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UltravioletPhotography

EARLY PRE-SET ASAHI OPT. PENTAX MACRO-TAKUMAR 50/4 50mm f4 as UV lens?


Pufferchung

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Pufferchung

Hi:

I have a full-spectrum modified pentax K01 camera. I tried to take some UV flower pictures with two cheap Chinese UV pass + IR stacking filters and a SMC pentax DFA100 macro lens. I was be able to capture few "UV" (maybe not real UV) pictures with filters+lens but it was difficult because my SMC pentax 100mm lens is not an UV-capable lens. I wanted to buy an UV filter from the Ebay seller: UVIRoptic. He recommended to buy an UV capable lens first before invest money on an UV pass filter.

I've checked all the pentax UV capable lenses listed here, and I am not sure which one I should get.

So have anyone tested "early Asahi Opt. Macro-takumar 50mm F4 lens" for UV photography? Thank you.

 

An example of the "UV" flower picture that I took, Roundleaf Ragwort (Packera obovata) ISO 200, f5.6, Bulb exposure 10 s. (sorry I don't know how to post a picture here).

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2jrGd25T5G7PDV7q9

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Hi:

I have a full-spectrum modified pentax K01 camera. I tried to take some UV flower pictures with two cheap Chinese UV pass + IR stacking filters and a SMC pentax DFA100 macro lens. I was be able to capture few "UV" (maybe not real UV) pictures with filters+lens but it was difficult because my SMC pentax 100mm lens is not an UV-capable lens. I wanted to buy an UV filter from the Ebay seller: UVIRoptic. He recommended to buy an UV capable lens first before invest money on an UV pass filter.

I've checked all the pentax UV capable lenses listed here, and I am not sure which one I should get.

So have anyone tested "early Asahi Opt. Macro-takumar 50mm F4 lens for UV photography? Thank you.

 

An example of the "UV" flower picture that I took, Roundleaf Ragwort (Packera obovata) ISO 200, f5.6, Bulb exposure 10 s. (sorry I don't know how to post a picture here). https://photos.app.g...rGd25T5G7PDV7q9

 

Sure looks good to me.... :smile:

You will get improvement on this with a better UV capable lens & filters, but you are off to a great start.

Col

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Hi Michelle -

 

It appears that you did capture the UV-dark center of your Packera flower so, as Col said above, you are off to a good start. We have seen that some macro lenses do seem to have some UV capability and your DFA might be one of them. However, the 10 second exposure can be considerably shortened with a more UV-capable lens.

 

You do not necessarily need a Pentax lens. I would suggest looking for an old 35mm f/3.5 lens having an M42 screw mount. You'll see some of those lenses listed in our Lens Sticky. Then you can get an M42-to-Pentax K mount adapter to add to your camera which converts the current Pentax K mount into the older M42 screw mount. The mount adapter is easily added/removed.

 

I do not myself know about that 50mm f/4 Asahi lens. Did you see it on Ebay? If it is a really old Asahi lens, then there might be a problem fitting a front filter because they had a lot of odd front sizes in the really old lens. (And also some which could not take a front filter.) But if that lens is not too old, then it might have those Pentax lens coatings which are not so good for UV passage. I'll try to look it up and get back here with a further comment.

 

Hope this helps a bit !!

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Although this linked Berogon lens is a bit on the expensive for an old 35/3.5, it does illustrate what to look for. Simple construction and little to no coatings.

 

https://www.ebay.com...~gAAOSwiWlZ0CUE

 

 

That Asahi macro lens is probably similar in UV capability to what you are using now. So I think I would suggest not buying that for UV.

Looks like a really good lens for ordinary visible macro work though.

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Do you have any of these lenses to compare with:

 

https://www.lenstip....ansmission.html

 

https://www.lenstip....ansmission.html

 

https://www.lenstip....ansmission.html

 

I haven't used any of these. They are just the only spectra known to me available for dedicated Pentax lenses.

 

I agree fully with Andrea on getting an M42 mount lens. The M42 to K mount adapters are cheap and easy to use. I have a couple for my Sigma camera, as Sigma has the same Kmount just at 44mm instead of 45.5mm. So I gain a mm for some lenses.

 

The old Nikkor 80mm EL needs lots of adapters, but works well on any camera and is good for macro/close up work. Its also a UV capable lenses.

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Any Pentax labeled SMC is likely not going to reach too far into the UV because of the "super-multi-coatings".
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Pufferchung

Sure looks good to me.... :smile:

You will get improvement on this with a better UV capable lens & filters, but you are off to a great start.

Col

HI Col:

Thank you so much for your encouraging words! That's my first UV flower, I am glad it turned out ok~ :smile:

I am a Texas native plant enthusiast. The reason why I got into UVIVF and UV photography because I am trying to promote Texas native plants. I want to show people how beautiful Texas wildflowers are, so people would plant native plants in their yards, not only it's environmental friendly, it could also provide important food sources for many Texas native pollinators.

I don't have a lot of money to invest on expensive gears, that's why I am trying to DIY as much as possible.

I've taken some UVIVF pictures of Texas wildflowers with Pentax K1ii (not modified).

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Pufferchung

Although this linked Berogon lens is a bit on the expensive for an old 35/3.5, it does illustrate what to look for. Simple construction and little to no coatings.

 

https://www.ebay.com...~gAAOSwiWlZ0CUE

 

 

That Asahi macro lens is probably similar in UV capability to what you are using now. So I think I would suggest not buying that for UV.

Looks like a really good lens for ordinary visible macro work though.

Hi Andrea:

Thank you so much for such detailed information, especially on fitting the filter on some older Asashi Opt. Macro takumar lens. That's something so important but I have never thought about it~.

You are right, I did find an "early" Asahi Opt. Macro 50mm F4 on Ebay, asked for $210, glad I didn't buy it!

I didn't know I could use all M42 screw mount lenses on my Pentax K mount (with K mount adapter of course), TIL~. :grin:

I think I'll buy the Berogon M42 35mm f3.5 that you recommended, that's in the price range that I could afford. That's very kind that you found the lens for me, again, thank you so much~

Michelle

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Pufferchung

Do you have any of these lenses to compare with:

 

https://www.lenstip....ansmission.html

 

https://www.lenstip....ansmission.html

 

https://www.lenstip....ansmission.html

 

I haven't used any of these. They are just the only spectra known to me available for dedicated Pentax lenses.

 

I agree fully with Andrea on getting an M42 mount lens. The M42 to K mount adapters are cheap and easy to use. I have a couple for my Sigma camera, as Sigma has the same Kmount just at 44mm instead of 45.5mm. So I gain a mm for some lenses.

 

The old Nikkor 80mm EL needs lots of adapters, but works well on any camera and is good for macro/close up work. Its also a UV capable lenses.

Hi Da Bateman:

Thank you so much for the link! I have few "hand-me-down" pentax lenses from my husband (He lost interest on photography few years ago, it's sad to see good cameras and lenses just sitting on shelf gathering dust, so I took over :smile:).

I checked all my hand-me-down pentax lenses, sadly I don't have any of them. All my hand-me-down pentax lenses are SMC. :sad: I think I am going to buy the Berogon M42 35mm f3.5 lens that Andrea recommended. That one looks like the easiest UV capable lens for me to use on Pentax K01.

I bought a book "Exploring Ultraviolet Photography" by David Prutchi a year ago. I studied what Dr. David Prutchi's UV camera+lense set up, looked very complicated....I don't think I have the money and skills to set up something like that.

By the way, someone from Pentax forum recommended to try "Pentax 135mm f2.8 Takumar lens K-mount". It is a simple 4 elements design, about $50 on Ebay.

Michelle

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Hello,

Silly me, before jumping into lens recommendations, I forgot to ask what focal length or use are you looking for?

You started with Macro, so I assumed macro. But now that you mention the 135mm, thats not macro.

Did you have a look at the lens sticky?

Don't just jump into an expensive lens.

 

Think what focal length, minimum focus distance and perspective you want first.

We are now finding so many lenses capable in the tip of UV. That you might find something more usable for you.

Deeper UV is harder and more dangerous and usually leads to dedicated inside imaging setups. Which now I get the impression is not your direction. Seems like you will be outside, using the sun as your source. So you have many more options.

Also mostly the only filters you would need/want would be 2mm U360, 2mm U340 and a 2mm S8612. For fun you could add a 1.5mm U330.

 

The Steinheil 50mm f2.8 M42 lenses are also good. Look at the lens sticky pages.

 

My Tamron adaptall 24mm f2.5 is ok for UV, doesn't go too deep. But may also work if you want a wider angle of view.

