One of the most complete systems of 35mm photography.
In 1957, Asahi released the Pentax, one of the first SLR cameras with pentaprism viewfinder that surpassed its existing counterparts in brightness, as well as the first Japanese SLR camera with M42 screw mount. With its compact size, light weight, attractive design and ease of operation, the camera became a great success.
The short production model S (1958) received standardized shutter speeds, while the model K (1958) received semi-automatic aperture support and a shutter speed range extended to 1/1000 sec. Subsequent S series cameras were in fact the K model with some enhancements.
The Spotmatic was released in 1964 and became the world's first 35mm SLR camera with TTL (stop down) exposure metering. Its compact size, wide range of lenses and accurate exposure meter made this camera very popular.
SP 500 (1971) and SP 1000 (1974) are budget versions of Spotmatic, lacking a number of features. Spotmatic SL (1968) is a stripped-down version of Spotmatic without the exposure meter. Spotmatic II (1971) received an improved metering system. Spotmatic IIa (1971) was made only for the American market.
In 1971, the Electro-Spotmatic was released, which became the world's first SLR camera with a fully automatic electronically controlled shutter. It was only sold in Japan and was a great success, resulting in its introduction to the global market under the ES designation and more reliable circuitry. ES II (1973) received an extended shutter speed range up to 8 seconds and a self-timer.
Lenses for Asahi 35mm SLR cameras were produced under the Takumar brand. Takumars and Tele-Takumars have preset or manual diaphragms. Auto-Takumars are equipped with semi-automatic, and Super-Takumar, introduced simultaneously with SV (1962) and S1a (1962) cameras, have fully automatic diaphragm. In addition, Super-Takumars have an improved anti-reflective coating and a switch for automatic or manual diaphragm control. Super-Multi-Coated Takumars, introduced simultaneously with the Spotmatic II (1971), received multi-layer anti-reflective coating and full aperture exposure metering support with ES, ES II and Spotmatic F cameras (with other Takumar lenses, only stop down exposure was available). Finally, SMC Takumars, which came alongside the Spotmatic F (1973), is a cosmetic update to Super-Multi-Coated Takumars. They differ only in the rubberized focusing ring.
Ranked among the very finest lenses of the time, Takumars are noted for their superb resolving power which results in edge-to-edge sharpness even at full aperture. In addition to their superior optics, the lenses incorporate outstanding mechanics. Each lens barrel is precision machined for accurate positioning of elements and smooth operation.
Fisheye lenses | ||||||||
4.0 | Asahi Fish-eye-Takumar 17mm F/4 [43841] | 1967 ● | ||||||
4.0 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Fish-eye-Takumar 17mm F/4 [43842] [Mod. M42] | 1973 ● | ||||||
11 | Asahi Fish-eye-Takumar 18mm F/11 [356, 43560] • Pancake lens | 1963 ● | ||||||
Ultra-wide angle prime lenses | ||||||||
3.5 | Asahi SMC Takumar 15mm F/3.5 [44002] [Mod. M42] | Pro | 1975 ● | |||||
4.5 | Asahi Super-Takumar 20mm F/4.5 [43951] | Pro | 1968 ● | |||||
4.5 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 20mm F/4.5 [43952] [Mod. M42] | Pro | 1971 ● | |||||
Wide-angle prime lenses | ||||||||
3.5 | Asahi Super-Takumar 24mm F/3.5 [43961] • ⌀58 | 1967 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 24mm F/3.5 [43962] [Mod. M42] • ⌀58 | 1972 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Super-Takumar 28mm F/3.5 [348, 43480, 43481] • ⌀58 | 1962 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Super-Takumar 28mm F/3.5 [43871] • ⌀49 | 1966 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 28mm F/3.5 [43872] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 | 1971 ● | ||||||
