Review Auto-Takumar 1:1.8/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., Lens made in Japan (no 'R' mark, straight lines of depth of field)

Auto-Takumar 1:1.8/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., Lens made in Japan (no 'R' mark, straight lines of depth of field)

Auto-Takumar 1:1.8/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., Lens made in Japan (no 'R' mark, straight lines of depth of field)

In short

Auto-Takumar 1:1.8/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., Lens made in Japan - a manual fix from the film era with an M42 mounting thread. There is a whole family of such lenses TAKUMAR/PENTAX class 55 / 1.8, which is famous for its good assembly and nice pattern.

All lenses TAKUMAR/PENTAX class 55/1.8 use the same optical design, which includes 6 elements in 5 groups.

The main differences between the version from the review and other similar models of the Auto-Takumar 1: 1.8 / 55 series

  1. Missing red 'R' for infrared operation
  2. The lines of the depth of field scale are straight, without bending or tilting
  3. The aperture control ring is marked from F / 1.8 to F / 16 (when looking at the lens from above, when the lens is directed with the front lens away from us)

Appearance

To accurately identify the sub-version of the lens, I took additional photos from the network:

Main technical characteristics of Auto-Takumar 1:1.8/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., Lens made in Japan:

Review Instance Name Auto-Takumar 1:1.8/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., Lens made in Japan 596995
Basic properties
  • manual focus only
  • aperture control ring
  • M42x1 / 45.5 - common landing thread 'M42'
  • Cars – semi-automatic aperture control
  • Iris control A/M switch
  • lens suitable for full-frame cameras
  • compact sizes
Front Filter Diameter 49 mm
Focal length 55 mm
Zoom ratio 1 X (this is a fixed lens, it does not have a zoom).
Designed by for film cameras with a frame size of 24 x 36
Number of aperture blades 6 petals
Tags
  • focus distance scale in meters (yellow) and feet
  • depth of field scale for f/4, 8, 11 (strip only), 16
  • aperture control ring markings
Diaphragm from f/1.8 to f/16. The lens has an aperture control ring. There are marks on the ring for f/1.8, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16
MDF 0.45 meters, maximum magnification ratio 1:5.9
The weight 221 grams (approx)
Optical design 6 elements in 5 groups.

Takumar 55 1.8 optical scheme

The lens does not use special optical elements in its optical design. The same optical scheme is used by others Takumar/Pentax 55/1.8 lenses.

Lens hood Threaded, screwed into the front filter thread
Manufacturer country lens made in Japan
Period 1962-1962. Subsequently replaced by the model Super-Takumar 1: 1.8 / 55 Asahi Opt. Co., Lens made in Japan
Price About 50 USD for used option

Personally, I am a big connoisseur and fan of the old Pentax optics (aka TAKUMAR, aka ASAHI OPT. CO.), after working with which there are always pleasant impressions. A slightly increased focal length, compared to classic fifty-fifty lenses, on cameras with an APS-C sensor is better suited, for example, for portraiture.

Assembling, focusing

Auto-Takumar 1:1.8/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., Lens made in Japan is well assembled.

The focus ring has metal ribs and rotates approximately 225 degrees (5/8 of a full turn). The movement of the ring is smooth, pleasant. During focusing, the front retractable part of the body does not rotate. Focusing occurs by moving the entire lens block.

The diaphragm control ring is metal, ribbed.

Sample photos on APS-C

All photos without processing. Technology ZEROJPEG.

