meter(last written distance). On the earlier 5 element version it is 30.
3- 43812 number is desirable lens with 6 elements @3:00 . The 43801 and 43802 are 5 elements (Earlier vs).
4- Desirable is 6 element in 6 groups. The earlier vs has 4 groups and 5 elements (You can't see this unless lens dissected!
5- The desirable has Red Diamond mark on IR focusing scale aligns with F # 4 visible under diamond. Earlier lens has No #4 and you see only the two F 8 s on either side of the diamond point.
Bottom line, - both of these versions are better than F2.5 K mount newer Pentax.
- All three are better than F3.5
- No superior version with bad glass is better than good condition lens of inferior class.
Ya the "Super" was later changed to "SMC," so it has the same coatings, essentially. And it sounds like you got a good copy! It's not impossible that it's just as sharp as the 6 element version.
Hey Ruaraid. Switch the metering switch to the manual position (so "MAN" is showing). It shouldn't matter if the pin is pushed down or not if the switch is in this position (at least it doesn't for my takumars). Other than that I'd say it might be your adapter.
the easiest way is to find a adapter that comes "without" the sleeve that push the aperture pin, for many adapters, the diameter (with the sleeve) can be too small for Takumar lenses because there is an additional light-meter coupling protrusion behind SMC Takumar lenses.
Or, you can use sandpaper to trim the inner rim, make the inner diameter of the adapter 1mm wider.
you can also tell the 5 elements from the 6 elements version by the first metric mark after infinity. It is 35 (meters) opposed tho 30 on the 5 element version.
Which one doesn't have thorium?
Ben Kleschinsky
Not sure if any of the 135mm 2.5's have it. The older ones (5) are more likely to have it though.
jay palmer
That's a different lens. A Takumar Bayonet for K-mount. It is non smc-coated and soft wide open. It was made as a cheaper offering next to the smc-m and smc-a lenses. Sadly Pentax abused their old Takumar brand for it.
glad I picked one up. The bayonnet version is fine as long as your camera is a k1000 or similar k slr
Ahh love it!!! LOVE LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
Hi Mark. I saw the video and knew that I could find you here! :-)
I just got one of these from an online auction for $10. It is an 02 but I am still SUPER stoked on what this is capturing with my R5
I read the update. Obviously, revising the video is too difficult. But it's easy to revise the title and/or description to say that it's a "Asahi Pentax" Takumar lens, not just a Takumar. You know, as in Nikon Nikkor, Konica Hexanon and Minolta Rokkor?
Awesome video, Carl. I do own a manual focus lens in the exact same focal length, so just curious to know how does SMC Takumar 135 2.5 (6 element) lens compare with the Nikon AI 135 f/2.8 or 3.5? Is the resolution, micro contrast and bokeh so much better than the Nikon 135 f2.8?
Awesome review I just picked up the 6 element version even though I own a 70-200f2.8L for my 5d2. Will do a comparison soon.
Thank you very much for your review. I am considering buying this version of 135 mm lens but some reviews indicate that the K version with 6 elements is optically identical (and much cheaper). What is your opinion? Thanks
There is an easier way to determine the version. The first meter marking on the distance scale of the 6 element version is 35. On the earlier 5 element version it is 30. (okay I already said this four years ago :p)
D1N02 Hi! found it for 200$ , is it good price? Can i mount it on crop body? Thanks
I think it is a bit much. Got mine for about 85 euro's but I got it from a belgian ebay seller they usually get less bids than German or Brits for some reason. You can mount it on any crop body as long as there is an m42 adapter for the mount. Nikon is a bit problematic because it needs an adapter with a glass element in het to focus the lens right.
D1N02 thanks amigo :D I am so new, looking for a nice lens capable of taking low light not so close photo! Cheers
Thanks for the review, Carl. I have the exact same set up just not big into cinematography.
One thing in which you film makers may be interested is focus breathing. There is a bit of focus breathing on this lens - especially noticeable at closer distances.
Also, you may want to mention the 8 blade aperture for those who want to stop down. I haven't shot much with it, and can't comment on the bokeh when stopped down, but wide open it's very smooth.
its crazy i just picked this lens up at a very low price today its the m42 mount its not smc but man this thing is sharp at 2.5 mines is 43801 super takumar 2.5 made in japan this thing is still very sharp what do you think of the 43801 version compared to yours..
Sweet man. Let me know how it compares! Min focus is 150 cm, so identical to the 70-200.
Great lens that I use for photography since 1985. In my opinion, besides the 85mm and 200mm f3,5, is one of the best Taks ever made.
I know you did this quite a few years ago but I'm curious to know if I have the 6 element version of this lens cause my lens reads at 135mm @ f2.5 but the aperture extends all the way to f 32 & it doesnt say Takumar just SMC Pentax 135MM F2.5?
Thanks very much for your review: it seems that the 6 elements in k version is optically THE SAME. But what about the MECHANICAL quality difference?
Thanks for your very informative video. Does it also apply to the 'Super Takumar' or just the Super Multi coated versions.
