Production
1978 – 1985
Country
Japan
Optical
7 elements in 6 groups (Thorium)
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Pentax SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4
Pentax K mount
Overview
The SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is one of the finest standard lenses ever made, period. Pentax's Super-Multi-Coating (SMC) was revolutionary — 7 layers of coating that dramatically reduced flare and improved contrast. Combined with the thorium-laced optical glass that gives exceptional color rendition, this lens has a devoted following. It's often cited as the sharpest 50mm f/1.4 of the vintage era.
Verdict: One of the best vintage 50mm lenses made. The SMC Takumar combines sharpness, flare resistance, and beautiful color in a package that rivals lenses at much higher prices. Essential for M42 shooters.
Optical Character
Bokeh
The bokeh is both smooth and busy, with some painterly qualities, but is negatively affected by chromatic aberration.
Color
Pentax SMC lenses are well known to produce saturated, high-contrast images.
Sharpness wide open
The lens is just about usable wide open, but performance improves by f/2.8.
Flare resistance
The lens flares produced are nothing special, but it still has a vintage feel.
Contrast
The lens produces higher contrast images than many vintage alternatives, even wide open.
Community Insights
Summary: The Pentax-A SMC 50mm F1.2 is a high-quality vintage lens that has both admirers and critics. It is known for its solid build, high contrast, and unique bokeh, but some users have issues with its performance wide open and significant chromatic aberration. Sentiment: Mixed Top Praised: - Solid, all-metal build quality - Smooth focus ring great for video use - Produces high-contrast, saturated images Top Complaints: - Significant chromatic aberration, especially wide open - Performance wide open is just "usable" - Expensive compared to other vintage 50mm F1.2 lenses Use Cases: - General photography - Portraiture - Video recording Disagreements: - Some users find the high-contrast look desirable, while others see it as a drawback Confidence: 0.8 The sources provide a fairly comprehensive and consistent overview of the lens, with a mix of positive and negative user experiences.
What people love
- Exceptional sharpness for vintage
- SMC coating handles flare amazingly
- Beautiful color (including thorium warmth)
- All-metal build quality
- M42 mount is universal
- Affordable ($80-150)
What people dislike
- Thorium yellowing (can be UV-treated)
- Radioactive elements (minimal, safe)
- Some prefer more 'character'
- M42 requires adapter
Pro Tips
- UV treatment removes yellowing in hours
- Radioactivity is minimal — don't worry
- Great 'one lens' option for M42 shooters
Sample Photos
Sources (2)
vintagelensesforvideo-
https://www.vintagelensesforvideo.com/pentax-a-smc-50mm-f1-2-review/
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is one of the finest standard lenses ever made, period. Pentax's Super-Multi-Coating (SMC) was revolutionary — 7 layers of coating that dramatically reduced flare and improved contrast. Combined with the thorium-laced optical glass that gives exceptional color rendition, this lens has a devoted following. It's often cited as the sharpest 50mm f/1.4 of the vintage era.