4.0 | Asahi Takumar 35mm F/4 [329] • ⌀46 | 1957 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Auto-Takumar 35mm F/3.5 [336, 43360] • ⌀46 | 1959 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Super-Takumar 35mm F/3.5 [357, 43571] • ⌀49 | 1962 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 35mm F/3.5 [43572] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 | 1971 ● | ||||||
2.3 | Asahi Auto-Takumar 35mm F/2.3 [335, 43350] • A65 | 1959 ● | ||||||
2.0 | Asahi Super-Takumar 35mm F/2 [368, 43680] • ⌀67 | 1963 ● | ||||||
2.0 | Asahi Super-Takumar 35mm F/2 [43931] • ⌀49 | 1967 ● | ||||||
2.0 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 35mm F/2 [43932] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 | 1971 ● | ||||||
Standard prime lenses | ||||||||
1.4 | Asahi Super-Takumar 50mm F/1.4 [358, 35800] • ⌀49 | 1964 ● | ||||||
1.4 | Asahi Super-Takumar 50mm F/1.4 [378, 37800, 37801] • ⌀49 | 1965 ● | ||||||
1.4 | Asahi Super-Takumar 50mm F/1.4 for SL [37802] • ⌀49 | 1969 ● | ||||||
1.4 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm F/1.4 [37902] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 | 1971 ● | ||||||
1.4 | Asahi SMC Takumar 50mm F/1.4 [37908] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 | 1972 ● | ||||||
2.2 | Asahi Takumar 55mm F/2.2 • ⌀46 | 1957 ● | ||||||
2.2 | Asahi Auto-Takumar 55mm F/2.2 • ⌀46 | 1961 ● | ||||||
2.0 | Asahi Auto-Takumar 55mm F/2 [341, 34100] • ⌀46 | 1958 ● | ||||||
2.0 | Asahi Super-Takumar 55mm F/2 [345-1, 345-6, 345-3] • ⌀49 | 1962 ● | ||||||
2.0 | Asahi Super-Takumar 55mm F/2 [37102, 37103, 37107] • ⌀49 | 1965 ● | ||||||
2.0 | Asahi SMC Takumar 55mm F/2 [37109] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 | 1973 ● | ||||||
1.9 | Asahi Auto-Takumar 55mm F/1.9 • ⌀46 | 1958 ● | ||||||
1.8 | Asahi Auto-Takumar 55mm F/1.8 [332] • ⌀46 | 1958 ● | ||||||
1.8 | Asahi Takumar 55mm F/1.8 • ⌀46 | 1958 ● | ||||||
1.8 | Asahi Auto-Takumar 55mm F/1.8 [345] • ⌀49 | 1960 ● | ||||||
1.8 | Asahi Super-Takumar 55mm F/1.8 [345-2, 345-5, 33450, 34520] • ⌀49 | 1962 ● | ||||||
1.8 | Asahi Super-Takumar 55mm F/1.8 [371, 37100, 37101, 37104, 37106] • ⌀49 | 1965 ● | ||||||
1.8 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 55mm F/1.8 [37101, 37104, 37106] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 | 1971 ● | ||||||
1.8 | Asahi SMC Takumar 55mm F/1.8 [37108] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 | 1972 ● | ||||||
2.4 | Asahi Takumar 58mm F/2.4 • ⌀46 | 1957 ● | ||||||
2.0 | Asahi Takumar 58mm F/2 • ⌀46 | 1957 ● | ||||||
Short telephoto prime lenses | ||||||||
1.9 | Asahi Takumar 83mm F/1.9 [322] • ⌀49 | 1957 ● | ||||||
4.5 | Asahi Ultra-Achromatic-Takumar 85mm F/4.5 [43851] • ⌀49 | Pro | 1968 ● | |||||
3.5 | Asahi Quartz-Takumar 85mm F/3.5 [361, 43610] • ⌀49 • For bellows | Pro | 1963 ● | |||||
1.9 | Asahi Super-Takumar 85mm F/1.9 [364, 43640] • ⌀58 | 1962 ● | ||||||
1.9 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 85mm F/1.9 [43461] [Mod. M42] • ⌀58 | 1971 ● | ||||||
1.8 | Asahi Auto-Takumar 85mm F/1.8 [342, 43420] • ⌀55 | 1960 ● | ||||||
1.8 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 85mm F/1.8 [43832] [Mod. M42] • ⌀58 | 1972 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Takumar 100mm F/3.5 • ⌀46 | 1957 ● | ||||||
2.0 | Asahi Takumar 100mm F/2 • ⌀58 | 1964 ● | ||||||
2.8 | Asahi Takumar 105mm F/2.8 [331, 43310] • ⌀46 | 1958 ● | ||||||
2.8 | Asahi Auto-Takumar 105mm F/2.8 [340, 43400] • ⌀49 | 1959 ● | ||||||
2.8 | Asahi Takumar 105mm F/2.8 [349, 43490] • ⌀49 | 1961 ● | ||||||
2.8 | Asahi Super-Takumar 105mm F/2.8 [350, 43500, 43501] • ⌀49 | 1963 ● | ||||||
2.8 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 105mm F/2.8 [43502] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 | 1971 ● | ||||||
2.8 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 120mm F/2.8 [43982] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 | 1972 ● | ||||||
Medium telephoto prime lenses | ||||||||
