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on Jul 11, 2015 21:05:26 GMT
Posted: Jul 11, 2015 21:05:26 GMT
This lens has a good reputation and I just made an impulse buy... So is it all its made out to be?
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Status: Long, long time Contax and Yashica user; glad to be here and hope to contribute.
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on Jul 12, 2015 2:16:42 GMT
Posted: Jul 12, 2015 2:16:42 GMT
I think you'll find it merits its good reputation.
I have a couple of them as well as their Zeiss counterparts - I tend to use the Yashica lenses more often as they have a very useful macro facility that is completely lacking in their more expensive cousins. The Zeiss may have the slight advantage in edge definition wide-open but there's no difference in the centre and distortion is minimal too; from f5.6-f11, you can't tell them apart. Both of my Yashicas are very well built - no zoom creep at all and focusing is as smooth as the Zeiss'. While not quite in the same league as the ML 28-50 and ML 35-70 f3.5, I think you are going to enjoy using it - a pretty good impulse purchase I reckon.
Keep us posted on your thoughts...
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on Jul 12, 2015 6:58:13 GMT
Last Edit: Jul 12, 2015 12:33:30 GMT by bp_reid
Sounds good but of course it may not pan out so well as I'm buying from 'Rocky Cameras.' However, he's currently offering 40% off everything which puts the lens at £21 including delivery so it has to be worth a punt!
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on Jul 12, 2015 9:20:42 GMT
Posted: Jul 12, 2015 9:20:42 GMT
If you get a good one (and I mean better than Rocky's somewhat imaginative definition of 'optically perfect') then it's a keeper, it really is a cracker. I have two. One is kept by my brother in Scotland along with my Contax 167, so that when I go up there, I can travel light. Front element is wide, so flare management is something to keep an eye on, but other than that, it's a high quality performer, and better by far than the 28-80 ML. My experience is the same as 'biggles'. No zoom creep, the rings are smooth, and the performance with just a little stopping down is superb.
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on Aug 4, 2015 13:09:25 GMT
Last Edit: Aug 4, 2015 13:13:03 GMT by bp_reid
OK, so my 28-85 ML arrived today and it's not quite optically perfect but it's not as bad as some of Rocky's lenses. Mechanically it's in pretty good shape, and yup, there is is absolutely no zoom creep. Externally it's filthy but there are no dings or damage, so from that perspective it will clean up nicely.
Optically it looks good on the surface but there is an area of fungus behind the front element. I believe this isn't too hard to remove, so with a bit of care, I'd hope to be able to clean it up and have a decent copy of this relatively scarce lens.
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on Oct 28, 2015 19:36:50 GMT
Last Edit: Oct 28, 2015 19:37:34 GMT by bp_reid
Well, I never did get round to cleaning the front element, finding I'm just not technical enough. However I do now have another copy that is in great shape, and hope to grab a few shots with it over the next few days. I'll report back next week...
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Group: Moderator
Post: 2,040 (563 liked)
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Status: Long, long time Contax and Yashica user; glad to be here and hope to contribute.
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on Oct 28, 2015 19:43:06 GMT
Posted: Oct 28, 2015 19:43:06 GMT
Well, I never did get round to cleaning the front element, finding I'm just not technical enough. However I do now have another copy that is in great shape, and hope to grab a few shots with it over the next few days. I'll report back next week... Nice one - I look forward to seeing the results and getting your feedback on this versatile lens. |
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on Nov 14, 2015 11:08:03 GMT
Posted: Nov 14, 2015 11:08:03 GMT
Unfortunately, the 28-85 isn't playing nicely with my A7r and adapter combination, it's looking good at the 28mm end but is giving a wierd corner effect (they are lighter and cooler than the rest of the image) in some situations. The transition between zones is very hard, making the lens pretty much unusable as a walk around.
I'm planning to get another adapter to se if it will make a difference.
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on Nov 14, 2015 11:18:14 GMT
Posted: Nov 14, 2015 11:18:14 GMT
I use also my ML's on A7. At 28mm avoid to use any filter, because even are small the filters are "touching" a little bit the corners. Sometimes just a slight shadow. Also, my adapter had a light ishue and i covered it. Check interiour of the adapter to see if is complete dark. If they are some nickel parts, try to blackout them.
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