ML 75-150 & 500 reflex

The 75-150 is a nice little lens - distortion is handled well at both ends of the zoom - probably helped by the limited range. I have a couple of these lenses and sadly both suffer from zoom creep - though to be fair, it's not very often I use them at the extreme angles where this becomes a problem. It is a compact lens and, zoom creep excepted, build quality is pretty high.

The 500 f8 lenses are an intriguing mix. The Yashinon-DX version with the M42 mount is a pretty big beast - heavy, with large filter inserts to the rear and a vital tripod mount. I mention this lens because it was also produced, in very small numbers, in the C/Y mount while the ML version was being developed. It is a very, very good cat - sharp with surprisingly good contrast for a pre-ML coated lens. If you don't mind their size, they are a real bargain. Now to the ML - there are two well recognised versions; one does not carry the ML designator on the central roundel but has the new coating. It is larger and heavier than the final version which does carry the ML designator. The final ML version is the one everybody is fighting for - it is the sharpest 500 f8 cat that has been produced, even outperforming the Zeiss Mirotar of the same specification. But hold on, the non-ML designated version, while slightly larger and heavier, also outperforms every other 500 f8 - except the final version, BUT you can only tell the difference using optical analytical instruments. The image quality of all Yashica 500 f8 cats is, quite simply, superb. You won't be disappointed by any of them in terms of photos - it is more a matter of ergonomics and ease of use. Certainly the final ML version is easier to use hand-held but if you're using any of the lenses on a DSLR or CSC with image stabilisation built into the body, they should all deliver. I'm sure you will have fun with the little zoom and your cat. Send us some piccies when you have a moment...

While I remember, it's always worth grabbing the Yashinon DX 500 cat in the original screw mount - it's normally a LOT cheaper than the MLs - because there are loads of adapter rings that will convert it to a C/Y bayonet and they only cost a couple of Euros or Dollars.

Many older cat lenses show light fungus growth but this usually has no impact on photos; you just need to ensure they are not kept with your other photographic equipment to avoid the risk of cross-contamination. Exposure to a strong, localised source of UV light can usually kill the fungus so, although you will still be able to see it, it will be inert. Cleaning cat lenses can be a problem as the mirrors are very fragile and the tiniest change to their position when reassembled can ruin the quality of subsequent photos, requiring re-collimation which can be expensive as it's quite time-consuming.

Looks new - nice to see a Yashica case that hasn't got a cracked surface too! Enjoy the lens - it's a little gem.

Hi again,

this zoom, 75-150 remain for me the biggest ML surprise. At the beginning it was a buy to be in the "list".
After taking few photos with i am surprised.

As 70-210 i have only the 4.5 version i will take it tomorrow around and i will share some samples.
The 500 one is the non designation ML one, have clearly the ML coating on, serial no 5200936 with 1A filter on. I dont have yet a good tripod to make clear tests.

Also, i have a kind of issue... i am disappointed with my 80-200 f4. Images are all verry very milky, like there is not any coating, no contrast, nothing. And when looking to lens, is like there is no the ML coating on. SN A7525630

Hi dragos, re: the 100-300, a little more patience will be needed I fear...

As for your 80-200, I will test mine as I can see that I have one like yours with a serial no. starting A75..... but all my others are A79...... Visually, the early version has a very pale coating on the front element but the later versions have a more distinctive, classic ML appearance; the rear elements however look very similar. Interesting...I'll get back to you.

As a by-product of my recent 50mm test, I also tested my new Yashica ML 4/75-150mm for sharpness. And I can only confirm dragos' results - this is a really sharp lens. Before that, I had already used it to shoot some candid portraits at a wedding, and I was pleasantly surprised with its sharpness and bokeh.

The 75-150 does not come up often these days, and if it does, it seems to be more common in some markets (like the US). For me, it works great as a portrait lens, the focal range is just right for that.

But see for yourself, here's the sharpness test (again, all images with Sony A7, 24 Mpix, ISO 100, on tripod)

75mm


150mm


The light has changed during the shots, but apart from that, there's not much difference at different f-stops. The absence of CAs and the sharpness in the corners are most remarkable. There's some vignetting at f/4, especially at the long end.

I like the Sony A7 because of its small size (very much like a Yashica FX-D) and image quality, and - of course - because of the full frame sensor. I wouldn't go back to a crop sensor, especially not with all the vintage lenses. I can adapt almost anything to the Sony.

My other camera is a Canon 5D, and I'm not yet ready to give it up because it has some advantages over the Sony: the 5D's noise is lower, and the batteries last much longer (although I like the display and EVF of the Sony). I still have some problems getting the same nice colors from the Sony's RAWs, especially the greens (that could be a problem between me an Lightroom's RAW converter, though).

My only major complaint about the Sony is that there isn't a decent travel zoom. The Sony's SEL2870 kit zoom is ok, but it was no match for the Canon 24-105L, so I sold it. And I still have doubts about buying the Zeiss 24-70. So I usually take the 5D + 24-105L when travelling, and I use the Sony with all my manual lenses.