Short Review SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

According provided by lens SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO. many thanks to the store FOCUSFILM (subscribe to INSTAGRAM). There you can find many interesting film cameras and manual lenses.

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO. increase.

In short

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO. - a classic manual fifty kopeck piece from a bygone era. The first PENTAX in the 50/2 class. Later it was updated to version SMC PENTAX-A 1:2 50mm, after which the Pentax 50/2 lens series was no longer developed and was displaced by other similar fifty dollars of the 50/1.7 class.

Nowadays SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO. First of all, it is interesting for its very compact size and availability in the secondary market. This is a good middling among other similar inexpensive fifty dollars of the past era. At F / 2 resolution is good.

In fact, SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO. is the most 'simple' lens among all the other Takumar/Pentax fifty dollars. He has the weakest aperture, few aperture blades, a rather primitive 5/5 optical design, and it is made in Taiwan.

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

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).

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

Main technical characteristics of SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.:

Review Instance Name SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.
Basic properties
  • Pentax K - K mount
  • manual focus only
  • aperture control ring
  • M - compact lens for compact cameras, like Pentax MX. Without full automatic iris control.
  • SMC (Sopera-Multi-Coated) - multi-layer optical coating
  • lens suitable for full-frame cameras
  • compact sizes
  • 20677 - lens revision code
Front Filter Diameter 49 mm, metal thread for filters
Focal length 50 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. Petals dark matte

At f / 2.8, the aperture blades form a hole with small notches

Tags
  • focusing distance scale in meters and feet. In meters there are values ​​for: 15, 5, 3, 2, 1.6, 1.2, 1, 0.85,0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.45 meters and an infinity mark
  • depth of field scale for F / 4, 5.6 (not explicitly), 8, 11 (not explicitly), 16, 22
  • red line-label for working in the infrared spectrum
  • white dot mark
  • mount red dot
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. One additional value can be set between each pair of numbers (except F/2->F2.8, F/11->F /16 and F/16->F/22).

MDF 0.45 meters, maximum magnification ratio 1:6.7
The weight 140 grams (measured)
Optical design 5 elements in 5 groups

Optical design SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.The lens does not use special optical elements in its optical design.

Lens hood Threaded, screwed into the front filter thread
Manufacturer country MADE IN TAIWAN (inscription on the body, the lens is made in Taiwan)
Period 1979-1985. Later replaced by SMC PENTAX-A 1:2 50mm (1985-1998).
Price About 50 cu for used option.

The remaining series of similar Takumar / Pentax lenses use more advanced optical designs with a 6/5 and 7/6 layout. The 5/5 scheme is the most primitive and rarely used by big-name brands.

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

Assembling, focusing

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO. well assembled. Separately, it is worth noting the small size and diameter of the light filter by 49 mm.

Interestingly: The inscription 'MADE IN TAIWAN' ('Made in Taiwan') is hidden on the retractable rim of the lens barrel (on the trunk). It cannot be seen until you focus on the MDF, but it is still partially obscured by the protruding lens barrel. The rest of these lenses were made exclusively in Japan. Usually next to 'ASAHI OPTICAL CO.' the word 'JAPAN' always appears. In the case of SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO. one gets the feeling that the manufacturer was ashamed of the inscription 'MADE IN TAIWAN' and added it in the most inconspicuous place.

The focus ring has an anti-slip insert made of very rough material, rotates approximately 225 degrees (5/8 of a full turn). The course of the ring is very smooth, oily, pleasant. During focusing, the front retractable part of the body does not rotate. Focusing occurs by moving the entire lens block.

The lens uses a Pentax K mount and can be mounted on any modern Pentax digital SLR camera with a K mount.

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

Sample photos (Full Frame)

The pictures in the gallery were taken with a camera Canon EOS-1 Ds Mark II (Full Frame, 17 MP) and adapter Pentax K -> Canon EF. Photos in JPEG format from the camera without processing. A CPC PHASE 2 49mm SKY light filter was used everywhere.

RAW '.CR2' original photos can be download / watch this link (15 photos).

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO. and 7Artisans 50 / 0.95 (for APS-C, 7Artisans FireFly series, for Sony E mount)

Sample photos (APS-C)

All photos in the review are shown without processing. Photos on a cropped camera were prepared by a photographer Natalia (Instagram). Camera used Sony NEX-6 (16 MP Sony Exmor APS-C HD CMOS sensor) and adapter FOTGA PENTAX K -> SONY E/NEX. All photos are in JPEG format, straight from the camera.

Original JPEG '.JPG' photos can be download / watch this link (15 photos).

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO. and 7Artisans 50 / 0.95 (for APS-C, 7Artisans FireFly series, for Sony E mount)

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: Andrei

 

 

Comments: 21, on the topic: Overview of SMC PENTAX-M 1:2 50mm ASAHI OPTICAL CO.

