Pentax 50mm f/4 Super-Multi-Coated Macro-Takumar M42 Lens
The Pentax Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4 is a 50mm f/4 lens designed for M42 Screw Mount mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Pentax 50mm f/4 Super-Multi-Coated Macro-Takumar M42 Lens
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Lens Overview — Pentax Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4
Key Features — Pentax Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4
50mm f/4 Prime Macro: A fixed 50mm focal length with a maximum aperture of f/4, designed for close-up macro work while remaining versatile for general-purpose shooting.
M42 Screw Mount: Universal screw mount design adapts easily to a wide range of modern mirrorless and DSLR bodies via inexpensive, readily available adapters.
Full-Frame Coverage: Projects an image circle large enough to cover full-frame sensors, making it usable on both crop and full-frame camera systems.
Super-Multi-Coating: Pentax's multi-layer optical coating reduces flare and ghosting, helping to maintain contrast and color accuracy in challenging lighting conditions.
Manual Focus Only: Aperture and focus are set directly on the lens barrel, giving the photographer full manual control suited to deliberate macro and close-up work.
Lightweight Build: At just 230g, the lens is compact and easy to handle for extended shooting sessions, whether on a tripod for macro work or handheld.
Lens Specifications — Pentax Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Macro, Product, Creative Effects |
| Lens Type | Macro |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | M42 Screw Mount |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
Description — Pentax Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4
The Pentax 50mm f/4 Super-Multi-Coated Macro-Takumar is a prime lens built around the M42 screw mount, covering a full-frame image circle. With a maximum aperture of f/4 and a focal length of 50mm in the standard range, it functions as both a macro-designated optic and a capable general-purpose prime. Focusing is entirely manual, placing full creative control in the photographer's hands.
The lens weighs just 230g, keeping the overall kit weight low whether you're shooting with it on a vintage M42 body or adapted to a modern system. A 49mm filter thread makes accessory compatibility straightforward and affordable. There is no image stabilization, so careful technique or a solid tripod is recommended — particularly for close-up work where even minor movement can affect sharpness.
The Super-Multi-Coated designation reflects Pentax's multi-layer coating approach aimed at reducing internal reflections and maintaining image contrast. This lens is a well-regarded choice for photographers interested in the M42 ecosystem and deliberate, manual shooting workflows.
Pros — Pentax Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4
- ✓Lightweight at just 230g, making it practical for extended shooting sessions
- ✓Full-frame coverage suits a wide range of camera sensor sizes
- ✓49mm filter thread is a widely supported, cost-effective filter size
Cons — Pentax Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support, which may slow down shooting in fast-paced situations
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/4 is relatively modest, limiting low-light performance compared to faster primes
- ✗No image stabilization, requiring careful technique or tripod use for sharp macro shots
Videos — Pentax Macro-Takumar 50mm f/4
Takumar 50mm f1.4 is one of the very best vintage lenses. Here's a review of the four M42 versions. — Simon's utak