Asahi Auto-Takumar 35/2.3

[Mal1905]

For your consideration I offer an Asahi Optical Co, Auto-Takumar f/2.3 35mm lens in M42 screw-mount.

Serial number is 307405.

When it was released in 1958 it was the world's fastest wide-angle SLR lens. This model was only made between 1958 and 1962, and I have no idea how old this particular copy is, but for something that could be 51 years old, it's a bit of a gem - if I perform as well at that age, I'll be doing well.

The photos should give you a general idea of the condition of this lens, but there are a couple of points which need to be made:

1. There are some cleaning marks on the front element - these have had no impact on shots I've taken with the lens. There is also a mark on the front element, which again has had no impact on images and is visible in photo 6. Perhaps if one were shooting directly into the sun there'd be lens flare, but again, this is not something I've experienced. There is also some dust internally.

2. The focusing is a bit stiff, but something that could be easily rectified. I am not a technician and have no interest in taking this lens apart - it deserves to be maintained by somebody more technically competent than I.

3. There are some general scuffs and marks on the barrel, but nothing to worry about and nothing that suggests that the lens fell heavily at any point throughout its life.

I'm selling it because it's a duplicate copy and I need to consolidate my collection due to salary cuts at work.

It would be great to have somebody 'local' (and by local, I mean from MFlenses) buy this lens, rather than it going to a nameless, faceless entity out there on the 'Bay.

If you are interested in this lens, please PM me with sensible offers - I'd genuinely love to be able to hold onto this lens, but I can't afford to be carrying duplicates in my collection.

Apologies if the description seems long-winded, but it's a very sweet lens and I felt it deserved to have a fitting pitch