No photo available for this lens
Production
1964 – 1972
Country
Japan
Optical
6 elements in 4 groups, single coated, auto diaphragm, f/1.8-f/16 in 1/2-stop increments.
Updated
Jul 8, 2026
Mamiya 55mm f1.8
M42 · 55mm · f/1.8
Overview
The Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f/1.8 was one of two standard kit lenses offered for Mamiya's TL/DTL series 35mm SLR cameras, spanning from the mid-1960s through the early 1970s. It sits within Mamiya's broader optical pedigree—a company that built its reputation on rugged, well-corrected glass, including the C330S TLR line referenced by one reviewer. Two barrel styles exist: earlier versions have bright trim rings, while later versions are painted black. The source of manufacture is typically attributed to Mamiya/Sekor, though there are reports of production by Tomioka, and the lens bears a strong physical resemblance to some Komine lenses of the same vintage. Contemporary reviews from Photography magazine in 1967 and 1968 (Arthur Palmer and Ron Spillman) praised its bench performance: excellent edge quality, outstanding contrast, negligible focus shift on stopping down, and only a minute degree of coma at the extreme edges. No established nickname or jargon term applies to this specific lens. Importantly, this non-SX version is confirmed non-radioactive—its typical Mamiya brown/yellow coating is NOT an indicator of radioactivity (though the larger f/1.4 sibling IS radioactive, and some SX versions are as well). Its cult following today rests on being an undervalued, cheap-but-characterful vintage standard lens that is sharp enough to be usable wide open on modern digital bodies, with 'bags of character' according to reviewers.
Verdict: The Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f/1.8 is a superb, undervalued vintage standard lens for photographers who want genuine character without sacrificing sharpness. It delivers outstanding contrast and detail—even wide open—alongside creamy bokeh and a subtle three-dimensional pop, all in a solid all-metal body. It suits portrait, travel, and general shooting, and it's an especially attractive choice for those who value the tactile, deliberate experience of manual focus and want a classic look straight out of the lens. Buyers seeking this specific rendering should confirm they're getting the non-SX, non-radioactive f/1.8 version.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Creamy and characterful wide open at f/1.8, with no swirl or bubble effects claimed.
Color
Warm-leaning rendering with soft color transitions, tied to the typical Mamiya brown/yellow single coating.
Sharpness wide open
Very high sharpness with excellent edge quality, usable wide open and becoming remarkably sharp stopped down.
Contrast
Outstanding global contrast with strong micro-contrast producing abundant detail.
Community Insights
What people love
- Exceptional sharpness and outstanding contrast, usable even wide open at f/1.8 on modern digital bodies
- Excellent value—widely considered undervalued for the character and quality it delivers
- Solid all-metal construction with a precise, no-play focus ring and pleasant, gently-clicked aperture ring
- Characterful vintage rendering with soft color transitions, natural contrast, and a subtle 3D pop
- Creamy, characterful bokeh wide open, well-suited to portraits
- This non-SX version is confirmed non-radioactive, unlike the f/1.4 sibling and some other variants
What people dislike
- The focus ring can be quite stiff on some copies (though this can aid precise manual focusing)
- Single coating and vintage design mean flare handling and other traits are less refined than modern glass (specifics unknown from reviews)
Pro Tips
- Use focus peaking or careful manual focus; the stiff, precise focus ring rewards deliberate focusing and the lens gives a distinct 3D pop when focus is exactly nailed.
- Lean into the built-in contrast for punchy images, or expose for the shadows on film to soften the strong contrast if you prefer a gentler look.
- Pair with ISO 100–400 films for the classic look—ISO 100 for bright days and fine grain, ISO 400 for mixed and low light.
- There is negligible focus shift when stopping down, so you can compose and focus wide open and confidently stop down without refocusing.
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 · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿1,250 · In stock
Standard · ฿890 · Out of stock
Standard · ฿890 · Out of stock
Sources (1)
Web-grounded synthesissecondary
The Mamiya/Sekor 55mm f/1.8 was one of two standard kit lenses offered for Mamiya's TL/DTL series 35mm SLR cameras, spanning from the mid-1960s through the early 1970s. It sits within Mamiya's broader optical pedigree—a company that built its reputation on rugged, well-corrected glass, including the C330S TLR line referenced by one reviewer. Two barrel styles exist: earlier versions have bright trim rings, while later versions are painted black. The source of manufacture is typically attributed to Mamiya/Sekor, though there are reports of production by Tomioka, and the lens bears a strong physical resemblance to some Komine lenses of the same vintage. Contemporary reviews from Photography magazine in 1967 and 1968 (Arthur Palmer and Ron Spillman) praised its bench performance: excellent edge quality, outstanding contrast, negligible focus shift on stopping down, and only a minute degree of coma at the extreme edges. No established nickname or jargon term applies to this specific lens. Importantly, this non-SX version is confirmed non-radioactive—its typical Mamiya brown/yellow coating is NOT an indicator of radioactivity (though the larger f/1.4 sibling IS radioactive, and some SX versions are as well). Its cult following today rests on being an undervalued, cheap-but-characterful vintage standard lens that is sharp enough to be usable wide open on modern digital bodies, with 'bags of character' according to reviewers.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/mamiya-auto-mamiya-sekor-55mm-f-1-8-m42.htmlhttps://lenslegend.com/mamiya-sekor-55mm-f1-8-m42-lens-review/https://dutchthrift.com/blogs/gear/mamiya-cwp-55mm-f-1-8-review-a-classic-35mm-film-workhorse