Pentax M-A-F series Macros vs Takumar Macros

[Edom31]

I'm in the market for a macro lens for my PK/M42 mount set ups.

I'm leaning towards a 50mm as it would likely be more versatile. I do have many 50mms, but none macro.

I would love a 1:1, but willing to sacrifice a bit.

I do not need AF. An "A" setting is not necesary, but it is a good bonus.

Now, my topic comes in because I've seen many "inexpensive" M 50mm/4 macros and SMC Taks 50mm/4 macros. Anyone with experience on those can share their take?

Any other recommendation?

[caspert79]

Absolutely brilliant lenses, all of them. You could also look for a Pentax-M or SMC Takumar 100mm f/4. These you could use as a portrait lens as well.

[luisalegria]

I have both the M 50 and the Super Macro Takumar 50, thats the 1:2 version.
Both are 1:2

As a practical matter for an out-in-the-field macro its very tough to go beyond 1:2 without tripods and lighting equipment, etc., something other than strolling along. I'm a very casual fellow.

I had the M 50 for 30+ years and for a long time it was my "normal" lens on my LX, as I cared nothing for bokeh, and it was the usual thing I grabbed when I just needed to take a picture with a DSLR. A picture of a lens, say. That and the 24mm were always my favorites. Its rather beat up now.

Both can easily max out your sharpness requirement on a 24mp APS-C. On that score there is little to distinguish them. If you have a Pentax body there is considerable advantage in the M as you can focus wide open and Auto stop down to your taking aperture, that is a significant convenience in close work especially. Not a consideration if you aren't using a Pentax body of course.

I haven't ever done a post on my little pal, huh. I certainly have enough

The Takumar on the other hand is I think not only more rugged, but its extremely easy to open and clean. I have had a portfolio of this in progress for, oh boy, three years now. I have to do a post.

[cooltouch]

I've never had the opportunity to try out a Pentax 50 macro, whether M42 or K-mount, but given the general reputation of Pentax lenses, I'm sure any of Pentax's macro 50s will be incredibly sharp and contrasty.

I do agree with Caspert, for the reasons he mentioned. One of the 100mm f/4 Pentax macros can be a very good selection for you, and the prices for these lenses are relatively reasonable.

I own a 100mm f/4 SMC Tak in M42 -- a late one with rubberized focusing collar. I own several excellent macro lenses and my SMC Tak is at least as good as any of them. I lucked out when I bought mine. A local camera shop was closing out all its old manual focus gear and I found mine in a bin for $40. It was in perfect condition and I didn't hesitate for a second. Sold!

I just had a look on eBay. No M42 100s, but several K-mount ones. Clean examples are going for about $110. Ones with some internal haze were going for $40-50. Still, I think that $110 for a lens of this very high quality is a good value. One top-notch non-Pentax lens worth considering is Tamron's SP 90mm f/2.5 macro. It is an extremely sharp lens.

Here are a few pics I took with my NEX 7 (at ISO 100) and my SMC Tak 100 macro.

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[D1N0]

The macro takumar 50mm F4 (without super or super-multi-coated) is the only affordable one that does 1:1 magnification. There are also two lenses in the a-series the 100mm F2.8 and the 200mm F4 that do 1:1 but those are very sought after and so pretty expensive. All other 50mm and 100mm macro's do 1:2.

[kryss]

Very nice Michael....

[Sjak]

[jamaeolus]

I posted some shots from the 50mm f4 a while back:

http://forum.mflenses.com/ice-storm-w-asahi-pentax-s-m-c-50mm-f4-macro-t76432,highlight,%2Basahi+%2Bpentax+%2B50mm+%2Bmacro.html

[Edom31]

[Edom31]

[Edom31]

[jamaeolus]

[eno789]

The preset m42 macro-Takumar 50mm f/4 is 1:1.

I like the A version 50mm f/2.8 a lot. Some samples in this flickr album https://flic.kr/s/aHskyRVibx (a mix of S-M-C 85/1.8 and A 50/2.8 macro, see tags).

When you only need to do close-up, I highly recommend A 50mm f/1.7, it quickly become my favorite walk around 50mm.

[tb_a]

I have the Super-Macro-Takumar 1:4/50 in M42 which is only 1:2 without any additional accessories (like bellows or distance rings).

However, it's a very sharp and capable lens, even on 42MP/FF and for infinity landscape as well.

Examples from my Sony A7R2 (clickable for best quality):

[Edom31]

[Edom31]

[Edom31]

Thank you all for the input and responses.

I've acquired (on their way) 2 macros that should suit my needs (both MF ofcourse):

Pentax-A 100/4 1:2

Macro-Tak 50/4 1:1

I lucked out on the latter; separately, got both for about $100 with shipping. I got the A 100/4 knowing that it has a bit of haze, which I will attempt to clean (I am just hoping that it is not in between the glued front elements).

The Preset Macro-Tak - seems to be in beautiful shape! So, all in all, I think it is a good risk/deal.

Sample shots shall come in soon! Thanks MF community.

[Lightshow]

The 1:1 might be a bit more delicate than the later 1:2 versions, though I've not heard of any issues, it's easily worth what you paid for both lenses, they should both serve you well. Congrats.

[e6filmuser]