Used Pentax Asahi Auto-Takumar 35mm F/2.3 | M42 | U8

The Asahi Pentax Auto-Takumar 35mm f/2.3 is an uncommon vintage wide-angle lens from the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its relatively fast f/2.3 aperture makes it stand out among older 35mm lenses, giving photographers more flexibility in lower light and greater control over background rendering. The 35mm focal length works well for street photography, travel, environmental portraits, and everyday documentary shooting. Its 10-blade diaphragm can produce smooth, appealing out-of-focus highlights, while the all-metal construction gives it a classic vintage feel. The semi-automatic aperture mechanism reflects the design of early M42 screw-mount lenses, so operation may differ from later Takumar models. With an appropriate adapter, this distinctive lens can also be used on modern mirrorless cameras for a characterful vintage shooting experience.