Pentax 55mm f/2 Auto-Takumar Manual Focus Lens for M42 Screw Mount Review

The Pentax 55mm f/2 Auto-Takumar is a classic manual focus lens designed for M42 screw mount cameras, a system popular in the 1960s and 1970s. This vintage optic features a maximum aperture of f/2, offering decent low-light capability and shallow depth of field for portraiture and creative work. The Auto-Takumar line is known for its solid build quality and distinctive rendering, making it a frequent choice among film shooters and digital users who adapt vintage glass to modern mirrorless bodies.

At $64 from KEH in excellent condition, this lens represents an accessible entry point into vintage manual focus photography. The M42 mount adapts easily to a wide range of modern cameras, though users should expect fully manual operation with no electronic communication. The 46mm filter thread is a common size, and the aperture cocking ring indicates this is a pre-set aperture design typical of the era. Image quality will depend on the specific copy and its age, as older Takumars can exhibit yellowing or haze if not well maintained.