A couple more beautiful lenses

I realized that I had not said anything about the 2 lenses I took to the woods yesterday...

These arrived aver the last couple of weeks, but I had not really had time to really try them and say anything about them. They are: the Super-Takumar 135mm f/3.5 (model II) and the Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR 55mm f/1.8.

The 55mm is a comparatively young lens, made from 1971-72 this one is from about 1/3 of the way through the run. It is a nice lens, as always beautifully made, and with a very pleasant heft and feeling to it, and it takes some nice, sharp pictures with a nice bokeh.

The 135mm is a little older, they were made from 1965-71 and this one is again from about 1/3 of the way through the run, so probably about 1968. It is a truly lovely lens to hold and work with: the focus is tight and responsive and the pictures it takes are lovely with a great, smooth bokeh- this is an awesome portrait lens!

I have to say, while great Russian lenses like the Helios 44-2 and the Zenitar-M will always have a place in my heart, I am really starting to appreciate the glass from the Asahi Optical Co. of Japan! Without fail all the ones I have used (and I have 7 now!) have been a joy. They are absolutely beautifully made, and even though most of them are almost as old as me I have been able to find them reasonably priced and looking as if they were made yesterday. And they perform beautifully when paired with my amazing Sony mirrorless camera and are sharp and clean and yet have a character, and especially bokeh, that you just can’t get from modern lenses!