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caspert79
Joined: 31 Oct 2010
Posts: 3787
Location: The Netherlands
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 Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 5:13 pm Post subject: The surprising SMC Pentax 45-125mm f/4 |
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 5:13 pm Post subject: The surprising SMC Pentax 45-125mm f/4 |
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caspert79 wrote:
This lens was first introduced in 1975, as the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar. It does a remarkable job if you ask me. It's sharp, has great contrast, good bokeh, and pretty decent CA control. It has the superior build quality Pentax used to have in those times. Several Japanese sources say that Zeiss was involved in its development (mainly the glass), but I didn't find an official source. Click on the images for full size. What do you think?
 smcPentax451253 by devoscasper, on Flickr
The upper image actually shows a weakness of this lens: distortion. In all other regards, very good results IMO.
 smcPentax451252 by devoscasper, on Flickr
 smcPentax451254 by devoscasper, on Flickr
 smcPentax451256 by devoscasper, on Flickr
The lens produces pleasant bokeh.
 smcPentax451257 by devoscasper, on Flickr
 smcPentax451258 by devoscasper, on Flickr
 smcPentax451259 by devoscasper, on Flickr
In extreme contrast situations, wide open, you will see some CA. But, honestly, this is not bad....
 smcPentax4512510 by devoscasper, on Flickr
Wide open:
 smcPentax4512511 by devoscasper, on Flickr
Very good detail throughout the frame:
 smcPentax4512512 by devoscasper, on Flickr
Good bokeh transition:
 smcPentax4512513 by devoscasper, on Flickr
Good 3D pop (although focus is a bit off the subject):
 smcPentax4512514 by devoscasper, on Flickr
 smcPentax4512516 by devoscasper, on Flickr
In summary, I am more than pleased with this lens. Its focal range is a bit strange, but I actually like it. Adding a 24mm or 28mm lens will provide me with the focal range I use in 95% of the cases. |
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lumens pixel
Joined: 27 Feb 2019
Posts: 1127
Expire: 2021-06-25
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 5:39 pm Post subject: |
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 5:39 pm Post subject: |
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lumens pixel wrote:
Looks very good!
_________________
Lumens Pixel
-------------
Minolta SR mount: 16 2,8; Sigma SuperWide 24 2,8; 28 2,5; 28 2,8; 28 3,5; 35 2,8; 45 2,0; 50 1,4; 50 1,7; 50 2,0; 58 1,4; 85 2,0; 100 2,5; 100 4 Macro; 135 3,5; 135 2,8; 200 4; RF 250 5,6; 24-35 3,5; 35-70 3,5; 75-150 4; 70-210 4
Canon FD mount: Tokina RMC 17 3,5; 28 2,8; 35 2,8; 50 1,8; 50 3,5 Macro; 55 1,2; 135 3,5; 135 2,5; 200 4,0; 300 5,6; 28-55 3,5 4,5; Tokina SZ-X SD 270; 70-150 4,5; 70-210 f4; 80-200 4L; Tokina SZ-X 845
Tamron Adaptall: 28-80 3,5-4,2 (27A); 70-210 3,8-4 (46A); 60-300 (23A); 90 2,5 (52B); 35-135 3,5-4,5 (40A)
Tamron SP: 20-40 2,7-3,5 (266D) |
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stevemark
Joined: 29 Apr 2011
Posts: 5303
Location: Switzerland
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 6:44 pm Post subject: |
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 6:44 pm Post subject: |
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stevemark wrote:
Interesting - thanks for sharing your experiences with the lens. Many moons ago, in Zurich, I nearly bought one - but decided otherwise. Maybe a mistake ?!?
The "odd" focal length is as result of the zoom design limitation all manufacturers had before Canon introduced their game-changing FD 2.8-3.5/35-70mm. Earlier zooms all were limited to about 45mm because they traditionally were constructed as four-group zooms:
1) Focusing group (front group)
2) Variator
3) Compensator
4) Master lens (rear group)
The latter of course - on SLRs - was limited to about 45mm focal length (mirror box!).
Minolta had their 3.5/50-100mm (1964), Mamiya the Sekor CS 3.5/45-90mm (1977??), and around 1980 CaMiNikon all were producing a 3.5/50-135mm lens. At least the Canon nFD and the Minolta MD 3.5/50-135mm are pretty good ... I don't know the Nikon as it is pretty scarce here in Switzerland.
