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Comparison

Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4

The Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 M42 lens made 1971-1975, valued at $70 to $240 used. The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 M42 lens made 1964-1971, valued at $80 to $400 used.

Specifications side by side

Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 and Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 specifications compared
SpecificationAsahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.4
Native mountM42M42
Production years1971-19751964-1971
Optical design7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss, thoriated rear glass8 elements / 6 groups (early), later 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss
Typical used value$130$150
Value range$70 to $240$80 to $400
Adapts toSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mountSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount

What actually differs

  • Both open to f/1.4, so neither has a speed advantage.
  • The Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is cheaper. Typical used value is $130 against $150, a gap of $20. Ranges: $70 to $240 versus $80 to $400.
  • Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is the older design; production began around 1964 against 1971 for the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (1964-1971 versus 1971-1975).
  • Both use the M42 mount, so one adapter serves either lens on a mirrorless body.
  • Construction differs: 7 elements in 6 groups for the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4, 8 elements in 6 groups for the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4.

Which one to buy

On the catalog data the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 wins on the $20 lower typical price, and the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 gives up nothing measurable in return except its own rendering, described below. Condition and variant matter more than the spec sheet at these prices.

Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.

Full reference pages

Mount references: M42