The Super Takumar lens series represents the pinnacle of Japanese optical manufacturing from the 1960s and early 1970s. Produced by Asahi Optical — the company that later became Pentax — under the Takumar brand name, these lenses were the standard lens for the Asahi Pentax SLR system and were sold worldwide as premium quality optics. Fifty years later, they remain among the finest vintage lenses available on eBay, combining exceptional optical quality with the durability of all-metal Japanese construction.
This guide covers every Super Takumar variant, how to identify them, what each is worth on eBay in 2026, what to check before buying, and which cameras they work best on.
The Takumar Name — A Brief History
Asahi Optical produced lenses under the Takumar name from the 1950s through the 1970s. The naming evolved with the optical technology:
- Takumar: Original preset aperture lenses from the 1950s and early 1960s. Rare and collectible.
- Auto-Takumar: Early automatic aperture versions from the early 1960s.
- Super-Takumar: Improved optical formula, 1964-1971. The most sought-after for their radioactive thorium glass.
- Super-Multi-Coated Takumar: Added multi-coating, 1971-1975. Reduced flare and improved colour neutrality.
- SMC Takumar: Further refined multi-coating, 1975-1977.
- SMC Pentax: Final evolution, from 1977 onwards. Excellent lenses but not considered "vintage Takumar" by collectors.
The Radioactive Glass Question
The most talked-about characteristic of the Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is its radioactive glass. The early 8-element version of this lens contains thorium oxide (ThO2) in several glass elements. Thorium oxide was used by multiple manufacturers in the 1960s because it allowed high refractive index with low dispersion — desirable optical properties for fast lenses.
Over decades, the radioactive decay causes the glass to yellow slightly. This yellowing adds a warm cast to images — beloved by many portrait photographers for its flattering effect on skin tones, and by filmmakers for its distinctive analogue warmth. The yellowing can be partially reversed by exposing the lens to ultraviolet light for several weeks (leave it in bright sunlight).
The radiation level is very low and poses no meaningful health risk in normal use — you would need to hold the lens against your body for months to receive a dose equivalent to a single medical X-ray. The main practical implication is that some countries have shipping restrictions on lenses containing radioactive materials. Buying within your country is straightforward; international shipping may require declaration.
Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4 — The Definitive Guide
The 50mm f/1.4 is the most sought-after Super Takumar and one of the most celebrated vintage lenses in the world. Understanding the two main versions is essential for buying correctly on eBay.
8-Element Version (Radioactive)
The original optical formula uses 8 elements in 7 groups. This is the version that contains thorium oxide and develops the characteristic warm yellowing over time. Identified by "Super-Takumar 1:1.4/50" on the barrel without a hyphen in "Super Takumar." Generally considered to have more "character" — slightly more flare, warmer rendering, and the distinctive yellow cast from the thorium glass.
eBay price: $75-$140 depending on condition and yellowing level.
How to identify: Look for "Super Takumar" (two words) on the barrel, or look for the silvered aperture ring on early versions.
7-Element Version (Non-Radioactive)
A revised optical formula with 7 elements in 6 groups. The thorium glass was replaced with conventional high-index glass. Generally considered sharper with better flare resistance. Identified by the hyphenated "Super-Takumar" on the barrel. More colour neutral — less warm cast. For photographers who want technical performance over optical character, this is the preferred version.
eBay price: $85-$150.
How to identify: "Super-Takumar" (hyphenated) on the barrel.
Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 — Best Value Entry Point
If the 50mm f/1.4 versions are out of budget, the Super Takumar 55mm f/1.8 is an excellent and more affordable alternative. Optically very similar to the f/1.4 versions at most apertures, the 55mm f/1.8 is sharp from f/2.8 and produces beautiful, smooth bokeh. The slightly longer focal length is imperceptible in practice and the lens is significantly cheaper than the f/1.4 versions.
The 55mm f/1.8 does not typically contain thorium glass and therefore does not yellow over time. It is more colour neutral than the 8-element f/1.4 — a practical advantage for digital shooting where white balance is set automatically.
eBay price: $40-$80 for a clean copy — the best entry point into Takumar glass.