Yeah, I'll get one of these oddities as well if have an opportunity 
S
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caspert79
Joined: 31 Oct 2010
Posts: 3787
Location: The Netherlands
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 7:41 pm Post subject: |
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 7:41 pm Post subject: |
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caspert79 wrote:
| stevemark wrote: |
Interesting - thanks for sharing your experiences with the lens. Many moons ago, in Zurich, I nearly bought one - but decided otherwise. Maybe a mistake ?!?
The "odd" focal length is as result of the zoom design limitation all manufacturers had before Canon introduced their game-changing FD 2.8-3.5/35-70mm. Earlier zooms all were limited to about 45mm because they traditionally were constructed as four-group zooms:
1) Focusing group (front group)
2) Variator
3) Compensator
4) Master lens (rear group)
The latter of course - on SLRs - was limited to about 45mm focal length (mirror box!).
Minolta had their 3.5/50-100mm (1964), Mamiya the Sekor CS 3.5/45-90mm (1977??), and around 1980 CaMiNikon all were producing a 3.5/50-135mm lens. At least the Canon nFD and the Minolta MD 3.5/50-135mm are pretty good ... I don't know the Nikon as it is pretty scarce here in Switzerland.
Yeah, I'll get one of these oddities as well if have an opportunity
S |
Thank you, interesting info. I've seen images on Flickr of the Minolta MD 35-135mm that look very good indeed. If you run into a cheap Pentax, definitely buy one! |
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stevemark
Joined: 29 Apr 2011
Posts: 5303
Location: Switzerland
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 9:14 pm Post subject: |
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 9:14 pm Post subject: |
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stevemark wrote:
| caspert79 wrote: |
Thank you, interesting info. I've seen images on Flickr of the Minolta MD 35-135mm that look very good indeed. If you run into a cheap Pentax, definitely buy one! |
I was talking about the Minolta MD 3.5/50-135mm lens, NOT about the MD 3.5-4.5/35-135mm (which has a completely different optical computation).
The 3.5/50-135mm lenses from Canon, Minolta and Nikon are not well known and not that popular; the Minolta at least came out in 1978 - and therefore was 4-5 years on the market before the MD 35-105 (1982) or the MD 35-135 and 28-85 (1983) came out.
The Canon nFD 3.5/50-135mm was introduced in Dec 1981. The Nikkor 3.5/50-135 came out only in 1982 and therefore was too late in the game. It was manufactured only from Apr 82 to Oct 84 ... Both lenses were not that popular and are a bit hard to find. I have the Minolta and the Canon, but not the Nikkor ...
S
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caspert79
Joined: 31 Oct 2010
Posts: 3787
Location: The Netherlands
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 9:27 pm Post subject: |
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 9:27 pm Post subject: |
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caspert79 wrote:
Sorry, typo, I actually meant the 50-135mm. There are quite some hi res images on Flickr. |
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connloyalist
Joined: 22 Jul 2020
Posts: 379
Location: the Netherlands
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Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 8:22 am Post subject: |
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Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 8:22 am Post subject: |
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connloyalist wrote:
These pictures look really good. I had seen this lens on the Pentax lens list. I am often intrigued by lenses in non-standard focal lengths and this one qualifies. Pentax has several lenses in somewhat unusual focal lengths 
Regards, C. |
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blotafton
Joined: 08 Aug 2013
Posts: 1783
Location: Sweden
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Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 9:56 am Post subject: |
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Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 9:56 am Post subject: |
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blotafton wrote:
Good shots! Very acceptable image quality. Thanks for posting.  |
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D1N0
Joined: 07 Aug 2012
Posts: 2717
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Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 11:01 am Post subject: |
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Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 11:01 am Post subject: |
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D1N0 wrote:
The sharpness rendering of this lens is very good. Bokeh is a bit strange but you can get used to it. Typical for zoom lenses because of the many elements I guess.
For close ups it can be particularly nice:
 Red and green by The lens profile, on Flickr
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jamaeolus
Joined: 19 Mar 2014
Posts: 3198
Location: Eugene
Expire: 2015-08-20
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Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 5:10 pm Post subject: |
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Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 5:10 pm Post subject: |
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jamaeolus wrote:
The lens seems good. I must comment though, on the compostion. Excellent work!
