For the opportunity review of the SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm Asahi OPT. CO., Japan Special thanks to Alexander Perever.

Pentax-m 50mm F1.4 SMC review
SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm has in its design a modernized planar-type circuit - 7 elements in 6 groups. The line of the SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm lens developed approximately like this: Super-Takumar (8 elements) -> Super Takumar under M42 -> Super Multi Coated Takumar -> S.M.C. Takumar -> SMC Pentax-K -> SMC Pentax-M -> SMC Pentax-A -> SMC Pentax-F (already autofocus) -> SMC Pentax-FA. This review presents the SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm model, which is the compact version of the SMC Pentax-K (which already had a bayonet mount). The SMC Pentax-K and SMC Pentax-A versions are said to have stronger sharpness.

SMC Pentax-m 50mm F1.4 lens view from different angles
In fact, the Pentax SMC-FA 1mm f / 1,4 has an autofocus model for the SMC Pentax-M 50: 50 1.4mm, which will automatically focus on cameras that have a focus motor. Pentax SMC-FA 50mm f / 1.4 is a fairly popular lens among Pentax users, as it has a good price / quality ratio, although it is somewhere 5 times more expensive for the Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm SMC.

View of the SMC Pentax-m 50mm F1.4 lens on a modern camera
Main features of the SMC Pentax-M 1 lens: 1,4 50mm
1. The lens is manual. Focus is only available with hands.... The focusing ring moves smoothly. It is pleasant to aim at sharpness. MDF is 45cm - nothing special for fifty dollars. The infinity on the focusing distance indicator starts at 15 meters. The focusing ring rotates approximately 200 degrees, while the "trunk" of the lens moves forward one centimeter. MDF is 45cm. When focusing, the front lens does not rotate, you can safely use any light filters. When focusing, the entire lens unit moves in the middle of the lens barrel.

Soft effect and bokeh on SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm
2. Aperture. The SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm lens has a K mount and a jumping aperture. You can focus completely on the open, and when you release the shutter, the camera itself will close the aperture to the desired value. This lens can be planted and used on all Pentax cameras released since 1975. The diaphragm has 8 blades; when it is closed in the blur zone, classic “nuts” are obtained. On the lens, the depth of field is indicated for the values: 4, 8, 16, 22 and infrared offset. Aperture limits 1.4-22.0

Bokeh on SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm
3. The lens has a very large maximum aperture of F1.4, the lens is well suited for low light shooting. All lenses that have an even larger aperture, such as F1.2, are an order of magnitude more expensive, so F1.4-F2.0 is the best inexpensive option. A large aperture will allow take off.
4. The lens has a multi-clarity SMC (Super multi coating). This allows you to enhance the contrast, increase the resistance to flare. But still in the backlight, the contrast drops quite a bit and a veil appears.

Photo on SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm
5. The lens can be used full frame and crop. On a cropped Pentax matrix with crop factor 1.5, this lens has EGF at 75mm, which is quite suitable for photographing portraits. In principle, old optics, such as SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm take for a leisurely artistic shooting, as modern, tricked autofocus versions are much more expensive. It is a pity that Pentax still does not have a single Full Frame camera to fully reveal the potential of the old film optics on a digital (at the time of writing, spring 2012).
6. Thread for light filter - 49mm. In general, I was very surprised that the SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm is very, very small for such a large aperture.

Photo at Pentax-m 50mm F1.4 SMC
7. Build quality is excellent... SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm made in Japan is not a Chinese plastic. Considering that this model has not been released for a long time, and I shoot with it, and even get a good picture, it only says that the lens has a good margin of safety. In general, it is quite funny to use optics that are older than you, this prompts you to write a review more thoughtfully. The only pity is that the old optics are still very much a thing of the past, and only fans of the manual Pentax will read this review.

Pentax-m 50mm F1.4 SMC photo
Sample photos on the SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm Asahi OPT. CO., Japan
All photos were taken on camera. Pentax K10D, since the camera has a simplified KAF2 mount, the camera always “thought” that the lens constantly had an aperture of F1.4, so I had to shoot it on closed apertures in manual mode. All photos without processing, on-camera JPEG, reduced size to 1600 * 1200, data from EXIF.
Image quality:
Of course, everyone is interested in whether it is possible to photograph at F1.4 - it is possible, but the depth of field is very, very small. Apertures F1.4-F2.0 have a soft picture effect. Sharpness in the center of the frame is at F1.4 below average, quite suitable for portraits, I can't say that at 1.4-2.0 the sharpness is bad, but it also falls short of good. There is practically no vignetting on the cropped Pentax K10 matrix, the vignette disappears completely at F2.8. Excellent sharpness comes at F5.6-F8.0. The colors are excellent. The lens at open apertures has strong HA, disappear somewhere after F4.0. There is practically no distortion - that's why for portraits the lens on the crop is just right. The bokeh of the lens is very good at F1.4, but a little worse when closed due to the “nuts” in the bokeh. Still, I would like the sharpness on the open a little better, perhaps it's just my copy is not entirely successful.

