Continuing Adventures With The 8-Element Super Tak

Of all my vintage lenses, I've used my 8-element 50mm f/1.4 Pentax Super Takumar lens probably more than any other this year. This Super Tak is considered one of the best normal lenses of its era. My copy continues to dazzle me with its sharpness and unique color signature. It's a wonderful lens to use, with buttery smooth focus action and definitive, clicky f/stops. When I transition between this lens and others, they feel crude by comparison.

Mounted on a Spotmatic SP body, protected by its leather half case and slung over my shoulder on a leather 1901 Eggleston strap, this is a kit I really love shooting.

One weekend, one roll of Kodak's Portra 400 with the camera set at ASA 200.

Saturday. Here are two shots at the beach. Shutter was set to 1/500. I was trying to get waves crashing against the rocks. I like how the Super Tak rendered the spray.

There are always plenty of birds that'll pose for you in Bodega Bay. This image shows the sharpness of the Super Tak. Subtle color too.

Close focus is a hair over 17 inches on this lens, allowing you to fill the frame if you desire.

The next day was totally overcast. I headed over to the Russian River wineries to buy a few bottles and get some shots in the vineyards before the grapes were picked.

The close-ups were all hand held. I think this lens could really do some damage with a tripod-mounted Spotmatic.

I will continue to sing the praises of these Takumar prime lenses. I haven't tried one yet that has disappointed. And the 8-element 50/1.4 might just be the best of the bunch.