Which are the better MF 135mm Pentax lenses?

waynecrider · Apr 17, 2011

I own a 135mm SM Super Takumar F3.5 (49 filters) that is a great performer and quite small. Resolution is really nice across most of the aperture range with slightly low contrast. At times I have read some threads praising the SMC F2.5 58mm filter models and the K mounts as well. Does anyone have practical experience between the screwmount F3.5's and the others? While I appreciate what I have, I wouldn't mind acquiring another for certain subject matter if it had better performance .

jochen · Apr 18, 2011

Hello,
there was a Super Takumar and a Super Multi Coated TAKUMAR 1:3,5/135 mm. The difference was that the SMC version had a slightly better contrast and less reflexes. The construction of this 135 mm lens was very old and scarcely updated. The last version of the 1:2,5/135 mm Super Multi Coated TAKUMAR (about 1971/72) had an improved picture quality over the older version and was a very good lens even with full open aperture. The viewing screen of the Spotmatics was rather coarse and dim and the microprism dot worked only with apertures > 1:2,8. Focussing with the 1:2,5 is much easier. The 1:2,5 is rather rare and expensive, I got one here in Germany last year for 80 , for the SMC 1:3,5 I paid 30 .

polyglot · Apr 18, 2011

IMHO, the S-M-C 135/2.5 is where it's at, mostly for it's excellent bokeh. A bit soft wide open by modern standards but good by f/4.

I have an M42 version I could possibly be persuaded to part with; I haven't used it in a year since moving to medium format.

And some shots taken with it during a one-month, one-prime challenge (digital sorry, but they show what the glass can do):

waynecrider · Apr 19, 2011

Thanks for the offer but I can pick one up thru KEH and the shipping will be probably cheaper. I can also return it if need be. Good info tho, thanks.

jochen · Apr 20, 2011

Hello,
I want to add some more precise informations about the 135 mm Takumars: The 1:3,5 Super Takumarwas changed in 1965 from 5 lenses in 4 groups to 4 lenses in 4 groups. The product No. which is on the backside of the Man./Auto lever before was 43540, after the change it was 43541. After introduction of the Multi Coating in 1971 the No. of the Super Multi Coated TAKUMAR was 43542.
The first version of 1:2,5/135 Super Takumar had the No. 43802 and has 5 lenses in 4 groups. This version exists also as Super Multi Coated TAKUMAR (43802). But in 1972 it was improved with 6 lenses in 6 groups and had the No. 43812. This should have the best performance.
Source: G. van Oosten, The Ultimate Asahi Pentax Screw Mount Guide, (1999)

polyglot · Apr 20, 2011

Thanks! Seems I have a 43812.

53bicycles · Apr 20, 2011

Pentax Forums lens reviews will have lots of info for you.

waynecrider · May 18, 2011

jochen said:
Hello,
I want to add some more precise informations about the 135 mm Takumars: The 1:3,5 Super Takumarwas changed in 1965 from 5 lenses in 4 groups to 4 lenses in 4 groups. The product No. which is on the backside of the Man./Auto lever before was 43540, after the change it was 43541. After introduction of the Multi Coating in 1971 the No. of the Super Multi Coated TAKUMAR was 43542.
The first version of 1:2,5/135 Super Takumar had the No. 43802 and has 5 lenses in 4 groups. This version exists also as Super Multi Coated TAKUMAR (43802). But in 1972 it was improved with 6 lenses in 6 groups and had the No. 43812. This should have the best performance.
Source: G. van Oosten, The Ultimate Asahi Pentax Screw Mount Guide, (1999)

Thanks for that info. I see that my lens was made after the change so is a 4 glass/ 4 groups lens. I got to say that I am very impressed with it's performance by my tests. At f4 it is sharp and it stays that way with very very slight changes as the aperture closes till it gets to F16. I would to see a 6 in 6 version.

Which are the better MF 135mm Pentax lenses?

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