Asahi Super Takumar 50mm f/1.4 Review

Asahi Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 Model I Performance

In 1964, the design ethos of an f/1.4 lens was somewhat different to today. As a consequence, we might expect that wide open the lens may not be razor sharp, but it will be when stopped down. Using Imatest, sharpness centrally is simply very good all the way through the apertures. The edges are also very good and virtually matching the centre from f/2.8 to f/16. However, at f/1.4 the edges are ethereally soft and likewise at f/2, although gradually sharpening. Critical sharpness clicks in at f/2.8. This means that we have the possibility of some truly wonderful bokeh effects at the two widest apertures, and does bear out the reputation of the lens as being something special in a creative sense. Portrait photographers might see huge benefits in this design choice.

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is very well controlled, almost banished centrally and still kept to very low values at the edge. One of the minor surprises of doing these vintage reviews is finding that CA was much better corrected for than anticipated.

Distortion measures -1.52% barrel, a very good result and not likely to be a problem.

Bokeh is very, very smooth and here the qualities of the lens shine through. We end up with a lens that indeed produces a “look”, a delightfully vague term but one that can be very easily understood when the results are seen.

The conventional coating does mean that use of a lens hood is advisable, as flare can intrude on images unless care is taken. It is, however, no worse than any other quality lens of the period and does not prevent the making of some great images.

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