Introduction: A Classic SLR with Modern Appeal
The Asahi Pentax ES II paired with the SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is one of those camera kits that seems to sit perfectly between eras. It offers the hands-on satisfaction of a fully mechanical-feeling SLR, yet introduces electronic conveniences that keep it practical for everyday film shooting today.
For photographers who want to slow down, shoot deliberately, and enjoy the craftsmanship of vintage gear, this kit is a compelling choice. It is equally attractive if you are building a sustainable, second-hand setup that can serve both your analog cameras and your modern mirrorless body via an adapter.
The first time I held a vintage SLR, I remember the surprising weight of brass and glass settling into my hands. It felt less like a gadget and more like a tool, and it quietly pushed me to step outside, chase late-afternoon light, and make portraits that actually meant something.
A Brief History of the Asahi Pentax ES II and Takumar Legacy
The Asahi Pentax ES II was introduced in the early 1970s, at a time when manufacturers were experimenting with electronic shutters and more advanced metering. Building on the success of earlier Spotmatic bodies, the ES II refined aperture-priority auto-exposure while keeping the familiar M42 screwmount that many photographers already trusted.
The SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 that often accompanies the ES II has its own legendary status. “SMC” stands for Super-Multi-Coated, Pentax’s advanced lens coating that improved contrast and resistance to flare. Combined with a fast f/1.4 aperture and smooth manual focusing, the lens became a favorite among enthusiasts for portraits, low-light work, and everyday storytelling.
Today, this combination represents a sweet spot: advanced enough to be practical, but old enough to feel truly mechanical and characterful. For many photographers, an ES II kit is their gateway into the world of SLR film cameras.
Technical Craftsmanship: Inside the Camera and Lens
ES II body: familiar handling, thoughtful electronics
The Pentax ES II maintains classic SLR ergonomics: optical viewfinder, shutter-speed dial on top, and a reassuringly solid film advance lever. Inside, its electronically-timed shutter enables aperture-priority auto-exposure, so you choose the aperture and the camera selects an appropriate shutter speed within its range.
The in-viewfinder meter readout helps you monitor exposure as lighting changes, and manual override remains straightforward when you want full creative control. For a 1970s body, it feels remarkably intuitive for modern users.
SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4: a bright, characterful standard lens
The SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 provides a natural field of view for portraits, street, and everyday scenes. Its key strength is the bright maximum aperture: f/1.4 enables shallow depth of field and low-light shooting without relying on high ISO films.
When stopped down, the lens is sharp and contrasty; wide open, it delivers that classic “vintage” look with smooth background blur and gentle rendering of highlights. Focus throw is long and precise, making manual focus a pleasure rather than a chore.
Modern Use: Adapting the Takumar for Digital Creativity
One of the most appealing aspects of the ES II kit is how easily the SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 can be repurposed for digital work. Thanks to the M42 screwmount, you can adapt it to almost any mirrorless system with a simple metal adapter.
Essential steps for adapting to mirrorless
- Use an M42 to mirrorless adapter (E, X, or MFT mount)
- Test focus peaking and magnification tools for accuracy
- Experiment at wide apertures for creamy bokeh
- Use a rubber lens hood to minimize flare
On digital bodies, the Takumar becomes a manual-focus prime with beautiful rendering and a tactile shooting experience. Focus peaking and magnification tools make nailing focus at f/1.4 surprisingly straightforward, even for portraits and close-ups.
Buying Guide: Finding a Dependable Second-Hand ES II Kit
Because the ES II and SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 are several decades old, condition matters. A carefully inspected, serviced kit will feel trustworthy and enjoyable; a neglected one can be frustrating. When browsing second-hand listings or shopping at DutchThrift.com, pay attention to these checks:
Body checks: shutter, meter, and light seals
- Check shutter speeds for consistency
- Verify metering response under varied light
- Confirm light seals are replaced or intact
Try firing the shutter across its range and listen for irregularities. The meter should respond smoothly when you point the camera from bright window light to darker interiors. Fresh light seals prevent leaks that could ruin otherwise beautiful negatives.
Lens checks: optics and focusing feel
- Inspect lens for fungus or yellowing
- Ensure focus ring moves smoothly
Look through the lens against a bright background for haze or fungal threads. A slight yellow tint can be normal on some Takumars and is often treatable; heavy haze or deep fungus is more serious. The focus ring should rotate smoothly without grinding or stiff spots.
Creative Examples and Everyday Shooting Inspiration
With the ES II and Takumar 50mm f/1.4, you do not need a bag full of lenses to create varied work. A single fast 50mm is often enough to explore portraits, details, and everyday scenes.
Recommended film and exposure habits
- Try ISO 200–400 films for well-balanced exposure
ISO 200–400 color negative film gives you a forgiving exposure latitude, especially when you are still getting used to the ES II’s meter and your own manual technique. In bright daylight, you can comfortably shoot stopped down for sharp landscapes; indoors or at dusk, open up to f/1.4 or f/2 for atmospheric, shallow-depth portraits.
Simple projects to start with
Begin with a portrait series of friends or family, shot wide open to explore how the Takumar renders skin tones and background blur. Then, try a walk through your city or neighborhood at golden hour, noticing how the lens handles backlight and flare (a rubber hood helps here). Finally, dedicate one roll of film to details only—hands, textures, reflections—to learn how 50mm sees the world.
Conclusion: Timeless Tools for Expressive Photographers
The Asahi Pentax ES II with SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 is more than a nostalgic collectible. It is a practical, expressive toolkit for photographers who value craft, deliberate shooting, and the unique character of film and vintage glass.
Whether you are stepping into analog for the first time or adding a classic lens to your digital setup, this kit offers a rare mix of reliability, history, and creative potential. By choosing a carefully inspected second-hand ES II and Takumar from a trusted source, you extend the life of a beautifully made tool—and give yourself a camera you will want to keep using for years.
FAQs
Is the Asahi Pentax ES II reliable for everyday film shooting? Yes, when serviced, it is one of the more reliable vintage SLRs available. Make sure the shutter speeds and meter are properly calibrated so you get consistent exposure from roll to roll.
Can I use the SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4 on digital cameras? Yes. With an inexpensive M42 adapter, the lens works beautifully on most mirrorless systems. You will focus manually, but image quality and character are exceptional, especially at wider apertures.
What film works best with the ES II? ISO 200 or 400 color negative film is an excellent starting point. These speeds offer balanced tones and generous exposure latitude, making them ideal for learning and for shooting in mixed lighting conditions.
How can I avoid yellowed glass in vintage Takumar lenses? Yellowing is common in older thorium-based Takumar lenses. You can usually reduce it by exposing the lens to sunlight or controlled UV light over time, which helps clear the discoloration in the glass.
If this ES II kit sparks your interest, explore more curated analog cameras and characterful camera lenses at DutchThrift.com and build a sustainable setup that keeps classic gear in use.