T a k u m a r 1 : 4 f = 300mm Model I
Produced May 1958 to 1962. Serial Number range 161xx - 275xxx.( No AOCo.No.) Honeywell Pentax Cat.No.729. Updated April 2023
Produced May 1958 to 1962. Serial Number range 161xx - 275xxx.( No AOCo.No.) Honeywell Pentax Cat.No.729. Updated April 2023
(Research Note: Since 2010 I have seen 3.28% (48 copies) of the total estimated 1,460 copies made.)
INTRODUCTION
The first two 1:4/300mm Takumars share the optical formula 3/3 and lack product numbers. Fourteen batches of the second version with a forward mounted diaphragm were produced for sale beginning in May 1958. This uncommon version, designated Model I, was made specifically for Asahi Pentax cameras. Model I first became available to owners of the second and third model Asahi Pentax cameras (S , K) in early 1958. It seems demand was low and few could afford one. It is regarded as rare, even in Japan 1 2. There is a significant gap in time between production of Model I and the production of the more common Model II which started in 1962. All three versions of 1:4/300mm Takumars have simple manual apertures. The automatic/manual switch on the Super-Takumar version arrived in 1965.
Asahi Pentax camera manuals (En) printed in early 1957 illustrate the first version; a black and chrome model with no tripod mount. Its aperture is close to the camera illustrated (an Asahi Pentax (AP)) in the same style as the earliest Takumar 1:5/500 lens made for Asahiflex cameras and converted to M42 mounts in the interim until new lenses could be made. No copies are known to have survived. This first version may have been in development and not produced commercially (see Notes). Descriptions in camera manuals give it a weight of 950g and close focus distance of 9m (or 30ft); greatest close focus distance of all versions and without a tripod mount.
The first two 1:4/300mm Takumars share the optical formula 3/3 and lack product numbers. Fourteen batches of the second version with a forward mounted diaphragm were produced for sale beginning in May 1958. This uncommon version, designated Model I, was made specifically for Asahi Pentax cameras. Model I first became available to owners of the second and third model Asahi Pentax cameras (S , K) in early 1958. It seems demand was low and few could afford one. It is regarded as rare, even in Japan 1 2. There is a significant gap in time between production of Model I and the production of the more common Model II which started in 1962. All three versions of 1:4/300mm Takumars have simple manual apertures. The automatic/manual switch on the Super-Takumar version arrived in 1965.
Asahi Pentax camera manuals (En) printed in early 1957 illustrate the first version; a black and chrome model with no tripod mount. Its aperture is close to the camera illustrated (an Asahi Pentax (AP)) in the same style as the earliest Takumar 1:5/500 lens made for Asahiflex cameras and converted to M42 mounts in the interim until new lenses could be made. No copies are known to have survived. This first version may have been in development and not produced commercially (see Notes). Descriptions in camera manuals give it a weight of 950g and close focus distance of 9m (or 30ft); greatest close focus distance of all versions and without a tripod mount.
DESCRIPTION
Model I is the first of three all black metal lenses made specifically for Asahi Pentax cameras, in part, to replace Asahiflex versions (with an M42 mount) that were available in 1957. All are manual lenses. The Takumar 1:4/300 came into production first in May 1958 and was quickly followed by the 500mm and then 1000mm focal length Takumars in that order.
The optical formula is 3/3 (3 elements in 3 groups) and the aperture is created by an 18 blade diaphragm in the front half of the lens barrel. It is the longest of the two 1:4/300mm Takumars commercially produced, has a minimum focus distance of 7m and weighs 1,360g, including tripod bush ("Takumar Lenses" (J)).
Model I is the first of three all black metal lenses made specifically for Asahi Pentax cameras, in part, to replace Asahiflex versions (with an M42 mount) that were available in 1957. All are manual lenses. The Takumar 1:4/300 came into production first in May 1958 and was quickly followed by the 500mm and then 1000mm focal length Takumars in that order.