  • Trueash

    Why is 5/5 suddenly a “primitive” scheme? It turns out 4/3 - generally sucks?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Something I do not know fifty dollars with 4/3. And yes, in the general case, if we go down to the triplet, then more and more we go into primitive (old) schemes.
      Compared, for example, with the same 6/5 that Pentax 50 / 1,7 and many other Takumars / Pentaxes have, they pasted the rear elements and simplified the scheme. This also affected the aperture ratio with acceptable optical performance.
      Among all Takumars / Pentaxes, this 5/5 is the simplest (there is, of course, the renegade Takumar 1: 2.4 f = 58mm, but he is little known)

      • Trueash

        Four lenses in three groups. Scheme "Tessar". Poltinikov - at least a dime a dozen. Unless there is a limitation in aperture ratio

        • Rodion

          I think we are talking about fifty dollars class 50/2.

          • Trueash

            Yes, I got it, thanks

    • Rodion

      The layout of the five-lens planar is a very compromise for a lens with a 45° field of view, f/2, a 36x24 frame and an elongated rear segment. Of course, sticking lenses, the use of new types of glass made it possible to make this lens lighter and better than the ancient Soviet Vega-3 50 / 2.8, but just like Vega-3 loses to the banal Helios-44, this pentax 50/2 loses to more complex 50 / 1.8 and 50 / 1.4 at equal apertures.
      And the 4/3 scheme (“tessar”) is not used at all in class 50/2 optics. Although I have seen a 50/2.2 triplet...
      Personally, my opinion is that a 50/2.8 tessar is better than a comatose 50/2 (or 50/2.8) five-lens planar.

      • Trueash

        Ah, I sort of get it. Thank you

  • Andrei

    "MADE IN TAIWAN" made in Taiwan! Not surprising though, you don't seem to know your country of residence either.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Fixed

  • Natalia

    Just a good lens. Infinity is really “soft”, but quite)

  • boris

    I sometimes use the SMC PENTAX-A 1: 2 50mm version, through an adapter to the Nikon Z7 - a typical planar box, but after modern lenses it's cool.

  • Victor

    So in Taiwan or Thailand, Arkady? x)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Fixed

  • Eugene

    For erudition: resolution refers to light-sensitive materials and light receivers. Lenses have resolving power.
    Now the question is: how much do pentax A 50 / 1,2 pentax 50 / 1,7 differ in quality. Thanks in advance, best regards.

  • Andrei

    Hello. There is exactly the same outwardly 50 2.0 lens for Pentax k. The only caveat is that the model is not indicated on the front ring. All that is: Multicoated (in red) f=50mm (in green) 1:2.0 (in white) No.XXXXXXXX 49 (in green) (thread diameter). What is this animal? Some kind of fake?

  • Lisa

    When I went to read the article, and the photo examples are your hometown 😁

  • Live Action Hero

    Interesting review of the lens.
    Calling the optical system 'primitive' connotes it rather negatively, IMO. Certainly at that time Pentax was striving to miniaturize its lenses and most likely tried to find the best and cheapest manufacturing solution for their all-time classic entry level focal kit lens, but after all it is a quite original irregular biometer/Xenotar 5/5 elements design. The front optical group has an Ultron configuration (the same used in many renowned old lenses, such as Planar and the Takumar series, Voightländer's Ultron, HEXANON AR model, etc). The rear group is a Biometar design, or as somebody also calls it, an expanded Ernostar type. The aim was probably that of improving both color shift and resolution on the rear side, even without using a more costly cemented doublet. It is the one only 50 Pentax lens made like that. It is actually a well-thought configuration, which also gives the lens an original character and rendering, when compared to the others.

    One more thing. The Taiwan manufacturing thing and related mythology… The lens was probably made in two versions, just like its evolution – the Pentax-A 50/2. One (particularly at a later time) in Taiwan, and one in Japan. My copy HAS indeed ASAHI OPT. CO. JAPAN on the name plate (the serial is a quite earlier one). Can't really find your description of 'Made in Taiwan' anywhere, even stripping it down. Apparently, later copies where made without inscription and replaced by stickers on the barrel ('Made in Japan' or 'Made in Taiwan'). We could certainly speculate that a 'Japan' label as for the internal 'nationalistic' market. But why cheating only on one side?

Add a comment

Copyright © Radojuva.com. Blog author - Photographer in Kiev Arkady Shapoval. 2009-2023

English-version of this article https://radojuva.com/en/2022/01/smc-pentax-m-12-50-mm-asahi-optical-co/?replytocom=519303

Versión en español de este artículo https://radojuva.com/es/2022/01/smc-pentax-m-12-50-mm-asahi-optical-co/?replytocom=519303