The Cosina MC 55mm f1.2

[kymarto]

Here's another of my very favorite bokeh lenses. This lens has very special bokeh, which is both soft and edgy at the same time. These are still available for a song, as it were, since most attention is focused on the M42 version of the Cosinon (also called the Revuenon, Tominon, Yashinon). This is the Pentax PK mount version, and it is about 1/3 the price, with--to my taste--much nicer bokeh.

I originally ran across this just as an eBay auction was ending and won it for $269. After finding out that it was not the M42 version, which is what I was looking for, I freaked. But as it turns out, this was a lucky stroke of fate.

This lens might have been made by Tominon (I haven't found anyone who really knows), and if you are looking for one you have to be very careful, as there are apparently three PK mount 55mm f1.2 lenses that bear the Cosina name. There is the Porst Color Reflex, and recently I ran across a Cosinon PK mount lens (which might be the Porst rebranded, I don't know). This one, I know, comes branded as Cosina (not Cosinon) and Revuenon. There is one sure way to tell if you are looking at the same lens: It takes a 58mm filter, and all the lenses I have seen (however they are branded) have a diameter symbol (O with a diagonal slash--Greek theta) and 58mm. So if you don't see that all bets are off.

I personally think that this lens rivals the legendary and ridiculously expensive 60mm Konica f1.2 for the Leica--in any case you will get very close for 1/40 the price. While it is not quite so psychedelic as the Aires 4.5cm 1.5, it is gorgeous. Also, it's wicked sharp already at f1.2, albeit with a bit of color fringing. Let other folks fight over the M42 Tominon and go for this baby

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[exaklaus]

You are able to get the best out of your lenses!
Bravo!

[Attila]

[kryss]

WOW everyone absolutely stunning....I am trying to deplete my collection and then you post these umm...?

[DigiChromeEd]

[Jeff Zen]

Best freaky bokeh ever! Very painterly and used to maximum advantage in most every shot. Great compositions too, but what I like best is the colors the lens gives you. Lovely series, great lens.

[Oldhand]

[kymarto]

[Oldhand]

[Crazy Leica Fox]

[Oldhand]

Here are some images from my Revuenon.
Not as beautifully done as kymarto, but the lens is quite capable.
Tom


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[cyberjunkie]

As far as I know, there are two kind of 55mm f/1.2 available in PK mount.
One is a Cosina design, and can be found as Porst, or as Cosinon S (and maybe other incarnations).
The other is a Tomioka design, probably built by Cosina (or perhaps Tomioka provided the optics and Cosina made the barrel, who knows..). It is available as Cosina (maybe also Cosinon, but with NO S), Revuenon, etc, and it should share the same optical project with the Yashinon.

The rear element is quite different, and allows to tell one optical layout from the other, when in doubt.

I own both, one Revuenon and one Porst. Plus a SMC Pentax f/1.2 50mm.
The Pentax is a recent acquisition, but I can say that from my personal experience the Revuenon is still the reigning queen.
Enough sharpness, great bokeh, and a wonderful overall rendition.
One of those rare lenses that have "something more"

Cheers

Paolo

[y]

Well done! The bokeh is magic.

I'm wondering how would it handle a portrait work. Do you have such samples?

[justtorchit]

Beautiful pics! Very unique bokeh indeed. Strikes me as illustrative. I wonder, as another member mentioned, if this is ultimately the same optical design as the rebranded Vivitar Series 1 50/1.2. It's a rarity and being a VS1 enthusiast, it's been on my list. Though I know little about how it actually performs. I always thought Cosina may have made it but don't even recall why I thought that.

[Oldhand]

[cyberjunkie]

Here is a portrait:

K_1_0595 by spaulein, on Flickr

And here another night photo:

K_1_0543 by spaulein, on Flickr

All shot wide open

cheers

Paolo

[Crazy Leica Fox]

Here is a review of the Rikenon version along with a detailed description and lots of pictures: https://jonasraskphotography.com/2015/02/10/rikenon-55mm-f1-2-review/. There's also an interesting and lengthy discussion in the comments on that page about the manufacturer.

It seems that in all cases, including the Vivitar Series 1 in the thread I linked earlier, this lens was only made in PK mount.

[Oldhand]

[Oldhand]

OK, permission granted for this one.
Thank you Charlie
Shot wide open at f1.2
Tom


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[Oldhand]

OK - a second permission has arrived so here is my friend Terry.
Again shot wide open at f1.2
Tom


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[kryss]

Nice shots Tom,I see, like me you have young friends.

[Oldhand]

[kds315*]

great shots Tom!

[Oldhand]

Thank you Klaus.
Here's a shot of my friend Garry.
Same settings - fully open at f1.2
Tom


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[kryss]

Wide open appears to give it that smoooooth skin look.