Takumar confusion.

Took delivery of a 135mm f2.5 Takumar Bayonet lens, today. These lenses are thought to be nothing special and only single coated. I got it very cheaply, with the intention of selling it on. I have noticed they often get silly money on ebay. However. I'm a bit confused. I always thought these lenses were made in Korea for Pentax, rather than by them, in Japan. This one though, says 'Asahi Optical Japan' on it.
Were there two versions, One japanese and the other Korean?

I did a quick google and this rather old discussion does seem to indicate that the lens was made in Korea and Japan. No great detail though, I'm afraid.

Cheers, Kris.

Thanks, womble. Being a japanese one might add a bit to It's value, then... I hope!

I assume you've looked here for info? Mixed reactions to this lens it seems.

Mike

Couldn't find anything about it on that site, Mike. Yes. - Opinion seems to be divided on the merits of this lens. Most say its lousy, others seem to love it!
I will do a test of it, along side an M 135 f3.5 and a Zeiss Jena 135 f3.5, over the Christmas break and see how they compare to each other. I will photograph a brake test weight chart with each lens, at all apertures. All I can say for now, is that the K Tak is heavy and quite well made.

I wonder if the guys on that site all have the same lens. Some maybe have the Japanese version some not?

The lens is a competent performer, slighly faster than usual for a four element design. Wide open it's nice as a portrait lens, stopped down it's sharp and contrasty.

Not having SMC coatings it is more prone to flare, but no more so than any other conventionally coated lens.