In the 1960s and 1970s, the Super-Takumar 28mm f/3.5 lens provided photographers with a wide-angle option that produced quality results. Its simplicity and reliability continue to make it a favourite among photographers who appreciate vintage glass.
Brief history
The Asahi Optical Co made the Super-Takumar 28mm f3.5 lens between 1962 and 1975 for Pentax M42 screw mount cameras. Two different models were released with different optics. Also, the earlier model had a 58mm filter size and went to an aperture size of f22, whereas the later model had a 49mm filter size and a minimum aperture of f16.
The following information is for the lens I used: the latest model and version, the Super-Multi-Coated variant (as seen on this page), produced from 1971 to 1975.
Characteristics of the Super-Takumar 28mm f3.5 lens
- Optical Quality: The Super-Takumar 28mm f/3.5 lens typically offers good image quality, especially when stopped down to moderate apertures. It can produce sharp images with good contrast and colour rendition.
- Build Quality: Like other lenses in the Super-Takumar series, the 28mm f/3.5 lens features solid construction with metal components, making it durable and reliable. The build quality of these vintage lenses is often praised for their longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
- Character and Rendering: Vintage lenses like the Super-Takumar 28mm f/3.5 often have unique rendering characteristics that some photographers find appealing. These lenses may exhibit qualities such as pleasing bokeh, distinctive colour rendition, or subtle vignetting that contribute to their charm and character.
Manual focus wide-angle prime lens.
- Lens mount: M42
- Lens optics: 7 elements, 7 groups
- Aperture blades: 5
- Max./Min. aperture: f3,5/f16
- Minimum focus distance: 0.4 m
- Filter size: 49 mm
- Size: 41 x 56mm
- Weight: 212 g
Conclusion
With a maximum aperture of f3.5, this is not the fastest lens. However, for landscape photography, where you want a greater depth of field, this does not matter. The lens is sharp and contrasty and works well for my black-and-white film photography. I use it with a Pentax Spotmatic film camera.
Plus, this lens is a joy to use with the famous Takumar build quality and buttery smooth focusing ring.
