Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 135mm f/2.5 Lens Review

A Look at the Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 135mm f/2.5

The Asahi Super-Multi-Coated (SMC) Takumar 135mm f/2.5 is one of those classic M42 lenses that never really left the stage. Built in an era when metal and glass ruled, it combines a practical telephoto focal length with a bright aperture, making it a timeless choice for portraits, details, and compressed landscapes.

Originally designed for 35mm film SLRs, this Takumar now enjoys a second life on mirrorless digital cameras. With the right adapter, it becomes an affordable way to experience vintage character without sacrificing too much sharpness or contrast.

Many photographers remember the first time they turned a Takumar focus ring: the smooth, damped motion and solid metal feel make manual focusing an almost meditative experience, far from the plastic click of modern autofocus lenses.

Build and Optical Highlights

All-metal construction and classic ergonomics

The SMC Takumar 135mm f/2.5 is compact for a telephoto, yet reassuringly dense. Its metal barrel, engraved distance scale, and ribbed focus ring give it a purposeful, tool-like feel. The long focus throw allows for precise adjustments, especially useful at f/2.5 where depth of field is razor-thin.

The aperture ring is click-stopped, offering full and half stop settings depending on version, and the blades form a pleasingly round opening at wider apertures. This contributes to the smooth bokeh that Takumar lenses are famous for.

Super-Multi-Coating and image rendering

What sets this lens apart from earlier Takumars is the Super-Multi-Coating. These coatings were ahead of their time, significantly reducing flare and maintaining contrast even when shooting into the light. On modern sensors, they help preserve micro-contrast and color accuracy.

Stopped down a little, the lens is sharp across much of the frame. Wide open, it has a gentle softness and subtle glow around highlights—often prized for portraits. Colors tend to lean slightly warm, with the characteristic amber tint in the coatings giving images a nostalgic yet still natural look.

How This Lens Performs on Modern Cameras

Adapting the Takumar 135mm f/2.5

Thanks to its M42 screw mount, the Takumar 135mm f/2.5 adapts beautifully to most mirrorless systems, including Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF, and others. A basic mechanical M42-to-your-mount adapter is all you need—no electronics required.

• ✔ Choose the correct M42 adapter for your camera system.
• ✔ Use a lens hood to reduce flare and protect glass.
• ✔ Activate focus peaking for accurate manual focusing.
• ✔ Consider ND filters for wide-aperture daylight shooting.
• ✔ Test the aperture blades for smooth motion.
• ✔ Rotate the focus ring fully to check for even resistance.
• ✔ Inspect lens elements for haze, dust, or fungus.
• ✔ Evaluate coatings and look for amber tint without scratches.
• ✔ Store in a dry cabinet or with silica gel.
• ✔ Check lens operation every few months.

On APS-C bodies, the effective field of view becomes roughly 200mm, which is excellent for tighter portraits and distant details. On full-frame, you get the classic 135mm perspective with strong background compression.

Focusing aids and shooting experience

Modern mirrorless cameras make manual focusing much easier than old optical finders. Enable focus peaking and, when possible, magnify your focus area for fine-tuning. At f/2.5, eyes can be in focus while ears blur noticeably, so take advantage of these tools.

The long, smooth focus throw is also a major advantage for video shooters, who appreciate predictable, repeatable focus pulls without focus breathing extremes.

Buying the Takumar 135mm f/2.5 Second-Hand

What to check before you buy

Because the Takumar 135mm f/2.5 is decades old, careful inspection is essential when shopping second-hand. A well-maintained copy can perform like new; a neglected one can be disappointing even at a low price.

Start by gently rotating the focus ring across its full range. Resistance should be even and smooth, without crunching or dead spots. Then operate the aperture ring through all stops, watching that the blades snap into position consistently.

Hold the lens up to a soft light source to inspect the glass. Light dust is normal and rarely visible in photos, but haze, fungus, or separation between elements can seriously affect contrast and sharpness.

Why second-hand is a sustainable choice

Choosing a vintage Takumar over a new telephoto lens is not just budget-friendly—it is also a more sustainable way to build your kit. Reusing classic optics keeps high-quality glass and metal out of landfill and reduces demand for new manufacturing, while still giving you creative performance.

At DutchThrift.com, curated second-hand camera lenses and analog cameras allow you to explore this heritage with confidence.

Creative Possibilities with the Takumar 135mm f/2.5

Portraits and subject isolation

The 135mm focal length naturally flatters faces by gently compressing features, while f/2.5 provides strong subject isolation. Position your subject several meters from the background to turn busy scenes into soft washes of color.

The lens’s rendering is forgiving on skin tones, giving a slightly classic, cinematic look rather than hyper-clinical sharpness.

Details, nature, and cinematic video

While it does not focus macro-close, the Takumar 135mm f/2.5 is excellent for isolating details—architecture, textures, or nature elements like leaves and branches. Backlit leaves, in particular, benefit from the SMC coatings and warm color rendition.

For video, the long focus throw and consistent, smooth resistance are major advantages. Paired with focus peaking or an external monitor, it becomes a very capable manual cine-style lens at a fraction of modern cinema lens prices.

Care Tips to Keep Your Takumar Performing Like New

Storage and basic maintenance

Vintage lenses reward gentle, regular care. Store your Takumar in a dry cabinet or bag with silica gel to reduce the risk of fungus. Avoid sealed, humid environments where moisture can build up over time.

Every few months, operate the focus and aperture to keep lubricants distributed and mechanisms free. A soft blower and lens brush remove dust; use proper lens cleaning fluid sparingly and avoid over-polishing the front element.

Using filters and hoods

A good-quality UV or clear protective filter can shield the front element from scratches, but make sure the filter glass is clean and multi-coated to avoid reducing contrast. A vented or tube-style lens hood is highly recommended for both physical protection and flare control.

Final Thoughts on the Asahi Takumar 135mm f/2.5

The Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 135mm f/2.5 occupies a sweet spot between vintage charm and practical usability. Its robust metal build, pleasing bokeh, and effective coatings make it more than a nostalgic curiosity—it is a working tool that still holds its own on modern digital cameras.

For photographers and filmmakers who appreciate manual focus, deliberate composition, and sustainable gear choices, this Takumar is a rewarding lens to add to a second-hand kit. Paired with the right adapter and a bit of care, it can deliver decades more creative service.

Explore more curated second-hand camera lenses and essential photography accessories at DutchThrift.com to complete your vintage-meets-modern setup.