Mamiya/Sekor/Takumar Hybridization

<p>My first SLR was a Mamiya/Sekor back in the 70's (yes, 70's). I still have many slides and negs taken with it and have scanned and printed many of them. However, I can't remember what model it was. It was not a D (dual metering system) and had the top speed of 1/500, so I assume it was a 500 TL, 500DTL or 500 MSX. Anyway, since getting the Classic bug on this Forum, I have wanted to get another. Finally found a near new one on e.bay, body only, with working meter in both Spot and Full Frame modes. As a traditional pentaxian, I have always worked in 35mm with K-mount lenses (no DA's for me) but have never used M42. Consequently the 500 DTL was the opportunity to get some M42 Takumar glass to go with it. I managed a Super-Takumar 3.5/28, SMC Tak 1.8/55 and a SMC Tak 2.5/135. The critical moment came when the 28 mounted but the two SMC's would not. I then web-learned that the SMC's will not fit on the Mamiya/Sekor. Long story short, I Dremeled off the flange that allows Open Aperture Metering with the Spotmatic F, but still no fit. The only impediment I could see was a tiny 2 cubic mm flange on the back of the mount. Dremel again and, Eureka, success.<br>

So I now have the Mamiya/Sekor 500 DTL with M42 Tak 28, 55 and 135. Time for a trial. I settled on the 55/1.8, loaded up with Pan F and set out the other morning on a really dull overcast day. No contrast problems here. Exposure using only the Spot Meter setting and with the uniform lighting I think all were standard 1/125 @ f8.0. All shots hand held.<br>

For the first time ever I tried stand development in Rodinal. 5 mins inversion, one hour stand. However I did add 1 inversion after 30 minutes to acknowledge the drab photograhic conditions.<br>

Anyway, here's how it went.</p><div></div>

<p>#1</p>

<p>#1 again.</p><div></div>

<p>#2</p><div></div>

<p>#3</p><div></div>

<p>#4</p><div></div>

<p>#5</p><div></div>

<p>#6</p><div></div>

<p>My overall felling is one of satisfaction. The camera, the development and the scan. The lack of real sharpness is me not the lens. You would not want my hands to defuse an atomic bomb, I always use a tripod. This time I was in too much hurry to tryout the new setup and rushed into it. In addition to the Stand Development being a new experience, I also introduced some changes to my scanning (V700). I scanned as a positive, used the green channel only and scanned directly to image size (12 x 18 @ 360 dpi), all recommendations I have read lately. I will be staying with them.<br>

Can't wait to try the 28 and 135.<br>

Thanks for advice, comments and criticism.</p>

<p>I have the 28mm Takumar and really like it. I think you will be pleased with it.</p>

<p>Tony - very nice presentation; I like the images quite a bit especially the flower pot and the transformer for its lines and agles. Very nice combo there; enjoy your times trying out the other glass.</p>

<p>I have the 1000 DTL & the 55mm, great camera. I enjoyed #6 the best.</p>

<p>~Jack</p>

<p>That's a lot of customizing. I have a Mamiya 500DTL and ran into the same problem with S-M-C-T and SMC lenses. The Mamiya wasn't my only M42 mount camera so I did not want to alter the lenses. My solution was to get additional Super-Takumar lenses and some third party M42 lenses which did not have the extra tab. My search led me to some interesting lenses: 20/3.8 Vivitar, 28/1.9 Vivitar Series 1, 30/3.5 Meyer Lydith, 35/1.9 Vivitar, 50/1.7 Alpa, 55/2.8 Soligor Macro, 55/2.8 Vivitar macro, 135/2.8 Vivitar Close Focusing, 200/3 Vivitar Series 1, 35-85/2.8 Vivitar Series 1. I don't think I will ever have every version of every Takumar but I like the ones I have. Of the pre-SMCT standard lenses my favorites are the 55/1.8 Super Takumar, the 55/2 Super Takumar and the 50/1.7 Alpa. The Alpa lens is supposed to have been made by Chinon. It's a decent performer and goes to 1:3. I have two of them. </p>

<p>I forgot to mention another oddball M42 lens. It's the 35/3.5 Noflexar. The front of the lens pulls forward with click stops for closer focusing.</p>

If at first you don't succeed try, try again! Real tenacity in getting these lenses to fit! I liked your results Really likedthe flower pot and the church. Eerie gray white on the church shot.

<p>I don't know , some of these seem to have very low contrast and "muddy" particularly the church and the library</p>