Auto-Takumar lenses ?

Hi all,

I recently bought a few Takumar lenses and one of them is an Auto-Takumar 105mm 1:2.8 which I was rather hoping to use as a portrait lens but I can't make it work on any of my Pentax cameras (Super-A, P30, ist-D, ist-DS, MZ-6, MZ-S). I think this may be because modern Pentax SLR's (my oldest is a Super-A) lack the diaphragm release mechanism. I can 'cock' the diaphragm such that it is fully open for composure and focussing but the diaphragm does not stop down when the shutter is released. If I remove the lens and press the diaphragm release pin, it releases OK.

Am I correct in assuming that an older Pentax camera is required to use this lens ? If so it'll be back on ebay shortly as I don't want to u se the older cameras, excellent as I know they are.

Out of interest, what would be the latest camera that could use this lens? Can any K mount camera with a K-M adapter ring be used or would it need a generic M42 threaded body?

Screw-mount Takumars only work properly on screw-mount cameras. On a K-mount, with adapter, you have to do your own stopping down.

But if you're shooting portraits, you might be happy to leave it wide open in Av mode. That way it'll meter correctly.

G

You can use your lens with manual stopping down, so if the Auto-Takumar will change aperture with the ring without cocking the mechanism all you need to do is set the aperture you want and let the camera set the shutter speed. I am assuming here that the lens will actually stop down as you turn the aperture ring. A Super takumar will, but I'm not 100% sure about the older ones where the mechanism has to be primed.

Whilst it may work fine and it will be an excellent lens, a more modern version will be more convenient. The A series or later are really best for the DSLRs.

Thanks George & John.

The lens stops down well mechanically and it seems to be in near perfect condition, better than many of the newer K mount lenses I have purchased recently.

The lens is cocked into its wide open position for composition and focussing, where it locks. The shutter mechanism is then supposed to strike the releasing pin for stopping down 'automatically'.

I can use the lens manually with no problem and I'll be trying it out on some static subjects this weekend on the ist-D, though it's a bit long for portraiture on the DSLR's.

The only real issue I have is that if the lens is mounted on a K mount body using the M42 adapter and the lens is inadvertantly cocked, it must be removed from the camera to uncock it.

John, I accept your point about using the newer M and A series lenses but at this focal length (85mm, 100mm, 105mm) they are as rare as rocking horse manure and if you do find one the price is outrageous. I was looking for a cheaper (my 'Minister for the Interior' insists), if less convenient alternative. There are some lovely Takumars to be had and they are much cheaper than the newer ones.