Takumar 105/2.8 and 3M-5CA 500/8 - QUALITY!

[Laurence]

I am always surprised when new equipment comes in from the "golden age" of photography, and in M42 "universal" mount.

Two cases in point:

1. Just received a 105/2.8 Takumar. I paid $91 for it, which is probably a little high. But, it's in what I would call Mint Condition. The workmanship is so beautiful on these Pentax lenses, and it is gratifying to FEEL it in hand.

2. I received the 3M-5CA 500/8 from Attila, and I was able to take it out for some brief shots this afternoon. The all-metal construction (even the screw-on lens cap) is inordinately smooth, and again there is the FEEL of quality coupled with the "mesh" of helicals, clickstops (in the Tak), etc. I thought the 500 would be pretty dark in the viewfinder, but it turns out to be so eminently FOCUSABLE that it makes up for the loss of light. On my "oversize" old tripod, it seems very solid.

[peterm1]

I certainly agree about the Takumars, its what got me into buying them originally. I cannot comment on the other lens as I do not know it but am sure you are right.

There is something about the older lenses made of nothing but metal and glass that gives a great sense of confidence to using them. The way everything moves and glides and clicks as it should sure helps too.

Some years after buying almost every version of every Takumar lens I could find, I discovered the joys of old Nikon pre AI lenses. They have a similar feel of solidity and I love the look of those elegantly scalloped focusing rings. And more recently I have discovered the beauty of old Canon FL mount lenses which are every bit as good as the others mechanically and optically. They are all of a type and it gives me great satisfaction to use them.

I hope you get as much pleasure as I do.