Pentax Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 -37101. If you’re looking to purchase this lens Adorama might have one and Ebay definitely will. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd

Barrel
Metal.

Weight
7.1 oz (201g)

Focus Ring
Metal.

Close Focus
1.5 feet (0.45 meters).

Filter Threads
49mm, Metal.

Aperture Ring
Metal.

Diaphragm
6 blades stopping down to f/16.

Mount
M42 Metal Mount.

Made in
Japan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharpness
f/1.8: Sharpness is ok but has a heavy amount of spherical and chromatic aberration causing low contrast.
f/2: Sharpens up very quickly with better contrast but still has a fair bit of chromatic aberration.
f/2.8: Very sharp with good contrast and very little chromatic aberration with nice color. Note: I missed the focus at 2.8 which will cause more chromatic aberration then normal.
f/3.5: Very sharp with good contrast and very little chromatic aberration.
f/4: Super sharp with a hint of chromatic aberration.
f/8: Super sharp with great contrast and color and no signs of diffusion until f/11.

Vignetting
Heavy vignette wide open but quickly reduces at only f/2 and is basically gone by f/4.5.

Bokeh
Bokeh is ok and not too distracting.

Flare and Ghosting
Flare is very limited but the ghosting is fairly large and not very nicely shaped. Stopping down can give you some artistic interesting colors.

Distortion

A fair bit of Barrel Distortion.

Recommendations
On AF Camera
Optics:          ★ ★ ★ ★
Mechanics:   ★ ★ ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★
Usefulness:  ★ ★ ★
Availability:   ★ ★ ★
Overall:         ★ ★ ★

On MF Camera
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★
Overall:         ★ ★ ★ ★
Out of 5

This is a sharp little lens with good sturdy build. The lens is a bit soft at f/1.8 but stopping down a tiny bit to f/2 amazingly sharpens this lens right up and starts producing great contrast. It’s not very often a lens improves that quick.
Bokeh is decent but not amazing and the ghosting is pretty poor. There is some barrel distortion and heavy vignette but the vignette improves also stopping down a wee bit.
This would be a great pocket size low-light lens. It can capture some great images and I like the extra 5mm from a 50mm.

 

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My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!

Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd