Pentax Takumar 135mm f/2.5 SMC 6/6. 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
16.7 oz (473g)
Focus Type
Manual Focus.
Focus Ring
Metal.
Close Focus
5 feet (1.5 meters).
Filter Threads
58mm, Metal
Genuine Leather Case
Lens Hood
Screw mount lens hood
Aperture Ring
Metal.
Diaphragm
8 blades stopping down to f/22.
Mount
Metal.
Made in
Japan
Corner
Sharpness
f/2.5: It’s a little soft, but has high contrast and very little spherical aberration.
f/2.8 Nicely sharp for f/2.8, with high contrast and with very tiny spherical aberration.
f/3.5: Very sharp all over with really good contrast and almost no spherical aberration.
f/4: Just gets better!
f/8: And even better!
Vignetting
Quite a bit of vignetting at f/2.5 and f/2.8 but quickly clears at f/3.5 and gone by f/4.
Bokeh
This lens is a bokeh gem! The blur is very smooth and gentle and not distracting.
Distortion
Has a hefty amount of pincushion distortion.
Recommendations
On MF Camera
Optics: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Mechanics: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★ ★
Usefulness: ★ ★ ★ ★
Availability: ★
Overall: ★ ★ ★ ★
On AF Camera
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★ ★
Overall: ★ ★ ★
Out of 5
This is a lens definitely worth looking for when shooting both landscape and portrait work. First off be careful when you search for this lens because there are a couple different versions. The first version has 5 elements in 4 groups which is still a fantastic lens but the one displayed here is a 6 element in 6 groups. To determine the two versions there is a part number under the Manual Auto Switch. The first version has the number 43802 while the later version has the number 43812. This version is the superior later 6/6 version is hold up a lot better wide open. The 6/6 is great at all stops, sharp, very contrasty, amazing blur, and built like a tank. There are many adapters out there which makes this lens very useful on new digital cameras! The focus throw is very long which gives the ability to perfect the focus before taking a shot and guessing. Personally to me this lens is worth $400 in optical value but I have seen them sell today for less then $100 which is a steal of a deal.
Want an amazing portrait lens, the bokeh blur is almost if not equivalent to the Canon 135mm f/2L EF USM lens which is one of the best 135mm portrait lenses ever!
This is a very heavy piece of glass and is not a something you carry in your pocket. If you don’t mind manual focusing, a bit of distortion and the M42 screw mount then this lens is for you. It’s not a lens that you will stumble upon in a thrift store so you will most likely have to go looking for it.
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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
