Lens has been serviced. Cleaned, Lubricated and Adjusted.
Buy this lens knowing:
- Infinity focus is accurate.
- No fungus.
- Lens is 99% cleaned of dust particles.
Unfortunately, due to age and use, the lens elements may have imperfections. This lens has very light, cleaning related scratches on the front element. I am of the opinion that these scratches are not of any consequence for image quality. Sample photos at f1.4 and f11 are provided for consideration.
The focus is smooth and free. Aperture functions nicely as it should with no oil on blades.
See photos for condition. Condition is subjective as some like mint and others do not.
Very nice copy and is now hard to come by especially in excellent condition such as this.
Background to the Takumar 50mm f1.4 lenses
The Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 (eight element) is the first variant of a series of 50mm lenses produced by the Asahi Optical Co.. The Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 (eight element) variant was produced from 1964 to 1965. It has a cemented triplet element group behind the aperture iris rather than the doublet found in latter variants.
Conversely, the Super Takumar/ SMC 50mm f1.4 (seven element) versions had numerous variants. These variants had radioactive thorium included in a cemented doublet element group; whereas the eight element had none. The rare-earth metal incorporated into this design was used to improve the refractive index of the rear element assembly; thus offer better correction of spherical aberration. Perhaps this was needed to compensate for the loss of an element. The latter 'radioactive' variants have the unfortunate habit of developing yellow tint/ cast in the affected element, which can influence image quality.
The purpose of Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 (eight element) design was to compete with the Zeiss planar design; a lens known for its sharpness. The design produced a more consistent sharpness across the entire full frame image, including borders and corners, in comparison with the seven element design. Some argue that the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 (eight element) design performs better with respect to rendering out of focus areas in front of and behind the focal plane, although this is a matter of taste. The improved bokeh is a consequence of a shallower depth of field achieved in the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 (eight element) design, which is especially evident in wide open aperture settings.
The eight element has the disadvantage of older lens coatings, thus negatively impacting on contrast. Therefore, the use of a hood is critical in managing this failing in the lens.
The Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 (eight element) is far rarer than the latter versions and is harder still to acquire in good condition. Many have scratched rear elements and, to a lesser extent, scratched front elements. Moderate to severe scratches can have noticeable adverse impact on image quality - so avoiding these copies is important.