Overview of the SMC TAKUMAR 1: 2/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN

For the opportunity to review SMC Takumar 1: 2/55 Many thanks to Alexander Perever.

Overview of the SMC Takumar F2 55mm

Overview of the SMC Takumar F2 55mm

The SMC Takumar 1: 2/55 is a very good Japanese fast standard prime lens. There were many Takumars, and even more modifications of them. I already reviewed Asahi Optical Co. Auto-Takumar 1: 1.8 / 55where the number of modifications is indicated approximately.

Lens view SMC Takumar F2 55mm

Lens view SMC Takumar F2 55mm


TTX SMC Takumar 1: 2/55
Focal length: 55 mm
Aperture Limits: F2.0-F16.0
Number of aperture blades: 6 pieces
MDF: 45sm
Filter Diameter: 49mm
The weight: 200g (not accurate)
Landing thread: M42

SMC Takumar 1: 2/55 slightly longer than a regular fifty dollars, designation SMC means Super multi coatedwhich means Super Multi Enlightenment. The lens also has the manufacturer name Asahi Optical Co., it used to be a very famous name, Asahi Optical Co. made cameras the way we know them - with a lifting mirror and pentaprism, later Asahi Optical Co. was renamed to Pentax so that users Pentax can be proud of their ancestors.


View of the SMC Takumar F2 55mm lens on a modern camera

View of the SMC Takumar F2 55mm lens on a modern camera

First impression:

The lens is very similar to your brother. Asahi Optical Co. Auto-Takumar 1: 1.8 / 55quite compact with a small diameter front lens. Rumors about his radioactivity have been confirmed, but I'm still alive after Takumarov’s reviews, so there’s no need to pay much attention to this.

Difference in viewing angle of 50mm and 55mm and bokeh between SMC Takumar F2 55mm and Nikon 50mm F1.8D

Difference in viewing angle of 50mm and 55mm and bokeh between SMC Takumar F2 55mm and Nikon 50mm F1.8D

Main features of the SMC Takumar 1: 2/55 lens:

1. Good aperture F2.0, though, for a fifty dollars it is possible much better. Usually fifty dollars have aperture F1.8, F1.4. True, this is not exactly fifty dollars, but 55mm. The difference in aperture between F2.0 and F1.8 is only 1,23 times. If there is a choice between 1.8 and 2.0, it is better to take the one that is more suitable for other parameters.

2. The lens is made in the good old Japanese style - a lot of glass, a lot of iron and a lot of fun. The inscription is proudly drawn on the lens Lens made in japan. The lens contains all the necessary notation for aperture, focusing distance and depth of field. The IPIG designation is plotted for F 4, 8, 16 and infrared shift for F4.0. The focus distance scale has values ​​from 45cm to infinity, infinity on the scale occurs after 10 meters.

Photo on the SMC Takumar F2 55mm

Photo on the SMC Takumar F2 55mm

3. The lens has an excellent aperture control mode switch Man. \ Auto In Auto mode, the aperture is controlled through the aperture pusher. In Man mode. the aperture can be controlled manually. Just to flip the switch to the Man position, you have to press another small spindle on the lens barrel - I've never seen this before. Because of this spindle, in order to switch between modes, you need to remove the lens from the camera. The diaphragm has only 6 blades, which is not very helpful in creating smooth bokeh in the out-of-focus area.

4. The lens is suitable for both full frame and crop. For Nikon DX cameras, the viewing angle will be the same as the 82,5 lens for 35mm film, given crop factor 1.5. For Canon, the viewing angle will be like a 88mm lens in full frame, given crop factor 1.6. This viewing angle is quite suitable for photographing portraits. Given the figure SMC Takumar 1: 2/55, with its help you can get pretty good portraits.

Photo on the SMC Takumar F2 55mm

Photo on the SMC Takumar F2 55mm

5. The focus of the lens is very smooth. All other parameters are very similar to the parameters. Asahi Optical Co. Auto-Takumar 1: 1.8 / 55. The weight of the lens, by current standards, is slightly overshot, for example, modern autofocus Nikon 50mm F1.8D AF weighs just 155 grams and the Canon EF 50mm f / 1.8 II is only 130 grams, compared to the old non-autofocus Takumara's 200 grams.


Bokeh on the SMC Takumar F2 55

Bokeh on the SMC Takumar F2 55

Regarding the picture on the Takumar 55mm F2.0

The lens gives a sharp picture already from 2.0, the sharpness is decent - I still did not put some of the portraits in the review, since they were really too sharp to disgrace. The best sharpness occurs in the area of ​​aperture 5.6, at 16.0 the diffraction slightly shades the picture, but still at 16.0 the picture remains sharp. The lens has slightly noticeable HA on the open diaphragm. Distortion and vignetting is very, very weak on my cropped matrix. Well and the most important thing in the picture Takumar 55mm F2.0 - The lens reproduces color, contrast very well and has good bokeh. Color reproduction and bokeh are highly valued Takumar 55mm F2.0 and his brothers. Due to its good multilayer enlightenment, the lens tolerates lateral and even strong backlight. Due to its good bokeh, sharpness and color reproduction, the lens can be perfectly used to create portets or any other creative shooting. Personally, if I didn’t have two Helios-81n, I would take either Takumar or Czj pancolar.


Photo on the SMC Takumar F2 55mm

Photo on the SMC Takumar F2 55mm

Sample photos on SMC Takumar 1: 2/55. All photos were taken in RAW, converted to JPEG Q80%, reduced to 1600 * 1200 and imprinted with EXIF. Photos without processing with an on-camera car BB.


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.

Conclusion:

SMC Takumar 1: 2/55 Great Japanese fix lens. At Takumar 55mm F2.0 excellent bokeh, sharpness and color reproduction.

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

Add a comment: Arkady Shapoval

 

 

Comments: 24, on the topic: Overview of SMC TAKUMAR 1: 2/55 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN

  • I suppose I have not grafted myself to manual obktiv_v)

  • SONY

    > Rumors about its radioactivity were confirmed

    Hmm ... It seems like it's just Super-Takumar 50 / 1.4 radioactive ...
    What was checked and what evidence was obtained?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      At the moment I can’t give up the proof link.

    • Vladislav

      I read this review and decided to measure my lens. In general, the guys are at least a great lens, but I did it .. 300 X-rays per hour at the rear lens .. 300 Karl! Mini Chernobyl in your pocket. Measured by a Soviet detector.

      • Denis

        obviously 300 milli roentgen per hour

        • Vladislav

          Maybe they measured a Bell household dosimeter, 90th year of release. As I understand it, he measures in general in microsievert. The usual norm when measuring other objects showed up to 10 units; when measuring the lens, the figure jumped up to 300 units. It is also interesting that when the lens is in the carcass of the camera, the radio from the front and rear of the camera slightly exceeds the above norms. But from the side to the lens when the dosimeter was brought up, it was already showing 50-70 units. Something like this. But the lens is gorgeous. Now I'm looking for him a decent non-luminous replacement))

  • Artur

    Do I understand correctly that when using such a lens on the Nikon D60 through an adapter without a lens there will be an infinity loss?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes, the ability to focus when using a lensless adapter on the Nikon D60 will be possible somewhere up to 2 meters. By the way, the photos from the review were made with a lensless adapter.

  • Artur

    The other day I watched a remake of smc Takumar 50 / 1.4 under Nikon while preserving infinity without a lens. Man has succeeded. The lens has one eye-catcher. It’s a pity not to redo it yourself.

    • Wlad

      Hello. And can you give me the address where they watched the alteration? I want to try to remake myself, it hurts like this lens.

  • Jury

    The lens is very sharp. At first I bought 55 / 1.8 in the store, but the next day I passed it - not sharp enough. I took this one - I liked it very much, as a razor. Now they gave me a new Helios MC 44-6 / 2. Compared - the takumar is sharper and conveys a more detailed picture in the far field. For example, from 50-70 meters near Helios there are already small details such as foliage, small twigs turn into porridge, and from Takumara leaf to leaf. I tried it on Canon 7D. One of these days I will receive the Canon 5D Mark 3 - let's see how it will be there. I can add that I also have, in practice, a new Jupiter 37A and also bought a Takumar 135 / 3.5 - in the near field they seem to be almost the same, but in the far field / I made comparisons from a distance of about 400-500 m / the Takumar lost. I returned it to the store. In addition, Jupiter blurs the background better / it has like 12 petals, while Takumar has 6 /

  • Vladimir

    I have been using Canon 60D for the second year. Sharp (4) Good, but not great at rendering colors (4) Very shallow (even too much) depth of field at open (5). By the way, the open one is quite working. With 6 petals - good bokeh (4). All comparisons with Canon 15-85. For 30 euros - a find. For a full-length portrait - a thing!

  • Paul

    Good day! And how much better is Takumar Zenithar 50 / 1.7?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      These are just different lenses.

    • Victor

      Of my Zenith, 1,7 / 50 is sharper than Takumar 2/55

  • Vyacheslav Mansurov

    Helios-44m focuses (via the M42 adapter on the camera
    olyc micro4 / 3) without problems, and my old Takumar 55/2, which I would very much like to use for every day, is not abrupt with 8m. What do you advise, dear.

  • Maksim

    I will sell the Super-Takumar 55 mm f / 2 lens http://fotoselling.ru/products/19040341
    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.

  • Simon

    Something on the test I don't see sharpness there ... worse than Helios-44

  • Vova

    Just as it seems to me, the object did not fit into the zone of sharpness ..
    Therefore, porridge. In live view mode, I can select the aperture value up to 2 minutes

  • Andrey Letunovsky

    “Just to flip the switch to the Man. Position, you have to press another small spindle on the lens barrel - I've never seen this before.”

    And because of this spindle (see photo, circled in green, No. 4), a very unpleasant story came out - the lens jammed on the Zenith - when screwed in, it got into the recess of the mounting screw of the frame! It was possible to remove it only by using force. The spindle itself was bent - fortunately, even though the switch was in the “Auto” mode I needed, because it is now locked in it. In general, live and learn ;-)

  • Oleg

    Hello ! Thanks for your site !!!!! Such a question I suffer before choosing pancolar zenitar 1/7: either this takumarchik ... ... is interested in a level higher than helios ... the goal is all around :)

    • Andrey Letunovsky

      Pancolar will twist the variegated background, in terms of colors, sharpness of resistance to side and back light close to Takumar'u. Zenitar and Takumar have smooth bokeh, but Takumar moves out due to the proprietary multi-layer enlightenment.

  • jerichosb

    (c) Weight: 200g (not accurate)
    Welcome all. Caught just at the flea market of the same Takumar. I have pretty accurate scales (0,01 grams)
    Weighed: 199,23 grams (exactly)
    Good luck.

  • Passed by ...

    This is actually one of the most underrated Takumaras. And by the way, not all of them are radioactive-thorium. I have a clean one. See profile tables, compare by numbers. What I want to note is the razor sharpness of the lens. How, in general, Arkady correctly emphasized it. 2.0 unlike the 1.4 series is definitely working. Grip on ff in a hair on a crop is easier to target. Excellent construction and performance. Must have.

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