The optical formula is 3/3 (3 elements in 3 groups) and the aperture is created by an 18 blade diaphragm in the front half of the lens barrel. It is the longest of the two 1:4/300mm Takumars commercially produced, has a minimum focus distance of 7m and weighs 1,360g, including tripod bush ("Takumar Lenses" (J)).
Source: Takumar History
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AOCo details from "Takumar Lenses" brochures (J) are; for the only 3/3 element 1:4/300mm Takumar commercially produced; viewing angle 8°, minimum focus distance 7m, smallest aperture f=22, weight 1360g, widest diameter 85mm, length 250mm and filter diameter 82mm. The lens was priced at ¥45,000 and the filters ¥3,000 each (UV, Y47 (yellow) and O-53 (orange)). Caps, case and screw-on hood were included or as accessories.
Including the fixed tripod bush, but stripped of filters and caps, it weighs a bare 1335g (4 copies 1328g-1342g) which is on average 250g less than Model II. The minimum focussing distance of 7m is 2m less than the "Asahiflex" version and 2m more than Model II. In 1962 it was replaced by Model II: a shorter, heavier, closer focussing but more attractive lens with a new optical design. Total sales of Model II were five times that of Model I in a similar period (4 years), if one assumes current observed frequencies are a guide.
Across the ten known batches there is little variation between copies. Front nameplates, depth of field and distance scales have identical lettering style and colour. Early and late copies vary in aperture ring decoration, setting point colouring and in the numbers of grooves in finger grips on the focus ring. There are 3 sets of small metal locking screws visible in the aperture ring, focussing ring and the base forward of the tripod mount.
Including the fixed tripod bush, but stripped of filters and caps, it weighs a bare 1335g (4 copies 1328g-1342g) which is on average 250g less than Model II. The minimum focussing distance of 7m is 2m less than the "Asahiflex" version and 2m more than Model II. In 1962 it was replaced by Model II: a shorter, heavier, closer focussing but more attractive lens with a new optical design. Total sales of Model II were five times that of Model I in a similar period (4 years), if one assumes current observed frequencies are a guide.
Across the ten known batches there is little variation between copies. Front nameplates, depth of field and distance scales have identical lettering style and colour. Early and late copies vary in aperture ring decoration, setting point colouring and in the numbers of grooves in finger grips on the focus ring. There are 3 sets of small metal locking screws visible in the aperture ring, focussing ring and the base forward of the tripod mount.
Focus rings are coarse-knurled metal with a standard early Takumar formula of 12 finger grips. Grips on lenses vary. Those in batches 1 to 5 contain 12 grooves (F 12/12); batches 6-7 have 10 per grip (F 10/12) and those in 8 and 9 have wider inter-grips and 9 grooves (F 9/12). Dual distances scales and infinity symbols are white and decrease from left to right. The minimum aperture is always f=22 in Model I.
Feet ∞ 500 250 150 100 70 50 40 30 25
Meter ∞ 100 50 30 20 15 12 10 9 8.5 8 7.5
Meter ∞ 100 50 30 20 15 12 10 9 8.5 8 7.5
Aperture rings are fine-knurled metal with white numerals. The setting point is a small round dot adjacent. This dot is white in the first batch of lenses and red on all remaining copies. Aperture size decreases as the scale is moved from left to right in relation to the setting point. On batches 5 - 8 fine white dots mark half-stops between four pairs of numerals on the scale, as below, so increasing the number of settings available from 6 to 10.
o
2216 11 8 5.6 4 (Batches 1-5)
2216. 11 . 8 . 5.6 . 4 (Batches 6-9)
2216 11 8 5.6 4 (Batches 1-5)
2216. 11 . 8 . 5.6 . 4 (Batches 6-9)
l
22 16 11 8 4▲4 8 11 16 22 DOF gauge style
22 16 11 8 4▲4 8 11 16 22 DOF gauge style
It has a fixed rotating tripod bush operated by a chromium-plated, winged locking screw and washer. This winged locking screw is unique to Models 1 and II. The removable hood screws onto the filter thread for use and slips over the front for stowing. It is specially constructed with double internal felt strips glued into place to protect the barrel. These are easily damaged by poor treatment. Attached extending hoods on later models solved this concern.
