Pentax ES II + Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8: Vintage Classic Review

Pentax ES II + Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8: A Film Classic

What you’ll get: insights into the history and build of one of the earliest electronic SLRs and its iconic Takumar lens.

Historic innovation

The Pentax ES II, released in the early 1970s, ushered photography into a new era with its electronically-timed shutter and aperture-priority automation. It gave photographers a balance of control and convenience at a time when everything was fully manual.

The Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens

Attached to this body, the famous Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 lens offers buttery-smooth focus mechanics and a warm, filmic rendering. Built with the universal M42 mount, it was beloved for its character rather than clinical sharpness.

Holding an all-metal film SLR for the first time slowed my photography down instantly. Each frame felt deliberate, unlike the impulsive click-through nature of digital — a reminder that photography is about more than speed.

Creative Uses for Photographers and Filmmakers

What you’ll get: ideas on how this kit serves both analog photographers and modern digital filmmakers.

For analog shooters

The ES II remains a worthy companion for students and enthusiasts exploring film workflows. Its auto-exposure offers a safety net, but manual exposures allow learning through practice.

For digital filmmakers

Adapt the Super-Takumar onto mirrorless cameras through a simple M42 adapter, and it becomes a sought-after lens for video. Many creatives love its smooth focus throw and dreamlike bokeh when filming.

I once adapted a Takumar onto a mirrorless body and the resulting footage had a cinematic softness that modern autofocus lenses lacked. It instantly became my preferred look for creative video projects.

Buying This Classic Second-Hand in 2025

What you’ll get: a practical checklist on evaluating the Pentax ES II + Takumar kit before purchase.

Inspection checklist

• ✔ Test shutter and metering with batteries
• ✔ Inspect light seals for leaks
• ✔ Check lens glass for fungus or haze
• ✔ Verify focus ring moves smoothly
• ✔ Confirm aperture clicks reliably

When I bought my first second-hand SLR, I made sure to run through shutter speeds, open the back to inspect seals, and test the lens focus. That quick test saved me from costly repairs.

Why the Pentax ES II Kit Still Matters in 2025

What you’ll get: reasons this film kit continues to hold value for photographers and filmmakers.

Deliberate photography

Shooting with the ES II encourages a mindful approach. From choosing film stock to carefully framing, each decision matters — something digital convenience often removes.

Lens character

Unlike sterile modern optics, the Super-Takumar lens delivers rendering with warmth, subtle flares, and gentle contrast falloff. This quality appeals to artists seeking uniqueness.

Shooting this kit taught me patience. Instead of firing a burst, I slowed, looked longer, and clicked only when the moment truly mattered.

FAQs

What film types work best with the Pentax ES II? ISO 200–400 film stocks such as Kodak ColorPlus or Ilford HP5+ are excellent choices for versatility and affordability.

Can the Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 be used on digital cameras? Yes, with an M42-to-mirrorless adapter, it mounts easily to Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fuji X, and Micro Four Thirds systems.

Are replacement batteries available for the Pentax ES II? Originally mercury cells were used, but today you can find 4LR44 or Wein zinc-air alternatives.

What should I look for when buying this kit second-hand? Check shutter and metering, seals, lens condition (yellowing/haze), and smoothness of controls before purchase.

Ready to explore more?

Shop vintage film cameras at Dutch Thrift and discover timeless tools that inspire a slower, more intentional way of shooting.