The Yashica ML 24mm f/2.8 lens is part of the ML series produced by Yashica, a Japanese manufacturer known for its cameras and lenses. The ML series was introduced in the late 1970s and continued through the early 1980s. These lenses were designed for Yashica's Contax/Yashica (C/Y) mount cameras. The "ML" designation stands for "Multi-Layer," indicating the multi-coating applied to the lens elements to minimize reflections, glare, and improve contrast and color rendition. The 24mm f/2.8 lens was among the range of focal lengths offered in the ML series, providing a wide-angle perspective suitable for landscapes, architecture, and various other photography genres. Yashica's ML lenses gained recognition for their solid build quality, incorporating metal construction and well-engineered manual focus rings. The optical quality of these lenses, including the 24mm f/2.8, was generally praised for delivering sharp images with good color reproduction and minimal aberrations. These lenses were manufactured during a time when Yashica was under the ownership of Kyocera Corporation. Kyocera had acquired Yashica and continued producing cameras and lenses under the Yashica and Contax brand names. However, the production of these lenses eventually ceased when Yashica's camera division was phased out in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Despite the discontinuation of production, Yashica ML lenses, including the 24mm f/2.8, remain popular among photographers who appreciate vintage lenses for their build quality, optical characteristics, and the unique rendering they provide to images. They are often used with adapters on modern mirrorless cameras, allowing photographers to enjoy their distinct optical qualities on contemporary digital systems. The Yashica ML 24mm f/2.8 is a vintage lens known for its build quality and optical performance. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:
Yashica lenses, especially from the ML series, are renowned for their solid construction. The 24mm f/2.8 typically features a robust metal body, well-engineered focus and aperture rings, and a durable feel overall. The manual focus operation is very smooth and precise.
In terms of optical performance, this lens can deliver sharp images with good contrast, especially when stopped down a bit. Wide open at f/2.8, it might exhibit some softness towards the corners, but the center sharpness remains quite decent. Chromatic aberrations and distortions are usually well-controlled, contributing to overall image quality.
The lens often produces pleasing images with a vintage character, offering a nice balance of sharpness and subtle rendering. Colors can have a bit of warmth or character that some photographers find appealing. However, as with many older lenses, it might not match the clinical sharpness or modern coatings of newer lenses.
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The value of the Yashica ML 24mm f/2.8 can vary depending on its condition and availability in the market. Vintage lenses, especially those known for their quality like the Yashica ML series, often hold value among photographers looking for specific rendering characteristics or a vintage aesthetic. However, the prices might fluctuate based on demand and conditions.
In summary, the Yashica ML 24mm f/2.8 lens is appreciated for its build quality, vintage charm, and overall optical performance. For photographers interested in experimenting with a well-built vintage lens to achieve a certain look or character in their images, this lens could be a valuable addition to their kit.