Front lens caps are glossy black painted metal with the AOCo logo in relief on the exterior side. The interior is matt black with a black felt sleeve around the interior lip and the inside diameter is 85mm. Rear screw caps are of standard black plastic type.
Lens cases are brown leather cylinders lined with royal blue felt. The fitted lid, into which the AOCo logo is impressed, is riveted to the case with a leather hinge. The longest cases belong to this model because this lens is 250mm long, and a filter storage compartment hidden above a false base press-studded into the lid increases its length. Lids are secured by a metal tongue and lock system. Two locking catches exist; one that twists and another that slides. Short, or long adjustable carrying-straps (approximately 45cm or 145cm) were supplied with the lens case. Straps are made of brown leather and metal buckles.
Filters were available or supplied with cases (82mm diameter; UV, Y-47, O-53). The original filters are labelled with "Asahi" and later "ASAHI PENTAX " and have front and rear knurled grips.
This model is not included in the Asahi Pentax Service Manual.
Front lens caps are glossy black painted metal with the AOCo logo in relief on the exterior side. The interior is matt black with a black felt sleeve around the interior lip and the inside diameter is 85mm. Rear screw caps are of standard black plastic type.
Lens cases are brown leather cylinders lined with royal blue felt. The fitted lid, into which the AOCo logo is impressed, is riveted to the case with a leather hinge. The longest cases belong to this model because this lens is 250mm long, and a filter storage compartment hidden above a false base press-studded into the lid increases its length. Lids are secured by a metal tongue and lock system. Two locking catches exist; one that twists and another that slides. Short, or long adjustable carrying-straps (approximately 45cm or 145cm) were supplied with the lens case. Straps are made of brown leather and metal buckles.
Filters were available or supplied with cases (82mm diameter; UV, Y-47, O-53). The original filters are labelled with "Asahi" and later "ASAHI PENTAX " and have front and rear knurled grips.
This model is not included in the Asahi Pentax Service Manual.
VARIATION
- Aperture setting dot is white in batch 1 copies and red in all others.
- Available aperture positions increased from 6 to 10 by the addition of 4 half stops marked by white dots for copies in batches 6 -9.
- Early batches (1-5) have focus ring finger grip formulae F(12/12), Batch 6 - 7 is F(10/12) and batch 8-9 F(9/12).
NOTES
- A copy of silver and black design is illustrated in 1957 in the original Asahi Pentax camera manual(En). I've not seen a copy of this version with the aperture near the rear of the lens. It may have been a before market prototype made originally for M37 cameras. A five numeral serial number in the illustration above suggests this theory. It is illustrated in early camera manuals and very early general literature in overseas markets. It weighed 950g and has a minimum aperture of f=22, 8° viewing angle of view and a minimum focus down to 30ft (9m). Murphy B. (March 1960) illustrates it in the "Heiland Pentax Guide including Asahi Pentax". This silver and black model is in the style of the Takumar 1:5 /500 made for the Asahiflex cameras and yet is attached to an Asahi Pentax (AP) camera; converted from M37?. Such lenses would carry serial numbers of 5 or 6 numerals probably below No 130000 (see illustration). Interestingly, Murphy (1960) comments that it has a built-on lens hood (see below) which is absent from the early "Asahiflex type" version he illustrated. Perhaps he was telling us that the imported version would be the new (1958) all black version with the aperture near the centre of the lens with a 25 ft (7m) minimum focusing distance)? Model I had been in production for two years.
- The all black Model I lens covers fit the lens but not the screw-on lens hood when fitted, because the front of the hood is the same diameter. When reversed over the front of the lens, for stowing, the lens cap will then fit the smaller diameter screw thread of the hood to protect the glass. Thus whilst using the threaded hood with this model you will need to remember where you put the loose the lens cap! Model I and II lens caps are of different internal diameters (85 mm and 90 mm respectively). The latter fits the fixed hood and protects the glass on Model II under all circumstances.