All major versions of similar lenses Asahi Opt. Co., Takumar / Pentax:

1.2/50

  1. SMC PENTAX 1: 1.2 / 50 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (7/6, 20947, 1975-1984)
  2. SMC PENTAX 1:1.2/50 ASAHI OPT. CO.,JAPAN'GOLD' (7/6, 1981)
  3. SMC PENTAX-A 1: 1.2 50mm (7/6, 20987, 1984-2004)
  4. SMC PENTAX-A 1: 1.2 50mm Special (7/6, 2000)

1.4 / 50 (video)

  1. Super takumar 1: 1.4 / 50 Asahi Opt. Co., Lens made in Japan (8/6, 358, 1964-1966)
  2. Super takumar 1: 1.4 / 50 Asahi Opt. Co. Lens made in japan (7/6, 37800, 1965-1971, F/2 in number)
  3. Super takumar 1: 1.4 / 50 Asahi Opt. Co. Lens made in japan (7/6, 37801, 1965-1971, F/2 dot)
  4. Super takumar 1: 1.4 / 50 Asahi Opt. Co., Lens made in Japan (7/6, 37802, 1965-1971, comma after 'CO.')
  5. Super-Multi Coated TAKUMAR 1: 1.4 / 50 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (7/6, 37902, 1971-1972)
  6. SMC TAKUMAR 1: 1.4 / 50 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (7/6, 37908, 1972-1975)
  7. SMC PENTAX 1: 1.4 / 50 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (7/6, 20847, 1975-1977)
  8. SMC PENTAX-M 1: 1.4 50mm ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (7/6, 20867, 1977-1984)
  9. SMC PENTAX-A 1: 1.4 50mm (7/6, 20887, 1984-1989)
  10. SMC PENTAX-F 1: 1.4 50mm (7/6, 20827, 1987-1991)
  11. SMC PENTAX-FA 1: 1.4 50mm (7/6, 20817, 1991-2023)
  12. HD PENTAX-D FA * 1: 1.4 50mm SDMAW (15/9, 21260, 2018->)
  13. SMC PENTAX-FA 1: 1.4 50mm Classic (7/6, 2023->)
  14. HD PENTAX-FA 1: 1.4 50mm (7/6, 2023->)

1.8 / 55 (video)

  1. takumar 1:1.8 f=55mm Asahi OPT. CO., Japan (6/5, 1958, zebra)
  2. Auto-takumar 1:1.8 f=55mm Asahi OPT. CO., Japan (6/5, 1958-1960, zebra)
  3. Auto-takumar 1:1.8/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., Lens made in Japan (6/5, 1960, with 'R')
  4. Auto-takumar 1:1.8/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., Lens made in Japan (6/5, 1960-1962, no 'R', oblique lines of the depth of field)
  5. Auto-takumar 1:1.8/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., Lens made in Japan (6/5, 1962, no 'R', straight lines of depth of field)
  6. Super takumar 1: 1.8 / 55 Asahi Opt. Co., Lens made in Japan (6/5, 1962, fine ribs, f/1.8 left)
  7. Super takumar 1: 1.8 / 55 Asahi Opt. Co., Lens made in Japan (6/5, before 1965, fine ribs, f/1.8 right)
  8. Super takumar 1: 1.8 / 55 Asahi Opt. Co. Lens made in japan (6/5, 37106, before 1971, large ribs)
  9. Super-Multi Coated TAKUMAR 1: 1.8 / 55 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (6/5, 37104, 1971-1972)
  10. SMC TAKUMAR 1: 1.8 / 55 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (6/5, 37108, 1972-1975)
  11. SMC PENTAX 1: 1.8 / 55 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (6/5, 20747, 1975-1977)

2 / 55 (1.9 / 55)

  1. Auto-takumar 1:1.9 f=55mm Asahi Opt. Co.,Japan (6/5, 1958-1959)
  2. Auto-takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan (6/5, 1958-1959, zebra)
  3. Auto-takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan (6/5, 34100, 1958-1959)
  4. Super takumar 1: 2 / 55 Asahi Opt. Co., Lens made in Japan (6/5, small fins, F/2 left)
  5. Super takumar 1: 2 / 55 Asahi Opt. Co., Lens made in Japan (6/5, small ribs, F/2 on the right)
  6. Super takumar 1: 2 / 55 Asahi Opt. Co. Lens made in japan (6/5, 37103, 1962-1973, large ribs)
  7. Super takumar 1: 2 / 55 Asahi Opt. Co. Lens made in japan (6/5, 37107, additional aperture pins)
  8. SMC TAKUMAR 1: 2 / 55 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (6/5, 37109, 1973-1975)
  9. SMC PENTAX 1: 2 55mm ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (6/5, 1976-1977)