Pentax-m 50mm F1.4 SMC DOF
Features
The lens is quite difficult to get into sharpness. At 1.4, a very part of the inherent soft effect. But still, all Pentax users - I recommend trying the manual high-aperture SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 or something like threaded for example Takumar 55mm 1.8.

Pentax-m 50mm F1.4 SMC sample photo
Catalog of modern Pentax lenses can look at this link.
All major versions of similar lenses Asahi Opt. Co., Takumar / Pentax:
1.2/50
- SMC PENTAX 1: 1.2 / 50 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (7/6, 20947, 1975-1984)
- SMC PENTAX-A 1: 1.2 50mm + black / silver 'SPECIAL' (7/6, 20987, 1984-2004)
1.4/50
- Super takumar 1: 1.4 / 50 Asahi Opt. Co., Lens made in Japan (8/6, 358, 1964-1966)
- Super takumar 1: 1.4 / 50 Asahi Opt. Co. Lens made in japan (7/6, 37800, 1965-1971)
- Super-Multi Coated TAKUMAR 1: 1.4 / 50 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (7/6, 37902, 1971-1972)
- SMC TAKUMAR 1: 1.4 / 50 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (7/6, 37908, 1972-1975)
- SMC PENTAX 1: 1.4 / 50 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (7/6, 20847, 1975-1977)
- SMC PENTAX-M 1: 1.4 50mm ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (7/6, 20867, 1977-1984)
- SMC PENTAX-A 1: 1.4 50mm (7/6, 20887, 1984-1989)
- SMC PENTAX-F 1: 1.4 50mm (7/6, 20827, 1987-1991)
- SMC PENTAX-FA 1: 1.4 50mm (7/6, 20817, 1991-2023)
- HD PENTAX-D FA * 1: 1.4 50mm SDM AW (15/9, 21260, 2018->)
- SMC PENTAX-FA 1:1.4 50mm Classic (7/6, 2023->)
- HD PENTAX-FA 1: 1.4 50mm (7/6, 2023->)
1.4/55
- SMC PENTAX-DA * 1:1.4 55mm SDM (-, 9/8, 21790, 2008->)
1.7/50
- SMC PENTAX-M 1: 1.7 50mm ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (6/5, 20877, 1977-1984)
- SMC PENTAX-A 1: 1.7 50mm (6/5, 20897, 1984-1989)
- SMC PENTAX-F 1: 1.7 50mm (6/5, 20837, 1987-1991)
- SMC PENTAX-FA 1: 1.7 50mm (6/5, 20907, 1991-2004)
1.8/50
- SMC PENTAX-DA 1: 1.8 50mm (6/5, 22177, 2012->)
2/50
- SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO. (5/5, 20677, 1979-1985)
- SMC PENTAX-A 1: 2 50mm (5/5, 20697, 1985-1998)
1.8/55
- Auto-takumar 1: 1.8 / 55 ASAHI OPT. CO. Lens made in japan (6/5, 1958-1962)
- Super takumar 1: 1.8 / 55 Asahi Opt. Co. Lens made in japan (6/5, 37106, 1965-1971)
- Super-Multi Coated TAKUMAR 1: 1.8 / 55 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (6/5, 37104, 1971-1972)
- SMC TAKUMAR 1: 1.8 / 55 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (6/5, 37108, 1972-1975)
2/55
- Auto-takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan (6/5, 34100, 1958-1959)
- Super takumar 1: 2 / 55 Asahi Opt. Co. Lens made in japan (6/5, 37103, 1962-1973)
- SMC TAKUMAR 1: 2 / 55 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN (6/5, 37109, 1973-1975)
black-silver 2/58, 2.4/58, 1.9/55, 2.2/55:
- takumar 1: 2 f = 58mm (6/4, 1957-1958, M42)
- takumar 1: 2.4 f = 58mm (5/3, 1957-1958, M42)
- Auto-takumar 1: 1.9 f = 55mm (6/5, 1958-1959, M42)
- Auto-takumar 1:2.2/55 (6/5, 1961-1963, M42)
The names of the lenses in this list correspond exactly to the inscription with the lens name near the front lens (except for the serial number).
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Conclusion:
SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4 50mm Asahi OPT. CO., Japan excellent aperture fifty kopeck piece for K mount (for Pentax cameras). Using it, you can get very beautiful artistic photos, at a fully open aperture the lens has a slight soft effect, but at the same time wonderful bokeh. I recommend Pentax for DSLR cameras.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram | Assistance of the Armed Forces
The article is super! Apparently, a good lens! It’s a pity that it’s not for Nikon. The photos are interesting. Now I also began to clap mainly only with ISO 100. Question about the exif'a of the first photo with tulips, such a long exposure of 1/80 with such a high ISO of 640, was it really that dark there?
Yes, the sun has already set. Photographed on the balcony, on MDF, with MDF, the real aperture value falls somewhere to 3,2-3,5. So we got such an excerpt. For Nikon, there are many great alternatives, which are the native manual fifty fifty 50, or our proven Helios-1.4N.
Yes, I myself have often thought about the Nikon 50 1.4, but some boring bokeh compared to 81n. I will probably never change Gelik! The only thing - sometimes you want autofocus in it. But if you don't find fault - the best lens for all occasions! Especially on fx probably!
I also think so, I have two G-81N.
And how do you like Nikkor-HC 50/2 in comparison with Helios and the new Nikonov poltikov.
Nikkor-HC 50/2 did not stay, I can not say.
These takumars are many different (threaded): depending on the year of manufacture and the presence of enlightenment. There is just super takumar 50 / 1.4 and super multi coated takumar 50 / 1.4 and smc takumar 50 / 1.4
