Yashica ML 50/1.9 (full-frame shots)

aoleg · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Posts: 1387 Location: Berlin, DE

For some time, I was trying to find a 'perfect' fast normal lens. Goal: it has to provide that characteristic 'swirly' bokeh that Biotar, Helios-44, Helios-77 and other Planar-type lenses have.

#1 This kind of bokeh (Yashica ML 50/1.9 at f/1.9):

However, I didn't want the dramatic decrease of resolution towards the edges, and required much better coatings so that I could shoot into the light.

#2 Wide open, contra light. See the flare?

#3 I wanted this kind of contrast; f/4

Out of many, many 50-55mm lenses that I tried, Yashica was the closest bet. I respect sheer resolution provided by Takumar 55/2, adore rendering and coatings of SMC Takumar 50/1.4, and still use Helios-44 and 77 for occasional portraits. Volna-9 and Industar-61 have their own strengths, but they're too slow at 'just' 2.8. Yashicas seemed to be the only lenses that were more or less modern and still having that 'swirly' look.

#4, 5 Wide open

First, I tried Yashica DSB 50/1.9 in C/Y mount. It's OK, but its coatings leave much to be desired (I couldn't use it as an all-purpose walkabout lens). Then, I tried an even older DS 50/1.9 in M42 mount, and it was even worse: weaker coatings, weird colors, fast resolution falloff towards the edges. I didn't want another Helios-44 in Japanese disguise.

So finally I received this Yashica ML 50/1.9 in mint condition. Despite of what's said about the lens, it's a very good (even if not the best) performer. Stopped down to f/4, it's almost as sharp as my better lenses, and by f/8 it's Tak-sharp.

#6 Tak sharp Smile

f/8

Wide open, however, while acceptably sharp, it's no competition to my Takumar 55/2. Coatings are very good already, maintaining good contrast in contra light just fine, but not keeping up with side flares. In this respect, no comparison to SMC Takumar 50/1.4. Resolution is relatively even across the frame - and that's on a 21MP full-frame body. CA and purple fringing are non-existent.

#7 Sheer resolution f/5.6

Its weaker point is vignetting wide-open and at 2.8. It goes away by f/4.

#8 Vignetting - wide open (I know, I know, no one shoots landscapes wide open, but...)

Am I satisfied with what I found? Well, I guess a Zeiss normal lens would be much better, but for $20 I paid for it I can just as well shut up and use the thing Smile

#9, 10 Sunset colors f/5.6

#11 The end

Full review available at http://www.prime35.com/yashica-ml-50mm-f-1-9/

Jesito · Expire: 2015-01-07

Wow, those "sea at sunset reflections" are superb!,
Congratulations.

That lens seems much better than mine...
Or I should try it again Smile

Thanks for sharing!

Jes.

aoleg · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Posts: 1387 Location: Berlin, DE

Try it stopped down to at least f/5.6 for landscape shots, and wide-open or at f/2.8 for close subjects, and you won't be disappointed! The lens is able to produce beautiful colors, and your sample shows just that. One other thing: don't trust the infinity mark! I always focus first (wide-open), stop down, shoot. C/Y adaptors vary in thickness, so if you shoot lansscapes by simply rotating the lens till it stops, you are actually focusing beyond infinity.

Klarth · Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 30

The ML Yashicas are hidden gems. I can't wait to try my 50mm 1.4.

I love the colors and definition of this one. Really nice shots!

MF-addicted · Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 10:16 am Post subject:

Thanks for testing Smile

I love my Yashica MLs, too.
Especially the ML 21 and ML 24 are in the Zeiss-league.

Jesito · Expire: 2015-01-07

Mal1905 · Expire: 2011-11-18

Very, very impressive samples of the range of capabilities of this lens Smile

yalcinaydin · Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 825 Location: Izmir, Turkey

Great light means great photos. These are not an exception Smile