Asahi Pentax 83mm f/1.9 Takumar
The Asahi Pentax 83mm f/1.9 Takumar is a fast short-telephoto prime from the early M42 screw-mount era, sitting in the classic portrait focal-length band just above 80mm. Designed for 35mm SLR use, its bright f/1.9 aperture made it a sought-after option for available-light portraiture and indoor shooting when it was current.
At UK auction, hammer prices for the 83mm f/1.9 Takumar have ranged from £190 to £320, with the two recorded results producing a midpoint around £255 at saleroom level (wholesale, before buyer's premium). A 2020 sale reached £320, while a more recent 2025 result settled at £190, so today in 2026 a clean, user-grade copy is worth somewhere inside that band rather than at the upper end. Because this Takumar is uncommon, individual condition and completeness drive price, and the limited sample size means a single strong bidder can move the value noticeably.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
| Date | Price | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | £190 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 292) Title: An Asahi Kogaku Takumar 83mm f/1.9 Pre Set Lens
Description:
An Asahi Kogaku Takumar 83mm f/1.9 Pre Set Lens, M37 mount, seral no 42654, barrel G, some lubricant residue on apperture blades, elements G, some |
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| Jun 2020 | EUR 320 | Leitz Auction | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 36 (Lot AI_36_38227) Title: Asahi f. M42 Takumar 1.9/83mm
Description:
early portrait Takumar in M42 mount, manual aperture, in good cosmetic condition, optics with some cleaning marks and coating issues (still perfectly usable) Estimate: EUR 600 - EUR 700 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Asahi Pentax 83mm f/1.9 Takumar worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results, recent value sits between £190 and £320, so a typical clean copy is worth roughly £200 to £300 depending on glass and mechanics.
How much does an 83mm f/1.9 Takumar sell for at auction?
The two recorded UK hammer prices are £320 in 2020 and £190 in 2025, giving an approximate midpoint price around £255 before buyer's premium.
Why does the price vary so much between sales?
With only a small number of recorded sales, condition of the coatings, aperture and helicoid has a large effect on value, and a single motivated bidder can push a clean example well above the typical level.
What should I check before buying one?
Prioritise clear glass free of fungus and haze, oil-free aperture blades, smooth focus action and intact coatings, as these are the main faults that depress the price of early Takumar primes.