Provenance & certification
Chinon 55mm f1.7
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Condition assessed 20/1/2026
How we gradeInspector’s condition notes
Lens in like-new condition. Optical elements are perfect with no scratch. Focus and aperture ring are as smooth as a new lens. Internal components are tight, with no sound of internal lens movement. The exterior body is like new, but there is paint loss or scratch in 2–3 spots along the lens body edges or around the focus ring and aperture ring (need to look closely to notice).
How this lens renders
Compared to the 50mm f/1.4 with similar specs, this Chinon 55mm f/1.7 is a hidden gem that many overlook. The Tomioka design heritage is truly addictive once you shoot with it. Wide open at f/1.7, the lens renders a soft, characterful image, gathering just the right amount of detail for portraits. Stop down to f/2.8 and sharpness at infinity comes in fully, continuing to pick up more detail all the way up to f/5.6. The bokeh from the 6-blade aperture melts the background with more dimension and is more interesting than competitors like the Zuiko 50mm f/1.4. Flare has its own beautiful character too, with less ghosting around highlights than you'd expect. If you want to avoid flare, we recommend using a lens hood when shooting backlit. It's a vintage lens that offers excellent value for money, suitable for those looking for a unique image character, and worthy of collecting.
In the box
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Honest disclosure
Chinon 55mm f1.7
The Chinon 55mm f/1.7 is a vintage M42 standard prime made in Japan from the late 1960s to around 1975, often attributed to Tomioka design heritage and prized as an overlooked, characterful hidden gem that can beat pricier f/1.4 fifties wide open.
