Auto Reflecta 55 1.7 is it similar to...

[nianys]

First I apoligize as I've search the board and found bits of information, but still need further answers, so here I am, asking again.

Earlier this year I was shooting a Panasonic GX-1 and bought, as my very first MF lens (after over 20 years of AF (D)SLR photography !) an Auto Reflecta 55 1.7 lens. The seller had had overloaded me with selling hype "Tomioka" "Zeiss Planar deisign", "Cosina", which was much gibberish for me at that point but sure looked/sounded great and I bought the lens, unknowing.

I didn"t keep it as it was a PITA to manuall focus (remember, NO prior experience) with the GX1, but IQ was certainly VERY good.

Now that I've switch to NEX a couple of months ago and switched to Mf 100% (extremely happy with it too !!), I'm looking to rebuy that same lens. Finding it is no the issue, but I wouldn't want to make multiple purchases of clone lenses.
AND, I've read that the aux leather focus ringed Auto Revuenon was *most likely* (I understand the uncertainty and lack of solid proof here) made by Tomioka. I just bought one of those faux leather lenses.
I guess my basic question is ; is it still relevant to ALSO lookf for an buy a similarly specified (55/1.7) Auto Reflecta now, or are they indeed twin lenses ? If not, is one better than the other ? I also understand sample variation, which makes things all the more complex...

I might make this lens better in my mind that it truly was, but I also have the nagging feeling that I sold it being clueless, and that it was, indeed, GREAT.
here's a sample, wide open (as a general rule, I shoot normal or close (50, 55, 5 fast primes, wide open or hardly stopped down. It's close to a pathotlocial condition in my case !

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By the way I guess this post can serve as an introduction I'm a French NEX user fallen in love with MF lenses, and collecting nifties like there's no tomorrow.

[RAART]

[mo]

Thanks RAART,

[eddieitman]

Yes these where all made by Tomioko they are branded as Chinon 1.7 ( i have this one and it is a favourite)
Auto revuenon, Derek Gardner, Auto Reflex are the guises that i know it in, a fantastic lens with mad bokeh
In fact my most popular flickr image is from the chinon