LENS PRODUCTION (∑ lenses) ∑n = 48 serial numbers (SN) observed in 14 batches covering 670 SN min.< ∑ lenses < 2,260 SN max.
SN min. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed within 14 batches
SN max. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed between adjacent batches of other lenses.
SN prefix "No" and distance scales white; number of grooves in focus grips varies F(12/12), F(10/12) or F(9/12)
▼ no half stops marked with white dots ▲ / ▼ ▼ half stops marked with white dots▲▲
SN min. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed within 14 batches
SN max. = accumulated total of serial numbers observed between adjacent batches of other lenses.
SN prefix "No" and distance scales white; number of grooves in focus grips varies F(12/12), F(10/12) or F(9/12)
▼ no half stops marked with white dots ▲ / ▼ ▼ half stops marked with white dots▲▲
▼ 161859 (1/ 1) 163148 (1/ 1) 167859 to 167871 (3/ 12) 167927 (1/ 1) 173312 to 173340 (4/ 28) |
Serial Numbers in 14 Batches
(n /SN range) Collection 180388 to 180463 (2/ 75) 180493 (1/ 1) 181390 (1/ 1) 192191 to 192288 (8/ 97) 192191,192254 ▲/▼▼ |
208616 to 208751 (8/ 135) 241450 to 241466 (3/ 17) 242993 to 243080 (5/ 87) 249753 to 249823 (6/ 114) 275439 to 275539 (4/ 100) 275467 ▲▲ |
MARKETING
The existence of a 300mm lens for export is first announced in the Asahi Pentax (AP) Instruction Guide (En) (1957). A rear aperture "Asahiflex" style prototype is described and illustrated because Model I is unavailable until the following year. The description follows:
Lens elements 3; minimum aperture f=22; distance scale 9m (30ft) to infinity; angle of view 8° and weight 950g.
"Real telephoto lens of newest design. The light weigh of 950grams enables hand-held shooting, and is considered to be the most ideal telephoto lens for spectacular tele-photographic effects. Even with the diaphragm fully open, the aberrations are corrected to the greatest extent possible. Gives needle-sharp resolution to every corner of the picture."
Model I is twice illustrated in AOCo Operating manuals for Asahi Pentax S and K (J, En) with praise and details.
"Super telephoto lens of newest design... most ideal for spectacular telephotographic effects."
Price guides for this Model in "Takumar Lenses" Japan manuals were ¥45,000, in Australia, £97.19.6 (1964) and in US $ 279.50 (with later discounts to $150 according to Sherfy F.C.(1994)). Model I is illustrated in AOCo Operating manuals for Asahi Pentax S2 (J), S1/S3 (En), Lens brochures (J),Heiland Pentax H2, Honeywell H1/H3 (En) and posters and sales brochures for Asahi Pentax S3/S1 (1961); all with this description:
Lens elements 3; minimum aperture f=22; minimum distance 25ft; angle of view 8° and weight 1360g or 48.8oz. Screw-on lens hood; helicoidal lens barrel; without preset diaphragm ring.
"Light enough for hand-held picture taking, this lens is considered to be the most ideal for spectacular telephotographic effects. Even with the diaphragm fully open, the aberrations are corrected to the greatest extent possible. Gives needle sharp resolution to every corner of the picture."
Lenses for the Honeywell Pentax (1962) has an excellent photograph of Model I with the same description as above and the following comments;
"A manually operated telephoto lens with a maximum aperture of f/4, this 300mm Takumar is fully corrected and produces razor-sharp resolution to every corner of the picture, even at full aperture. An all-around lens for use when pictures must be made at considerable distance from the subject, it is equally useful for achieving extraordinary telephoto effects.
The 300mm Takumar is light enough to be used without a tripod if desired, and features smooth helicoidal focusing and built-on lens hood. It, too, represents an exceptional value in long focus lenses and is the choice of many professionals and advanced amateurs who require an extremely versatile telephoto lens."
