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2024-05-18

Takumar 105/2.8 series: 4/4 vs 5/4 designs [1]

There are two optical designs in the Takumar 105/2.8 series. The older one is 4 elements in 4 groups (Takumer Pre-set I, Auto-Takumar). The later one is 4 elements in 4 groups (Takumar Pre-set II, Super-Takumar, S-M-C Takumar, and Pentax K 105/2.8).




I wanted to compare them to see if the older 4/4 design is better, as is sometimes said?

I expected to find a small difference between images taken with the lenses. But the difference is noticeable when you compare images side by side.

The 4/4 design lens has a slightly wider angle of view than the 5/4 design lens. And the 4/4 design lens has a barrel distortion, while the 5/4 design lens has a pincushion distortion.

1. 4/4 design:




5/4 design:




2. 4/4 design:




5/4 design:




3. 4/4 design:




5/4 design:




I usually prefer a wider angle for the same focal length. But the pincushion distortion of the 5/4 design may be better for real-world photography.

Also, when using a lens with an adapter, the preset aperture control is more convenient than the direct aperture control of Auto-Takumar. Especially when shooting movies.

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