Yashica ML 50mm f/1.7

Overview

The Yashica ML 50mm f/1.7 represents Yashica's commitment to making quality optics accessible. Produced for the Contax/Yashica mount (C/Y), these lenses were made in the same Japanese factories that would later produce the legendary Contax Zeiss glass. While Yashica positioned their ML line as the 'budget' option compared to Zeiss, savvy photographers discovered these were far from budget quality. Many ML lenses were Carl Zeiss designs manufactured by Yashica — essentially Zeiss glass without the Zeiss price tag.

Verdict: The thinking photographer's budget lens. While everyone chases Zeiss, the Yashica ML quietly delivers 90% of the quality at 20% of the price. Perfect for those who prioritize results over bragging rights. An underrated gem in the C/Y ecosystem.

Optical Character

Community Insights

Summary: The Yashica Yashinon-DX 45mm f1.7 lens is a unique vintage lens that doesn't require an adapter to use on modern digital cameras. Users appreciate its sharp, fast image quality and the classic charm of the chrome-bodied lens from the old Yashica Electro 35 rangefinder camera. Sentiment: Positive Top Praised: - Does not require an adapter to use on modern digital cameras - Sharp and fast image quality - Classic, chrome-bodied design Top Complaints: - None mentioned Use Cases: - Street photography - General photography with a classic, vintage look Disagreements: - None noted Confidence: 0.9 (The review provides a thorough, positive assessment of the user experience with this lens, with no major complaints or disagreements mentioned.) Summary: The Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 lens is praised for its excellent value, solid construction, and unique character that can produce beautiful flares and a mix of high contrast and dreamy looks. While not the sharpest wide open, the lens becomes very sharp when used with a focal reducer adapter. Sentiment: Positive Top Praised: - Excellent value (around $50) for a fast f/1.4 prime lens - Solid, durable build quality with a smooth, long-throw focus ring - Unique character with beautiful flares and mix of high contrast and dreamy looks Top Complaints: - Not the sharpest wide open at f/1.4 - Focusing ring can be flimsy on newer Canon EF version Use Cases: - Low-light/night photography - Creative, cinematic video work Disagreements: - None noted Confidence: 0.9 (The review provides a thorough, balanced assessment of the lens's strengths and minor weaknesses, with no major disagreements mentioned.)

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