Model I also appears in booklets like "Honeywell Pentax cameras and accessories" (1962) and Asahi Pentax S1a, and Honeywell Pentax H3v sales brochures.
After 1962 literature (J) often used Model I details beside an illustration of a prototype of Model II or its production version; e.g. Asahi Pentax SV manual, Honeywell Pentax operating manual H3v H1a. The sales brochure "Just hold a Pentax" (En) (1963) illustrates a production copy of Model II, then provides details of Model I including it's lens diagram with the following comment.
"Specially lightweight lens suitable for hand-held photography. The recommended lens for spectacular telephoto effects. Remarkably aberration-free, even with fully-open diaphragm, it gives needle-sharp resolution over the entire picture."
Published AOCo literature eventually caught up with model changes but general literature often didn't. Published errors were perpetuated by not reading original sources.
LiTERATURE
Two years after Model I was built Murphy B in "Heiland Pentax guide including Asahi Pentax" (1960) announces the availability of a 300mm lens overseas. He describes Model I and it's sale price as below but uses the "Asahiflex" prototype photograph.
"While this lens can be hand-held for some shooting sessions, a rifle stock device is recommended for general mobile use. Minimum focussing distance of 25 feet limits use to large interiors; unlimited use out-of-doors. 8° angle of view; 3 elements. Without preset diaphragm ring, it is delivered with built-on lens hood for $279.50 (In leather case)."
Pentax Guide Emanuel W.D. from 1960 to 1981 describes Model I, completely missing the 1962 changeover to Model II, and recommended 83mm filters (instead of 82mm filters) for it until declaring it discontinued in 1968!
New Heiland Pentax SLR Guide by Tydings K.S (1961,1963) illustrates the Model I but gives it's filter diameter, incorrectly, as 83mm. He corrects this in the next two editions (1965, 1967) but spoils the game by illustrating the new Model II whilst retaining the details of Model I in the text.
Pentax and Single-lens Reflex Photography by Fuhring R. (1962,1963) published photos of Model I and gave it 83mm and 85mm filters (?).
Asahiflex and the pre-1959 Asahi Pentax Cameras by Sherfy F.C. (1994) illustrates Model I. Here and elsewhere e.g. Pentax pocket companion 2ed. J.D. Cooper (1964) are small errors in publishing an incorrect filter diameter.
This model is not mentioned in The Pentax Way Keppler H. (1966) or Pentax Single-Lens Reflex Guide by Fitzig I.(1968)
Two years after Model I was built Murphy B in "Heiland Pentax guide including Asahi Pentax" (1960) announces the availability of a 300mm lens overseas. He describes Model I and it's sale price as below but uses the "Asahiflex" prototype photograph.
"While this lens can be hand-held for some shooting sessions, a rifle stock device is recommended for general mobile use. Minimum focussing distance of 25 feet limits use to large interiors; unlimited use out-of-doors. 8° angle of view; 3 elements. Without preset diaphragm ring, it is delivered with built-on lens hood for $279.50 (In leather case)."
Pentax Guide Emanuel W.D. from 1960 to 1981 describes Model I, completely missing the 1962 changeover to Model II, and recommended 83mm filters (instead of 82mm filters) for it until declaring it discontinued in 1968!
New Heiland Pentax SLR Guide by Tydings K.S (1961,1963) illustrates the Model I but gives it's filter diameter, incorrectly, as 83mm. He corrects this in the next two editions (1965, 1967) but spoils the game by illustrating the new Model II whilst retaining the details of Model I in the text.
Pentax and Single-lens Reflex Photography by Fuhring R. (1962,1963) published photos of Model I and gave it 83mm and 85mm filters (?).
Asahiflex and the pre-1959 Asahi Pentax Cameras by Sherfy F.C. (1994) illustrates Model I. Here and elsewhere e.g. Pentax pocket companion 2ed. J.D. Cooper (1964) are small errors in publishing an incorrect filter diameter.
This model is not mentioned in The Pentax Way Keppler H. (1966) or Pentax Single-Lens Reflex Guide by Fitzig I.(1968)