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calvin83
Joined: 12 Apr 2009
Posts: 7740
Location: Hong Kong
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Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 6:11 pm Post subject: |
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Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 6:11 pm Post subject: |
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calvin83 wrote:
 
Much better and much more useful than my old Kilfitt 50-125!
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The best lens is the one you have with you.
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Alsatian2017
Joined: 05 Mar 2018
Posts: 282
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 11:03 am Post subject: Re: The surprising SMC Pentax 45-125mm f/4 |
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 11:03 am Post subject: Re: The surprising SMC Pentax 45-125mm f/4 |
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Alsatian2017 wrote:
| caspert79 wrote: |
In summary, I am more than pleased with this lens. Its focal range is a bit strange, but I actually like it. Adding a 24mm or 28mm lens will provide me with the focal range I use in 95% of the cases. |
I recently profiled the lens with the Adobe Lens Profile Creator 5 ( I'm providing tons of profiles for classic lenses in order to finance my website at least partially, PM me to get those for the 45-125 mm...) and I was very suprised by the sharpness wide open. Your great pictures motivate me to finally take it outside, thanks.
_________________
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Classic lenses : https://volkergilbertphoto.com/objektive/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/volker.gilbert/ |
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stevemark
Joined: 29 Apr 2011
Posts: 5303
Location: Switzerland
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 11:51 am Post subject: Re: The surprising SMC Pentax 45-125mm f/4 |
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 11:51 am Post subject: Re: The surprising SMC Pentax 45-125mm f/4 |
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stevemark wrote:
[quote="Alsatian2017"]
| caspert79 wrote: |
... I'm providing tons of profiles for classic lenses in order to finance my website at least partially ... |
That interesting - I didn't know that.
I have quite a few "classical" Japanese SLR lenses which are not included in you profiles - if you're interested we could meet "halfway" (e. g. in Basel) and I could lend you a bag of stuff ... especially wideangles and superwides would be very useful for many, I'm sure!
Some missing on your list:
Konica AR
Primes: 2.8/21, 4/21, 2.8/24, 2.8/2 "compact", 2/35, 2.8/35 "compact", 3.5/55 Macro, 1.8/85, 4/105 Macro, 3.5/200, 4/200
Zoom: 2.8/35-100, 3.5/80-200
Minolta MC/MD
Primes: MC/MD 4/17, MD 2.8/20, MC 2.8/21, MD-III 2/28, MC 1.8/35, MD 1.8/35, MD 1.2/50, MC 1.2/58, MC 1.4/58, MC 1.7/85, MD 2/85, MD 2/135, MD 2.8/200, MC 4/300, MD 4/300 IF
Zooms: MD 35-105 (I) and (II), MD 35-135
Nikon Ai/ AiS
Primes: AiS2/24, Ai 1.2/55, AiS 2.8/105 Micro, AiS 1.8/105, AiS 2/135, Ai 2.8/135, Ai 4/200 Micro, Ai 4/300 ED (rare and excellent!) and AiS 4/300 ED-IF
Canon FD/nFD
Primes: nFD 4/17, nFD 2.8/20, nFD 2/24, FD and nFD 2/28, FD 2/28 "convex", nFD 2/28, FD 1.2/50 L, FL 1.2/58, nFD 1.2/85 L, nFD 2/135, nFD 2.8/200 IF, FL 5.6/300 Fluorite (rare and good!), FD 2.8/300 Fluorite, nFD 2.8/400 L
Zooms: nFD 5.6/100-300 L
Olympus OM
Primes: 3.5/21, 4/300
Pentax M42/K mount
Primes: Auto Takumar 2.3/35, S-M-C Takumar 4/300, SMC-K 3.5/28 (the sharp one), SMC-M 3.5/28, 2/35, 2.5/200, SMC-M* 4/300, SMC-A 2.8/20, 2.8/24, 2.8/50 Macro, 2/50, FA 4.5/300 ...
Let me know ...
