Super-Takumar 1:4/150 version/age?

tgm · Joined: 26 Jul 2014 Posts: 16 Location: Denmark

Takumar experts, please help with age and version.
Super-Takumar 1:4/150 (serial 23542xx)
I think there is both 5/5 and 5/4 versions of the Super-Takumar 150mm f4(?).
This is a “43741”.
Serial 23542xx, weight 327g.
See photos, I assume it is the “late” 1966-1971 or 1967-1971 version.
I have found these links:
http://forum.mflenses.com/uncommon-focal-length-super-takumar-150-f4-t43908.html
https://takumarguide.weebly.com/takumarology.html
But also, this link which says the only are 5/5 versions:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/S-M-C-Super-Takumar-150mm-F4.html
Which is the better/most liked, 43740, 43741 or is it Super-Multi-Coated?
Is there any “authoritative” source with takumar information that I did not find in my search?
Next I’ll have to get the lens out for a test walk.

visualopsins · Expire: 2025-04-11

Auto/Man switch indicates model II with 5/5 optical formula. Version I has A/M marked switch and 5/4 optical formula. From Asahi Pentax Screw Mount Guide, by Gerjan Van Oosten.

luisalegria · Expire: 2018-01-18

Takumarology (link you posted) seems to have the best info on serial numbers available.

You could post the question in Pentax Forums. Those are the hardcore collectors there.
And there are hardcore collectors elsewhere -

These guys, for instance, have archived Bojidar Dimitrov's legendary K-mount page.

http://kmp.pentaxians.eu/

Some useful links -

http://kmp.pentaxians.eu/www/

As a practical matter, from experience with, er, maybe too many Takumars (they are very good for inducing glass acquisition syndrome), there isn't much advantage in Super vs Super Multi Coated or S-M-C versions of a lens. A bit less flare, maybe, depending on the circumstances. But if its going to flare its going to flare.

visualopsins · Expire: 2025-04-11

Myself, I find big difference with Super-Multi-Coated Takumars. Maybe because here in the forest is lots of backlighting.

S-M-C lenses also transmit more light for more contrast. Colors are purer.

D1N0 · Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 2494

I have the same version with a 25xxxxxx serial. It also works great for macro on an extension ring:

Geranium by The lens profile, on Flickr

pdccameras · Expire: 2014-08-11

The 150mm f/4 is a really sharp lens and is very compact - smaller than many 135's. I have had all three versions of the M42 150mm at one time, I now only have the Super Multi Coated version with the 5/5 formula. All of the Super Multi Coated examples of this lens had the 5/5 formula, while the earlier Super Takumar was made in two versions: 5 elements in four groups at first (Model I) and 5 elements in 5 groups later (Model II). Despite Asahi's claims to superior open aperture performance on the Model II, I never noticed a difference in typical use. I never performed any exhaustive tests, so your mileage may vary. It may well be that one of the main reasons Asahi moved to 5 groups was to reduce manufacturing costs. It most likely was less expensive for Asahi to fabricate or assemble that rear group as two simple elements as opposed to producing a more complex single group with fancier curves.

I kept the Super Multi Coated version for its updated coatings, but I agree with Luis:

luisalegria · Expire: 2018-01-18

Ah, I concede.
You have GAS worse than I do.
I have 1/4 of that list (of Takumars), at the moment.

pdccameras · Expire: 2014-08-11