prime35mmvintage
SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4
Asahi Optical · 1971-1975
The pinnacle of M42 50mm lens development. Pentax's legendary Super-Multi-Coating provides exceptional flare resistance and contrast. Non-radioactive glass means no yellowing concerns.
Known for
- Portraits
- All-around photography
- Low light
- Video
- Backlit scenes
Considerations
- Slightly lower character than Super-Takumar
- Less common than earlier versions
Optical Characteristics
Sharpness (wide)4/5
Sharpness (stopped)5/5
Contrast5/5
Flare Resistance5/5
CA Control4/5
Vignetting Control3/5
Distortion Control4/5
Bokeh: Smooth, excellent 8-blade rendering
Rendering: Punchy contrast with vintage character
Color: Neutral, accurate
Common Issues
- Sticky aperture blades
- Focus ring wear
- Rare to find mint
Buying Guide
The SMC coating should show consistent multi-coloured reflections. Check aperture operation and focus smoothness. Worth the premium over single-coated versions for practical use.
Specifications
MountM42 Screw
Focal Length50mm
Max Aperturef/1.4
Min Aperturef/16
Aperture Blades8
Min Focus0.45m
Filter Size49mm
Weight235g
Optical Design
FormulaDouble Gauss
Elements7
Groups6
CoatingSMC (Pentax)
Pricing
£80 - £180
Typical used price
Mint: ~£250
Premium over Super-Takumar for SMC coating
Adapts To
Sony EFujifilm XCanon RFNikon ZMicro Four Thirds
Compatible Cameras
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Last verified: Jan 2026Report an error