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Alsatian2017
Joined: 05 Mar 2018
Posts: 282
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 12:26 pm Post subject: Re: The surprising SMC Pentax 45-125mm f/4 |
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 12:26 pm Post subject: Re: The surprising SMC Pentax 45-125mm f/4 |
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Alsatian2017 wrote:
[quote="stevemark"]
| Alsatian2017 wrote: |
| caspert79 wrote: |
... I'm providing tons of profiles for classic lenses in order to finance my website at least partially ... |
That interesting - I didn't know that.
I have quite a few "classical" Japanese SLR lenses which are not included in you profiles - if you're interested we could meet "halfway" (e. g. in Basel) and I could lend you a bag of stuff ... especially wideangles and superwides would be very useful for many, I'm sure!
Some missing on your list:
Konica AR
Primes: 2.8/21, 4/21, 2.8/24, 2.8/2 "compact", 2/35, 2.8/35 "compact", 3.5/55 Macro, 1.8/85, 4/105 Macro, 3.5/200, 4/200
Zoom: 2.8/35-100, 3.5/80-200
Minolta MC/MD
Primes: MC/MD 4/17, MD 2.8/20, MC 2.8/21, MD-III 2/28, MC 1.8/35, MD 1.8/35, MD 1.2/50, MC 1.2/58, MC 1.4/58, MC 1.7/85, MD 2/85, MD 2/135, MD 2.8/200, MC 4/300, MD 4/300 IF
Zooms: MD 35-105 (I) and (II), MD 35-135
Nikon Ai/ AiS
Primes: AiS2/24, Ai 1.2/55, AiS 2.8/105 Micro, AiS 1.8/105, AiS 2/135, Ai 2.8/135, Ai 4/200 Micro, Ai 4/300 ED (rare and excellent!) and AiS 4/300 ED-IF
Canon FD/nFD
Primes: nFD 4/17, nFD 2.8/20, nFD 2/24, FD and nFD 2/28, FD 2/28 "convex", nFD 2/28, FD 1.2/50 L, FL 1.2/58, nFD 1.2/85 L, nFD 2/135, nFD 2.8/200 IF, FL 5.6/300 Fluorite (rare and good!), FD 2.8/300 Fluorite, nFD 2.8/400 L
Zooms: nFD 5.6/100-300 L
Olympus OM
Primes: 3.5/21, 4/300
Pentax M42/K mount
Primes: Auto Takumar 2.3/35, S-M-C Takumar 4/300, SMC-K 3.5/28 (the sharp one), SMC-M 3.5/28, 2/35, 2.5/200, SMC-M* 4/300, SMC-A 2.8/20, 2.8/24, 2.8/50 Macro, 2/50, FA 4.5/300 ...
Let me know ... |
Yes, that would be very interesting ! That way, I wouldn't have to buy all those lenses which would literally take centuries to source them and lots of money to spend.
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Personal website : https://volkergilbertphoto.com
Classic lenses : https://volkergilbertphoto.com/objektive/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/volker.gilbert/ |
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caspert79
Joined: 31 Oct 2010
Posts: 3787
Location: The Netherlands
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 1:48 pm Post subject: Re: The surprising SMC Pentax 45-125mm f/4 |
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2025 1:48 pm Post subject: Re: The surprising SMC Pentax 45-125mm f/4 |
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caspert79 wrote:
| Alsatian2017 wrote: |
| caspert79 wrote: |
In summary, I am more than pleased with this lens. Its focal range is a bit strange, but I actually like it. Adding a 24mm or 28mm lens will provide me with the focal range I use in 95% of the cases. |
I recently profiled the lens with the Adobe Lens Profile Creator 5 ( I'm providing tons of profiles for classic lenses in order to finance my website at least partially, PM me to get those for the 45-125 mm...) and I was very suprised by the sharpness wide open. Your great pictures motivate me to finally take it outside, thanks. |
Thanks a lot, very interesting website by the way. I will take a look at your list of profiles, I have quite a few vintage lenses that could use some PP correction! |
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takumat
Joined: 24 Mar 2007
Posts: 6
Location: Quebec City
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 4:23 am Post subject: |
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 4:23 am Post subject: |
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takumat wrote:
I had seen that the 45-125mm also came from the Asahi-Zeiss collaboration, although I did not know there were different mentions and that they came from Japan. In the absence of some official documentation, do some of these mentions appear to be reliable ?
Now, there is the case of the SMCT/K 85/1.8. It was also produced at the same time period as the SMCT/K 15mm, the K 28mm f2 and the SMCT/K 45-125mm. I guess it could have also benefitted from the Collaboration. |
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caspert79
Joined: 31 Oct 2010
Posts: 3787
Location: The Netherlands
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 4:33 am Post subject: |
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 4:33 am Post subject: |
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caspert79 wrote:
| takumat wrote: |
I had seen that the 45-125mm also came from the Asahi-Zeiss collaboration, although I did not know there were different mentions and that they came from Japan. In the absence of some official documentation, do some of these mentions appear to be reliable ?
Now, there is the case of the SMCT/K 85/1.8. It was also produced at the same time period as the SMCT/K 15mm, the K 28mm f2 and the SMCT/K 45-125mm. I guess it could have also benefitted from the Collaboration. |
A few Japanese websites mention the collaboration. However, apparently it was for the glass material only. Not sure if this is reliable info. |
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visualopsins
Joined: 05 Mar 2009
Posts: 11638
Location: California
Expire: 2027-07-11
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 4:49 am Post subject: |
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 4:49 am Post subject: |
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visualopsins wrote:
| takumat wrote: |
I had seen that the 45-125mm also came from the Asahi-Zeiss collaboration, although I did not know there were different mentions and that they came from Japan. In the absence of some official documentation, do some of these mentions appear to be reliable ?
Now, there is the case of the SMCT/K 85/1.8. It was also produced at the same time period as the SMCT/K 15mm, the K 28mm f2 and the SMCT/K 45-125mm. I guess it could have also benefitted from the Collaboration. |
"Asahi-Zeiss collaboration"?!
Gerjan makes no claim of any Asahi-Zeiss collaboration. Sure Contax had the first Screwmount, adopted by Asahi. And later the Zeiss T* and Asahi Super-Multi-Coated lens coatings were developed around the same time.
_________________
☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮ like attracts like! ☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮
Cameras: Sony ILCE-7RM2, Spotmatics II, F, and ESII, Nikon P4
Lenses:
M42 Asahi Optical Co., Takumar 1:4 f=35mm, 1:2 f=58mm (Sonnar), 1:2.4 f=58mm (Heliar), 1:2.2 f=55mm (Gaussian), 1:2.8 f=105mm (Model I), 1:2.8/105 (Model II), 1:5.6/200, Tele-Takumar 1:5.6/200, 1:6.3/300, Macro-Takumar 1:4/50, Auto-Takumar 1:2.3 f=35, 1:1.8 f=55mm, 1:2.2 f=55mm, Super-TAKUMAR 1:3.5/28 (fat), 1:2/35 (Fat), 1:1.4/50 (8-element), Super-Multi-Coated Fisheye-TAKUMAR 1:4/17, Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR 1:4.5/20, 1:3.5/24, 1:3.5/28, 1:2/35, 1:3.5/35, 1:1.8/85, 1:1.9/85 1:2.8/105, 1:3.5/135, 1:2.5/135 (II), 1:4/150, 1:4/200, 1:4/300, 1:4.5/500, Super-Multi-Coated Macro-TAKUMAR 1:4/50, 1:4/100, Super-Multi-Coated Bellows-TAKUMAR 1:4/100, SMC TAKUMAR 1:1.4/50, 1:1.8/55
M42 Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 2.4/35
Contax Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 28-70mm F3.5-4.5
Pentax K-mount SMC PENTAX-A ZOOM 1:3.5 35~105mm, SMC PENTAX ZOOM 1:4 45~125mm
Nikon Micro-NIKKOR-P-C Auto 1:3.5 f=55mm, NIKKOR-P Auto 105mm f/2.5 Pre-AI (Sonnar), Micro-NIKKOR 105mm 1:4 AI, NIKKOR AI-S 35-135mm f/3,5-4,5
Solinon 1:5.6/18 ASPH.
Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5 (51B), Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5 (151B), SP 500mm f/8 (55BB), SP 70-210mm f/3.5 (19AH)
Vivitar 100mm 1:2.8 MC 1:1 Macro Telephoto (Kiron)
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takumat
Joined: 24 Mar 2007
Posts: 6
Location: Quebec City
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 5:21 am Post subject: |
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 5:21 am Post subject: |
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takumat wrote:
It’s my understanding that the Takumar 15mm did came out of the Collaboration, and that, when Asahi and Zeiss split, they also split some developments around this lens : Asahi would have the exclusive use of an aspherical element, while Zeiss would issue their lens with a floating element (or group?). It comes from a published article in a collectors’ periodical not on the web (I could probably find the reference on my computer). Gerjan probably needed and did not find official documentation fron Asahi about this. |
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visualopsins
Joined: 05 Mar 2009
Posts: 11638
Location: California
Expire: 2027-07-11
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 6:06 am Post subject: |
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 6:06 am Post subject: |
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visualopsins wrote:
| takumat wrote: |
| It’s my understanding that the Takumar 15mm did came out of the Collaboration, and that, when Asahi and Zeiss split, they also split some developments around this lens : Asahi would have the exclusive use of an aspherical element, while Zeiss would issue their lens with a floating element (or group?). It comes from a published article in a collectors’ periodical not on the web (I could probably find the reference on my computer). Gerjan probably needed and did not find official documentation fron Asahi about this. |
Please look! I'm interested. A brief online search didn't yield anything. Possibly in German someplace. There are many Zeiss folks here -- maybe Klaus knows something. I heard about the 15mm differences, but not about an agreement or collaboration.
_________________
☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮ like attracts like! ☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮
Cameras: Sony ILCE-7RM2, Spotmatics II, F, and ESII, Nikon P4
Lenses:
M42 Asahi Optical Co., Takumar 1:4 f=35mm, 1:2 f=58mm (Sonnar), 1:2.4 f=58mm (Heliar), 1:2.2 f=55mm (Gaussian), 1:2.8 f=105mm (Model I), 1:2.8/105 (Model II), 1:5.6/200, Tele-Takumar 1:5.6/200, 1:6.3/300, Macro-Takumar 1:4/50, Auto-Takumar 1:2.3 f=35, 1:1.8 f=55mm, 1:2.2 f=55mm, Super-TAKUMAR 1:3.5/28 (fat), 1:2/35 (Fat), 1:1.4/50 (8-element), Super-Multi-Coated Fisheye-TAKUMAR 1:4/17, Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR 1:4.5/20, 1:3.5/24, 1:3.5/28, 1:2/35, 1:3.5/35, 1:1.8/85, 1:1.9/85 1:2.8/105, 1:3.5/135, 1:2.5/135 (II), 1:4/150, 1:4/200, 1:4/300, 1:4.5/500, Super-Multi-Coated Macro-TAKUMAR 1:4/50, 1:4/100, Super-Multi-Coated Bellows-TAKUMAR 1:4/100, SMC TAKUMAR 1:1.4/50, 1:1.8/55
M42 Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 2.4/35
Contax Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 28-70mm F3.5-4.5
Pentax K-mount SMC PENTAX-A ZOOM 1:3.5 35~105mm, SMC PENTAX ZOOM 1:4 45~125mm
Nikon Micro-NIKKOR-P-C Auto 1:3.5 f=55mm, NIKKOR-P Auto 105mm f/2.5 Pre-AI (Sonnar), Micro-NIKKOR 105mm 1:4 AI, NIKKOR AI-S 35-135mm f/3,5-4,5
Solinon 1:5.6/18 ASPH.
Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5 (51B), Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5 (151B), SP 500mm f/8 (55BB), SP 70-210mm f/3.5 (19AH)
Vivitar 100mm 1:2.8 MC 1:1 Macro Telephoto (Kiron)
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visualopsins
Joined: 05 Mar 2009
Posts: 11638
Location: California
Expire: 2027-07-11
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 8:23 am Post subject: |
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 8:23 am Post subject: |
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visualopsins wrote:
Gerjan says the M42 15mm marked 4ft/1m has the aspherical element, that there may be variations marked 3ft without the aspherical element, while other sources suggest only the bayonet version is marked 3ft and does not contain aspherical.
