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.
Compatible Adapters
Real adapters from our shop that fit this lens mount.
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿1,250 · In stock
Contax Yashica Lenses to Nikon Z Mount Camera Adapter
Standard · Out of stock
Contax Yashica Lenses to Canon EOS R Mount Camera Adapter
Standard · Out of stock
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