No photo available for this lens
Production
1970 – 1980
Country
Japan
Optical
6 elements in 4 groups (EBC coated)
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 M42
M42
Overview
The Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 was a kit lens for Fujica SLRs in the 1970s-80s. Don't let 'kit lens' fool you — Fuji's optical heritage is serious. This compact M42 lens delivers solid performance with distinctive soap bubble bokeh and less swirl than typical vintage lenses.
Verdict: A solid, unpretentious vintage normal. The Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 won't blow your mind, but it delivers consistent quality with pleasant soap bubble bokeh. An excellent affordable entry into vintage lenses from a respected optical maker.
Community Insights
What people love
- Soap bubble bokeh (smooth)
- Sharp stopped down
- Compact and well built
- Affordable
- Good Fuji optics
What people dislike
- Soft at edges wide open
- Some purple fringing
- 1m minimum focus (not close)
- Not as exciting as some vintage glass
Pro Tips
- EBC (Electron Beam Coating) version handles flare better
- Sweet spot f/2.8-f/5.6
- Great first vintage lens
- Soap bubble bokeh is the signature
Sources (2)
unknown-
http://nojysweblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/fujinon-55mm-f18-m42-lens-review.html
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 was a kit lens for Fujica SLRs in the 1970s-80s. Don't let 'kit lens' fool you — Fuji's optical heritage is serious. This compact M42 lens delivers solid performance with distinctive soap bubble bokeh and less swirl than typical vintage lenses.