Production
1975
Country
Japan
Optical
Double-Gauss, 6 elements in 5 groups, with multicoating (DS-M).
Updated
Jul 16, 2026
Contax / Yashica Yashinon-DS
Contax/Yashica · 50mm · f/1.7
Compiled from 1 real reviews · AI-assisted · accuracy-checked · Updated 16 Jul 2026
Overview
The Yashica Yashinon-DS belongs to Yashica's family of standard M42-era prime lenses, a lineage that the reviews describe across several closely related variants. The evidence covers the DS-M 50mm f/1.7, introduced in the mid-1970s as a multicoated successor to the earlier DS and DX series, and the earlier chrome-barreled Yashinon-DX 50mm f/1.4. According to the reviews, the DS-M was 'designed as a multicoated successor to the earlier DS and DX series' and, though 'often overlooked in favor of Takumars and Zeiss Planars,' is regarded as 'a hidden gem for manual-focus enthusiasts.' The earlier DX line is described as jewelry-like in construction, prized as much for history and looks as for pure performance. One reviewer noted the DX f/1.4's strong flare resistance was 'most likely a result of the inclusion of thorium elements,' hinting at the radioactive-element construction sometimes found in fast vintage glass of this period, though this is only asserted for the DX f/1.4. No established community nickname is evidenced for the DS line. People love these lenses for their combination of solid-to-exquisite build quality, natural rendering, and remarkable value, with the DS-M in particular being a strong, affordable performer.
Verdict: The Yashica Yashinon-DS family is for the manual-focus enthusiast who wants classic double-Gauss rendering — neutral, slightly cool color and strong contrast — at exceptional value. The multicoated DS-M 50mm f/1.7 rewards those who stop down to f/2.8, delivering sharpness and pleasing bokeh that hold their own against better-known Takumars and Planars, while tolerating some softness and fringing wide open. The earlier chrome DX variants add jewelry-grade build and collectible appeal. Choose these lenses for their honest rendering and craftsmanship rather than clinical wide-open perfection.
Optical Character
Color
Neutral to slightly cool color rendition.
Sharpness wide open
Sharp from f/2.8 onward, with softness and fringing wide open.
Flare resistance
Decent flare resistance for its age.
Contrast
Excellent contrast when stopped down, notably better than many contemporaries.
Community Insights
What people love
- Excellent sharpness once stopped down to f/2.8 and beyond (DS-M)
- Strong contrast and neutral-to-slightly-cool color rendition
- Pleasing bokeh and rendering well suited to portraits and walkaround use
- Outstanding value — a hidden gem often overlooked next to Takumars and Zeiss Planars
- Solid build quality and long-throw, well-damped focus (DS-M); jewelry-like mechanics on the DX f/1.4
- Surprising flare resistance for the era
What people dislike
- Softness, chromatic aberration and corner fringing wide open (DS-M)
- Lack of an auto/manual aperture switch on the DS-M, complicating aperture control
- 6-blade diaphragm produces distinct hexagonal highlights (noted on the DX f/1.4)
- Corners that never fully sharpen even stopped down (DX f/1.4)
- Low contrast and haze wide open (DX f/1.4)
Pro Tips
- Stop down to f/2.8 or beyond on the DS-M to unlock its excellent sharpness and contrast; reserve wide-open shooting for when you want a softer, dreamier look.
- Expect some chromatic aberration and corner fringing wide open — frame important detail toward the center at the widest apertures.
- Lean into the low-contrast, hazy wide-open rendering for portraits when you want a gentle, dreamy result, then stop down for crisp general shooting.
- The 6-blade diaphragm renders hexagonal highlights on the DX f/1.4 — position specular background points thoughtfully, or open up to soften them.
- Use the long-throw, well-damped focus to nail precise manual focus, especially critical wide open where center sharpness falls off quickly at the edges.
Sources (1)
Web research
The Yashica Yashinon-DS family is for the manual-focus enthusiast who wants classic double-Gauss rendering — neutral, slightly cool color and strong contrast — at exceptional value. The multicoated DS-M 50mm f/1.7 rewards those who stop down to f/2.8, delivering sharpness and pleasing bokeh that hold their own against better-known Takumars and Planars, while tolerating some softness and fringing wide open. The earlier chrome DX variants add jewelry-grade build and collectible appeal. Choose these lenses for their honest rendering and craftsmanship rather than clinical wide-open perfection.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/yashica-50mm-f-1-7-yashinon-ds-m.htmlhttps://stephend.photo/yashica-yashinon-dx-50mm-f14