Lens · prime
SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4
Asahi Optical · 1971-1975
Vintage35mm
The SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (1971-75) keeps the 7-element, 6-group design of the Super-Takumar with Super-Multi-Coating and an 8-blade diaphragm. The glass is reported to contain thorium and can yellow with age.
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.4
- Mount
- M42 Screw
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 7 / 6
Known for
- Portraits
- General photography
- Low light
- Adapted video use
- Backlit scenes
Considerations
- Glass may have yellowed (thoriated element)
- Stop-down metering on some bodies
- Less common than the single-coated version
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)4, level 4 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast5, level 5 of 5
Flare resistance5, level 5 of 5
CA control4, level 4 of 5
Vignetting control3, level 3 of 5
Distortion control4, level 4 of 5
Bokeh: Smooth, excellent 8-blade rendering
Rendering: Punchy contrast with vintage character
Colour: Neutral, accurate
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Common issues
- Sticky aperture blades
- Focus ring wear
- Yellowed glass (thoriated elements)
Buying guide
Check that the multi-coating is intact and consistent. Check aperture operation and focus smoothness, and look for yellowing of the glass.
Specifications
| Mount | M42 Screw |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 |
| Min Focus | 0.45m |
| Filter Size | 49mm |
| Weight | 252g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 7 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Coating | SMC (Pentax) |
| Special | Thoriated glass (radioactive, may yellow) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £80 - £180
- Mint
- ~£250
Indicative, no dated source.