Table of Contents
Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 Ver 1
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Summary
The Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (8-element variant) is a legendary M42 screw-mount prime lens produced by Asahi Optical Co. from 1964 to 1966. Designed as a “Planar killer,” it features a rare 8-element/6-group optical formula with a cemented triplet at the rear—expensive to manufacture and discontinued after just two years. This early version delivers exceptional sharpness, rich contrast, and smooth bokeh, especially from f/2.8 onward, with a fast f/1.4 aperture ideal for low-light and portrait work. It has a 6-blade diaphragm, 49mm filter thread, and minimum focus distance of 0.45m. Weighing 245g and measuring 61.5 × 43mm, it’s built in a solid all-metal body with engraved “Super-Takumar 1:1.4/50” markings. nique identifiers include a slightly protruding rear element, an infrared focus mark to the right of the “4” on the depth-of-field scale, and an “A M” switch (not “Auto/Man”). Unlike later 7-element versions, this model does not contain thorium glass and is non-radioactive. Its distinctive rendering and rarity have made it a cult favorite among collectors, portrait photographers, and vintage lens enthusiasts. Like all M42 Takumar lenses, it can be adapted to all Pentax DSLRs and modern mirrorless cameras.
Tech Specs
| Manufacturer | Pentax |
| Series | M42 Series |
| Model | Super-Takumar Ver 1 |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Image Circle | ⌀ |
| Minimum Focus | 45cm |
| Focus Rotation | ° |
| Iris Blades | 6 |
| Optical Design | 8/6 |
| Squeeze | none |
| Front Diameter | 61.5mm |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
| Focus/Zoom Rod | none |
| Native Mount | M42 |
| Data Protocol | none |
| Length | 43mm |
| Weight | 245g |
| Body Telescope | - |
| Body Material | - |
| Focus Drive | - |
| Iris Drive | - |
| Zoom Drive | - |
History
Country of Origin: -
Release Date: 1964
Launch Price: -
Design Revisions: