Lens: Pentax-M 50mm 1.7 Camera: Pentax k-7 Photo Location: My Front Yard ISO: 200 Shutter Speed: 1/60s Aperture: F5.6 Focal Length 50mm, Manual Exposure Mode, No Fill Flash with Spot Metering. Thanks for viewing. TT
Tony, I have always liked the Ashi Takumar 50mm f1.4 and f1.8, it is nice to see that the characteristics of those lenses have been carried into the later variants with the added advantage of no radioactive rear element to cause a yellowing of the lens.
Hi Craig, Thanks very much for your comment. I was very fortunate to find this lens on ebay, in like new condition. You are correct, there are no radioactive elements/coatings on this lens. Too bad in a way, now I have to use a flashlight when I venture out into the darkness, instead of one of my trusty old Pentax lenses. Batteries are expensive. ) Cheers Mate, Tony
Speaking of old camera batteries, I have a friend who relies on a hearing aid and I have found that her batteries are similar to those use in some of my old cameras. Her need for a hearing aid entitles her to these batteries at a very cheap price. The voltage is very similar, in some the light meter is slightly out when compared to a spot meter but usable if you allow for the error.
Well, speaking of hearing aids, I am afraid I have become a prime candidate for a pair. ( Tough getting old. I may not be over the hill yet, however from where I am standing, I'd say I have a pretty good view. ( Thanks again,Tony
I have worked in factories all my working life and my hearing is at the point where I don't need them but if there is background noise I have trouble hearing what is said, thank goodness I don't need them for taking photos, now on the subject of sight I have 20 / 20 vision and can read the bottom lines on the eye charts with both eyes, it is the only thing that works well on my body the rest is near stuffed.
If anyone has a Takumar lens that has an element that has yellowed it is quite easy to return it to "clear water" condition. Just let me know if you want to know how.
From what I have researched, you wrap the lens in foil and have it sit outside in the sun with the rear element exposed
Yes, Craig, that is correct. Wrap the lens in aluminium foil with the rear element exposed, Then place it on a window sill (probably best not to leave it outside) south facing in the northern hemisphere and north facing in the southern hemisphere and leave it there for a few days and it should clear completely. The foil is to stop the lens from heating up too much which might affect the lubricants within. Many members of the Spotmatic Group on Yahoo! have restored many lenses using this method. P.S. I forgot to say that you should leave the lens cap OFF when you wrap the lens in foil. That will allow some of the sun's UV rays (they're the ones that do the work) to reflect back into the rear element.
