Quick answer
A Pentax M42 normal lens from the Takumar line, slightly longer than 50mm. It has a metal build and an f/1.8 aperture.
Pros
- Metal build
- Easy to adapt
- Compact
Cons
- Soft wide open
- Coatings are dated
Verdict
Think of it as a vintage standard lens. Quality varies by copy.
About this lens
The Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 is a fast manual-focus standard prime lens covering 55mm at f/1.8 for M42 mount cameras. A classic Takumar lens from the Pentax screw-mount era, popular for vintage-lens adapting.
Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 specifications
What can you shoot with the Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8?
- Vintage-look portraits
- Street on an adapted body
- Film cameras
Its fast maximum aperture helps in dim light and gives good subject separation.
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 | 55mm | 36.2° | 42.9° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 83mm | 24.6° | 29.4° |
| Micro Four Thirds | 2.0x | 110mm | 18.6° | 22.3° |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 good?
It is well regarded, especially stopped down, though it is soft wide open.
Can I adapt it?
Yes. M42 adapters are widely available, so it can be used on most mirrorless cameras.
Does the Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 autofocus?
No. It is a manual-focus lens, so you focus using the lens barrel.
Alternatives for M42 from other brands
All M42 lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
