A Brief History of the Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 105mm f/2.8
The Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 105mm f/2.8 was born in an era when lenses were engineered as much for longevity as for sharpness. Designed for M42 screw-mount cameras, it served as a short telephoto option for portrait and detail work on classic Asahi Pentax bodies, long before autofocus became the norm.
The “Super-Multi-Coated” label marked a milestone in Asahi’s coating technology. Multiple anti-reflective layers reduced flare and improved contrast at a time when coatings were still a major differentiator between lens brands. Today, that badge is a quiet promise that this compact 105mm still holds its own on high-resolution digital sensors.
On 35mm film, 105mm became a beloved focal length for portrait photographers who wanted a slightly tighter, more flattering field of view than 85mm, with compression that smooths backgrounds naturally. It found its way into studios, street portrait setups, and travel bags worldwide.
The first time you mount a fully metal manual-focus lens like the Takumar 105mm f/2.8, that cold, knurled focus ring and satisfying resistance instantly change how you think about lenses—suddenly, focus feels like craftsmanship rather than a menu setting.
Build, Optics, and Unique Rendering
All-metal construction that feels made to last
The Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 105mm f/2.8 is compact, dense, and unapologetically metal. The focus ring turns with long, damped travel, enabling precise focus at portrait distances. Aperture clicks are firm and mechanical, communicating every stop through touch alone.
With a 49mm front filter thread, it stays small in the bag yet substantial in the hand. The lens balances especially well on smaller mirrorless bodies when paired with a solid M42 adapter.
Optical character: sharp yet forgiving
Stopped down, the Takumar 105mm f/2.8 is crisp, with good contrast and fine detail across the frame. Wide open at f/2.8, it softens just enough to flatter skin while maintaining clear definition on eyelashes and facial features—ideal for timeless portraits.
The rendering is classic Takumar: smooth out-of-focus areas, gentle falloff, and a subtle warmth that gives images a slightly nostalgic, film-like touch. Bright light sources can produce pleasing, rounded bokeh and a modest, cinematic glow.
Modern-Day Relevance and Adaptation Options
Adapting the Takumar 105mm to mirrorless and DSLR bodies
Despite its age, the Takumar 105mm f/2.8 integrates beautifully into modern digital setups. With a simple M42 adapter, you can mount it to Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X systems. The lens becomes a manual-focus, manual-aperture prime—no electronics, just pure optical performance.
On APS-C cameras, the effective field of view shifts closer to a 150–160mm equivalent, which is ideal for tight headshots, detail shots, and compression-heavy landscapes.
- ✔️ Use a trusted M42-to-mirrorless adapter for correct infinity focus.
- ✔️ Consider adding a 49mm protective or diffusion filter.
- ✔️ Add a focus gear ring for video rigs.
- ✔️ Use adapters with tripod support for better balance on compact cameras.
- 🔍 Inspect for lens fungus or haze under bright light.
- 🧭 Confirm aperture ring clicks cleanly with no oil residue.
- ⚙️ Test focus throw smoothness and no grinding feel.
- 📸 Verify infinity focus accuracy on your adapter setup.
Why vintage glass works so well on digital sensors
Modern sensors are unforgiving; they render every bit of micro-contrast and edge sharpness. Pairing them with lenses like the Takumar 105mm f/2.8 introduces character—slightly gentler contrast, beautiful transitions, and the occasional flare that looks more cinematic than clinical.
Real-World Shooting Workflows
Portrait photography
For portraits, start around f/2.8–f/4 and focus on the lead eye. Use focus peaking or magnification to nail sharpness. The 105mm focal length gives flattering compression, simplifies backgrounds, and lets you work at a comfortable distance from your subject.
Backlighting the subject with the sun or a window often yields a soft halo around hair and shoulders, especially when you allow a bit of flare—perfect for storytelling portrait sessions.
Detail shots and close-ups
The minimum focus distance allows for intimate detail images: hands, textures, food, still-life compositions. Stopped down to f/5.6–f/8, the lens is very sharp for product shots or detail work, especially on modern mirrorless bodies with focus assist.
Video and cinematic uses
Filmmakers appreciate the Takumar’s long, smooth focus throw. Manual focus pulls are precise and repeatable, especially if you add a rubber focus gear ring for use on follow-focus systems. The rendering leans organic, with pleasing roll-off from focus to blur.
Second-Hand Buying Guide: Finding a Good Copy
What to inspect on a vintage Takumar 105mm
Buying the Takumar 105mm f/2.8 second-hand is both sustainable and sensible, but condition matters.
Start by inspecting the optics under bright light. Look for fungus, haze, or large scratches. Light dust is normal and rarely affects real-world images, but haze and fungus can flatten contrast or cause veiling glare.
Check the aperture ring: it should click at each stop with no hesitation. Peer through the lens while changing aperture to ensure the blades move quickly and are free of oil. Oily blades can stick, especially in cold conditions.
Finally, rotate the focus ring from minimum to infinity. It should feel smooth and consistent, without grinding, uneven spots, or excessive stiffness.
Testing on your camera
Once mounted via an M42 adapter, test infinity focus by aiming at a distant object—mountains, a radio tower, or a far building—at maximum aperture. If you cannot reach infinity, the adapter might be out of tolerance.
Why the Takumar 105mm f/2.8 Belongs in Your Kit Today
The Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 105mm f/2.8 offers a mix of qualities that’s hard to find in modern lenses at a comparable price: metal construction, tactile focus, classic rendering, and a versatile short-telephoto field of view. It excels at portraits, shines in detail work, and adds character to video projects.
Adding one to your vintage lens collection is not just a nostalgic choice—it’s a creative tool that encourages slower, more intentional photography. Pair it with one of our carefully curated analog cameras, or adapt it to your mirrorless body and rediscover the joy of manual focus.
With the right care and a solid adapter, this M42 classic can easily become your go-to portrait lens for years to come.
FAQs
Is the Takumar 105mm f/2.8 compatible with modern digital cameras? Yes. With a simple M42 adapter, it can be used on most mirrorless and DSLR systems, including Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Fujifilm X.
Does the Takumar 105mm f/2.8 have radioactive glass? Some versions contain thorium glass, which can cause mild yellowing of the elements. Controlled UV or sunlight exposure can gradually clear the yellow tint and help restore neutral color rendering safely.
How does the Takumar 105mm f/2.8 perform for video work? Its long focus throw and smooth focusing ring make it excellent for manual focus pulls, lending your footage a cinematic, organic feel that’s hard to replicate with modern autofocus zooms.
What should I check when buying this lens second-hand? Inspect the optics for haze and fungus, test focus smoothness across the full range, ensure the aperture blades are clean and responsive, and confirm infinity focus alignment with your chosen adapter.
Ready to explore more characterful glass and supporting gear? Browse our curated vintage lens collection and pair your Takumar with sustainable photography accessories from DutchThrift.com.