Review Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

According provided by Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan (silver version with 1: 2 f = 55mm marker) huge thanks to Vitaly Klyuchevsky.

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

In short

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan is a classic. An old tiny about fifty dollars (diameter of a thread for a light filter is only 46 mm) with 10 aperture blades.

Auto-Takumar 55/2 differs from the subsequent versions of Super-Takumar 55/2 and SMC Takumar 55/2:

  • focusing distance (55 cm vs 45 cm)
  • aperture control method (diaphragm ring near the front line + cocking mechanism vs ring near the bayonet and M / A switch)
  • front filter diameter (46 mm vs 49 mm)
  • minimum aperture value (F / 22 vs F / 16)
  • number of aperture blades (10 vs 6)
  • body design, weight and other minor differences

In parallel with the Takumar 1: 2/55 line, the Takumar 1: 1.8 / 55 and Takumar 1: 1.4 / 50 lines were also produced.

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).

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Main technical characteristics of Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan:

Review Instance Name Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm No.239244 Asahi Opt. Co., Japan
Basic properties
  • M42x1 / 45.5 - common landing thread 'M42'
  • manual focus only.
  • aperture control ringas well as semi-automatic iris control
  • diaphragm cocking mechanism
  • enlightened optics
  • lens suitable for full-length cameras
  • stylish metal casecompact size
Front Filter Diameter 46 mm, metal thread for filters.
Focal length 55 mm

Zoom ratio 1 x
Designed by for film cameras with a frame size of 24 x 36
Number of aperture blades 10 non-rounded petals that form a regular 10-gon (no notches!)
Tags focus distance scale in meters and feet. The depth of field scale for F / 2, 4, 8, 11, 16, 22. There is no label for IR.
Diaphragm from f / 2 to f / 22. The lens has an aperture control ring. There are marks on the ring for F / 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22. You can set one additional value between each pair of numbers (except between F / 11 and F / 16 and F / 22). There is a diaphragm cocking lever, the automatic diaphragm only works on the respective cameras.
MDF 0.55 m, maximum magnification ratio 1: 7.7.
The weight November 175, XNUMX
Optical design 6 elements in 5 groups.

Super-Takumar - optical design

The lens does not use special optical elements in its optical design. The same optical scheme is used by many other lenses.

Lens hood Threaded, screwed into the front filter thread
Manufacturer country JAPAN (lens made in Japan)
Period From 1958 to 1959. Later it was replaced by a version Super-Takumar 1: 2 / 55 Asahi Opt. Co. Lens made in japan
Price About 50-100 cu for used option.

Prices for modern Pentax lenses are available see here.

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan is well assembled. The focusing ring has no rubberized inserts, rotates approximately 200 degrees. The movement of the ring is smooth and pleasant. The front extension body does not rotate during focusing. Focusing occurs by moving the entire lens unit.

The diaphragm ring is located near the front lens and rotates with distinctly audible clicks. Using the iris ring, you can manually control the iris. To automatically control the diaphragm near the camera mount, there is a diaphragm cocking lever. For automatic iris control, use the aperture ring to set the desired value and cock the lever, after which the aperture will fully open for convenient and accurate focus; when the shutter is released (only on the corresponding cameras), the aperture closes to the set value. Near the bayonet is a standard protrusion-pin, which performs the descent of the diaphragm.

Below is a detailed view of the lens to accurately identify its version and version.

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Sample Photos

Pictures from Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi (aka Canon EOS DIGITAL 450D, aka Canon EOS Kiss) An adapter was used for shooting M42-Canon EOS. The photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, on camera JPEG. During shooting was used safety filter Kenko Pro1D UV (W) 46mm Japan.


Download source files in format JPEG can at this link (70 files in the '.JPG' format, 270 MB).

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

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).

Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

Two about fifty dollars: Nikon Nikkor-SC Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm and Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

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: Ilyas

 

 

Comments: 18, on the topic: Review Auto-Takumar 1: 2 f = 55mm Asahi Opt. Co., Japan

  • Reader

    Colorful review, but the lens is bad

    • anonym

      I am using this lens. Excellent half a toss. It is not for nothing that it is called the Underpriced gem ... It is also good as a portrait and art shots from it because of its bokeh. Yes, among the Takumars there is little shit at all ... Why don't you like him? Justify! Or just take it and blurt it out? There is only one crap - he's a manual. Everything!!!