The other Adaptall-2 lenses aren't that good in UV, but I have only tested the 28mm and the 90mm macro.

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Pufferchung

Hi Da Bateman:

Thank you so much for the recommendation!

Yes I did look at the lens sticky (many times before I posted here)...I got very confused with all the UV capable lenses. Sorry I am not an expert on camera lenses. I've never purchase a camera lens before, usually just use whatever lenses that my husband gave me. Although he is not using his cameras and lenses anymore, but he still buy lenses for me. (but he is not familiar with M42 lenses)

I'll check out the Steinheil 50mm f2.8 M42 lens that you recommended, that's very kind of you, thank you.

I also have a SMC pentax DFA 50mm macro and Pentax SMC DA 35mm Macro...but I love SMC pentax 100mm macro lens since I shoot a lot of flowers/insects/spiders macro. I guess I am looking for something similar to my SMC Pentax DFA 100mm macro lens?

I take a lot of UVIVF flower pictures, so I am familiar with indoor UV lamp setup and how dangerous UV light is. However, I don't use my modified K01 for UVIVF pictures, I use Pentax k1II (Bulb exposure).

I knew that Takumar 135mm is not a macro lens, just an UV lens(?) for k-mount cameras....I am a Pentax user, that's why I am trying to stay in the Pentax system.

I was going to buy the "Bug U 5 49mm UV+blue/Green bandpass mix filter for my birthday from Ebay seller UVIRoptics. I talked to Steve first and he recommended me to get an UV capable lens before purchase the Bug U5 UV blue/green bandpass mix filter.

Michelle

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Pufferchung

Hello,

Silly me, before jumping into lens recommendations, I forgot to ask what focal length or use are you looking for?

You started with Macro, so I assumed macro. But now that you mention the 135mm, thats not macro.

Did you have a look at the lens sticky?

Don't just jump into an expensive lens.

 

Think what focal length, minimum focus distance and perspective you want first.

We are now finding so many lenses capable in the tip of UV. That you might find something more usable for you.

Deeper UV is harder and more dangerous and usually leads to dedicated inside imaging setups. Which now I get the impression is not your direction. Seems like you will be outside, using the sun as your source. So you have many more options.

Also mostly the only filters you would need/want would be 2mm U360, 2mm U340 and a 2mm S8612. For fun you could add a 1.5mm U330.

 

The Steinheil 50mm f2.8 M42 lenses are also good. Look at the lens sticky pages.

 

My Tamron adaptall 24mm f2.5 is ok for UV, doesn't go too deep. But may also work if you want a wider angle of view.

The other Adaptall-2 lenses aren't that good in UV, but I have only tested the 28mm and the 90mm macro.

 

Hi Da Bateman:

 

Sorry I just found your post on UV capable lens sticky, UV lenses with autofocus option. I think Pentax SMC DA 35mm f/2.4 DA Al lens is the one that I should buy. Once again, Thank you so much for testing all the lenses and sharing your testing results online~ :smile:

Michelle

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Hi Da Bateman:

 

Sorry I just found your post on UV capable lens sticky, UV lenses with autofocus option. I think Pentax SMC DA 35mm f/2.4 DA Al lens is the one that I should buy. Once again, Thank you so much for testing all the lenses and sharing your testing results online~ :smile:

Michelle

 

I didn't test them. Just found those specra, which would imply they may work above 380nm.

 

The Nikkor 80mm EL lens may work for you for Macro. But don't buy the new 'N' version. For it you would need the lens, a 17mm to 31mm focus helicoid, if you buy one from Rainbow Imaging, ask if they can give you a M39 to M42 adapter, you use that to connect the lens to the focusing helicoid. Then a M42 to K-mount adapter to get to your camera. The front thread is an unusual 34.5mm thread, but you can order an adapter to standard 52mm. The 34.5mm to 52mm adapter might be more than the lens.

 

The 80 EL has a back focus distance of about 70mm, so 70-45.5 (kmount) is 24.5, so a 17-31mm helicoid will focus to infinity and give you a little macro. Alternatively you could get a 25-55mm helicoid if your copy as 71 back focus and get more macro, or just buy both helicoid adapter to be safe.

I saw a recent Nikkor 80mm EL for $25.

 

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This is my build for the El-Nikkor 80mm on a Canon EOS-camera https://www.ultravio...__fromsearch__1

 

This helicoid let me reach infinity and still have plenty of macro-range. The difficulty is to find a suitable helicoid and glue the step ring inside.

 

It is a good idea to decide a standard filter dimension for all your filters.

52mm is more common than the 49mm with more available types.

 

 

The 34.5mm p0.5mm front thread of a EL-Nikkor 80/5.6 need some step up ring.

There are expensive step up rings that fit that thread, but they can be difficult to find.

 

This shop had 34 - 52mm rings too before:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=M34.5x0.5+male+m52&_ssn=rafcamera&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=M34.5x0.5+male+&_sacat=0

 

The simplest solution is to just glue a 34mm step up ring to the lens or place some thin material between the threads to make them lock together.

I did successfully do that, with a 34mm to 52mm step ring, while waiting for the 34.5mm p0.5mm to 52mm I had ordered.

Then I used a thin piece of plastic to jam the threads together.

 


Here are some links to some parts that you may or may not have some use for.

A Pentax to M42 mount adapter:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/M42-PK-Screw-Thread-Mount-Lens-adapter-to-Pentax-K-PK-Camera-K-30-K-5-K-r-K-7/323764306413

This adapter is needed for using M42-lenses on your camera too.

 

A M42 -M42 helicoid:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/M42-Fokussierung-Helicoid-Lens-Adapter-Macro-Tube-25-55mm-Fokussieradapter/254445123641

 

A M39 to M42 ring to convert the EL-Nikkor 39mm mount to M42:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-M39-Lens-to-M42-Pentax-screw-mount-39mm-to-42mm-step-up-screw-adapter-ring/151941722610

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Pufferchung

I didn't test them. Just found those specra, which would imply they may work above 380nm.

 

The Nikkor 80mm EL lens may work for you for Macro. But don't buy the new 'N' version. For it you would need the lens, a 17mm to 31mm focus helicoid, if you buy one from Rainbow Imaging, ask if they can give you a M39 to M42 adapter, you use that to connect the lens to the focusing helicoid. Then a M42 to K-mount adapter to get to your camera. The front thread is an unusual 34.5mm thread, but you can order an adapter to standard 52mm. The 34.5mm to 52mm adapter might be more than the lens.

 

The 80 EL has a back focus distance of about 70mm, so 70-45.5 (kmount) is 24.5, so a 17-31mm helicoid will focus to infinity and give you a little macro. Alternatively you could get a 25-55mm helicoid if your copy as 71 back focus and get more macro, or just buy both helicoid adapter to be safe.

I saw a recent Nikkor 80mm EL for $25.

Hi Da Bateman:

Thank you so much for the messages! I have never used a lens adapter before :blink: ....just couldn’t wrap my mind around how to assemble everything together...

I will have to wait when I get the Nikon lens, helicoid and K mount adapter, then I’ll figure out how to put everything together :grin:!

i just placed my orders, once I get everything, I will post pictures.

 

Michelle :smile:

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Pufferchung

This is my build for the El-Nikkor 80mm on a Canon EOS-camera https://www.ultravio...__fromsearch__1

 

This helicoid let me reach infinity and still have plenty of macro-range. The difficulty is to find a suitable helicoid and glue the step ring inside.

 

It is a good idea to decide a standard filter dimension for all your filters.

52mm is more common than the 49mm with more available types.

 

 

The 34.5mm p0.5mm front thread of a EL-Nikkor 80/5.6 need some step up ring.

There are expensive step up rings that fit that thread, but they can be difficult to find.

 

This shop had 34 - 52mm rings too before:

https://www.ebay.com...+male+&_sacat=0

 

The simplest solution is to just glue a 34mm step up ring to the lens or place some thin material between the threads to make them lock together.

I did successfully do that, with a 34mm to 52mm step ring, while waiting for the 34.5mm p0.5mm to 52mm I had ordered.

Then I used a thin piece of plastic to jam the threads together.

 


Here are some links to some parts that you may or may not have some use for.

A Pentax to M42 mount adapter:

https://www.ebay.com...-7/323764306413

This adapter is needed for using M42-lenses on your camera too.

