Standard Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR / 超マルチ上塗を施してあるTAKUMAR
From 1971 lenses in pre-existing Super-Takumar models (generally) were coated to reduce interally reflected light, significantly, then re-named as "Super-Multi-Coated" versions. The coatings were claimed to reduce internal reflections by approx. 5-8%. Coatings (with blue /purple/ pink hues) were usually applied to the rear element. The Spotmatic II operating manual is quoted below.
"Super-Multi-Coated (SMC) Takumars
Pentax SMC Takumar lenses are the world's first 7-layer multi-coated lenses. A truly remarkable optical achievement. Conventional lenses have only 1-3 layer coatings. The additional coating of SMC Takumar lenses let in more lighting resulting in truer colors. Reflection is reduced to 0.2% allowing the remaining 99.8% of light to pass through. This means higher light transmission, and the brightest lens possible. Colors pass through with equal intensity so color balance is strikingly improved. Brighter blues. Vibrant reds. Truer yellows. SMC Takumar lenses make it possible. And no ghosts or flares even when shooting against the sun. Ultra violet light is reflected off the glass surface. So only true colors are absorbed. Undesired rays are kept out. SMC Takumar lenses are for people interested in the ultimate in photographic lenses."
A second innovation was adopted for most models (open-aperture metering) around the same time period to suit new camera models like the ES (Electro Spotmatic) and SP F (Spotmatic F). Depending on their intended market (domestic, or world) some lenses gained only one of these facilities. In batches of most Super-Takumar and Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR models produced in this transition period copies may be found with one or both of these features.
Further details are discussed in lens pages. For example the short-lived Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR 1:1.9/85 (43641) made only in 5 batches in 1971 without open-aperture metering facilities was unsuitable for the new ES and SP F cameras. A solution was found by replacing it with a fast new lens with both features (see 43832).
Early coatings include chemical salts of some transition elements like Thorium that "rust" (or change valency and molecular structure by movement of electrons over time) and cause yellowing that affects lens transparency. This chemical decay can be reversed by re-energising those molecules with UV radiation (simply leaving the lens in the sun for a while). The furore about radiation from lenses is just that. Being irradiated by the sun, microwave ovens, TV and computer screens daily is of more concern. It's too easy to let emotion overturn demonstrable scientific know how; if you so choose it to.
Product numbers consisting of 5 numerals are inscribed onto aperture control switches from 1966.
"Super-Multi-Coated (SMC) Takumars
Pentax SMC Takumar lenses are the world's first 7-layer multi-coated lenses. A truly remarkable optical achievement. Conventional lenses have only 1-3 layer coatings. The additional coating of SMC Takumar lenses let in more lighting resulting in truer colors. Reflection is reduced to 0.2% allowing the remaining 99.8% of light to pass through. This means higher light transmission, and the brightest lens possible. Colors pass through with equal intensity so color balance is strikingly improved. Brighter blues. Vibrant reds. Truer yellows. SMC Takumar lenses make it possible. And no ghosts or flares even when shooting against the sun. Ultra violet light is reflected off the glass surface. So only true colors are absorbed. Undesired rays are kept out. SMC Takumar lenses are for people interested in the ultimate in photographic lenses."
A second innovation was adopted for most models (open-aperture metering) around the same time period to suit new camera models like the ES (Electro Spotmatic) and SP F (Spotmatic F). Depending on their intended market (domestic, or world) some lenses gained only one of these facilities. In batches of most Super-Takumar and Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR models produced in this transition period copies may be found with one or both of these features.
Further details are discussed in lens pages. For example the short-lived Super-Multi-Coated TAKUMAR 1:1.9/85 (43641) made only in 5 batches in 1971 without open-aperture metering facilities was unsuitable for the new ES and SP F cameras. A solution was found by replacing it with a fast new lens with both features (see 43832).
Early coatings include chemical salts of some transition elements like Thorium that "rust" (or change valency and molecular structure by movement of electrons over time) and cause yellowing that affects lens transparency. This chemical decay can be reversed by re-energising those molecules with UV radiation (simply leaving the lens in the sun for a while). The furore about radiation from lenses is just that. Being irradiated by the sun, microwave ovens, TV and computer screens daily is of more concern. It's too easy to let emotion overturn demonstrable scientific know how; if you so choose it to.
Product numbers consisting of 5 numerals are inscribed onto aperture control switches from 1966.
Summary