In this video, we’re comparing the SMC Pentax M 50mm f/1.4 against the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 SSC and the Konica Hexanon AR 50mm f/1.4. We’re looking at how they perform in terms of color rendition, contrast, sharpness, vignetting, chromatic and comatic aberrations etc.
Regarding appearance
“Pentax being the most common one”
Them’s fighting words @anon71831483 
I have after long contemplation on the issue come to the conclusion that SMC Pentax lenses (non M’s actually being ever so slightly better) are the best designed ones ever. Many love the earlier Takumar look but they are wrong. The SMC Pentax look is just great. Really clean design with just the right hint of brutalism with that large scale rubber knurling. Other lenses have nothing in comparison. When taking into account how well the design just works the competition is over.
Comparisons to make my arguments unaguable
Hmm discuss links don’t show same results as search somehow the quote search fails allowing some Takumars in.
To each his own, no doubt. I stand by my words, I find the looks of the Pentax to be the most bland, the least impressive and inspiring. I think the Konica is just a jewel of engineering, a marvel of technical achievment.
It may not be bling nor “german” looking but still the best. I admit my day job may result in me appreciating design many won’t care as much for but I’m still right.
Interestingly the transition from Takumar to SMC Pentax produced the similar but aesthetic disaster SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4. Double chrome rings and the wrong scale knurling is all it takes between near perfect design to complete uglyness.
