Yashica ML 35mm f/2.8, A Monotone Edit

Cameras and Lenses: Images with a legacy Yashica ML 35mm f/2.8, a vintage prime acclaimed for its high contrast, superb color rendition, and compact build quality, a 70mm short-tele equivalent on the Olympus PEN E-P5.

<< Click on image for enlarged Lightbox display >>

Another session with the Yashica ML 35mm f/2.8 mounted on the PEN E-P5, with images shot in RAW, post-processed, and print-enhanced for web publishing. Images were edited with Auto Tone Correction, enhanced further with a higher dose of contrast setting in Monochrome & Sepia, Tone Curve, and Unsharp Mask.

Olympus PEN E-P5, Yashica ML 35mm f/2.8

Yashica ML 50mm f/1.9, Subtle Pastels

Cameras and Lenses: Images, in subtle pastels, with a vintage legacy Yashica ML 50mm f/1.9, a lightweight, premium "ML" (Multi-Layer) line produced in Japan alongside Carl Zeiss lenses, on the Olympus PEN E-P5.

<< Click on image for enlarged Lightbox display >>

Last, in the series of image captures with a Yashica ML series lens, I can safely mount an el-cheapo lens adapter on the Pen E-P5. The Yashica ML 50mm f/1.9, after the ML 28mm F2.8 and ML 35mm F2.8, is another scintillating example of what the Yashica ML series is all about. Shooting with a wide-open aperture adds to the softness of the focus and the intensity of the colors.

The Yashica ML 50mm f/1.9 lens is part of the Yashica ML series, pro-line multicoated lenses developed and produced by Yashica (Kyocera) to bridge the gap between their consumer-grade DSB line and the state-of-the-art Zeiss T* lenses built for the Contax/Yashica system.

Olympus PEN E-P5, Yashica ML 50mm f/1.9

Generally, the ML series is well known for its sharp images, contrasty colors, beautiful color rendering, and, given the right aperture opening, swirly bokeh. The 50mm f/1.9, individually, is said to be tack-sharp at f/8.

Yashica ML 35mm f/2.8, The Odd One Out

Cameras and Lenses: The odd one out, a lens with a mount I cannot decipher, images with a vintage legacy Yashica ML 35mm f/2.8, a premium "ML" (Multi-Layer) line produced in Japan alongside Carl Zeiss lenses, on the Olympus PEN E-P5.

<< Click on image for enlarged Lightbox display >>

The Yashica ML 35mm f/2.8, which can be a rare find among the selection of Yashica ML lenses, is a series of multicoated pro-line lenses developed and produced by Yashica (Kyocera). This series was designed to fill the gap between Yashica's own consumer-grade DSB lens line and the state-of-the-art Contax/Yashica Zeiss T*, all of which were built at their manufacturing facility in Japan.

The series is also acknowledged as an excellent performer, even at a wide-open aperture when adapted to crop-sensor digital bodies. Looks like the ML 35mm f/2.8 as well, as can be seen from these images posted here, is no exception. To top off the accolades, this unit is sometimes referred to as the 'poor man's Zeiss', and in passing, is compared equally or even better than the Distagon.

Olympus PEN E-P5, Yashica ML 35mm f/2.8

From what is available on the Net, while there is not too much of it, the ML 35mm f/2.8 was produced in two versions, an earlier version with 7 elements in 6-groups, identified by the diamond knobs on its rubber grip, and a later version with 6 elements in 5-groups, which comes with square knobs.

Yashica ML 35mm f/2.8, Image of the mount

An anomaly I found is with the copy of the lens that I have. The lens has a fairly large pin protruding out of the backplate of the lens mount assembly. This configuration will not let me mount the lens to either the Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 or a Contax RTS II, both of which I have in my collection. The lens, however, can be mounted to the M4/3 FX/CY adapter without any problem.

Yashica ML 28mm f/2.8, Excellent By Any Standard

Cameras and Lenses: Images with a vintage legacy Yashica ML 28mm f/2.8, a premium "ML" (Multi-Layer) line produced in Japan alongside Carl Zeiss lenses, at a standard normal 56mm full-frame equivalent on the Olympus PEN E-P5.

<< Click on image for enlarged Lightbox display >>

An excellent lens by any standards, the Yashica ML 28mm f/2.8 lens is part of the Yashica ML series, pro-line multicoated lenses developed and produced by Yashica (Kyocera) to bridge between their consumer-grade DSB line and the state-of-the-art Zeiss T* within the Contax/Yashica system.

These lenses were made in Japan, at the same factory where the legendary Zeiss Contax T* lenses were made. Finished with a different coating, while image rendition is slightly less contrasty, colors and contrast are great. While not of Zeiss standards, these lenses do have their moments, with acknowledgment of being of high quality.

Olympus PEN E-P5, Yashica ML 28mm f/2.8