Lens · prime
SMC Takumar 85mm f/1.8
Asahi Optical · 1972-1976
A 6-element, 6-group 85mm f/1.8 portrait lens (SMC, 1972-76) with 8 aperture blades, a 58mm filter thread and 85cm minimum focus.
- Focal length
- 85mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.8
- Mount
- M42 Screw
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 6
Known for
- Portraits
- Fashion
- Events
- Low light
Considerations
- 85cm minimum focus
- Slower than f/1.4 alternatives
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Beautiful, dreamy, 8-blade circles
Rendering: Classic portrait rendering with 3D pop
Colour: Neutral with SMC coating
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
Auto-Takumar
1960-1963
5 elements/4 groups, 9 blades, 55mm filter
Different, earlier optical design
SMC Takumar
1972-1976
SMC multi-coating, improved contrast
Preferred version for practical use
The Auto-Takumar 85mm f/1.8 used an earlier 5-element design; between the two, Asahi sold the Super-Takumar 85mm f/1.9. The S-M-C/SMC 85mm f/1.8 is a new 6-element design with multi-coating.
Common issues
- Focus ring wear
- Sticky aperture
- Coating scratches
Buying guide
Check for smooth focus, a clean aperture and an intact multi-coating.
Specifications
| Mount | M42 Screw |
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 |
| Min Focus | 0.85m |
| Filter Size | 58mm |
| Weight | 341g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Coating | SMC (Pentax) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £150 - £280
- Mint
- ~£350
Indicative, no dated source.