This review is for the Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/2.0 Asahi with the part number 37107 on the A/M switch. If you’re looking to purchase this lens I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. 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
7.2 oz (204g)
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
Corner at f/2
Closest Focus at f/4
Sharpness
f/2: A little soft with low contrast and quite a bit of chromatic aberration.
f/2.8: Sharpens up quite a bit with decent contrast and very little chromatic aberration and nice color.
f/3.5: Very sharp with good contrast and very little chromatic aberration.
f/4: Very sharp with a hint of chromatic aberration.
f/8: Very sharp with great contrast and color and no signs of diffusion until f/11.
Vignetting
A fair bit of vignette and is basically gone by f/4.5.
Bokeh
The bokeh is fairly nice and not too distracting but not worth getting excited about.
Flare and Ghosting
Very evident flare at all stops and quite a bit of ghosting. Ghosting has nice shape and color at larger apertures.
Distortion
A fair bit of Barrel Distortion and more then average.
Recommendations
On MF Camera
Optics: ★ ★ ★
Mechanics: ★ ★ ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★
Usefulness: ★ ★ ★
Availability: ★ ★
Overall: ★ ★ ★
On AF Camera
Ergonomics: ★ ★
Overall: ★ ★ ★
Out of 5
Want a fantastic 55mm lens at f/2 and don’t mind manual focus then this lens is a bargain. The lens is a little soft at f/2 with a fair amount of chromatic aberration. If you don’t mind stopping it down a bit then this lens is very sharp, fantastic, and is not too hard to find. One thing you need to watch out for is that the elements can turn a yellow tinge over time but this is really easy to get rid of just by simply shining a UV light in it for a little while.
The lens is tiny and feels great in the hands, handles really well and is simple to use.
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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