      • Igor

        And the second crap-red radioactive dusting and all that ...

        • anonym

          And HERE you are wrong. If you mean thorium coating, then this lens DOES NOT have it. Suffer from this sore - Super Takumar 35/2 (V2, 49mm filter) introduced 1968
          - SMC Takumar 35/2 1972
          - Super Takumar 50 / 1.4 (V2) 1967
          - SMC Takumar 50/1.4 1971
          - Super and SMC Takumar 6X7 105 / 2.4 1969 .... Something like this ....

    • Pokekmon

      Also did not see in the photographs of crime.
      Arkady A BEAUTIFUL photographer and apparently squeezes out everything that is possible from the glass.
      In general, the luck factor already works for such old glasses - the lens can get “tired” / tired, with fungus and dust.

      • spitzer

        only a feeling of constantly twisted contrast ... sometimes to the point of toxicity

  • Ilyas

    Good 50nik, thanks for the review

  • KalekseyG

    ABOUT! Shines a review of Nikon 55 / 1.2 SC?

  • Molchanov Yuri

    Good lens. He has his own character / figure, we must use it, why should he blame him for this? Any modern lens will pass it in tests at some points, but it is unlikely that we will see a difference in the figure between the new Nikon / Canon / Sigma / Tamron. And here look how he draws spray on the penultimate shot (where is the boy in the cap)!

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Canon 50 / 1.8 mk1, II, STM, Nikon 50 1.8 AF of all versions use the same optical scheme + - doped, possibly on slightly different optical elements. The scheme is the same as this Takumar, drawing + is very similar. Here I have many examples on the Nikon 50 / 1.8, + - the picture is the same. The vast majority of fifty dollars 50/55 / ​​1,8 / 2 were built on this double gauss (count Planar).

      • Molchanov Yuri

        I looked at the photos taken on the Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8 (MKII version). Really similar.
        But there are differences. Nikon is softer, Takumar emphasizes the edges of the circles in the blur zone and in the photo https://radojuva.com/wp-content/uploads/sg/auto-takumar-55-2/auto-takumar-55-2-lens-image-7.jpg - flowers benefit from this. But I know for myself a love for the old technique, and therefore I cannot be objective. I can upload a few portraits shot with Sigma Art 85, but I still like the ones that I shot with Helios 40-2-С.

  • Vyacheslav

    Great photos! So a great lens! Thanks for the nice review :).

  • Victor

    Are there any real differences between Auto and Super versions? Which of the two will be the more interesting candidate to buy? It seems like Auto’s 10 aperture blades are a clear plus, although this is an older model. But the opinion of the person who really used both is interesting.

    • Yura

      It can be seen in 3 days shoospishlonetak. ^ _ ^

      Ps dyakuyu, for a detailed review.

      Arkadiyu (why is there “moderator”, pass it on), maybe you want a super-quest (on YouTube) in the format: auto takumar vs helios ..? (I podbnі), to that you have great admission to the whole.

      • Yura

        Files znikliya

  • Yan

    The bottom line is, boys, that the modifications are over 60 years old. Looking at pictures from him does not make sense at all. This is a limited edition rarity. The cost for the 21st year, of course, is far from a hundred square meters, as in the description ... At the moment, not a single one in the vastness of the former is for sale, the latter is dated 18th year, from what I saw. And I'm watching.
    This is already an exhibit, soon it will be like a museum.
    For haters, look for rangefinders from the 50s tops at flea markets. Be surprised)))) classic with big zeros.

  • William

    A extraordinary lens, sharp, colorful, with a wonderful contrast. The auto-Takumar 55mm f2.2 is very similar. Both have uncoated lenses. I also have the 55mm f1.8 but it's a Super Takumar and has some lens coating, so it renders a little differently, but it, too, is an excellent optic.

  • Thomas

    Good lens, much better Tham i suspected. Painterly at Widén open apertures. Detail and microcontrast are ok+. Not the sharpest lens but of you know how to use a Photo editing program then you can get very nice pics out from the lens. 10 aperture blades are a good thing. Good from all distances of shooting. Some "old character" of course, but that's suits me fine.

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