Vintage Review: Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 135mm f/3.5 Lens

A Classic from Asahi: The Legacy of the SMC Takumar 135mm f/3.5

The Asahi Super-Multi-Coated (SMC) Takumar 135mm f/3.5 is one of those vintage lenses that quietly refuses to go out of style. Designed for M42 screw-mount cameras, it combines classic Asahi craftsmanship with early multi-coating technology, giving photographers a compact telephoto with surprisingly modern behavior and unmistakably vintage character.

At 135mm, this Takumar sits in a sweet spot for portraits, compressed landscapes, and detail shots. It offers enough reach for subtle background separation, yet remains small and lightweight enough to live in your bag. For photographers exploring second-hand analog cameras or adapting legacy glass to mirrorless bodies, it is a natural starting point.

I first picked up a Takumar 135mm almost as an afterthought—thrown into a box of old lenses I bought for a different project. The first thing I shot was a quiet portrait of a friend by a window; the way it rendered the light and background blur instantly slowed me down and changed how I approached framing and focus.

Build Quality and Optical Character

All-metal construction you can feel

The first thing you notice when picking up the SMC Takumar 135mm f/3.5 is the density. Its all-metal barrel, engraved markings, and damped focus ring signal a level of build quality that many modern plastic lenses simply do not match. Even decades later, good copies still focus smoothly and feel precise.

Warm tones, gentle contrast, and soft bokeh

Optically, the “Super-Multi-Coated” name matters. Asahi’s coatings help control flare and maintain contrast compared to earlier single-coated lenses. Colors lean slightly warm, giving skin tones a pleasing, natural look. Out-of-focus areas render with a smooth, soft bokeh that can feel almost painterly when shot wide open at f/3.5.

It is not clinically sharp in the way of modern high-resolution lenses, but that is exactly the appeal. Center sharpness is very respectable, and the falloff toward the edges can actually enhance the subject separation that portrait and detail shooters often want.

Bringing Vintage Glass into the Modern Era

Perfect match for mirrorless cameras

The SMC Takumar 135mm f/3.5 adapts beautifully to modern digital cameras. Mirrorless bodies from Sony, Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm are particularly well-suited because their short flange distances make simple mechanical adapters possible. With the correct M42 adapter, you retain infinity focus and get a stable, secure mount.

On APS-C sensors, the 135mm field of view becomes even tighter—great for close-up detail shots or intimate portraits from a distance. On full-frame digital bodies, you get the original classic telephoto perspective that this lens was designed for.

Characterful video companion

Many filmmakers seek out this lens as an affordable way to add cinematic character to their footage. Its smooth focus throw allows for precise, controlled pulls, and the compact body balances well on most gimbals and cages. Combined with modern log profiles or film simulations, the Takumar’s warm tones and gentle contrast give video a distinctive, organic look.

How to Set It Up for Digital and Film

Choosing the right M42 adapter

Because the Takumar 135mm f/3.5 uses an M42 screw mount, adapting it is straightforward. You simply need a thin, well-machined M42–to–your-system adapter. Popular options include:

• M42 to Sony E
• M42 to Canon RF
• M42 to Nikon Z
• M42 to Fujifilm X

Avoid overly cheap adapters with sloppy tolerances; a poor adapter can introduce wobble or misalignment.

Using the SMC Takumar 135mm on analog bodies

If you are shooting it on an original M42 film camera, setup is even easier—simply screw the lens onto the body and you are ready to go. The 135mm focal length shines on 35mm film for portraits, city details, and compressed landscapes, especially when paired with slower-speed film stocks that appreciate the f/3.5 aperture and good coatings.

Simple setup checklist

For best results on both digital and film, keep these setup tips in mind:

• Use a proper M42 adapter for your camera system.
• Attach a lens hood or ND filter for optimal performance.

Buying Second-Hand: What to Look For

Optical and mechanical checks

Because this lens is decades old, careful inspection is essential when buying second-hand. A well-kept Takumar can perform beautifully for many more years, while a neglected copy may suffer from haze, fungus, or mechanical wear.

• Check aperture blades move freely.
• Inspect glass for haze or fungus.
• Ensure smooth focus rotation.
• Test aperture action (no stickiness or oil).
• Inspect coatings for scratches or haze.
• Verify mount threads are not stripped or damaged.
• Confirm focus ring turns smoothly with resistance.
• Ask about storage conditions to avoid fungus issues.

Buying from a specialist in second-hand camera lenses instead of random auctions often means these checks have already been done for you, with honest grading and clear descriptions.

Why It Still Matters Today

A sustainable path to better images

The SMC Takumar 135mm f/3.5 proves that you do not need the latest autofocus zoom to make memorable images. By giving existing gear a second life, you reduce waste, save money, and gain access to unique optical personalities that modern lenses often sand away in pursuit of perfection.

Whether you are building a characterful video kit, exploring film with classic analog cameras, or looking for a distinctive telephoto for portraits, this Takumar still earns its place in the bag. It invites a slower, more deliberate style of photography, and rewards that patience with images that feel both timeless and personal.

Pair it with thoughtfully chosen photography accessories—like hoods, filters, and solid adapters—and you have a compact, reliable setup that bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern reliability.

FAQs

Can the Asahi SMC Takumar 135mm f/3.5 be used on modern digital cameras? Yes. With a simple M42 adapter for systems such as Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, or Fuji X, the lens works perfectly as a fully manual telephoto, giving you tactile focus control and aperture adjustment.

What makes the Takumar 135mm’s image quality unique? Its multi-coating reduces flare while preserving a warm color palette and gentle bokeh. The result is a distinctive vintage look with good contrast that feels different from the crisp, sometimes clinical rendering of modern lenses.

Is the SMC Takumar 135mm f/3.5 a good choice for video? Absolutely. The smooth focus throw, compact metal body, and cinematic rendering make it excellent for mirrorless video work and creative storytelling where character matters more than technical perfection.

What should I check before buying this lens second-hand? Inspect the aperture blades for smooth movement, check that the coatings are intact, test the focus ring for even resistance, and examine the glass for fungus or internal haze. Also confirm the M42 mount threads are clean and undamaged.