Jump to content

Super-Takumar Lenses


pietz
 Share

Recommended Posts

what do think of the variety of Super-Takumar lenses?

many of them can be bought through ebay for a very low price, like the 50mm/f1.4 for under $100. i already read a few great reviews on them from photographers, so i wanted to know if any cinematographers had any experience with them.

thanks
Link to comment
Share on other sites

EOSHD Pro Color 5 for Sony cameras EOSHD Z LOG for Nikon CamerasEOSHD C-LOG and Film Profiles for All Canon DSLRs
I had some before I got the Zeiss ones!

Here's the first video I ever shot with a 550D a couple of years ago. The main wide shot is a 28mm Takumar, it was great. The other shot is a Pentax mount 55mm f1.2. I sold it because the Zeiss equivalent 1.4 was actually faster and nicer looking, despite a tighter aperture. I only got rid of the 28mm f2 when I got the Zeiss 28mm f2 nicknamed Hollywood (no, really, it's official and stuff!), and I'd still be happy to shoot with a Takumar.

IMHO, almost any manual old prime is better than getting a cheap modern low-end plastic Canon lens. They're just vile to use.

[url="https://vimeo.com/12227849"]https://vimeo.com/12227849[/url]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Super Takumars are excellent & affordable.

I've got the 20,24,28,35 (both f2 & f3.5), 50, 55, 135 & 300 mm versions, all relatively inexpensive, except for the 20 & 24 which are somewhat collector's items. Careful with the 35 f2 & 50mm, as they have thoriated lens elements (very low level, they're safe to use) which yellow over time. A few days in bright sunlight can clear this out, however.

For more info, check out:
[url="http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/category-Pentax-Takumar-M42-Screwmount-Lenses.html"]http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/category-Pentax-Takumar-M42-Screwmount-Lenses.html[/url]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wonder if there's any more un-dicovered gems out there? I've tried a lot of second hand stuff now. I never found a good but old Tokina, though the modern 11-16 is essential. I think these Takumars are great, as are many Olympus Zuiko OM lenses. The Zeiss ones are good but I'd never buy them at current prices, I just lucked out by getting in early. The exception being the Zeiss Contax 80-200mm f4, which was bloody awful to use and was flogged.

I suppose it depends on the look you want! There's a lot of ancient single or un-coated glass around that might give some crazy vintage looks to signature shots... I've used Canon L and though it all looks very sharp and bright it all feels a bit sterile to me. I reckon we're all saying: "thread starter, go buy some Takumar before the price goes up".
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • EOSHD Pro Color 5 for All Sony cameras
    EOSHD C-LOG and Film Profiles for All Canon DSLRs
    EOSHD Dynamic Range Enhancer for H.264/H.265
×
×
  • Create New...