1.7/50

  1. SMC PENTAX-M 1: 1.7 50mm ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (6/5, 20877, 1977-1984)
  2. SMC PENTAX-A 1: 1.7 50mm (6/5, 20897, 1984-1989)
  3. SMC PENTAX-F 1: 1.7 50mm (6/5, 20837, 1987-1991)
  4. SMC PENTAX-FA 1: 1.7 50mm (6/5, 20907, 1991-2004)

2/50

  1. SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO. (5/5, 20677, 1979-1985)
  2. SMC PENTAX-A 1: 2 50mm (5/5, 20697, 1985-1998)

2.2/55

  1. takumar 1:2.2/55 Asahi Opt. CO., Japan (6/5, 1961-1963)
  2. Auto-takumar 1:2.2/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., Lens made in Japan (6/5, 1961-1963)

2/58

  1. takumar 1:2 f=58mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan (6/4, 1957-1958)
  2. takumar 1: 2 f = 58mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan (6/4, 1957-1958, labeled 'R')

DA (APS-C: 1.4/55 DA* + 1.8/50 DA)

  1. SMC PENTAX-DA * 1: 1.4 55mm SDM (9/8, 21790, 2008->)
  2. SMC PENTAX-DA 1: 1.8 50mm (6/5, 22177, 2012->)

Asahi-Kogaku (M37x1, 3.5/50 + 2.4/58 -> M42)

  1. takumar 1: 3,5 f = 50mm Asahi-kogaku (4/3, 1952, M37×1)
  2. takumar 1: 3.5 f = 50mm Asahi-kogaku (4/3, 1952, , M37×1, pre-set)
  3. takumar 1: 2.4 f = 58mm Asahi-kogaku (5/3, 1954, M37×1, silver)
  4. takumar 1: 2.4 f = 58mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan (5/3, 1957-1958, M42)

The lens names in this list correspond exactly to the lens name label on the lens barrel (except for the serial number and/or filter diameter).

How to use with modern cameras?

Lenses with mounting thread M42 (M42 X 1 / 45.5), such as the lens from this review, are very easy to use on almost any modern digital camera (both SLR and mirrorless), for this it is enough to choose the right adapter (adapter). You do not need to carry out any additional steps to modify the lens.

The cheapest adapters can be found at Aliexpress.com... There are adapters (adapters) with a chip that provide more convenience during shooting, usually chips are used to confirm focus and / or metering exposure, and form the correct EXIF. The chip does not affect the image quality in any way.

For some SLR cameras (for example, with the Nikon F-mount), you need to use adapters with a corrective lens, which allows you to focus correctly at all focusing distances. For any mirrorless cameras, such a lens is not needed, and the adapter is a simple decorated hollow metal tube with an appropriate mount.

For SLR cameras

  1. Canon: For cameras Canon EOS with bayonet mount EF / EF-S need an M42-Canon EOS adapter, such an adapter with a chip can be found herewithout chip here.
  2. NIKON: For cameras Nikon DX / FXas well as for cameras Fujifilm и Kodak with a Nikon F mount, you need an M42-Nikon F adapter, you can buy such an adapter without a lens and a chip here, with a lens without a chip herewith chip without lens here, with lens and chip here. Why a lens? Why chip?
  3. PENTAX: For Pentax cameras with K mount, you need an M42-Pentax K adapter, you can buy such an adapter here.
  4. SONY/MINOLTA: For cameras with a Sony / Minolta A mount, you need the M42-Sony A adapter, you can find such an adapter without a chip at this linkwith a chip at this link.
  5. OLYMPUS/PANASONIC/LEICA: For cameras with a 4/3 bayonet mount (not to be confused with Micro 4/3!) You need an M42-4 / 3 adapter, you can buy such an adapter here.