3.5 | Asahi Takumar 135mm F/3.5 [324, 43240] • ⌀46 | 1957 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Auto-Takumar 135mm F/3.5 [343] • ⌀49 | 1959 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Takumar 135mm F/3.5 [353, 43530] • ⌀49 | 1961 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Super-Takumar 135mm F/3.5 [354, 43540] • ⌀49 | 1963 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Super-Takumar 135mm F/3.5 [43541] • ⌀49 | 1965 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 135mm F/3.5 [43542] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 | 1971 ● | ||||||
2.5 | Asahi Super-Takumar 135mm F/2.5 [43801] • ⌀58 | 1965 ● | ||||||
2.5 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 135mm F/2.5 [43802] [Mod. M42] • ⌀58 | 1971 ● | ||||||
2.5 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 135mm F/2.5 [43812] [Mod. M42] • ⌀58 | 1972 ● | ||||||
4.0 | Asahi Super-Takumar 150mm F/4 [374, 43740] • ⌀49 | 1965 ● | ||||||
4.0 | Asahi Super-Takumar 150mm F/4 [43741] • ⌀49 | 1967 ● | ||||||
4.0 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 150mm F/4 [43742] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 | 1971 ● | ||||||
5.6 | Asahi [Tele-]Takumar 200mm F/5.6 [347, 351, 43510] • ⌀49 | 1958 ● | ||||||
4.0 | Asahi Super-Takumar 200mm F/4 [376, 37600, 43760, 43761] • ⌀58 | 1965 ● | ||||||
4.0 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 200mm F/4 [43762] [Mod. M42] • ⌀58 | 1971 ● | ||||||
3.5 | Asahi Takumar 200mm F/3.5 [338, 43380] • ⌀67 | 1958 ● | ||||||
Super telephoto prime lenses | ||||||||
6.3 | Asahi Tele-Takumar 300mm F/6.3 [363, 43630] • ⌀58 | Pro | 1965 ● | |||||
5.6 | Asahi Ultra-Achromatic-Takumar 300mm F/5.6 [43861] • ⌀58 | Pro | 1968 ● | |||||
4.0 | Asahi Takumar 300mm F/4 • ⌀82 | Pro | 1958 ● | |||||
4.0 | Asahi Takumar 300mm F/4 [346, 43460] • ⌀82 | Pro | 1962 ● | |||||
4.0 | Asahi Super-Takumar 300mm F/4 [43891, 43894] • ⌀77 | Pro | 1965 ● | |||||
4.0 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 300mm F/4 [43892] [Mod. M42] • ⌀77 | Pro | 1971 ● | |||||
5.6 | Asahi Tele-Takumar 400mm F/5.6 [370, 43700] • ⌀77 | Pro | 1965 ● | |||||
5.6 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 400mm F/5.6 [43701] [Mod. M42] • ⌀77 | Pro | 1971 ● | |||||
5.0 | Asahi Takumar 500mm F/5 [326, 43260] | Pro | 1957 ● | |||||
4.5 | Asahi Takumar 500mm F/4.5 [366, 43660] | Pro | 1966 ● | |||||
4.5 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 500mm F/4.5 [43661] [Mod. M42] | Pro | 1971 ● | |||||
8 | Asahi Takumar 1000mm F/8 [334, 43340] | Pro | 1958 ● | |||||
8 | Asahi Tele-Takumar 1000mm F/8 [365, 43650] | Pro | 1965 ● | |||||
8 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 1000mm F/8 [43691] [Mod. M42] | Pro | 1971 ● | |||||
Macro lenses | ||||||||
4.0 | Asahi Macro-Takumar 50mm F/4 [367, 43670] • ⌀49 • 1:1 @ CFD 0.208m | 1964 ● | ||||||
4.0 | Asahi Super-Macro-Takumar 50mm F/4 [391, 43910, 43911] • ⌀49 • 1:2 @ CFD 0.234m | 1966 ● | ||||||
4.0 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Macro-Takumar 50mm F/4 [43912] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 • 1:2 @ CFD 0.234m | 1971 ● | ||||||
4.0 | Asahi Bellows-Takumar 100mm F/4 [360, 43600] • ⌀49 • For bellows | Pro | 1964 ● | |||||
4.0 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Bellows-Takumar 100mm F/4 [43601] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 • For bellows | Pro | 1971 ● | |||||
4.0 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Macro-Takumar 100mm F/4 [43922] [Mod. M42] • ⌀49 • 1:2 @ CFD 0.45m | Pro | 1972 ● | |||||
Telephoto zoom lenses | ||||||||
4.0 | Asahi SMC Takumar-Zoom 45-125mm F/4 [44012] [Mod. M42] • ⌀67 • Push/pull | 1975 ● | ||||||
4.5 | Asahi Super Takumar-Zoom 70-150mm F/4.5 [362, 43620] • ⌀67 • Push/pull | 1964 ● | ||||||
4.5 | Asahi Takumar-Zoom 70-150mm F/4.5 • ⌀67 • Push/pull | 1964 ● | ||||||
4.5 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar-Zoom 85-210mm F/4.5 [43772] [Mod. M42] • ⌀58 • Push/pull | 1971 ● | ||||||
6.7 | Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar-Zoom 135-600mm F/6.7 [43990] [Mod. M42] • ⌀95 • Push/pull | 1972 ● |
No dedicated lenses for architectural photography with perspective correction.
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