Nothing here https://takumarguide.weebly.com/takumarology.html or here https://takumarguide.weebly.com/1--35--15-44002.html
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☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮ like attracts like! ☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮
Cameras: Sony ILCE-7RM2, Spotmatics II, F, and ESII, Nikon P4
Lenses:
M42 Asahi Optical Co., Takumar 1:4 f=35mm, 1:2 f=58mm (Sonnar), 1:2.4 f=58mm (Heliar), 1:2.2 f=55mm (Gaussian), 1:2.8 f=105mm (Model I), 1:2.8/105 (Model II), 1:5.6/200, Tele-Takumar 1:5.6/200, 1:6.3/300, Macro-Takumar 1:4/50, Auto-Takumar 1:2.3 f=35, 1:1.8 f=55mm, 1:2.2 f=55mm, Super-TAKUMAR 1:3.5/28 (fat), 1:2/35 (Fat), 1:1.4/50 (8-element), Super-Multi-Coated Fisheye-TAKUMAR 1:4/17, Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR 1:4.5/20, 1:3.5/24, 1:3.5/28, 1:2/35, 1:3.5/35, 1:1.8/85, 1:1.9/85 1:2.8/105, 1:3.5/135, 1:2.5/135 (II), 1:4/150, 1:4/200, 1:4/300, 1:4.5/500, Super-Multi-Coated Macro-TAKUMAR 1:4/50, 1:4/100, Super-Multi-Coated Bellows-TAKUMAR 1:4/100, SMC TAKUMAR 1:1.4/50, 1:1.8/55
M42 Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 2.4/35
Contax Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 28-70mm F3.5-4.5
Pentax K-mount SMC PENTAX-A ZOOM 1:3.5 35~105mm, SMC PENTAX ZOOM 1:4 45~125mm
Nikon Micro-NIKKOR-P-C Auto 1:3.5 f=55mm, NIKKOR-P Auto 105mm f/2.5 Pre-AI (Sonnar), Micro-NIKKOR 105mm 1:4 AI, NIKKOR AI-S 35-135mm f/3,5-4,5
Solinon 1:5.6/18 ASPH.
Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5 (51B), Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5 (151B), SP 500mm f/8 (55BB), SP 70-210mm f/3.5 (19AH)
Vivitar 100mm 1:2.8 MC 1:1 Macro Telephoto (Kiron)
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D1N0
Joined: 07 Aug 2012
Posts: 2717
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 8:40 am Post subject: |
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Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2025 8:40 am Post subject: |
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D1N0 wrote:
I think Pentax only started working with Zeiss when they were developing K-mount. Some may have also been produced as Takumar for legacy customers.
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pentaxian |
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visualopsins
Joined: 05 Mar 2009
Posts: 11638
Location: California
Expire: 2027-07-11
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Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 3:25 am Post subject: Re: The surprising SMC Pentax 45-125mm f/4 |
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Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 3:25 am Post subject: Re: The surprising SMC Pentax 45-125mm f/4 |
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visualopsins wrote:
| caspert79 wrote: |
This lens was first introduced in 1975, as the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar. It does a remarkable job if you ask me. It's sharp, has great contrast, good bokeh, and pretty decent CA control. It has the superior build quality Pentax used to have in those times. Several Japanese sources say that Zeiss was involved in its development (mainly the glass), but I didn't find an official source. Click on the images for full size. What do you think?
smcPentax451253 by devoscasper, on Flickr
The upper image actually shows a weakness of this lens: distortion. In all other regards, very good results IMO.
smcPentax451252 by devoscasper, on Flickr
smcPentax451254 by devoscasper, on Flickr
smcPentax451256 by devoscasper, on Flickr
The lens produces pleasant bokeh.
smcPentax451257 by devoscasper, on Flickr
smcPentax451258 by devoscasper, on Flickr
smcPentax451259 by devoscasper, on Flickr
In extreme contrast situations, wide open, you will see some CA. But, honestly, this is not bad....
smcPentax4512510 by devoscasper, on Flickr
Wide open:
smcPentax4512511 by devoscasper, on Flickr
Very good detail throughout the frame:
smcPentax4512512 by devoscasper, on Flickr
Good bokeh transition:
smcPentax4512513 by devoscasper, on Flickr
Good 3D pop (although focus is a bit off the subject):
smcPentax4512514 by devoscasper, on Flickr
smcPentax4512516 by devoscasper, on Flickr
In summary, I am more than pleased with this lens. Its focal range is a bit strange, but I actually like it. Adding a 24mm or 28mm lens will provide me with the focal range I use in 95% of the cases. |
Wow! Viewing on small phone screen these lokk REALLY nice!
