Yashica ML 2,8/28 - Which version ?

[MF-addicted]

I just aquired a Yashica ML 2,8/28.

They say there are two versions of the ML 28 and that the later one performs better.
The Serial number of mine is A1279xxx. Does "A" mean "First version". Did they already knew that they will produce a second version or is "A" only a part of the common serial number ?

Searching the internet, I found one link:
http://louislam.photopage.org/Yashica/Yashica.htm

[bawang]

I am curious too. I have the same lens and it has become a favorite, especially for my daughter. Mine also has an A in the serial number, A12048184

I have not done any serious comparison, but I noticed this Yashica ML is a very good performer. I like it better than most of my 28s; Zuiko 3.5/28 (single coat), Vivitar/Kiron 2.5/28, S-M-C Tak 3.5/28. Only the MC Zuiko 2/28 is sharper at 2.8 onwards (which I recently acquired). However, the color rendition from the ML is my preferred one.

[hk300]

i am not aware of different ML versions ... i do know that there is a lower-cost DSB version, which is said to be inferior compared to the ML version.

[Lazzaros]

I don't think that exists two ML versions.

I already had 1 ML, 1 DSB and 1 YUS. All of them had similar performances but ML was better in sharpness.

[Xpres]

Well I never! Mine too, starts with A12xx...
How does one tell which is which?

that was a good link by the way - thanks.

[Poolhall]

All my Yashica lenses have a letter for the first part of the serial, A for the 50/2, and C for the 28/80, both ML, but all 3 of my DSB lenses have A, 50/1.9, 50/2 and 70-210/4, so it could mean anything!

[Xpres]

Just been having a look at the optical diagrams. the first version he shows has eight elements in seven groups, and the second 7 in 6g. the documentation with my lens states 7 in 6 for this lens so would seem to be the second version.
Any other data about that says 8 in 7?

[naplam]

I had no idea there were several versions, my serial is A1287... There are 3 letters stamped in the rear (dark ink on black, barely visible), "KFC" hmm kentucky fried chicken?? it must be some sort of QC mark i guess.

As the two versions supposedly have a different optical formula, maybe we could spot them by posting photos of the barrel, showing the distances in the focus ring, infrared adjustment mark and so on, things like the minimum focus distance and the infrared focus mark might be different in the two versions.

[naplam]

i found some more info

First version serials: A1202079
Second version serials: A1239283, A1245689, A1249244, A1278989

from here:
http://yashica.org/232-2-ML-28mm-12-8-II.html

Also, it seems they have the same close focus distance and number of blades in the iris. It's probably difficult to tell one from the other without the serial number or the manual indicating the number of elements.

[Xpres]

this site puts the versions the other way around, but the serial number of my lens seems to be a later one indicating 8/7 according to this. A mystery!
I'll see if I can do a photo.


http://yashica.org/232-2-ML-28mm-12-8-II.html

edit: we found the same site!

[F16SUNSHINE]

Hi Guys
I'm a bit late here.
I did have two different versions of this lens.
Don't know which was the early or late and one is sold.
The barrel looked very similar but the rear mount looked different.
The pin to move the aperture selector in the VF was different this I recall.
If I had to guess I would say that I sold a newer version and kept an older one.
Here is a pic of a newer 50mm f2. The aperture selector pin is the same as the ML28 that I sold. The lens I am holding is the newer 50mm.
Also here are barrel pics of my ML28.
As to performance. Who knows . They both seemed excellent to me. I use the distagon28 more often.

[MF-addicted]

Thanks for all the posts.
I was lucky myself to find the Yashica site of "louis lam".
@ Xpres:
You only showed the first 2 digits of your serial number. You have got your documentation which states 7 in 6. If we know the third digit of your lens, we can asume more.
Member "bawang" has a serial with A120, so he might have the first one.
I hope we will find out.
By the way, it makes fun to get a lot of detailed input on MF lens.
Thanks to all

[Xpres]

Ok, I got the lens out. It's A1261300, and heres a snap. looks a lot like Andy's - Who wants to take one apart?

Btw - the system chart is what I have with this lens - dated 1984 I think. The weight was 250g for the 7/6

[koji]

I am very "late" here, it is interesting subject.
My ML 28mm2.8 looks like Andy's new ML50/2, but sits serial number is
not 7 digits, 8 digits and starting 120... What gives?

I guess they made too many of 28mm or some kind of linage marker?
see my Yashica's serial numbers (may be dangerous to show them here?)

Yashica ML Zoom 28-50mm 1:3.5 A7400899
Yashica ML 21mm 1:3.5 A1702131
Yashica ML 24mm 1:2.8 A1519568
Yashica ML 28mm 1:2.8 A12054389 -----
Yashica ML 35mm 1:2.8 A1309483
Yashica ML 50mm 1:1.4 A1015886
Yashica ML 50mm 1:1.4 A1037634
Yashica ML 50mm 1:1.7 A20092433 ------
Yashica ML 50mm 1:1.9 A40697621 ------
Yashica ML 50mm 1:1.9 A40740119 ------
Yashica ML 50mm 1:2 A90283590 ------
Yashica ML 55mm 1:1.2 A5004764
YUS AUTOMATIC 28mm 1:2.8 309773
Yashica DSB 50mm 1:1.9 A40374040 ------
Yashica ML Macro 100mm 1:3.5 A3404983
Yashica ML Macro 55mm 1:2.8 A7007236
Yashica ML Macro 55mm 1:4 A6000922

DSB originated lenses have 8 digits, is my theory.

[bawang]

Yashica.org site listed another ML 28mm with a designation "YASHICA ML 28mm 1:2.8 c" with a different close focus distance of 23 cm instead of 30 cm for ver. 1 and 2; the lens/group arrangement is also different 5/5. But no s/n mentioned. What does the 'c' stands for?

Louis Lam site however did not mention this 3rd ver.

Another puzzle to add.

[koji]

Bawang,

I know what that 'c' stands for, Cosina made those ML with 'c' lenses.
Stay away from those lenses.

[Screamin Scott]

None of my Yashica lenses have an "A" to start the serial #...They are all M42 mount however...

[bawang]

[MF-addicted]

Found some MTF test on italian site for ML 28 version 2:
I think site translation to english via goog.. may work.


http://www.geocities.com/ilprode/TestY.htm


http://www.fhtino.it/fotografia/yashica/comments.html

[Cobalt60]

Hi there!

The "C" usually stands for "compact" and was designated to the
latest (re-calculated) versions of some MLs ... e.g. 200/4 C, 300/5.6 C.

In case of the 50/1.9c and the 28/2.8c this (as already mentioned)
indicates, that it's a Cosina-made lens ... not sure if this is a
coincidence ... but rather not, as it's a small "c" (in contrast to
the "C" of the tele lenses).

Cheers!

[koji]

Cobalt60,

I do not know what "C" stands for, but all those ML Tele and Zoom lenses
are mostly made by Tokina. And I never heard Cosina made longer
than 100mm lens, though my knowledge is limited of course.

[Cobalt60]

Well, therefore I wrote the 28 and 50 c are "Cosina" whereare the "long" C are "compact" ... didn't write they were made by Cosina ...

BTW, do you have proof for the long ones being made by Tokina?