Lens · prime
Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4
Asahi Optical · 1964-1971
The 7-element Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (1966-71) is a double-Gauss standard lens for M42 stop-down metering bodies such as the Spotmatic. The earlier 8-element version (1964-65) is a different design.
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.4
- Mount
- M42 Screw
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 7 / 6
Known for
- Portraits
- Low light
- General photography
- Vintage character
- Adapted video use
Considerations
- May have yellowed glass
- Single coating shows flare
- Stop-down metering only (no open-aperture metering)
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Smooth, pleasing with 8-blade aperture
Rendering: Classic vintage character with 3D pop
Colour: Warm, golden tones (especially if yellowed)
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
8-element (early)
1964-1965
8 elements/7 groups; IR mark inside the "4"; protruding rear element
Introduced with the original Spotmatic; less common
7-element (late)
1966-1971
7 elements/6 groups; IR mark between "8" and "4"
Most common; thoriated glass that can yellow
The 7-element version uses thoriated glass that is mildly radioactive and can yellow over time; long UV exposure reduces the yellowing. The early 8-element version is generally reported not to contain thoriated glass.
Common issues
- Radioactive yellowing (reversible with UV)
- Sticky aperture blades
- Focus ring wear
Buying guide
Check for yellowing by looking through the lens; M42Lens reports that the yellow tint in this thoriated-glass design can be bleached with UV light. Test the aperture for smooth operation and check the focus helicoid.
Specifications
| Mount | M42 Screw |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 6 |
| Min Focus | 0.45m |
| Filter Size | 49mm |
| Weight | 230g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 7 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Coating | Single Coated |
| Special | Thoriated glass (radioactive, may yellow) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £60 - £150
- Mint
- ~£200
Indicative, no dated source.