Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (8-element version) Lens Review @AnalogInsights

Uploaded April 2019 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

In this episode, I review the so-called "Planar killer" which is the very first version of the Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 lens released in 1964. This vintage lens is famous for its special look, incredible bokeh, and propensity to flare. We take a closer look at some 35mm black and white images and discuss the characteristics of this lens.

Gear used:
Pentax SP500
Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (8-element version)
Oberwerth Isar hand strap (Available here: oberwerth.com/en/shop/accessories/hand-straps/53/camera-hand-strap-isar)

Films used:
Ilford FP4+
Ilford Pan F

Scan & dev by MeinFilmLab.de

If you'd like to get in touch or see some early behind the scenes footage, find me on Instagram: instagram.com/analog_insights

Pentax Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (8-element version) Lens Review

$TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 (for Leica M mount) Review In today’s episode, I review the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 lens on a Leica M6 shooting exclusively on film. This lens is designed as an inexpensive but high-quality alternative to Leica’s 35mm Summilux. It looks and feels almost exactly like the Summilux FLE introduced in 2010 despite costing only around 550 Euro - so a fraction of the 5.000 Euro of a new Leica Summilux. In reality, it is more likely to compete with alternatives such as the 35mm Voigtländer Nokton f/1.4 which is significantly smaller and costs around 650 Euro or the Carl Zeiss Distagon f/1.4 which comes in at around 1.600 Euro. Naturally, it also competes with vintage Leica lenses which can be quite a bargain sometimes. For a potential buyer, the big question remains: Can such a made in China alternative live up to the feel and quality of a professional Leica lens or at least feel nicely without making painful compromises with respect to optical performance? Let’s find out. More about the TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 for Leica M mount: https://ttartisan.myshopify.com/products/ttartisan-35mm-f1-4-full-fame-lens-for-leica-m-mount-cameras Gear used: Leica M6 with TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4 (for Leica M mount) Films used: Ilford FP4 Ilford Delta 400 Kodak Portra 400 If you enjoy our videos, consider following us on Instagram or TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/analog_insights https://www.tiktok.com/@analog_insights$

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