Super-Multi-Coated MACRO-TAKUMAR 1:4/50mm (1:2)

Sample Images made with this lens

 

Click to Enlarge - Preview - 1:2 - Super-Multi-Coated Macro Takumar 1:4.0/50mm Click to Enlarge - 100% Crop 1:2 - Super-Multi-Coated Macro Takumar 1:4.0/50mm
Full Frame Magnification 1:2 (1/2 Life-size)
100% Crop (click to enlarge to full size)
Mountain Laurel Shrubs
The Yard The Yard

I use this lens to make slide copies, in combination with the Asahi-Pentax Auto Bellows II and Canon EOS 5D Mark II.

 

Super-Multi-Coated MACRO-TAKUMAR 1:4/50mm (1:2) - Click to Enlarge

 

The new Super-Multi-Coated Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4 lens is equipped with a fully automatic diaphragm to further increase its high performance. The magnification range is from 1/2 to infinity, but by applying the Auto Extension Tubes, you can shoot from life size to infinity. The automatic diaphragm enables you to shoot such difficult subjects as moving insects, while holding your camera and looking through the viewfinder.

Download Honeywell Pentax Lens Manual
Download the Honeywell Pentax Takumar Lens Manual

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Download Takumar Interchangeable
Lenses Operating Manual

Super-Multi-Coated Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4 - Click to Enlarge

Super-Multi-Coated Macro Takumar 1:4.0/50mm - Image from the Honeywell Pentax Takumar Lens Manual - Download Here!



DESCRIPTION - Especially designed for close-in picture-taking and photomacrography, can be used as a standard lens covering range of life-size (24 x 36 object area) to infinity objects. Can be used with extension tubes or bellows for greater magnifications. Optical contrast high, an advantage with low contrast subjects. harpness of focus edge to edge even at full aperture. Lens helicoid extends for 1/2X magnification; auto extension tube (furnished) makes 1X magnification possible; auto diaphragm retained in both modes. Magnification scale on lens.

Features. Basically the same lens as the Macro Takumar 50mm f4; this optic' gives the same fine performance at long range, at middle distance and at close range down to less than 23.4 cm.  Moreover it is equipped with a fully automatic diaphragm and therefore shares the speed and brightness characteristics of Super-Takumar lenses.  ~ The double helical' focusing is effective from infinity down to one-half life-size - if the extension tubes are used, life-size close-up photography is possible

Main uses. Because of the automatic diaphragm, this lens can be readily used for long- and middle-distance shots as well as for the close-ups of moving subjects for which it was specifically designed. It can therefore be used as a standard lens, particularly where close-ups and copying,are frequently required.

I have used this lens to make slide copies, in combination with the Asahi-Pentax Auto Bellows II and Canon EOS 5D Mark II.

Focal length 50mm Minimum aperture F22
Maximum aperture F4 Dimensions  
Lens elements 4 in 3 groups    Maximum diameter 61mm
Diaphragm  Fully automatic    Length 54.5mm
Angle of view 46° Weight 0.52lb(236g)
Minimum focusing distance 0.77ft.( 0.234m) Filter size 49mm
 
Macro-Takumar 1:4/50mm (1:1) and Super-Multi-Coated MACRO-TAKUMAR 1:4/50mm (1:2) - Click to EnlargeSuper-Multi-Coated MACRO-TAKUMAR 1:4/50mm (1:2) - Click to Enlarge
Super-Multi-Coated MACRO-TAKUMAR 1:4/50mm (1:2) - Click to EnlargeSuper-Multi-Coated MACRO-TAKUMAR 1:4/50mm (1:2) - Click to Enlarge
Super-Multi-Coated MACRO-TAKUMAR 1:4/50mm (1:2)

Spotmatic F Owners Manual

Spotmatic F Operating Manual
Manual (PDF)

 

Spotmatic F and Super-Multi-Coated MACRO-TAKUMAR 1:4/50mm (1:2)

Spotmatic F Owners Manual

Spotmatic F Operating Manual
Manual (PDF)

Editorial:

The Takumar Macro's are great lenses. You have a choice from the following:

The earliest 50mm offers 1:1 magnification with no bellows or extension tubes. You would close aperture prior to exposure, after focusing. For slow work, a great choice.

