Auto Yashinon 50/2
Jan 8, 2014 17:26:47 GMT
on Jan 8, 2014 17:26:47 GMT
Last Edit: Jan 13, 2014 23:32:42 GMT by greyscale
Predating the DX series, the Auto Yashinon 50/2was, to the best of my knowledge, Yashica's first M42 screw-mount lens. It was introduced as the standard lens on the Yashica Penta J camera in 1962. This lens is of all-metal construction and is extraordinarily well built, and surprisingly heavy. By modern standards, this lens would best be described as a semi-automatic lens, the camera will automatically step-down the lens when taking a photo, but it must be manually re-opened via a sliding lever towards the back of the lens. The aperture ring, with a minimum aperture of f16, is located at the front of the lens, much like the early preset lenses. Minimum focus distance is about 22 inches (.55 meters).
Like the DX lenses, the front element is quite deeply recessed, and I had no evidence of flare from the single-coated lens when shooting without a lens hood. The lens renders images that are sharp edge to edge, with a silky smooth bokeh and rich, vibrant colors, but it really shines when used with black and white film. I have long been a fan of Yashinon DX lenses, but all things considered, from fit and finish, to mechanical operation, and to image quality, this is the superior lens. Yashica got it right the first time with this little gem.
Yashica Penta J with Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Yashica Penta J with Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Kodak 400
Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Sunny 16, Kodak 400, Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Sunny 16, Kodak 400, Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Sunny 16, Kodak 400, Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Sunny 16, Kodak 400, Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Sunny 16, Kodak 400, Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Sunny 16, Kodak Portra 160, Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Kodak BW400CN
Yashica Penta J, Auto Yashinon 50/2, Kodak BW400CN, Sunny 16 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Yashica Penta J, Auto Yashinon 50/2, Kodak BW400CN, Sunny 16 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Yashica Penta J, Vivitar 28/2.5, Kodak BW400CN, Sunny 16 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Like the DX lenses, the front element is quite deeply recessed, and I had no evidence of flare from the single-coated lens when shooting without a lens hood. The lens renders images that are sharp edge to edge, with a silky smooth bokeh and rich, vibrant colors, but it really shines when used with black and white film. I have long been a fan of Yashinon DX lenses, but all things considered, from fit and finish, to mechanical operation, and to image quality, this is the superior lens. Yashica got it right the first time with this little gem.
Yashica Penta J with Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Yashica Penta J with Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Kodak 400
Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Sunny 16, Kodak 400, Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Sunny 16, Kodak 400, Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Sunny 16, Kodak 400, Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Sunny 16, Kodak 400, Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Sunny 16, Kodak 400, Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Sunny 16, Kodak Portra 160, Auto Yashinon 50/2 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Kodak BW400CN
Yashica Penta J, Auto Yashinon 50/2, Kodak BW400CN, Sunny 16 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Yashica Penta J, Auto Yashinon 50/2, Kodak BW400CN, Sunny 16 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
Yashica Penta J, Vivitar 28/2.5, Kodak BW400CN, Sunny 16 by Greyscale3, on Flickr
