List of Takumar Lenses That Turn Yellow

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jeremy - 04 Dec 2006 20:47 GMT

In checking my notes I have the following list of all Takumar lenses that
are known to have exhibited yellowing:

1:2/35mm Super Takumar w/49mm filter

1:2/35mm Super Multi Coated Takumar w/49mm filter

1:1.4/50mm Super Takumar (part # 37800, 37801 & 37802 - Part number is
found near the rear of the Auto/Man lever on the lens body)

1:1.4/50mm Super Multi Coated Takumar (Part #37902 - Part number is found
near the rear of the Auto/Man lever on the lens body)

1:1.4/50mm SMC Takumar (part # 37982 - Part number is found near the rear of
the Auto/Man lever on the lens body)

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m II - 08 Dec 2006 05:59 GMT

> In checking my notes I have the following list of all Takumar lenses that
> are known to have exhibited yellowing:
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> 1:1.4/50mm SMC Takumar (part # 37982 - Part number is found near the rear of
> the Auto/Man lever on the lens body)

The lens ain't yellow, it's CHICKEN...

I understand that if you leave them in a bright window for a few days,
the glass will revert back to it's natural state. I'll have to unwrap
some old lenses and see if any are in need of this cure.

mikey Dylan II

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jeremy - 08 Dec 2006 16:05 GMT

> I understand that if you leave them in a bright window for a few days, the
> glass will revert back to it's natural state. I'll have to unwrap some old
> lenses and see if any are in need of this cure.
>
> mikey Dylan II

In my case, it has taken weeks to bleach the rear element, but I now have
one lens that is clear, and two others that will probably have to be out in
the sun for 60 days. But, yes, the technique does work.

Those lenses are so well-made (especially when compared to the plastic crap
that dominates equipment sales nowadays) that it is gratifying to see them
get new leases on life.

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William Graham - 09 Dec 2006 00:46 GMT

>> I understand that if you leave them in a bright window for a few days,
>> the glass will revert back to it's natural state. I'll have to unwrap
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> crap that dominates equipment sales nowadays) that it is gratifying to see
> them get new leases on life.

If you do leave them on a window sill to bleach out, please remember to put
them on a metal cookie sheet, or some other non flammable surface.....I'd
hate to see your house burn down........

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Pudentame - 08 Dec 2006 23:50 GMT

>> In checking my notes I have the following list of all Takumar lenses
>> that are known to have exhibited yellowing:
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>
> mikey Dylan II

If memory serves, it's due to uranium or thorium in the glass formula.

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prep@prep.synonet.com - 09 Dec 2006 18:25 GMT

> If memory serves, it's due to uranium or thorium in the glass formula.

Thorium. Several Canon SSC lenses also use it.

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