Comparison
Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI)
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. The Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) is a 50mm f/1.4 Nikon F (pre-AI) lens made 1962-1974, valued at $60 to $220 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 | Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Native mount | M42 | Nikon F (pre-AI) |
| Production years | 1964-1971 | 1962-1974 |
| Optical design | 8 elements / 6 groups (early), later 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss | 7 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $150 | $110 |
| Value range | $80 to $400 | $60 to $220 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony 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 Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) is cheaper. Typical used value is $110 against $150, a gap of $40. Ranges: $60 to $220 versus $80 to $400.
- Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) is the older design; production began around 1962 against 1964 for the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (1962-1974 versus 1964-1971).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Nikon F (pre-AI), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 8 elements in 6 groups for the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4, 7 elements in 5 groups for the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI).
Which one to buy
On the catalog data the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) wins on the $40 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.