> I finally nabbed a true "new" one. In a sealed carton, truly never > used, it had all the wrappings and warranty card, everything that made > it a brand new lens. I paid dearly for it, since another ebayer had > cast longing eyes on it too. But, it was totally free of yellow cast.
Sid, That's pretty amazing that "true new ones" are still out there. > I am sincerely of the opinion these old SMCTs, easily available, many > in mint condition, albeit some with yellow casts from aging, are works > of art, a beauty of Japanese engineering, and quite capable of producing > works of art, despite their not having "aspherical" elements, LD glass > or any of the newer innovations of modern manufacturing. I heartily second that. I know in my head that the later 50/1.4's are probably as good as most S.M.C.-Takumar's, but the wonderful construction of that lens just gets to me. As JCO says, a good one has got the smoothest focusing action of ANY lens, Zeiss or Leica included. It's just a beautifully made object. It's also a verifiable fact that manufacturers over the years have concentrated their considerable efforts on taking cost OUT of certain products as a way of putting value in. And while in many cases their skill and attention results in products that may perform as well, still, there is something really satisfying about a product that is unapologetically deluxe. Certainly that applies to the 35/2 and 50/1.4 Super Takumars and Super-Multi-Coated Takumars. --Mike * * * "You never know when the shot of a lifetime will appear before you. You do have a say in what kind of film is in your camera when it happens." (Mark Roberts) * * * Find out about Mike Johnston's unique photography newsletter, "The 37th Frame," at http://www.37thframe.com. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