Best for: Photographers new to vintage lenses who want reliable performance before investing in the more expensive f/1.4 versions.
Super Takumar 35mm f/3.5 — Best Wide Angle Takumar
The Super Takumar 35mm f/3.5 is a compact, well-built wide angle with excellent sharpness. On full frame it provides a classic wide angle field of view ideal for landscape, architecture, and environmental portraiture. On APS-C it becomes equivalent to approximately 52mm — a standard focal length.
eBay price: $60-$100.
Optical character: Sharp from f/5.6, good micro-contrast, relatively modern rendering compared to the 50mm variants.
Super Takumar 28mm f/3.5 — Most Popular Wide Angle
More popular than the 35mm, the Super Takumar 28mm f/3.5 provides a more obviously wide angle perspective. Sharp across the frame from f/5.6 with decent performance at f/3.5. An excellent landscape and travel lens that pairs well with the Takumar rendering.
eBay price: $60-$110.
On APS-C: Equivalent to 42mm — a useful "near-standard" focal length.
Super Takumar 105mm f/2.8 — Finest Takumar Portrait Lens
The Super Takumar 105mm f/2.8 is widely regarded as one of the finest portrait lenses ever made in the M42 format. The 105mm focal length at f/2.8 provides excellent subject separation with smooth, natural bokeh. On full frame it is the classic portrait length; on APS-C it becomes equivalent to approximately 157mm — a longer, more compressed portrait perspective.
Sharpness is outstanding from f/2.8 with excellent micro-contrast that renders skin texture naturally without harshness. The lens is also excellent for close-up work — a 45cm minimum focus distance gives generous magnification for detail shots.
eBay price: $80-$180 depending on condition. Prices have risen as demand has grown.
What to check: Focus ring smoothness is particularly important on this lens — stiffness is more common than on the shorter Takumars.
Super Takumar 135mm f/3.5 — Best Telephoto Takumar
The 135mm f/3.5 fills the gap between the 105mm portrait lens and longer telephoto focal lengths. Sharp, compact, and well-built, it is excellent for compressed landscape photography, sports from close distances, and portraits where maximum background separation is desired.
eBay price: $50-$90 — underpriced relative to its optical quality.
On APS-C: Equivalent to approximately 202mm — a useful short telephoto for wildlife and sport.
Universal Pre-Purchase Checklist for Super Takumar Lenses
Aperture blades: The most common fault on all Takumar lenses. Oil migrates from the focus helicoid to the aperture mechanism. Ask the seller to confirm blades close fully and snap back cleanly. A CLA service resolves this for $40-$60.
Glass yellowing (f/1.4 8-element only): Some yellowing is expected and is actually desirable to many photographers. Severe yellowing that appears orange or brown is unusual and indicates significant decay. Ask for photos of the front element against a white background — normal yellowing appears as a light amber cast.
Focus ring smoothness: Takumar focus rings should move smoothly with a consistent, slightly damped feel throughout the focus range. Any gritty feeling, stiffness at certain focus positions, or looseness indicates lubricant issues.
Rear element condition: The rear element has the most direct impact on image quality. Ask for a photo of the rear element specifically. Any haze on the rear element significantly affects contrast.
Aperture ring: Click stops should be positive and even. The ring should not feel loose or wobble on its axis. The f/1.4 versions have a smooth zone between f/1.4 and f/2 — confirm this operates correctly.
Which Cameras Work Best with Super Takumar Lenses
All Super Takumar lenses use the M42 screwmount and work on any mirrorless camera with an M42 adapter. The best combinations: Sony A7 series (full-frame, IBIS, excellent focus peaking), Fujifilm X series (APS-C crop complements the Takumar rendering with film simulations), Nikon Z series (full-frame with IBIS on Z6/Z7 series), Canon EOS R series (full-frame, IBIS on R5/R6). M42 adapters cost $8-$16 on eBay for all major mirrorless mounts.