Super Takumar 55mm f1.8 Lens

Vintage Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f1.8 prime lens, with original leather case and caps. The f1.8 was an upgrade OEM lens for the Spotmatic series of SLR cameras. Like the f1.4, the 55mm is known for it's natural colors, tack sharp image quality and painting-like background blur. This version was originally offered between 1962 and 1971 and utilizes thoriated glass, contributing to a light tint to the glass elements.

Exceptional condition, precision machined construction and fits all M42 screw type mount film cameras. With an adapter, it will work on most modern DSLR, 4/3 and full frame cameras. For more information about this lens and the use of (mildly) radioactive thorium glass (and how to de-tint if desired), you can find videos here. Example images were taken with this lens on a Pentax Spotmatic II using Fujifilm Across 100. Note that as thoriated glass ages, it will tint more, bringing a warmth and vintage look to color film and added depth / contrast to black and white film. This 'ambering' of the elements can be reversed if desired with concentrated UV exposure, although most collectors seek out these lenses because of this unique character. We rate this lens a 1 out of 5 (very light) on the 'ambering' scale typical of early Takumar thorated glass lenses, 5 being the darkest typically seen. 

Serviced, field tested, made in Japan. .