For mirrorless cameras

  1. SONY: For cameras with 'E'/'FE' mount series SonyNEX и Sony Alpha you need an adapter M42-Sony E (aka M42-Sony Nex), you can find it at this link. An autofocus adapter is also available for these cameras. Techart PRO Leica M - Sony E Autofocus Adapterwhich can be found at this link.
  2. OLYMPUS / PANASONIC / KODAK / XIAOMI: For cameras with a bayonet mount Micro 4/3 (Micro 4:3) you need an adapter M42-Micro 4/3, you can find it at this link.
  3. CANON M: For cameras with Canon EF-M mount need adapter M42-Canon M, it can be found at this link.
  4. CANON R and RF-S: For cameras with Canon RF mount need adapter M42-Canon R, it can be found at this link.
  5. Nikon 1: For cameras Nikon 1 Series need adapter M42-Nikon 1, you can find it at this link.
  6. Nikon Z: For cameras Nikon Z series (FX/DX) need an adapter M42-Nikon Z, it can be found at this link.
  7. FUJIFILM X: For cameras with mount X need an M42-Fuji X adapter, you can find it at this link.
  8. FUJIFILM GFX: For medium format cameras G-mount need M42-Fuji GFX adapter, you can find it at this link.
  9. SAMSUNG: For cameras with NX mount, you need an M42-Samsung NX adapter, you can find it at this link. There are no adapters for the NX mini camera yet.
  10. PENTAX: For Q-mount cameras, you need an M42-Pentax Q adapter, you can find it at this link.
  11. SIGMA / PANASONIC / LEICA: For cameras with L mount you need an M42-Leica L adapter, you can find it at this link.
  12. LEICA: For cameras with a bayonet mount Leica M need adapter M42-L / M, you can find it at this link.

If you have any questions on compatibility and adapters - ask in the comments (comments do not require any registration at all).

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Ivan

 

 

Comments: 26, on the topic: Review of Auto-Takumar 1:1.8/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., Lens made in Japan (no 'R' mark, straight lines of depth of field)

  • Hmm, our puzzle is now known) And I recognize the hand of the master))).

    I've been waiting for Takuma to appear on your camera for so long. I really liked not the intricate name, but the fault of Takuma - the Japanese scientist.

    I read your article and ... I'm surprised!

    If someone says that your Radozhiva is uninteresting now, I will bite))
    Although I do not like to read reviews, your article is interesting!

  • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

    Forgot to write? that on a diaphragm from 8 to 11, this Takumar tears a full-frame matrix.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      If it's not difficult, explain what exactly you mean by “tears a full-frame matrix”. I haven't used it on a full frame yet.

      • Nicholas

        It is likely that the resolution of the lens at these aperture values ​​exceeds the resolution of the matrix?

        By the way, what kind of Takumar do you recommend? What else have you encountered? As far as I remember, they were released under the same name and with the K mount?

        • Arkady Shapoval

          No, the resolution, even on covered ones, does not tear 12mp. Those that tried everything are very similar to this one in the review, they are just alterations and completions of each other. You need to look at the current instance. I don’t know about the K mount, I’ve only met the M42, maybe they’re coming under K.

        • Ivan

          so far, my only takumar is the SMC Takumar 28 / 3.5, sharp, small, cheap (I got it from a baby for 2,5 kilo rubles), it turns a little red, but otherwise - an extremely pleasant lens

  • Nicholas

    Have you ever performed the Takumar vs Rokkor test? Now I was just puzzled by the choice of fifty dollars. The types of bayonets do not matter much - to sharpen one line under the sigma tail or to fence adapters. I’m thinking, who to try? I consider Planar and Summicron, but the toad is choking. OKS 50 mm may not fit. An autofocus sigma lens is a good lens, but for this money I'd rather take a manual zeiss. Zenitar-M 50 \ 1,7? Takumar? Rokkor? In general, I want a combination of high aperture ratio with high resolution. What would you suggest?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      In Takumara, I did not notice super resolution-sharpness. Rokkor just did not come across. Zenitar-M 50 \ 1,7 is not bad or already collect on Summicron so that there is moral satisfaction that half a cent is what you need. As for the comparative test, there is simply no time and material to review.

