Smc M 50 1.4 vs Takumar

memetph · Joined: 01 Dec 2013 Posts: 942 Location: Poland

What is your feedback about the SMC Pentax M 50/1.4 .
How does it compare to other 50/55 1.4 lenses ?
Is there a difference with its older brother the SMC Takumar 50/1.4 ?
Thanks for you infos.

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3669 Location: Calgary

My two favourite Pentax 50's are the S-M-C 50/1.4 for the metal focus grip and Multi-coating, and the SMC K 50/1.4 which(IMO) is better built than the M & A versions and sharper.
I do like the S-M-C 55/1.8, I think it has a nice transition to out of focus and smooth bokeh.

kuuan · Expire: 2014-12-26

memetph · Joined: 01 Dec 2013 Posts: 942 Location: Poland

Thank you both.
I have the 55mm STak and SMC. I like the rendition of this lens very much. It is sharp and nuanced at the same time.
I was thinking about the 50/1.4 because it is sharper at f2 and I prefer 45/50mm to 55/58mm as standard focal distance.

There is a lot about the STak 50 1.4 on the net and less about the M . I am thinking of the M as I was surprised by the quality of a M 35 2.8 that I recently bought and because I prefer , of course, a lens in good condition. The M are usually 10 years younger and seem not to be affected by the yellowish coulouring of the lenses.
So I am hesitating .

kuuan · Expire: 2014-12-26

note that there are quite a few versions:
first two versions of the Super Takumar, the earliest, the socalled '8 element', then the 'regular' Super Takumar, next the S-M-C Takumar, the first to have multi coating ( though latest series of the earlier Super Takumars may have it too ), next comes the SMC which has the rubberized focus ring, then come the first in K mount, first the Pentax SMC or Pentax K, and finally the M ( and later the A and FA )
The 8 element Super Takumar is said to be the sharpest of all, some also say it has the best bokeh. The S-M-C and later versions do have better coating though which make them the more reliable and universal useable lenses. Therefore, if not specially hunting for the somewhat rare 8 element I'd advice against the Super Takumar and choose any of the later, would either take the S-M-C for all metal build, feel and character, or the M for being the most 'modern, smallest and lightest.

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3669 Location: Calgary

tromboads · Expire: 2015-10-01

don't bother with the M 50 f1.4

Honestly I couldn't justify a difference to the SMC 50mm f1.4 tak I had. and I sold the M in order to keep the Tak.

+1 for the M 50mm f1.7 tho.

Gardener · Joined: 22 Sep 2013 Posts: 950 Location: USA

I own or owned all of them except for K-version (which, I understand is exactly the same as SMC Tak). Of the M42's SMC is hands down my favorite. In K-mount I prefer M version for it's superior build quality, and don't see a reason to get an A unless you use later Pentax body.

tromboads · Expire: 2015-10-01

What he said Smile

But hey. don't let us get in the way of your LBA. I had to touch it for myself before I believed anyone too Razz

memetph · Joined: 01 Dec 2013 Posts: 942 Location: Poland

Thanks .
It is to use with a Sony A7. I decided to buy a M. i understand that there is not that much difference. The M has no trace of yellowish tint and is in extremely good condition.

visualopsins · Expire: 2025-04-11

memetph · Joined: 01 Dec 2013 Posts: 942 Location: Poland

Thanks.
This test does not speak much to me . I don't understand it.
Anyway both lenses are tested wide open. It is not what I say. I expect the 1.4/50 to be better when stopped down at 2 than the 55 at 2. So it is: 1 stop down vs w.o.
Now I have both lenses . I shall see.

visualopsins · Expire: 2025-04-11

cloapex · Joined: 28 Apr 2014 Posts: 8

I owned and do own many of the lenses mentioned here.

The SMC Tak and the Pentax "K" is the same lens optical but with different mounts. (The only difference would be in the coating, but not optical or individual ex of the lens) I tested all versions, and for me the SMC is the best version of them all. Having the best coating of the Takumar era and eight aperture blades in comparison to six in the "Super versions"
Buttersmooth bokeh and sharp wide open.

The K/55 or Takumar 55 is very cheap and not as heavy as the Tak 50. It has a longer focus throw and more painterly bokeh. Also i find it more cold in the colors.

memetph · Joined: 01 Dec 2013 Posts: 942 Location: Poland

Yes the K and the M42 are the same lens.
That is why I was asking about the difference between the M and the M42.
I was expecting a better performance from the 1.4 at 2 than from the 1.8 or 2 wide open.
A quick first test this morning showed that it is the case with more shapness and contrast.

Your remark about the colder colours of the 55mm is probably due to the stronger yellowish coloration taken by the the M42 or K versions of the 50 1.4 (Thorium).
The same test this morning showed that the M 50 1.4 is colder than the 55.

memetph · Joined: 01 Dec 2013 Posts: 942 Location: Poland

I bought the Pentax SMC M 50 1.4 .
This shot at f2.

kuuan · Expire: 2014-12-26

very good portrait!
congrats for the M lens, it's a faultless lens and has the smaller body, is very cmpact for a 1.4/50

memetph · Joined: 01 Dec 2013 Posts: 942 Location: Poland

Thank you Kuuan.
You are right . It is compact and light. Focusing is also easy and smooth.