Pentax 135mm f/2.5 Super Takumar M42 Lens
The Pentax 135mm f/2.5 is a lens from Pentax. Used copies start from $178.5 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Pentax 135mm f/2.5 Super Takumar M42 Lens
Used Pentax 135mm f/2.5 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Pentax 135mm f/2.5
Key Features — Pentax 135mm f/2.5
135mm Telephoto Focal Length: A short telephoto ideal for portraits, street photography, and compressed-perspective shots from a comfortable working distance.
f/2.5 Maximum Aperture: Wide enough for subject separation and available-light shooting without flash.
M42 Screw Mount: Universal vintage mount that adapts easily to most modern mirrorless and DSLR systems with inexpensive, widely available adapters.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed for 35mm film, it covers a full-frame sensor without vignetting on modern full-frame bodies.
Manual Focus Only: Smooth, mechanical focus ring puts precise control in the photographer's hands with no electronic dependence.
Super Takumar Optics: Part of Pentax's well-regarded Super Takumar line, known for solid optical quality and build consistency from the 1960s.
Lens Specifications — Pentax 135mm f/2.5
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Creative Effects |
| Lens Mount | M42 Screw Mount |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Description — Pentax 135mm f/2.5
The Pentax 135mm f/2.5 Super Takumar is a classic vintage telephoto lens built for the M42 Screw Mount system. Produced during the 1960–1969 manufacturing period, it was designed for 35mm film SLR cameras and features fully manual focus operation. With a weight of 435g, the lens has a reassuringly solid build that reflects the construction standards of its era.
Its M42 mount is one of the most adapter-friendly vintage mounts available, making it a practical choice for photographers who want to use vintage glass on modern mirrorless or DSLR bodies. The lens falls within the telephoto and manual focus categories, offering a hands-on shooting experience that appeals to both collectors and photographers interested in exploring vintage optics. Whether used on its native M42-mount film body or adapted to a contemporary system, the Super Takumar 135mm represents a tangible piece of photographic history from one of the most celebrated eras of manual lens manufacturing.
Pros — Pentax 135mm f/2.5
- ✓M42 screw mount is widely compatible with modern cameras via readily available adapters
- ✓Manufactured in the 1960s, reflecting a period of robust mechanical SLR lens construction
- ✓Designed for 35mm film format, suitable for full-frame coverage
Cons — Pentax 135mm f/2.5
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability for modern shooting workflows
- ✗Requires an M42 adapter for use on contemporary camera systems, adding cost and potentially affecting infinity focus
- ✗No weather sealing information available in specifications
Videos — Pentax 135mm f/2.5
Four 135mm Bokeh Beasts! — Zenography