Best fast prime lenses for M42: Top Picks
Our catalogue lists 15 fast prime lenses for M42. Fixed lenses with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 or wider, for low light and shallow depth of field.
How these were picked. Lenses are ranked using only data in our catalogue: those with editorial notes first, then those with a photo and a buying link, newer release years where known, and faster maximum apertures as a tie-breaker. This is a data-based shortlist, not a hands-on test ranking.
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1.Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4
50mm · f/1.4 · M42
A 1960s Pentax M42 50mm f/1.4 with a reputation as a classic vintage normal lens. Some copies contain thoriated glass, which can yellow over time.
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2.Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8
55mm · f/1.8 · M42
A Pentax M42 normal lens from the Takumar line, slightly longer than 50mm. It has a metal build and an f/1.8 aperture.
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3.Pentax SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4
50mm · f/1.4 · M42
This 50mm f/1.4 fast manual-focus standard prime lens from Pentax fits M42 mount cameras. A classic Takumar lens from the Pentax screw-mount era, popular for vintage-lens adapting.
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4.Vivitar 50mm f/1.4 Auto
50mm · f/1.4 · M42
Vivitar 50mm f/1.4 Auto: a fast manual-focus standard prime lens with a 50mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/1.4, made for M42 mount cameras. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday p...
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5.Pentacon 50mm f/1.8
50mm · f/1.8 · M42
Pentacon 50mm f/1.8: a fast manual-focus standard prime lens with a 50mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/1.8, made for M42 mount cameras. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photo...
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6.Pentacon 50mm f/1.8 auto multi coating
50mm · f/1.8 · M42
This 50mm f/1.8 fast manual-focus standard prime lens from Pentacon fits M42 mount cameras. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.
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7.Vivitar 50mm f/1.8 Auto
50mm · f/1.8 · M42
Vivitar 50mm f/1.8 Auto: a fast manual-focus standard prime lens with a 50mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/1.8, made for M42 mount cameras. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday p...
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8.Voigtlander Color-Ultron 50mm f/1.8
50mm · f/1.8 · M42
The Voigtlander Color-Ultron 50mm f/1.8 is a fast manual-focus standard prime lens covering 50mm at f/1.8 for M42 mount cameras. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.
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9.Fotasy M3517 35mm f/1.7
35mm · f/1.7 · M42
Fotasy M3517 35mm f/1.7: a fast manual-focus wide-angle prime lens with a 35mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/1.7, made for M42 mount cameras. The wide view suits landscapes, architecture and environmental s...
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10.Vivitar 50mm f/1.7 Auto
50mm · f/1.7 · M42
The Vivitar 50mm f/1.7 Auto is a fast manual-focus standard prime lens covering 50mm at f/1.7 for M42 mount cameras. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.
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11.Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8
50mm · f/1.8 · M42
This 50mm f/1.8 fast manual-focus standard prime lens from Carl Zeiss fits M42 mount cameras. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.
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12.Mamiya /Sekor SX 55mm f/1.8
55mm · f/1.8 · M42
The Mamiya /Sekor SX 55mm f/1.8 is a fast manual-focus standard prime lens covering 55mm at f/1.8 for M42 mount cameras. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.