Expert: David Silver - 11/17/2005

Question
Hi from Downunder,David.I recently purchased a box of old cameras and have a couple of  queries.One item is a very heavy chrome plated Tele-Takumar f3.5 135mm,screw mount,of course. Glass very clean,only a few minor marks on the chrome.Lens # 36885.Complete with original push on lens cap and chrome screw on base cap.Focussing and apeture rings very smooth,comes in original fitted leather case(some scuffing).Another Pentax lens(same vintage-early 50's)marked Takumar f2.4 58mm,#72970,again chrome plated brass,smooth focussing and apeture rings,original push on lens cap but generic screw on rear.Some slight fading of writing,some slight markings on chrome,no case.
I want to put them on International Ebay with realistic reserves,but have no idea of their scarcity value.I believe both lenses were for the Pentax Asahiflex.
Can you help in letting me have your ideas?
Thanks
Ron

Answer
Hi Ron,

These two lenses were originally introduced with the Asahiflex line (the 58mm f2.4 around 1953 and the 135mm f3.5 in 1952), but were also available for the Pentax (from 1957 to possibly 1959).  The difference is the size of the screw mount.  Asahiflex versions have 37mm wide mounts, while the versions updated for the original Pentax (also called the Pentax AP and soon followed by the Pentax S) were among the first in traditional 42mm wide mounts.  In the common larger mount, the lenses are neither valuable nor terribly desirable, both the 58mm and the 135mm going for about US$40 to US$50 each.  In the earlier smaller mount, they're actually much more common than you'd think, but they do tend to sell for about twice as much.  Please measure the mounts and let me know what you have there.  If they're the later 42mm size screw mount, there's simply no reason to set reserves in eBay auctions.  Unless you botch the desciptions, they'll sell for true market value.  On the other hand, if they're the 37mm mount, please allow me to recommend a buyer here in the USA who is working on a new book on the Asahiflex cameras.  He has a good budget allowing him to pay honest prices, and will probably want to buy the lenses if they're in truly excellent shape.  That way you won't need to waste the time, effort, and fees using eBay.

Best wishes,

David Silver