Infinity focus gone on my early version Super -Takumar 35mm f2

years ago I got an early version Super Takumar 35mm f2 with the huge front element off an Old Gent with my SV. It WAS perfect -- now giving it an 'outing ' I find it will not focus to 'Infinity' -- all tests are out of focus! Also, something indoors at about 9 feet away is over 30 feet on the focus scale. What a Shame! There is a narrow 'Ring' where it screws into lens mount and screws were a bit loose -- so I tightened carefully but it did not cure it. I have looked at Film Plane with x6 maginifier and a ground glass and my S3 on 'T' and it is out of focus on infinity. No sign of loose lens elements when shaking gently. Any IDEAS please? Attached pic of lens on my K10D

---

been a member of Pentax Club since the Ron Spillman era! Got COMPUTERISED at last - DIGITISED? Taken the PLUNGE - BUT FILM STILL RULES !!!

it may be worth using another PK/M42 adaptor just in case. The original Pentax version is preferable, at least in my experience.

Is there anything rattling in the lens ? It may be a loose element.

I'd normally agree but it doesn't explain it being OOF at infinity on the S3. This might be exacerbated when adapted, for sure.
I'm wondering what aspect holds the infinity point in place in the helicoid, whether it's a grub screw or similar to stop at infinity. Wondering whether something like that has come loose, or the barrel is loose with respect to the helicoid and therefore has 'slipped' so thrown the scale off.
Bit of a mystery. Might be worth sending it off for a CLA?

There are companies that specialise in old lenses, so it may well be that such a lovely lens deserves letting them have a look? I have had some tricky jobs done by Newton Ellis in Liverpool - www.newtonellis.com

---

Best regards, John

I wondered if there was something inside but could not hear anything - I have sent an e-mail to Harrow Technical -- I know they are no longer in Pentax House though. That K-M42 Adapter is the real PENTAX one

---

been a member of Pentax Club since the Ron Spillman era! Got COMPUTERISED at last - DIGITISED? Taken the PLUNGE - BUT FILM STILL RULES !!!

If Robin doesn't want to do it, try Alan Marlow alanmarlow1000@gmail.com">(alanmarlow1000@gmail.com). He did an excellent job on my auto-Takumar that I got from John (where else?) and the charge was very reasonable.

Cheers, Kris.

PS The forum is doing something odd with the formatting of the email address but I'm sure you can work it out!

---

Kris Lockyear
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
My website

Just had a Reply from Robin at Harrow Technical -- he wants £90 quids to do the 35mm f2 Super Takumar NOT the £47 as in his web--site and I mentioned my SMC Takumar 200mm f4 needs a de-grease as it has all gone solid the grease but he thought it was a 'ZOOM' and says it needs an estimate - surely he should know the SMC Takumar 200mm f4 was a PRIME lens ? I think £90 is far too much -- more than that lens is worth. I will contact Mr Marlow ---

---

been a member of Pentax Club since the Ron Spillman era! Got COMPUTERISED at last - DIGITISED? Taken the PLUNGE - BUT FILM STILL RULES !!!

There is a Takumar 70-200mm f/4 which may have caused the confusion?
£90 is considerably more than the prices he typically stipulates, which is a shame...

is there anything more complicated about the early 35/2?

It shouldn't be difficult at all to sort out infinity focus on the Tak.

If it's like other Tak lenses, you'll need to unscrew the front ring to gain access to the infinity adjustment screws. Loosening them allows the focus ring to move freely without moving the helicoid. A bit of trial and error with a liveview DSLR should make things easier.

Let me know if you're struggling to find someone to do it at a reasonable price.

I sent it to Alan Marlow -- he quoted £40 for setting the Infinity focus and £60 to strip down and clean and re-grease the SMC Takumar 200mm f4 with correct grease. The SMC Takumar 200mm f4 cost £61 NEW in 1972 from David S.H. Leung camera dealer of Goodmayes ! Repairs are a big chunk out of my retirement Pension as H M Government knocked £100 quids off a month as Wife had got a job cleaning in a school .

---

been a member of Pentax Club since the Ron Spillman era! Got COMPUTERISED at last - DIGITISED? Taken the PLUNGE - BUT FILM STILL RULES !!!

I should start a repair company then

I hope they come back as good as new!