Pentax (Takumar) Pentax Takumar 35-80mm f1.4 Heritage

Overview

This profile covers the Super Takumar 35mm f2, an M42-mount lens produced by Asahi Optical Co. (Pentax) in the 1960s. Note: the requested lens 'Pentax Takumar 35-80mm f1.4' is not covered by the source reviews and does not correspond to any lens described; the reviews instead cover the fixed Super Takumar 35mm f2 and the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4. At f2, the 35mm was among the fastest 35mm lenses available in the M42 mount at the time. The reviewer notes the broader Takumar series enjoys a superb reputation. Two variants were produced: an earlier version with a 67mm filter thread and a later one with a 49mm filter thread, with the 67mm model reportedly getting a better reputation online. The lens has a large front element with a yellow sheen, which the reviewer attributes partly to the coating and possibly to the 'infamous radioactive quality of some of the Takumar lenses' — though he could not verify radioactivity without a Geiger counter. No established nickname is documented in these reviews for the 35mm f2. (For context, the reviews note the related 50mm f1.4 is nicknamed the 'Planar Killer.') People appreciate the Takumar line for its build quality, sharpness, and smooth focus rings.

Verdict: IMPORTANT: The requested 'Pentax Takumar 35-80mm f1.4' is not documented in the provided reviews and appears not to exist as described; this profile instead reflects the actual reviewed Super Takumar 35mm f2 (M42 mount). That lens is a well-built, fast, and impressively sharp vintage wide-angle suited to photographers who value solid mechanics and strong wide-open sharpness. Focus precision at f2 is easier on mirrorless than film. Much of its detailed optical character (bokeh, color, distortion) is not fully covered by the available reviews.

Optical Character

Color

Front element has a yellow sheen that could impart warmth, but color rendering is not described.

Sharpness wide open

Impressively sharp including wide open, though not necessarily corner-to-corner at f2.

Community Insights

What people love

Impressive sharpness, including wide open at f2
Fast f2 aperture, among the fastest 35mm lenses in M42 mount at the time
Solid, chunky build with reassuring heft and a beautifully smooth focus ring
The large front element of the 67mm version, which is described as particularly pleasing
The broader Takumar series' superb reputation for reliability and quality

What people dislike

The metal clamp-on lens hood cannot be used at the same time as the Takumar lens cap
Difficulty nailing focus at f2 on a film SLR when shooting a subject a metre or two away
Possible radioactive elements (though the reviewer is not worried and considers the risk very low)

Pro Tips

For critical focus at f2, use a mirrorless body (e.g. Sony A7) where you can magnify the focus point, as focusing wide open on a film SLR at 1-2 metres is difficult
Don't judge it by extreme corner sharpness at f2 and 500% magnification; it excels in real-world use rather than pixel-peeping test scenarios
If concerned about radioactivity, note the reviewer considers the actual radiation extremely low and not a reason to avoid the lens

Sources (1)

Web-grounded synthesissecondary

This profile covers the Super Takumar 35mm f2, an M42-mount lens produced by Asahi Optical Co. (Pentax) in the 1960s. Note: the requested lens 'Pentax Takumar 35-80mm f1.4' is not covered by the source reviews and does not correspond to any lens described; the reviews instead cover the fixed Super Takumar 35mm f2 and the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4. At f2, the 35mm was among the fastest 35mm lenses available in the M42 mount at the time. The reviewer notes the broader Takumar series enjoys a superb reputation. Two variants were produced: an earlier version with a 67mm filter thread and a later one with a 49mm filter thread, with the 67mm model reportedly getting a better reputation online. The lens has a large front element with a yellow sheen, which the reviewer attributes partly to the coating and possibly to the 'infamous radioactive quality of some of the Takumar lenses' — though he could not verify radioactivity without a Geiger counter. No established nickname is documented in these reviews for the 35mm f2. (For context, the reviews note the related 50mm f1.4 is nicknamed the 'Planar Killer.') People appreciate the Takumar line for its build quality, sharpness, and smooth focus rings.

https://allmyfriendsarejpegs.com/cameras-and-lenses/super-takumar-35mm-f2/https://allmyfriendsarejpegs.com/2018/09/24/asahi-pentax-super-takumar-50mm-f1-4-lens-review/