on Aug 20, 2020 3:08:54 GMT
This is Yashica's delightful Auto Yashikor 28mm f2.8 lens and it surprised me with its performance.
It has been generally accepted that the development of the Yashinon lenses was a step up from the early Yashikor models in terms of optical quality so I was not expecting much from this piece of early Yashica glass. Well, I was very pleasantly surprised by this mint-conditioned gem.
It is every bit as sharp as the later Yashinon versions and its build quality is equally impressive. Its output is very like that of the DS-M under average conditions and for such an early lens, I was impressed by the evenness of its illumination. Edge definition wide-open is not brilliant but I have seen worse on more modern and very much more expensive lenses.
It is only its performance in extreme lighting that can let it down where it can exhibit flare and a reduction in contrast; had this lens enjoyed the multi-coating of the DS-M or ML series, it would be a winner. I don't know its optical formula but will try to find it out as its rendering is so close to that of my DS-M lens that it would be interesting to be able to make a comparison. If it's anything other than 8/7, that would be intriguing. Anyhow, it's a lovely little lens.