Pentax 300mm f/4 SMC Takumar M42 Lens
The Pentax 300mm f/4 is a lens from Pentax. Used copies start from $93.5 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Pentax 300mm f/4 SMC Takumar M42 Lens
Used Pentax 300mm f/4 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Pentax 300mm f/4
Key Features — Pentax 300mm f/4
300mm f/4 Telephoto: A fast maximum aperture for a 300mm prime, allowing for shorter shutter speeds and better subject separation than slower telephoto alternatives.
M42 Screw Mount: Universal thread mount is widely adaptable to modern mirrorless and DSLR systems via inexpensive M42 adapters, including Sony E, Fuji X, and Micro Four Thirds.
SMC Takumar Coating: Super Multi-Coating reduces flare and ghosting, and is regarded as one of the finest lens coatings produced by Pentax during the era.
All-Metal Construction: Solid build typical of classic Japanese optics, contributing to the lens's substantial weight and long-term mechanical durability.
Manual Focus Only: Fully mechanical focus ring with no electronic components, making it compatible with any camera body via a simple mechanical adapter.
35mm Full-Frame Coverage: Image circle designed for 35mm film covers full-frame digital sensors without vignetting when adapted to modern cameras.
Lens Specifications — Pentax 300mm f/4
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Birding |
| Lens Mount | M42 Screw Mount |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Description — Pentax 300mm f/4
The Pentax 300mm f/4 SMC Takumar is a manual focus telephoto lens built for M42 screw mount cameras, manufactured during the 1960s. Designed to cover the 35mm film format, it is natively compatible with 35mm SLR film cameras and, via M42 adapters, can be mounted on a wide variety of modern digital camera systems. The lens tips the scales at 1,120g, reflecting the substantial all-metal construction common to Japanese lenses of this era.
As a strictly manual focus optic with a mechanical operational character, it demands a deliberate, hands-on shooting approach. Its 300mm focal length makes it a capable telephoto choice for film photographers and vintage lens enthusiasts alike. Whether you are shooting on 35mm film or exploring adapted vintage glass on a digital body, this SMC Takumar offers a direct connection to a celebrated chapter in photographic history.
Pros — Pentax 300mm f/4
- ✓M42 screw mount offers broad adaptability to many modern camera systems via widely available adapters
- ✓300mm focal length provides significant telephoto reach for a vintage optic
- ✓Manufactured in the 1960s, representing a collectible piece of classic Japanese optical craftsmanship
Cons — Pentax 300mm f/4
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus capability, which requires more skill and patience when shooting moving subjects at 300mm
- ✗At 1,120g, the lens is heavy and may require additional support when used on a tripod or adapted to a mirrorless body
- ✗M42 screw mount requires an adapter for use on modern digital cameras, adding cost and potentially affecting infinity focus or metering
Videos — Pentax 300mm f/4
Is Bigger Better? - TAKUMAR 300MM F/4 REVIEW — Mark Holtze








