Photo: Hige-hige-Japan (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Quick answer
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.
Pros
- Smooth, pleasing rendering
- All-metal body
- Aperture ring with manual/auto switch
Cons
- Thorium glass may yellow in some copies
- Soft and hazy wide open
Verdict
Consider it a rewarding classic if you like its look. Check for yellowing before buying.
About this lens
The Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is a fast manual-focus standard prime lens covering 50mm at f/1.4 for M42 mount cameras. A classic Takumar lens from the Pentax screw-mount era, popular for vintage-lens adapting.
Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 specifications
What can you shoot with the Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4?
- Vintage portraits
- Adapted mirrorless shooting
- Film cameras
Its very wide maximum aperture suits low light and shallow depth of field with strong background blur.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor (adapted mount, so sensor size depends on your camera). Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 50mm | 39.6° | 46.8° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 75mm | 27° | 32.2° |
| Micro Four Thirds | 2.0x | 100mm | 20.4° | 24.4° |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 radioactive?
Some copies use a thorium element that is mildly radioactive. It is generally considered low risk but may yellow over time.
Can I use it on a modern mirrorless camera?
Yes. An M42-to-mirrorless adapter lets you use it on a modern mirrorless camera, focusing manually.
Does the Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 have an aperture ring?
Yes. It has an aperture ring with a manual/auto switch for use with cameras that support the automatic diaphragm.
Alternatives for M42 from other brands
All M42 lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
