_PK15879
LENS TEST: ASAHI OPT. CO. Super-Takumar 28mm f3.5 (model 1, version 2)
The approach to the main shrine. Kansenji Temple, Suginami, Tokyo. © Michele Marcolin, 2023. K1ii + Super-Takumar 28mm f3.5 (model 1, ver. 2).
Did not focus this one very well.
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The 28mm is one of my preferred focal ranges, and Asahi managed to give this small lens such an elegant and attractive aesthetic that it really makes you wish to handle it. It is, indeed, a little jem.
Inexpensive and abundantly available, there is plenty of reviews with specs around (mostly superficial, I have to say) and there is no need to go in depth about it. There are, however a couple of details to keep in mind, if you are interested in getting one of them, because the lens came in two models over time, with two different optical formulae and some aesthetic differences. They can be summarized as follows.
> Super-Takumar Model 1, version 1 (1962-1965): 7 elements / 6 groups, 58mm filter, fine ribs aperture ring, F2.8 ~ 22 (with f4 half stop marked by a dot), IR line marked between F numbers and distance; prod. code 348, 43480.
> Super-Takumar Model 1, version 2 (1965-1966): 7 elements / 6 groups, 58mm filter, scalopped ribs aperture ring, F2.8 ~ 16 (with f4 half stop marked by a dot), IR line marked between F numbers and distance; prod. code 43481.
> Super-Takumar Model 2, version 1 (1966-1971): 7 elements / 7 groups, 49mm filter, scalopped ribs aperture ring, F2.8 ~ 16, distances in traditional window and IR marked on its lower border; prod. code 43871.
> Super-Multi-Coated Takumar Model 2, version 2 (1971-1975): 7 elements / 7 groups,49mm filter, new coating, scaloped ribs aperture ring, F2.8 ~ 16, distances in traditional window and IR marked on its lower border; prod. code 43872.
They say that the easiest way to know which version you have is to check the product number on the back of the auto/manual diaphragm switch and see where you are with it as noted above. It usually works with most of the lenses, but the very first versions of many models, when the production had not yet been standardized, are missing them. As a matter of fact, while my lens if F16 with scalopped aperture, it has no prod. code underneath the M/A switch tab. Actually one more reliable criteria is looking at the name plate: model one bears always the writing in sharp fonts with (,) after the ‘Asahi Opt. Co.’ engraving.; model 2, is engraved in rounded letters and without (,). That easy.
It is solidly made, like all Takumars, with excellent ergonomics, very smooth movement of the helicoid, 5 aperture blades and min. distance of 0.4m. Despite not everybody agree, the resolution seems fairly good to me already at F3.5 getting quite high by F8. Borders, of course, stay a bit weaker - but that is the magic of these old tools. Quite versatile for most situations, IMO. Colors and contrast feel great and well balanced, giving the images a well rounded feeling; sharp with fine but not artificially pumped details. Bokeh is unobtrusive (many do not like it) with some bubbles capability - not at the level of Auto-Takumar 35mm f2.3. The lens tend to flare a bit in frontal light, losing contrast a bit, but I am comfortable with it: a nice retrò touch tool for your creativity.
_PK15879
LENS TEST: ASAHI OPT. CO. Super-Takumar 28mm f3.5 (model 1, version 2)
The approach to the main shrine. Kansenji Temple, Suginami, Tokyo. © Michele Marcolin, 2023. K1ii + Super-Takumar 28mm f3.5 (model 1, ver. 2).
Did not focus this one very well.
---------------
The 28mm is one of my preferred focal ranges, and Asahi managed to give this small lens such an elegant and attractive aesthetic that it really makes you wish to handle it. It is, indeed, a little jem.
Inexpensive and abundantly available, there is plenty of reviews with specs around (mostly superficial, I have to say) and there is no need to go in depth about it. There are, however a couple of details to keep in mind, if you are interested in getting one of them, because the lens came in two models over time, with two different optical formulae and some aesthetic differences. They can be summarized as follows.
> Super-Takumar Model 1, version 1 (1962-1965): 7 elements / 6 groups, 58mm filter, fine ribs aperture ring, F2.8 ~ 22 (with f4 half stop marked by a dot), IR line marked between F numbers and distance; prod. code 348, 43480.
> Super-Takumar Model 1, version 2 (1965-1966): 7 elements / 6 groups, 58mm filter, scalopped ribs aperture ring, F2.8 ~ 16 (with f4 half stop marked by a dot), IR line marked between F numbers and distance; prod. code 43481.
> Super-Takumar Model 2, version 1 (1966-1971): 7 elements / 7 groups, 49mm filter, scalopped ribs aperture ring, F2.8 ~ 16, distances in traditional window and IR marked on its lower border; prod. code 43871.
> Super-Multi-Coated Takumar Model 2, version 2 (1971-1975): 7 elements / 7 groups,49mm filter, new coating, scaloped ribs aperture ring, F2.8 ~ 16, distances in traditional window and IR marked on its lower border; prod. code 43872.
They say that the easiest way to know which version you have is to check the product number on the back of the auto/manual diaphragm switch and see where you are with it as noted above. It usually works with most of the lenses, but the very first versions of many models, when the production had not yet been standardized, are missing them. As a matter of fact, while my lens if F16 with scalopped aperture, it has no prod. code underneath the M/A switch tab. Actually one more reliable criteria is looking at the name plate: model one bears always the writing in sharp fonts with (,) after the ‘Asahi Opt. Co.’ engraving.; model 2, is engraved in rounded letters and without (,). That easy.
It is solidly made, like all Takumars, with excellent ergonomics, very smooth movement of the helicoid, 5 aperture blades and min. distance of 0.4m. Despite not everybody agree, the resolution seems fairly good to me already at F3.5 getting quite high by F8. Borders, of course, stay a bit weaker - but that is the magic of these old tools. Quite versatile for most situations, IMO. Colors and contrast feel great and well balanced, giving the images a well rounded feeling; sharp with fine but not artificially pumped details. Bokeh is unobtrusive (many do not like it) with some bubbles capability - not at the level of Auto-Takumar 35mm f2.3. The lens tend to flare a bit in frontal light, losing contrast a bit, but I am comfortable with it: a nice retrò touch tool for your creativity.