Yashica ML lenses?

[starvingjack]

Hi there,

After acquiring a modified pentax dslr to take in C/Y mount, i've had a hard time choosing lenses.

I am able to get yashica ML lenses at the below prices from a local dealer
- 28/2.8 US$85
- 50/1.4 US$90

or should i just bear with it and purchase a zeiss planar 50/1.4 instead? it will set me back around US$280

im at a loss to go for the yashicas for the unbeatable prices or get zeiss lenses which was why i bought the modified pentax for...but damn, its too expensive for a student like me.

cheers!
jackson

[Attila]

Surely Zeiss are better as price tag shows, but not a lot you will enjoy Yashica lenses pretty much I guess. With little luck you can buy from Ebay cheaper.

http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/japenese/yashica/
http://www.mflenses.com/gallery/v/german/carl_zeiss/

Can you show us your modified Pentax ?

[starvingjack]

But a zeiss is a zeiss afterall...sigh...in the meanwhile, some pics. taken on a crappy pns





The mount is replaced with a c/y mount. The previous owner did it himself based on a set of instructions in contax club.

[Attila]

If you find this instruction please share it! It will be great help for many of us.

Zeiss the LENS that is true, but sometimes have to make compromise.

[starvingjack]

sure, no probs.

http://forum.contax-club.org/viewtopic.php?t=12815

Instruction starts on page 2. In English.

[Attila]

Many thanks!

[Bruce]

converting Pentax for Contax Yashica mount c/y mount lens.

wow. watch this posts numbers grow.
conversion of Pentax to C/Y Zeiss

keywords for the googlers

[atosz79]

[koji]

Yashica ML lines of lenses are pretty good ones.

Please do not feel inferior to Zeiss lens [owners] when you only have ML lenses.

[JoeCool]

Yashica ML lenses are pretty much appreciated here. I own the ML 28/2.8, 35/2.8 and 135/2.8 and love all of them. But those prices you reported are much higher than what I have seen - maybe it is Singapore price level?
Gerd

[starvingjack]

[F16SUNSHINE]

Hey Jack!
The ML's are great lenses.
Certainly they have different personalities than the Zeiss FL equivelents.
That said I think you should feel no apprehension to buy any fixed ML from 135mm and shorter.
The longer lenses and zooms I have found to be a bit doggy with one acception. The ML70-210 is a top performer equal to the best of that most popular zoom range.

The prices you mention are a bit high as has been mentioned in a previous reply. Watch ebay for a bit of savings.
On second thought by the time you pay shipping your local shops price will be a fine deal.
You will love that 2.8/28 it is a fantastic performer.

Andy

[starvingjack]

andy:

thanks! cant wait to use it extensively...currently looking for other ML lenses as well on ebay, 55mm 2.8 macro and 55mm 1.2...very interesting,...haha

[F16SUNSHINE]

Don't miss on the ML macro 55mm f4.
It is one of my favorite lenses for use in bright sun.
Lightweight, no need for a hood, Sharp wide open with true colors and she focuses 1:2 magnification.


This lens can be had for less than $100 if you keep your eyes out for it.
I would suggest to take a pass on the 1.2/55. The 1.4/50 is a great fast lens the 1.2 is not worth 4-5 times the price.
Andy

[koji]

There is hardly any difference between ML 55/2.8 and ML 55/4 macro lenses as Andy mentioned(?),
even comparing to Y/C macro 60/2.8. And you can find an extension tube at ePay I guess in order to
achieve more magnification if you wish.

Yes, ML50/1.4 is absolutely beautiful lens for actual shooting, 55/1.2 is
for collectors and has far less contrast at F1.2.

ML50/1.4 has less distortion and more natural colour rendition than Planar 50/1.4.
People say it has cooler colour, but they watch/have too many Zeiss lenses.