Pentax lens series (1971–1975) with seven-layer SMC coating, focal lengths 17–1000mm. Prized for distinctive vintage aesthetic due to residual optical aberrations.
The SMC coating consists of seven alternating layers with different refractive indices, vapor-deposited on all air-to-glass surfaces. The lens series includes focal lengths from 17mm to 1000mm, with the 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.9 being particularly known for their exceptional sharpness. The aperture blades are made of six straight segments, creating characteristic hexagonal bokeh highlights. Minimum focus distances vary between 0.45m (50mm) and 9m (1000mm). The lenses weigh between 200g (50mm f/2) and 4.2kg (1000mm f/8).
Asahi Pentax developed SMC technology in response to Canon's FD series and first introduced it in 1971 with the Takumar lenses. Previously, the Super-Takumar series used only a single layer of magnesium fluoride coating. The SMC coating was based on interference technology originally developed for military telescopic sights. In 1975, Pentax ceased production in favor of K-Mount lenses, making SMC Takumars sought-after collector's items.
SMC Takumars are primarily used today in low-budget productions and independent films, as they can be adapted to modern cameras via M42 adapters. The 50mm f/1.4 produces a characteristic "glow effect" at wide open aperture due to slight spherical aberration, which is valued for portraits. The 135mm f/2.5 delivers creamy bokeh in telephoto shots. Many cinematographers use these lenses for organic, less sterile imagery compared to modern cine lenses.
SMC Takumars differ from modern cine lenses in their less corrected optical aberrations, leading to a more characterful image rendering. Compared to Zeiss Superspeeds or Cooke Speed Panchros, they are significantly more affordable but do not offer uniform T-stop calibration. Modern alternatives like Sigma Art or Zeiss Otus surpass them technically but do not achieve the specific vintage look. For productions requiring an authentic 70s aesthetic, SMC Takumars remain unrivaled.
Als DoP schätze ich SMC Takumars für ihren organischen Charakter - das 85mm f/1.9 erzeugt bei T/2.8 perfekte Hauttonwiedergabe ohne die Sterilität moderner Objektive. Die sechseckigen Bokeh-Highlights und der leichte Glow bei Gegenlicht geben meinen Bildern eine warme, analoge Anmutung, die digital schwer zu replizieren ist.
Ich setze SMC Takumars gezielt für Period Pieces oder Charakterstudien ein, wo die leichten optischen "Unperfektion" die emotionale Nähe zu den Figuren verstärken. Der 50mm f/1.4 Glow-Effekt bei Nahaufnahmen erzeugt eine traumartige Qualität, die perfekt zu introspektiven Momenten passt.
SMC Takumars kosten auf dem Gebrauchtmarkt zwischen 150-800 Euro pro Objektiv - ein Bruchteil moderner Cine-Objektive bei vergleichbarer Bildqualität. Allerdings benötigen wir zusätzliche Drehtage für Fokus-Tests, da jedes Objektiv individuelle Charakteristika aufweist und keine standardisierte T-Stop-Kalibrierung existiert.
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