Asahi Pentax 85mm f/1.9
The Asahi Super-Takumar 85mm f/1.9 is a fast medium-telephoto prime in the M42 screw mount, produced by Asahi Optical for the Pentax Spotmatic generation of SLRs. Designed for portraiture and available-light work, it sits between the more common 50mm standards and the longer 105mm and 135mm Takumars, offering a classic short-tele field of view with a bright f/1.9 maximum aperture.
At UK auction in the past year, hammer prices for the Super-Takumar 85mm f/1.9 have ranged from £119 to £190, with the two recorded saleroom results giving a midpoint around £155. As of 2026, clean copies still tend to sell for the upper end of that range at auction, while examples with cosmetic or optical faults price closer to the lower figure; remember these are wholesale hammer levels, so dealer retail and private asking prices typically sit higher.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMC Takumar | — | — | 1 | £110 – £110 |
| Super-Takumar | — | — | 5 | £119 – £190 |
| Takumar | — | — | 0 | — |
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.
Prices updated: April 2026
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | £162 | Flints Auctions | Super-Takumar | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 265) Title: An Asahi Super-Takumar f/1.9 85mm Lens
Description:
black, barrel VG, iris moves freely, optics G-VG, with caps. Note: A 5% import Duty applies to this lot on the hammer price only. |
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| Nov 2025 | £110 | Special Auction Services | SMC Takumar | |
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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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| Apr 2025 | £119 | Flints Auctions | Super-Takumar | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 354) Title: An Asahi Optical Super-Takumar f/1.9 85mm Lens
Description:
black, barrel F, aperture works, optics F with marks to front element. |
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| Jan 2025 | £140 | Special Auction Services | Super-Takumar | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 614) Title: An Asahi Super Takumar 85mm f/1.9 Lens
Description:
An Asahi Super Takumar 85mm f/1.9 Lens, barrel G-VG, elements G-VG, with front and rear caps, in Takumar lens case |
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| Oct 2024 | £190 | Special Auction Services | Super-Takumar | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 301) Title: An Asahi Super Takumar 85mm f/1.9 Lens
Description:
An Asahi Super Takumar 85mm f/1.9 Lens, M42 mount, serial no 1709225, barrel G-VG, elements VG, with front and rear caps |
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| Oct 2024 | £180 | Special Auction Services | Super-Takumar | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 300) Title: An Asahi Super Takumar 85mm f/1.9 Lens
Description:
An Asahi Super Takumar 85mm f/1.9 Lens, M42 mount, serial no 3424826, barrel G-VG, elements G-VG, with front and rear caps |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Super-Takumar 85mm f/1.9 worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer prices place the value between £119 and £190, with clean, fungus-free copies achieving the higher figure.
How much does a Super-Takumar 85mm f/1.9 sell for at UK auction?
The two most recent recorded sales were £119 in April 2025 and £190 in October 2024, giving a working median price around £155 at hammer.
What mount does the Super-Takumar 85mm f/1.9 use?
It uses the M42 (42mm × 1mm) screw mount fitted to Pentax Spotmatic-era SLRs, and adapts readily to most modern mirrorless bodies.
What should I check before buying one?
Prioritise aperture blades free of oil, glass free of fungus and haze, and a smooth focus helicoid — these three factors most strongly determine the price a copy commands.