Looking for a small but high-performing wide-angle prime with a touch of vintage soul? The Pentax SMC Takumar 28mm f/3.5 is a compelling option. In this review, I’ll share its condition, handling, optical qualities, and sample images taken on modern mirrorless gear.
🔍 Quick Overview & Specs
- Lens: Pentax SMC Takumar 28mm f/3.5 (Super-Multi-Coated)
- Mount: M42 screw; compatible with mirrorless via adapter
- Optical Formula: 6 elements in 5 groups; 5-blade aperture
- Minimum Focus: ~0.3 m; useful for close-ups
- Filter Size: 52 mm
- Weight: ~260 g
- Coating: SMC (Super Multi-Coated) from 1971–1975; enhances contrast and reduces flare
🛠️ Build Quality & Handling
The all-metal build feels solid yet compact. The focus and aperture rings are smooth and click with precision—great for manual control. Though compact, it’s robust, making it ideal for travel and street photography.
Don’t be surprised if the Takumar weighs a bit more than expected— Pentax used quality metals even in its smallest primes.
📷 Optical Performance & Image Character
Sharpness is good in the center from f/3.5 onward; mid-frame sharpness improves by f/5.6–8. Corners remain soft until around f/16. Contrast is high, and flare resistance is solid thanks to SMC coatings.
Ghosting is minimal; however, you may see slight color fringing in backlit shots. Overall, it’s a faithful wide-angle with vintage character—great for travel, street, and landscapes.
📸 Sample Shots
Here are a few images shot with the Takumar on a Sony α7 IV:
👍 Pros & ⚠️ Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact, solid metal build | Corner softness until stopped down |
| SMC coating reduces flare | F3.5 aperture is not very fast |
| Close focusing ~0.3m | Manual-only and no infinity lock ring |
| Lightweight & travel-ready | Adaptation required for mirrorless |
🧭 Who Is It For?
A perfect lens for those seeking a reliable, compact wide-angle prime. Ideal for:
- Travel & street photography
- Budget-conscious vintage lens lovers
- Users who value tactile manual focusing
🔧 Usage Tips & Mounting Advice
- Ensure adapter is secure to avoid stray light or tilting.
- Stop down to f/8–11 for full-frame crops or landscape shots.
- Use lens hood to prevent flare in backlit scenes.
- Handle carefully—the small size makes it easy to drop.
🛍️ Available for Purchase
We currently offer this Takumar 28mm f/3.5 on our eBay store. Grab it now while it’s still available!
[On Sale] ‐ [MINT] Pentax SMC Takumar 28mm F3.5 Wide Angle MF Lens M42 From JPN #L007
🔚 Final Thoughts
The Pentax SMC Takumar 28mm f/3.5 offers a rare blend of portability, build quality, and vintage image character. While not the fastest lens on the market, its charm lies in its rendering style and usability. For a wide-angle prime that’s easy to carry and fun to shoot with, this Takumar is a solid choice.