  • Nicholas

    Well, I shoot everything that I shoot, including the optics from the tank sight; so the inscription “summikron” will not warm the soul. Just a fifty-kopeck piece on a crop is not the most needed lens; so I don’t want to invest significantly in it. But if you really invest, then Summicron or Planar?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Both are good, but did not hold in their hands, I can not help with advice.

  • Alexander

    Dear Arkady! I purchased Tacumar SMC 55 1: 1,8 tested - the results and conclusions are similar to yours. In my LJ I give a link to your site.
    If interested - write to the mail.

  • Paul

    Hello Arkady! I'm tormented by the choice. SMC Takumar 50 1.4 or EBC Fujinon 50 1.4. I consider Pancolar 1.8 too. What do you advise?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      If you wrote tasks for which a lens is selected, perhaps I could be of some help.

  • Paul

    Arkady, I choose a staffer from these 3 lenses

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Fujinon is very interesting

  • Paul

    Thanks! For himself, he also singled out. The truth is expensive and it is necessary to search.

  • Lev Nikolaevich

    So did anyone put at least a radiometer-dosimeter such as "Radex", "Ecolog" and others "MKS" and "RDG" on the front and rear Super Multi Coated Tokumar 1,8 / 55 lenses?

    • Ruslan Bond

      I have 1,34 2 cm from the back and 0,27 from the front, 0,48 from the side)

  • Zmitser

    The picture resembles my copy of Jupiter-9
    Thanks to Arkady, otherwise I was going to buy a subject, and here you have examples of photos.

  • Alex

    Recently acquired such only the MS version. I also have Helios 44m4 and MC Industar 50 / 2,8. Only Industar can compete with Takumar. The only drawback of Takumara is slightly catches hares in the open with hard backlight. But the contrast is better than industrial. What else do I like about this lens? Convenient Man / Auto switch, compactness and lightness (About 200 grams) and of course boke! Let me remind you again that I wrote about the multi-enlightenment version. If possible, take it only with the MS, then get real pleasure from shooting with this lens!

  • Sergei

    1.4 / 50 mm is still preferable)))

  • Maksim

    I will sell the Super-Takumar 55 mm f / 1,8 lens http://fotoselling.ru/products/8747495
    Novosibirsk + by mail in Russia and abroad
    __________
    Our website: http://fotoselling.ru

    Group in contact (more than 20000 participants): http://vk.com/fotoselling
    Lenses, cameras, adapters and more

    Cash on delivery, reviews, warranties, experience.
    Have questions? Ask! http://vk.com/id13311029

  • Maksim

    I will sell the Super-Takumar 55 mm f / 1,8 lens http://fotoselling.ru/products/19198322
    Novosibirsk + by mail in Russia and abroad
    __________
    Our website: http://fotoselling.ru

    Group in contact (more than 20000 participants): http://vk.com/fotoselling
    Lenses, cameras, adapters and more

    Cash on delivery, reviews, warranties, experience.
    Have questions? Ask! http://vk.com/id13311029

  • Alexey

    Hello Arkady, tell me please Takumar on nikon through an ordinary adapter shoots at infinity?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Doesn't take off.

  • Paul

    You are probably not very lucky with the instance. I never cover the diaphragm on my lens, because it’s sharp, there are almost no open XA (you can rarely find a light green border, but you need to look for it), and yes, I like the boke.
    PS Recently I got a trophy photo set from a Takumar car. Everyone gives a magic picture. What a shame for the Soviet photographic equipment ...

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