This lens in the first photo, the Pentax 28-80mm f3.5-4.5 Macro zoom, isn’t worthy of the name Takumar and rates only a butter knife when it comes to sharpness.
It’s well built enough, some might complain about weight, but the optics are so so at best….and that has nothing to do with being a “bad copy”.
The upside is it is an F series lens, which means the metal mount can be exchanged replacing a plastic mount on a much better lens, which is exactly what I intend to do and then either use this lens as a paperweight or give it someone who might want it.
I’m not much of a fan of zoom lenses anyway, preferring fixed focal length instead.They generally seem to perform better though there may be a few exceptions to that.
This lens however ain’t one of them- a shame too, but there’s always at least one rotten apple in a barrel.
The other lens featured in the second and third photos is an entirely different matter – a Super Takumar 35mm f3.5. There are faster versions of this lens but this one suits me just fine.
Compact and well built with the now legendary smoothness of operation and “feel”. No slouch when it comes to optics either and rates the well honed knife award for sharpness.
I keep an original Ayashi UV filter on it at all times as an added layer of protection in addition to the lens cap unless switching to a polarizer or nd filter. My thinking being if they made such excellent lenses their filters will be of the same quality, and I’ve yet to be disappointed with any of the original filters I have.
It’s become a little “ugly” cosmetically over the years but a classic example of don’t judge a book by it’s cover as it’s a beauty in everything that counts.
It’s difficult to decide at times which lens I want to use such is the quality of these “vintage” lens, so I’ve adopted a system of rotating lenses each time I’m out and about.
I’ll carry an extra or two just in case but generally go with what’s on the camera as a discipline to work for a particular shot rather than merely switch lenses.
I’m kind of surprised at times when a person who has invested big money in a camera and lenses ask “how do you get those dreamy shots of moving water”?
The answer is an ND filter and the proper settings – if you don’t have one you should, it will open up entirely new avenues for you.
You can pay mega bucks for a filter or pennies on the dollar for something that will disappoint you, nothing wrong with a used filter if it’s in good condition and something to keep in mind.
I would recommend either new or used a Marumi or a B+W, Hoya as well depending on the grade, increasingly I am leaning toward Marumi filters but that’s a personal choice and others may disagree.
For those who may not know by clicking on a photo it will be enlarged, this can be done twice per.
We like these pictures very much and even can read all the words
on the lens.
thank you