Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4
The Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 manual-focus lens for the M42 mount, made by Asahi Pentax from 1971-1975. It uses 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss, thoriated rear glass. Typical used value is $70 to $240, with most examples near $130, and it adapts to Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount with a plain mechanical adapter.
Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 specifications
Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 specifications
| Brand | Asahi Pentax |
|---|---|
| Model | Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 |
| Focal length | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 |
| Native mount | M42 |
| Production years | 1971-1975 |
| Optical design | 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss, thoriated rear glass |
| Adapts to | Sony EFuji XMFTCanon RFNikon ZL-mount |
Why collectors want it
The multi-coated successor to the Super-Takumar with better flare control and contrast. It uses a thoriated rear element that is mildly radioactive and often develops a yellow tint that can be reduced with UV exposure. It is a favorite affordable fast fifty for adapting.
Mount and adapters for the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4
The Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 has a native M42 mount. M42 is a 42mm x 1mm screw thread with a 45.46mm register, introduced in 1949 on the Contax S and later adopted by Praktica, Asahi Pentax, Fujica, Zenit, Yashica, and Chinon. Every mirrorless mount has a shorter register than 45.46mm, so a plain mechanical adapter puts the lens at its design distance and infinity focus is preserved. Plain threaded adapter, no optics. Lenses with an auto-diaphragm pin need either an Auto/Manual switch on the lens or an adapter with an inner flange that holds the pin in. Preset lenses such as the Helios 44-2 have no pin and work on any adapter.
| Camera system | Adapter | Infinity focus | Frames like | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony E | Plain mechanical, 27.46mm | Yes | 50mm on full frame; 75mm on APS-C (1.5x) | M42 to Sony E |
| Fuji X | Plain mechanical, 27.76mm | Yes | 75mm on APS-C (1.5x) | M42 to Fuji X |
| MFT | Plain mechanical, 26.21mm | Yes | 100mm on Four Thirds (2x) | M42 to MFT |
| Canon RF | Plain mechanical, 25.46mm | Yes | 50mm on full frame; 80mm on APS-C (1.6x) | M42 to Canon RF |
| Nikon Z | Plain mechanical, 29.46mm | Yes | 50mm on full frame; 75mm on APS-C (1.5x) | M42 to Nikon Z |
| L-mount | Plain mechanical, 25.46mm | Yes | 50mm on full frame; 75mm on APS-C (1.5x) | M42 to L-mount |
Frequently asked
What mount is the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4?
The Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 has a native M42 mount. M42 is a 42mm x 1mm screw thread with a 45.46mm register, introduced in 1949 on the Contax S and later adopted by Praktica, Asahi Pentax, Fujica, Zenit, Yashica, and Chinon. With a plain mechanical adapter it fits Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount bodies and keeps infinity focus.
How much is the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 worth in 2026?
A used Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 typically sells for $70 to $240, with most clean working examples near $130. Basis: eBay sold listings and KEH, 2024-2025. This is an estimate, not an appraisal; condition, variant, and service history move the number.
Does the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 work on Sony E, Fuji X, and MFT?
Yes. M42 has a 45.46mm register and every mirrorless mount is shorter (16mm to 20mm), so a simple M42 adapter reaches infinity with no optics. On a full-frame body the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 frames as a 50mm lens; on APS-C (1.5x) it frames like a 75mm, on Canon APS-C (1.6x) like a 80mm, and on Micro Four Thirds (2x) like a 100mm. Plain threaded adapter, no optics. Lenses with an auto-diaphragm pin need either an Auto/Manual switch on the lens or an adapter with an inner flange that holds the pin in. Preset lenses such as the Helios 44-2 have no pin and work on any adapter.
When was the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 made?
Asahi Pentax made the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 from 1971-1975. That puts the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 22 years into the life of the M42 mount, which appeared in 1949 on the Zeiss Ikon Contax S (Dresden).
What is the optical design of the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4?
The Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 uses 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss, thoriated rear glass. Double Gauss designs are near-symmetrical six- or seven-element formulas that support fast apertures with good correction; fast versions show glow from spherical aberration and swirl from mechanical vignetting wide open. Some examples use thoriated glass, which is mildly radioactive and can develop a yellow tint that UV exposure reduces; the thoriated glass guide covers safe handling.
Which lenses are similar to the Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4?
Close alternatives in the same focal class are the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 (50mm f/1.4, $70 to $280), the Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) (50mm f/1.4, $60 to $220), and the Pentax SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 (50mm f/1.4, $60 to $210). The Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI) and The Pentax SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4 cost less on the used market.
Alternatives to the Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4
Lenses within 15mm of 50mm from other makers, ranked by how close they sit in focal length, aperture, and price.
Side-by-side comparisons
- Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4
- Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C.
- Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8
- Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.4 (C/Y)
- Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4
- Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 AI-S
- Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 50mm f/1.4 (pre-AI)
- Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4
- Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Pentax SMC Pentax 50mm f/1.2
- Asahi Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 vs Pentax SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.4
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Related guides
- Thoriated glassWhy some 1950s to 1970s lenses are mildly radioactive, which catalog lenses use thorium glass, how yellow tint forms, how UV clears it, and how to handle them.
- M42 to Sony EHow M42 screw-mount lenses work on Sony E cameras: the 27.46mm adapter, flanged versus flangeless rings, auto-aperture pins, camera settings, and the APS-C crop.
- Buying checklistA step-by-step checklist for buying used manual lenses: the flashlight test for fungus, haze, and separation, mechanical checks, seller language, grades, and mount traps.