SMC 2nd version is the only one with 6 elements. All others have 5 elements
Ok thanks.
Hi! Is 5 element of 6 element? 6 element ist better!
Hope it arrives quick. Whats the minimum focus distance like with the 135?
Thank you my friend, I was lost for the last several weeks try to figure out which one to get, I almost bought the 135/3.5 and then I came across your video,
Which one did u buy. I am also confuced abt 3.5 nd 2.5
This is 3 years after this message was left, but it's worth noting that the SMC Tak 135/3.5 is an amazing lens also.
All metal body, made in Japan. Nuff said. That already puts it ahead of 80% of lenses out there. The Takumars were quality lenses, designed by insane level lens geniuses in Japan. That lens will render better than 90% of modern lenses, which are now all designed for digital. Sharp as hell, but very little character. The Tak will give your photos a classic / timeless look. The look of the masters of the past. I have the 55mm f/1.8
Hi CSM Media,
I've just bought a SMC Takumar 135mm 2.5 to go on my 5D MarkIII but the aperture is connected to piece that sticks out of the rear of the lens - when I screw on my m42 - EOS adapter it locks down the piece that sicks out and stops me adjusting the aperture. Any advice?
Thanks
Good review.
Thanks for your effort.
I have this exact lens, found it on a flea market in a box with a Canon 300mm F4 L and some other lenses for 10 bucks.
Just got mine today thanks for the tips I was able to get the 6.6 version
People who have never heard of super/pentax takumar need to do some bloody research
The same counts for "Aus Jena", "Pentacon" or "Pentacon-Prakticar" and "Helios".
Hai Carl. Thank you so much for the review. I have Canon T4i what adapter should I use?
is there much of a difference between the 5th and 6th element?
I confirm: you got version 2: the best one! (70s)
if i buy one lens and adapters i can use it on the fuji and nikon?
It is made by Pentax, not Takumar. The Pentax lenses for m42 mount are named Takumar.
what was the lens used to focus that serial number. wow. it was a beauty..
+Prince Gopalakrishnan Tamron 28-75 I believe.
+Carl S. Miller Thanks..!!!
+Carl S. Miller absolutely incredible informative video thank you so much
+Big Dog Peck I appreciate you saying that!
Should have pointed out that Takumars are Pentax lenses. That would help people with their research. Takumar was not a manufacturer.
Should I avoid ones that are just called super takumar (no 'super multi coated' in title) to get the better one with the 6 elements?
I wouldn't pass up on a cheap one if I had the opportunity to buy
Have you shot any stills with this lens?
Does a Takumar 135mm f3.5 the serial number is 43541. Is it OK?
damn that lens is fast. i already have the takumar 50mm f1.4 and the 28mm f3.5(which i am looking to upgrade). ill look for this in bangkok in a few months, thanks
I found one at a pawn shop the serial is 43801..... is this the lens you are talking about?
dumb question: when you say "5 element" vs "6 element" are you talking about the number of sides in the aperture? hexagonal shaped?
A lens is made up of a number of pieces of glass (elements). So a five element lens has five pieces of glass inside the lens. The number of sides in the aperture is counted by how many aperture blades there are.
no need to look at the n° on the switch...
the 6/6 elements version has 8 blades aperture
the 4/5 elements version has 6 blades aperture
Can I used this lens on Nikon mount ? I want to use for portrait's, so I don't need to use infinit focus ... This lens works perfect for portrait with adapter without glass?
yes
how about f/3.5 of the same brand how good as that ???
Great Review Carl
Will this work on a crops sensor@
Tumi Rametse yes, but it’s a full frame lens so you’ll be using the center of the lens only and will act as a 202.5mm or 216mm depending on your exact crop factor.
Takumar is the lens name not the lens maker. They were made by Pentax
Rangi Tm to be exact it was asahi then it became Pentax altogether first was asahi making lenses for Pentax
A little knowledge would help. Takumar is the name that Asahi Optical gave to its lenses. Asahi Pentax - not Takumar!!!!!!!! Sheesh - Named after the Japanese-American portrait painter, Takuma Kajiwara whose brother Kumao Kajiware founded Asahi Optical.
William Pearce you sound like Cliff from Cheers. People care about that about as much as they care about the Grandparents of the criminal Hillary Clinton. haha
William Pearce
I appreciate your info about the lens' manufacturing, thank you😀
is this one better than the f3.5 version ??
Yes far better.
I have the 43812 version , but the aperture doesnt work. It's stuck open!
Set the switch to "man". If that doesn't work then it is quite easy to repair the m42 stop down pin (look it up)
@@TAKESHIRONORIMITSU I do not know what is wrong with mine that just arrived but the rear cap does not unscrew. Any idea please?
@@FLORAMORAITINI the rear lens cap? Try slapping it with an open palm. Don't break the lens!
@@TAKESHIRONORIMITSU I'l do my best not to. Can't promise !!!
how much should i pay for this thing?
Great video! I'll be looking into this one soon. Thank you! :)
Is Takumar 135 f2.5 radioactive ??
Amir Zekaj fockert.xs4all.nl/~pentax/radioactive_lenses/radioactive.html
I have the exact lens which I'm now selling. owned for sometime mint condition but no longer use it.
How can you have done so much research and then say “it’s made by Takumar”‽
It’s made by Asahi Pentax!
Good review man!
Teh previous version is as good as the one you present. And it cost less.
Very nice lense
Your "extensive research" evidently failed to discover that there is no lens manufacturer called Takumar: it's a Pentax lens, Takumar is a range of Pentax lenses.
Lol...no offense to Carl, but my thoughts exactly.
Given his research and the fact that Pentax is written on the lens cover... it is safe to assume he is perfectly aware that these are Pentax lenses.
Really jetlag?? Of course the guy knows it's made by Pentax. Scheech..like saying someone who drives a Impala and not knowing it's made by Chevrolet. Or Corolla and Toyota.
@@AminTheMystic Except that he repeatedly refers to the manufacturer as "Takumar" and never mentions Pentax.
i call my vintage pentax lenses takumars, shut up jk much love
Thanks dude!
I understand that the f/3.5 version is even sharper.
Being considered as "poor mans takumar 135" i highly doubt that.
what is the max someone should pay for this lens?
islandboy274 - I actually got one piece of this Unique and - to me, definitely unvaluable 135 mm SMC Pentax Takumar Lens - And, do believe me, I will NEVER ever sell it in my whole entire life, it's truly Unique and truly a genuine optical treasure to me - but - the fact is that these Lenses and their similar companions among comparable Original SMC Pentax hardware can be bought quite resaonable here in Sweden and probably around the other Scandinavian nations too - I would estimate you'll have to pull up with around 55 to 75 EURO or a bit above that sum. - Tobbe in Sweden -
@@Thbenjaminsson I will never anyway get my money back. I just bought mine the 6 element 135 2.5 for 340$ from Japan. I will collect it tomorrow . I also got from different seller the Killer Planar 50 1.4 and the 85 f/1.8. Also from Japan. They are both on their way to me. I am very eager to receive them
It did the price is now 175.00 on ebay
much more unfortunately
anyone who called takumars ow quality doesnt know their ass from a hole in the ground.
Nice
awesome
great!
Takumar is not the brand name, it's an Asahi Pentax ! Takumar is the model like Rokkor is to Nikon.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takumar
No, Rokkor is the name of Minolta! 🤩
Whoop whoop! Very cool SUBBED
"Made by takumar" is wrong. It's made by Asahi, the lens brand is Takumar. Just like you wouldn't say a Nikkor lens is made by Nikkor.
Russian TAIR 135 F2.8… and it focuses in the correct direction...
For the price the Asahi Takumar 135mm f2.5 going for, I will go with TAIR 11a 135mm f2.8 because it is declicked, new old stock, and 20-50 dollars less. Plus, I think the TAIR 11a is better on image quality.
Eric Matic well 1080 is pretty forgiving for absolute image quality, especially on APS_C / S35 sensor. 4K OTH is a whole new ball game. it comes down to what kind of image you want to create. for commercial product work I generally want ideal image quality. for image pieces, music videos, anything where a more emotional image is involved, I'll use whatever works
Steve Oakley have you tried the nikkor AI 135mm f2.8 ? its amazing
#4 Bobby Orr
Are you aware of the radiation of it?
Killed 3 of my hamsters in sequence over the years, but they're cheap to replace. Definitely worth it in my opinion.
News flash. Radiation this lens produce is so low, even old watches beats it
This lens like many great lenses of its era has radioactive Thallium oxide. Thallium oxide delivers phenomenal optical quality which can't be achieved even with modern affordable lenses. However Thallium oxide is slightly radioactive. The radiation decay after years gives a yellow tint to the lens. This can be easily fixed with the UV radiation of the sun in a week. Modern lenses have the safe lanthanum oxide which has inferior optical quality.
eBay is full with cheap exceptional lenses with Thallium oxide. They are a real bargain.
I suggest this lens to be used with live view only instead of looking into the viewfinder. Keep it away from the sensitive eye and brain.
Achilleas Labrou cools
Sorry but its called thorium, but ya they are AWESOME! I have the Super Takumar 2:35mm 1.4:50mm 1.8:55mm 2:55mm 1.9:85mm and finally I have the 4:200mm coming in the mail and I am ecstatic! My 135mm is only the 3.5 but with focal reducer its effectively a 2.5 and let me tell you if the IQ is anything like the 3.5 or better - its a definite must get... This thing resolves well beyond the 16mp of my camera's - both a Sony and a Panasonic and if its still sharp with minimal loss of sharpness with a 2x and 3x TC attached on m43 then you best believe its sharp... Thats 1350mm effective people.
@@smashtime1904 A side from the 135mm, is there higher quality variations of the other Takumar focal lengths as well? And is the SMC overall better than the Super?
U OF AAAAAAAA! Go cats go.