Asahi Super-Takumar 50mm f1.4 Type 7 Early 1970's (Adapters Available)

Asahi Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 ---

OVERVIEW

An iconic fast prime lens from the golden era of Japanese optics, the Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is renowned for its luminous rendering, creamy bokeh, and distinctive vintage glow. Built with precision by Asahi Optical Co. in Japan, it features a radioactive thorium element contributing to its unique look and excellent sharpness. This is the classic 7-element version, considered by many to be the best of the Takumar 50s. ---

KEY FEATURES

- Focal Length / Aperture: 50mm f/1.4 (manual focus) - Mount: M42 screw mount - Construction: 7 elements in 6 groups - Coating: Super-Takumar single-layer coating - Aperture: f/1.4–f/16, 6-blade diaphragm - Minimum Focus: 0.45m - Filter Thread: 49mm - Weight: Approx. 230g ---

OPTICAL CHARACTER

- Wide Open (f/1.4): Glow effect from spherical aberration, ideal for portraiture and low-light cinematic work - Stopped Down: Sharp, especially from f/4 onwards; good contrast and tonal depth - Bokeh: Soft, painterly background blur with distinctive highlights - Color Rendering: Slightly warm tone with vintage character - Flare: Moderate susceptibility; can produce dramatic veiling flare and halo effects --- IDEAL FOR - Portrait photographers who want a dreamlike quality - Cinematographers seeking vintage softness and warmth - Film shooters and mirrorless adapters wanting classic Japanese glass - Experimental creatives drawn to lens glow and flare effects ---

NOTES

- Made in early 1970s (Japan) - Serial No: 2944651 - Believed to be the 7-element Type 7 version with radioactive thorium glass - Fully manual lens; exposure and focus must be set manually - Best used on Sony E, Fuji X, Canon RF, MFT, and other mirrorless systems via M42 adapter

--- "Rich with glow, full of soul — the Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is a dream machine for light and shadow."