Spotmatic Takumar relevance

[Mimoore54]

Is there a realistic place in modern photography for the Asahi Pentax Spotmatic and its 42mm-screw Super-Takumar lenses? I have just acquired one with a Super-Takumar 50/1.4 which takes a passable picture. But, is there a lense that would lift the performance of this wonderful camera. I look forward to your ideas.

[drg]

Is there a realistic place in modern photography for the Asahi Pentax Spotmatic and its 42mm-screw Super-Takumar lenses? I have just acquired one with a Super-Takumar 50/1.4 which takes a passable picture. But, is there a lense that would lift the performance of this wonderful camera. I look forward to your ideas.

Of course there is relevance if you want to use film. The Super-Tak lenses should make as good photo as anything of their era or better. I've got a couple of those series that still work well. They are manual focus and need to be stopped down some to get the best performance.

Even modern cameras with a M42 mount adapter can use this series nicely if the coating hasn't deteriorated or become infested with fungus. Not all DSLR's will support the adapted lenses; the Pentax cameras are some of the most flexible.

Have the Spotmatic checked by a technician to be sure it is working properly. Some of these are cameras are over 40 years old and need a bit of CLS and TLC to work their best.

Do you have some sample images?

I may ask the mod to move this to the film category as it should generate some added response as this is a film camera you are using!

Welcome to Photography Review!

[ken1953]

I have copied this here to the film forum as I feel it may get a better response thanx to a suggestion by drg. I also left it in the Pentax forum here Spotmatic Takumar relevance as some in our forum may not visit here as much. Hope you don't mind Xia-Ke.
Thanx,

[w.slayman]

The F1.4 lens is a very good one, and my step-son uses one with a m42 to bayonet adapter on both his Pentax Digital, as well as his K1000 SE.

Some of these older manual 35mm cameras, will produce images that are the equal or better than the modern DSLRs, however you have to know what you want and be willing to work to get it then wait for the developing process. There is no "Instant Replay".

Welcome to the Wonderful, Magical world of Film.

[drg]

I have copied this here to the film forum as I feel it may get a better response thanx to a suggestion by drg. I also left it in the Pentax forum as some in our forum may not visit here as much. Hope you don't mind Xia-Ke.
Thanx,

Thanks Ken!

[Dave6223]

Some M42 rank amongst the best in the world. Relevance? Yes they do have relevance. Check out the lenses found on some of the Russian cameras. Unbeatable.

[Mimoore54]

Thanks for your views. I will now seek out 42mm screw lenses and get the Spotmatic cleaned up. It takes a mean picture and the meter still runs true. Fantastic.

[drg]

We will look forward to photographs from you and your 'new' camera.

Do your plans include color and b/w film or have you decided?