The original Super Takumar line-up, with the original coatings. Along with the color rendering and sharpness that nearly put Zeiss out of business in the 70’s, this iteration also includes a few rare variants with optical differences, with the most famous being the 50mm, which originally came in an 8 element optical formula that was later changed to the 7-element iteration found in all subsequent 50mm Takumars. The 28mm f3.5 and 35mm f2.0 lenses also have variants with optical changes.
These optical reformulations in the Super Takumar series of lenses were done for the sake of cost-savings, but also differentiates lenses like the 50mm as Pentax’s adoption of Thoriated glass elements. The original 8 element 50mm f1.4 typically has little to no thorium content, while the later 7 element versions tend to test very hot.
All lenses undergo a thorough CLA as part of the cinemod process, as well as receive a few (reversible) upgrades. To start, the mount is adapted from the original M42 to Canon EF with an adjustable adapter that allows the focus marking to be aligned with the new mount, which non-adjustable adapters often miss. As part of the CLA process, the focus and aperture rings are coated in modern lubricants that ensure a smooth, free rotation, that still has adequate drag. The focus ring is also fitted with a custom nylon follow focus gear, which, unlike cheaper 3D printed gears, will stand up to UV degradation, and most wear and tear you could expect on a shoot. Last, but not least, is the front filter thread. With the exception of the 17mm fish-eye takumar, all lenses have been stepped up to a uniform size, with a new matching lens cap. The standard option is 77mm threads with an 80mm outer diameter, but can optionally be outfitted with an 82mm thread and 85mm outer diameter, or with longer non-threaded fronts of those same outer diameters for easier matte box attachment.
The original Super Takumar line-up, with the original coatings. Along with the color rendering and sharpness that nearly put Zeiss out of business in the 70’s, this iteration also includes a few rare variants with optical differences, with the most famous being the 50mm, which originally came in an 8 element optical formula that was later changed to the 7-element iteration found in all subsequent 50mm Takumars. The 28mm f3.5 and 35mm f2.0 lenses also have variants with optical changes.
These optical reformulations in the Super Takumar series of lenses were done for the sake of cost-savings, but also differentiates lenses like the 50mm as Pentax’s adoption of Thoriated glass elements. The original 8 element 50mm f1.4 typically has little to no thorium content, while the later 7 element versions tend to test very hot.
All lenses undergo a thorough CLA as part of the cinemod process, as well as receive a few (reversible) upgrades. To start, the mount is adapted from the original M42 to Canon EF with an adjustable adapter that allows the focus marking to be aligned with the new mount, which non-adjustable adapters often miss. As part of the CLA process, the focus and aperture rings are coated in modern lubricants that ensure a smooth, free rotation, that still has adequate drag. The focus ring is also fitted with a custom nylon follow focus gear, which, unlike cheaper 3D printed gears, will stand up to UV degradation, and most wear and tear you could expect on a shoot. Last, but not least, is the front filter thread. With the exception of the 17mm fish-eye takumar, all lenses have been stepped up to a uniform size, with a new matching lens cap. The standard option is 77mm threads with an 80mm outer diameter, but can optionally be outfitted with an 82mm thread and 85mm outer diameter, or with longer non-threaded fronts of those same outer diameters for easier matte box attachment.