The later 50mm lenses are the same optical design but have progressively better coatings from the earliest through the SMC version. All have auto-aperture and offer 1/2 life-size magnification without bellows or extension tubes. These lenses don't offer the 1:1 because of the limitations of the auto-aperture mechanism inside the lenses. 1:1 can be achieved with diopters, bellows, or extension tubes.

The 100mm lenses are all the same optical formula with different mounting designs (barrel mount or helicoid mount) and progressively better coatings. The ultimate is the 4/100 Macro SMC.

All the auto-aperture lenses are quicker lenses to use and more suitable to subjects that require quicker camera operation.

The 100mm lens is a great lens to use for greater working distance, though you will still be very close to the subject. I find that for my table-top work the 100mm is my preferred lens because it gives me more room for working with the items, the lights, and the camera itself. I am working about a foot or two away from the subject as opposed to inches with the 50mm.

Another benefit of the 100mm is the reduction of perspective distortion. The longer lens will achieve the same depth of field at a given magnification but less distortion.

The cheapest will be the manual 50mm and to me, the best buy. It is the most flexible lens if a little slower to work with. Macro work is not typically fast-paced so perhaps that's enough said.

The 100mm is the most expensive because it was made in relatively fewer numbers and offers the SMC and open-aperture metering. It's my favorite lens but many of my best shots were made with either the manual 50mm or SMC 50mm.

I have but rarely use the 100mm bellows lens, though it is also a fine lens, and generally, even with bellows, will sell for less than the helicoid-mounted version.

So think about your primary subject matter, whether you need to work fast or can work slow; whether you want to work very close, or get back a few more inches. If you had a Spotmatic F, the other factor would be whether or not you would want open-aperture metering. Ironically though, for macro work, you should be stopping down to check depth of field anyway so open-aperture metering is less valuable in these circumstances.

More on the various macro lenses on my web site http://whitemetal.com/pentax/index_pentax_lenses.htm and plenty of macro shots made with them. http://whitemetal.com/thread/index.htm

Download Honeywell Pentax Lens Manual
Download the Honeywell Pentax Takumar Lens Manual

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Download Takumar Interchangeable
Lenses Operating Manual

 

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08-Jan-04 06:17 PM

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Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4.0 SM

This lens is in Excellent condition as can be seen from the photographs. The aperture closes and opens correctly, the focus is smooth without looseness or binding, the appearance of the lens is clean with no dirt, no fading of the painted lettering or black metal coating. The optics are spotless with no fungus, no scratches, no dirt or cleaning marks.


Unfortunately the filter ring is dented as can be seen in photos.  But here is a photo that was taken immediately after this unfortunate accident using THIS lens for the cover of the March 2000 issue of Mobilia Magazine - you can see for yourself that this did not affect image quality - lens is SHARP.  The dent can be fixed by a technician and since the lens is recessed, no hood is needed.

Provides open-aperture metering with Pentax Spotmatic F, ES, ES II.  Fits Ricoh, Mamiya/Sekor, Fuji, Hanimex Praktica, Sears, Yashica and most M42 screw-mount cameras.

This lens is designed especially for close-up and macrophotography. The magnification range is from 1/2 to infinity, but by using the Auto Extension Tubes (not included), you can shoot from infinity to larger than life size. The automatic diaphragm enables you to shoot difficult moving subjects, while holding your camera and looking through the viewfinder.

For the price of a generic lens (that will produce inferior pictures, wear out prematurely, and disappoint you) why not buy the best 50mm macro lens ever made for your screw-mount Pentax or compatible camera?  With proper care this lens will last a lifetime.  You will not be disappointed!


Photos, Layout and Design © 2000, 2004, 2008, 2009 Paul M. Provencher All Rights Reserved.
Contents of this Web Site may not be used without written permission.

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