 

A M42 -M42 helicoid:

https://www.ebay.com...er/254445123641

 

A M39 to M42 ring to convert the EL-Nikkor 39mm mount to M42:

https://www.ebay.com...ng/151941722610

Hi Ulf W:

Thank you so much for sharing your setup! I just ordered the lens, helicoid and k mount adapter. I will wait until I get everything, then try to set up everything together like you did.

I always amaze how some members here are so smart, came up with all these smart solutions!

Michelle

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No problem. It assembles quite simply. Just screw the small M39 ring to the lens. Then screw that to the helicoid. The helicoid is what will give you the "focusing ring" as the lens is just the optical glass elements and an aperture. Once you have the lens screwed into the helicoid, then screw that to the K-mount adapter and your done. You will now have a K-mount lens.

 

The Nikkor enlarger (EL) lens is excellent for UV. To get better you will need to spend thousands on a quartz lens or build a fused silica one your self. If you want wider then there are some really good 35mm f3.5 lenses.

 

I didin't include a link to the filter adapter that you will need as I don't know you common filter size. The Nikkor 80mm EL has an odd 34.5mm front filter thread. Most of us have standardized to 52mm filters. So this RAF Camera adapter is typically what we order:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/M34-5x0-5-to-M52x0-75-filter-step-up-ring-for-El-Nikkors/142384077655?hash=item2126c09b57:g:yi8AAOSw64Zdniog

 

Have fun.

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Pufferchung

No problem. It assembles quite simply. Just screw the small M39 ring to the lens. Then screw that to the helicoid. The helicoid is what will give you the "focusing ring" as the lens is just the optical glass elements and an aperture. Once you have the lens screwed into the helicoid, then screw that to the K-mount adapter and your done. You will now have a K-mount lens.

 

The Nikkor enlarger (EL) lens is excellent for UV. To get better you will need to spend thousands on a quartz lens or build a fused silica one your self. If you want wider then there are some really good 35mm f3.5 lenses.

 

I didin't include a link to the filter adapter that you will need as I don't know you common filter size. The Nikkor 80mm EL has an odd 34.5mm front filter thread. Most of us have standardized to 52mm filters. So this RAF Camera adapter is typically what we order:

https://www.ebay.com...i8AAOSw64Zdniog

 

Have fun.

Hi Da Bateman:

That sounds easy! I think I can manage that. :grin:

I shoot IR too, own few kolari IR filters, all of them are 49mm since all my pentax Marco lenses are 49mm...how weird!

Once again, thank you so much for your help!

Michelle

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Hi Ulf W:

Thank you so much for sharing your setup! I just ordered the lens, helicoid and k mount adapter. I will wait until I get everything, then try to set up everything together like you did.

I always amaze how some members here are so smart, came up with all these smart solutions!

Michelle

It is not smartness, only a long evolution.

The build in my link was the third generation helicoid builds for my EL-Nikkor, to get both infinity focus and a good macro range.

In the first image of that thread there is an extension ring at the end of the lens. Those are cheap and can be very handy to use in different configurations. I have bought several sets of them.

Most if the items in this search show sets of the same type:

https://www.ebay.co....n+Tube&_sacat=0

 

It is much easier to start simple and just screw together the different M42-parts.

 


For filters involving UV I have mostly standardised with 52mm

As I do most IR with my Canon EF zooms I also have a second filter standard of 77mm.

 

I like to try many different filters on the same motif and have invested in Manfrotto's Xume magnetic filter holder system, to make the filter changing quick and efficient.

It works very well for me as I do not keep te filters on the lens after a shooting session.

Amazon is a good source for the filter-adapters and lens-adapters if you ever like to get some of them.

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When I started into digital photography I settled on 58mm and 72mm. Then when got really serious into UV photography I switched to 25mm, 52mm and 72mm.

Now that I am playing with a filter wheel, I might switch again to 1.25" filters or just keep my sets.

So my current standard sets are 25mm, 1.25", 52mm, some 58mm, 72mm with 38x90 mm and 3x3" gels.

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For really wide lenses I often use putty-mounting over the lens's gel filter holder.

Then filters or their extracted glass-discs around Ø39-40mm often fit well.

 

Some lenses like the Sunex 5.5/5.5 SuperFisheye can take much smaller filters like the 330WB80 Improved Ø25mm filter from Omega.

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I now officially have way too many filters. But not all the ones I want. Still thinking of getting an Astrodon Uvenus filter in 1.25" size. But the cost still holds me back.

 

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