Asahi Super-Takumar 135mm f/3.5 (M42) | S/N: 1901309

Asahi Super-Takumar 135mm f/3.5 (M42) | S/N: 1901309

Good Condition | Telephoto Prime Lens | The Golden Era of Tactile Japanese Optics

The Asahi Super-Takumar 135mm f/3.5 is a masterfully engineered telephoto prime, celebrated by collectors and photographers alike for its legendary build quality and silky-smooth mechanics. Produced by Asahi Optical Co. in Japan, this lens is a cornerstone of the M42 screw-mount era, renowned for its "Takumar glow" and exceptional sharpness. This unit (S/N: 1901309) features a refined optical formula that delivers beautiful color rendering and a pleasing, natural background blur. With its compact all-metal barrel and precision-dampened focusing ring, the Super-Takumar provides the mechanical soul and optical brilliance required for a premium vintage shooting experience.

Key Features

• Classic 135mm focal length, perfect for portraits and isolating distant details

• Fast f/3.5 maximum aperture providing a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh

• Universal M42 Screw Mount, compatible with a vast array of vintage SLRs and modern mirrorless systems via adapters

• Robust, all-metal industrial construction with high-precision tolerances

• Legendary "Takumar" focusing feel—widely considered the smoothest in photographic history

• Integrated A/M (Auto/Manual) switch for easy aperture control on modern digital cameras

• Compact telephoto design that remains balanced and portable for field use

Introductory Paragraph The Asahi Super-Takumar 135mm f/3.5 is the definitive choice for the photographer who values a tactile, analog connection to their imagery. This specific unit is a standout because it represents the peak of Asahi Opt. Co. craftsmanship, where lenses were built to last for generations. The 135mm perspective is often cited as the perfect portrait length, offering flattering compression that makes subjects "pop" from their background. Because it utilizes high-quality multi-coating (in later versions) or sophisticated single-coating, it maintains excellent contrast even when shooting toward light sources. Whether you are using it on a classic Pentax Spotmatic or adapting it to a modern Sony or Fujifilm body for its unique vintage character, this Takumar provides the optical brilliance and mechanical reliability that defined the golden age of Japanese optics.

Condition Report Good condition. The Asahi lens barrel (S/N: 1901309) shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its age. The glass is optically clear; free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The aperture blades are clean, oil-free, and snappy. The legendary focusing ring is exceptionally smooth and well-dampened across the entire range, and the M42 threads are in excellent condition.

Specialist Note "There is something almost therapeutic about focusing a Super-Takumar. What I love about this 135mm f/3.5 is that it isn't just a lens; it's a precision instrument. It’s a rugged, honest piece of Japanese engineering that is surprisingly sharp even by modern standards. For anyone looking to get into vintage glass, this is the 'gold standard' for build quality. It produces a soft, cinematic look that digital lenses often lack, making it a favorite for environmental portraits and urban details."

What's Included

• Asahi Super-Takumar 135mm f/3.5 Lens (S/N: 1901309)

• Front and Rear Lens Caps

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Asahi Opt. Co. (Pentax)

• Model: Super-Takumar 135mm f/3.5

• Lens Type: Telephoto Prime Lens

• Focal Length: 135mm

• Aperture Range: f/3.5 – f/22

• Lens Mount: M42 Screw Mount

• Category: 2. Lenses ▸ Telephoto Zoom Lens (Note: Categorized as Telephoto Prime)