_________________
☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮ like attracts like! ☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮☮
Cameras: Sony ILCE-7RM2, Spotmatics II, F, and ESII, Nikon P4
Lenses:
M42 Asahi Optical Co., Takumar 1:4 f=35mm, 1:2 f=58mm (Sonnar), 1:2.4 f=58mm (Heliar), 1:2.2 f=55mm (Gaussian), 1:2.8 f=105mm (Model I), 1:2.8/105 (Model II), 1:5.6/200, Tele-Takumar 1:5.6/200, 1:6.3/300, Macro-Takumar 1:4/50, Auto-Takumar 1:2.3 f=35, 1:1.8 f=55mm, 1:2.2 f=55mm, Super-TAKUMAR 1:3.5/28 (fat), 1:2/35 (Fat), 1:1.4/50 (8-element), Super-Multi-Coated Fisheye-TAKUMAR 1:4/17, Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR 1:4.5/20, 1:3.5/24, 1:3.5/28, 1:2/35, 1:3.5/35, 1:1.8/85, 1:1.9/85 1:2.8/105, 1:3.5/135, 1:2.5/135 (II), 1:4/150, 1:4/200, 1:4/300, 1:4.5/500, Super-Multi-Coated Macro-TAKUMAR 1:4/50, 1:4/100, Super-Multi-Coated Bellows-TAKUMAR 1:4/100, SMC TAKUMAR 1:1.4/50, 1:1.8/55
M42 Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 2.4/35
Contax Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 28-70mm F3.5-4.5
Pentax K-mount SMC PENTAX-A ZOOM 1:3.5 35~105mm, SMC PENTAX ZOOM 1:4 45~125mm
Nikon Micro-NIKKOR-P-C Auto 1:3.5 f=55mm, NIKKOR-P Auto 105mm f/2.5 Pre-AI (Sonnar), Micro-NIKKOR 105mm 1:4 AI, NIKKOR AI-S 35-135mm f/3,5-4,5
Solinon 1:5.6/18 ASPH.
Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5 (51B), Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5 (151B), SP 500mm f/8 (55BB), SP 70-210mm f/3.5 (19AH)
Vivitar 100mm 1:2.8 MC 1:1 Macro Telephoto (Kiron)
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jajong
Joined: 22 Dec 2014
Posts: 14
Location: The Netherlands
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Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:22 am Post subject: |
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Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2025 10:22 am Post subject: |
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jajong wrote:
Nice photos taken with this Pentax zoom. I used to use the pentax 75-150mm a lot on film: that is a good zoom as well.
I saw the zoom nikkor 50-135mm being mentioned in this topic. I use this lens often together with the 25-50 nikkor zoom. It is a very nice combo, be it heavy. For those interested: at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCsGAD you will find a small album with pictures made with the 50-135mm. I made these to see if I will use this lens on digital too. I think I will....
Cheers
Jan
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All sorts of old film cameras and lenses
https://www.flickr.com/people/122802655@N05/ |
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stevemark
Joined: 29 Apr 2011
Posts: 5303
Location: Switzerland
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Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2025 6:56 am Post subject: |
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Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2025 6:56 am Post subject: |
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stevemark wrote:
| visualopsins wrote: |
"Asahi-Zeiss collaboration"?!
Gerjan makes no claim of any Asahi-Zeiss collaboration. |
Try Italians first. They are usually much more accurate when it comes to history
http://www.marcocavina.com/articoli_fotografici/15mm_Zeiss_Pentax/00_pag.htm
| takumat wrote: |
| It’s my understanding that the Takumar 15mm did came out of the Collaboration, and that, when Asahi and Zeiss split, they also split some developments around this lens : Asahi would have the exclusive use of an aspherical element, while Zeiss would issue their lens with a floating element (or group?). It comes from a published article in a collectors’ periodical not on the web (I could probably find the reference on my computer). Gerjan probably needed and did not find official documentation fron Asahi about this. |
See above.
| visualopsins wrote: |
Please look! I'm interested. A brief online search didn't yield anything. Possibly in German someplace. There are many Zeiss folks here -- maybe Klaus knows something. I heard about the 15mm differences, but not about an agreement or collaboration. |
That's the problem with internet bubbles and "intelligent" search machines. They deliver what they think it's best for u ...
S
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www.artaphot.ch |
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