Well, I just got my Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 135/3.5 in the mail and thought I would post a couple of impressions. Man, it's amazing what these lenses go for on ebay. I got this for a mere 20 bucks. The lens itself is in fantastic condition, minus some paint wear it appears to me to be in like new condition. The focus ring is smooth, the aperture ring is solid and sure, the glass is clean, and nothing appears to be even a little loose. Unlike my Tak 200/4, which was a little loose and required me to tighten it up a bit... I'll probably keep my eye out for a newer Tak 200/4 on Ebay as that 200 is going to worry me forever.
I think the picture quality of this 135/3.5 is slightly better than what I was getting with the 200/4 somehow. It seems to have superior color contrast, with excellent resolving power, is sharp wide open, and deadly when stopped down. Here is a shot taken at 800 ISO stopped down to F/8: http://www.bluehorizon3d.com/PDML/Tak135testshot.jpg This is basically a 200mm lens on my istD camera, so it's a very usefull range. I like this lens, a lot, it's small, it's light, and it's well made being all metal. Too bad Pentax, or anyone for that matter, doesn't employ the same design philosophies today. One might argue that modern plastics are extremely capable construction materials, but, nothing beats the feel of metal. I much prefer a metal focusing ring to the rubberized type that are so prevalent today, there is no advantage in the rubberized coating. Focusing the lens is unreal, its a dream, it amazes me how superior it is to my new lenses. I honestly do not believe there is much sense in buying new lenses unless you *need* the modern autofocus. These old takumars have convinced me that it only makes sense to buy the very best new, aka a limited or FA* lens. The more affordable lines are a waste of money. I also got a Vivitar 28mm/2.5 screw mount lens. It's pretty soft wide open, but sharp stopped down. Surprisingly resistant to CA, contrast is not great, barrel distortion is evident in any straight lines within 30 feet. Outdoors in sunlight, the lens performs well for 9 bucks. The copy I have is in great shape, with a very smooth focus ring, solid overall build. -Shawn
