Asahi Pentax 85mm f/1.9 SMC Takumar
The Asahi Pentax 85mm f/1.9 SMC Takumar is a fast medium-telephoto prime in the M42 screw mount, made in the late manual-focus Takumar era and aimed at portrait and available-light shooters who wanted a brighter alternative to the more common 85mm f/1.8 and 105mm options. With its multi-coated SMC optics, it suits classic short-telephoto duties on M42 bodies and modern mirrorless cameras via adapter.
UK auction data for this lens is thin: a single hammer result in November 2025 sold for £110, which sets the only confirmed saleroom benchmark we have for 2026. Because these are auction-hammer prices — wholesale levels reached in the saleroom rather than dealer retail — clean, fungus-free copies typically sell for more once handled by specialist dealers, but the £110 figure is the most reliable indicator of what an average example is worth at auction today. With only one sale on file, the price a given copy sells for can swing widely depending on glass condition and whether the original caps and case are present.
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 | £110 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 306) Title: An Asahi Super Multi Coated Takumar 85mm f/1.9 Lens
Description:
An Asahi Super Multi Coated Takumar 85mm f/1.9 Lens, M42 mount, serial no 4407775, barrel G-VG, elements G, with front and rear caps, in unbranded |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Pentax 85mm f/1.9 SMC Takumar worth in 2026?
Based on the available UK auction record, an average example is worth around £110 at hammer, though only one verified sale is on file so the true market range is uncertain.
How much does an 85mm f/1.9 SMC Takumar sell for at UK auction?
The one logged UK auction result hammered at £110 in late 2025, which is the best current guide to the price this lens sells for at saleroom level.
Is the 85mm f/1.9 SMC Takumar rarer than the 85mm f/1.8?
It appears far less frequently in UK auction listings than the better-known 85mm f/1.8, which is why reliable value data is limited and condition has an outsized effect on price.
What should I check before buying one?
Prioritise glass clarity (no fungus or haze), dry aperture blades, smooth focus and an undamaged M42 thread, as these are the common failure points that determine whether the lens is usable or a project.