For example, I have such a couple:
http://s018.radikal.ru/i515/1206/43/1fb74ff8cf95.jpg
smc takumar (the one with traces of a fall) - the last threaded version, as I understand it, is an analogue of the one you describe in the article.
PS. You seem to take lenses to describe on the site? Of relative rarity, I have a takumar 85mm / 1.9 - I can let you play
I will be glad to accept for a review. I am in Kiev, if you have the same location, then you can cross. My contacts are easy to find on the site. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions.
Pentax A 50mm 1.4
What is his mount, and is it possible to attach it to Nikon?
Bayonet K, like many other Pentax. Converting to Nikon is difficult.
Easily! Nikon adapter and you're done
ps M-42 - Nikon
Arkady, good day * morning, evening, night - also good :) *
Could you tell me, is the aperture ring of this lens with fixed intermediate positions between the stops? Or does it spin freely without them? In short, is it suitable for video?
Thank you for the site - a very useful business!
No, rattle in the footsteps.
OK, thanks. Well, I'll go look for a high-aperture "video fifty" further)
Hello.
Can you tell me on the K-7, too, only the manual shutter speed and aperture mode?
There the bayonet mount is slightly different from the K-10.
Arkady! Tell me pliz ... maybe you tried this SMC Pentax M 50 mm 1.2 Can you tell us a little? Thanks.
I have not tried this.
can you explain ... just bought this lens for pentax kx. but the shutter button does not work, this lens has a wider aperture blade than a standard, what options can there be?
There is a Pentax 50 1.2 how to combine with Nikon d5100. Thanks for all the reviews it is NEEDED !!!
Good night !! Tell me please, I have a fotik EOS Kenon 1100 D WILL I GO TO HIM Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR 1.4 / 50mm lens? And is there any sense in buying such a fotik or is it easier to fotik a new one !! ???.
You have a slight inaccuracy - the first 8-lens Takumar 50 / 1.4 was just NON-radioactive, subsequent versions, up to the last M42, before the bayonet ones, are all radioactive, to a greater or lesser extent. It was checked personally with a dosimeter.
Inaccuracy removed. Thanks.
Arkady, hello
I bought myself the same lens, only A. The diaphragm’s tongue walks very tight, the camera doesn’t support its lifting, maybe you know what can be done?
Thanks in advance
Best regards, Dmitry
Petals in oil, need to be cleaned.
Please tell me what is the difference between Pentax-A SMC 50mm f1.7 and SMC Pentax-M 50mm f1.7?
can you put it on kenon?
Yes, you can.
Good day, Arkady! I read on the forums that it is possible to use the SMS Pentax-M 10: 10 1 mm lens on the Samsung GX-1.7 (Pentax K50D). I put the lens - F- lights up, in manual mode no change and the shutter does not work. For the first time on a digital camera I work with a manual lens and I'm afraid to do something wrong. Can you tell me what is the reason?
It seems to have figured out the shutter, changed it in the settings menu. I have not mastered it to the end, but the first photos are pleasing. An interesting lens!
Wheel in mode M and a small button with a green dot, and a lot of good photos.
how did you manage? I bought today, my F- and M are also lit
Good day, Rinat. Please tell me if the focus indication lamp lights up when using SMC Pentax-M 1: 1.7 50 mm on the Pentax K10D
To begin with, we program the “green button” for exposure metering: Menu-my settings-p.14 (for K200): * green button in manual ... * -pp2 (diaphragm pior) -OK! When shooting, the wheel is on “M” , switch Af-Mf in Mf (otherwise the shutter button may not work), set the aperture. Then everything is simple: I focused, pressed the green button, caught the shutter button. The masterpiece is ready! +++ THANKS, Arkady, for the most interesting reviews !!! +++
Bought a SMC M50 f1.4 with red enlightenment, what's the difference?
My favorite lens, I’m practically not taking it off the carcass. On Pentax K-20, problems with aperture recognition were not noticed
Good day! Help me please! I bought a Pentax K-30 carcass. And I wondered which poltos to buy: Helios 81 n or this SMC Pentax-M 1: 1,4.
Help me please!
Thank you!
This is my favorite lens I use on kenon.
For connoisseurs of this lens, there is a copy of the first version, the price is negotiable, anyone interested write Foravar108@yandex.ru
Good day. There is this lens with traces of fungus on the lenses. Is it fatal to him or can it be fixed? Is the lens disassembled? Does it have bonded lenses?
Selling lenses SMC Pentax-M 50 mm f / 1.4 http://fotoselling.ru/products/14786532 и http://fotoselling.ru/products/18893716
Novosibirsk + by mail in Russia and abroad
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