I’ve been shooting on and off with vintage lenses for a couple of years now. I always enjoyed using them but I didn’t really stick with it. I think it’s probably because I was prioritising shooting stock images, which need to be tack sharp. To that end using my modern Fujifilm lenses, with auto focus and coatings that have superb flare and glare control made more sense. There’s more on my drift into using vintage lenses in a previous blog – Vintage lenses and Flickr

So, since finding a new groove with these old lenses I decided to invest in some well regarded classics. I already own a superb an Auto Takumar 35mm f2.3 so I decided to buy another Auto Takumar, the 50mm f1.4. I sought out the early version of this classic which has eight elements and none of the flare control coatings the later lenses came with. I bought the lens on Ebay for £214. Much more expensive than any of my other vintage lenses but it’s been a superb investment.

I’m still getting to know the new lens. I used it on a recent trip to Marrakesh but, whilst we were there I made use of the photo opportunities to try out my other vintage lenses, so it didn’t get as much use as it should have done. I have a couple of other 50mm vintage lenses but this Takumar is proving to be a favourite amongst those.

The 50mm Auto Takumar is not quite my overall favourite vintage lens because the Takumar 35mm f2.3 is awesome and a more useful focal length on my crop sensor X-T5. Also, after much research, I have just bought a vintage Canon FD 55mm f1.2 which should prove strong competition for the Takumar. They all bring something different though and I’m hoping they’ll compliment each other and add another dimension to my images.

All images: ©Stephen Hyde 2007-2025 – All rights reserved.