Yashica 28mm f2.8 - is it usable for video for a Canon 60D?
- Thread starter rikitik22
- Start date
If the lens is in good condition, that's a fantastic price (depending on which lens it is). It's most likely Contax/Yashica (C/Y) mount, and the EOS adapters for those are widely available. I have a set of Yashica lenses with my T2i, and the 28mm 1:2.8 is lovely. These lenses were made by Contax (the same folks, and the same facility, that made Zeiss lenses). Take note on the front of the lens, however, as there are three different kinds of Yashicas.
ML is the creme of the crop. It's the multi-layered (ML) coating. Those are the ones I have, and I absolutely love them.
YUS and DSB are both single-layer coatings. YUS stands for Yashica US, and these were made for US release. DSB were the lenses made for the rest of the world. For some reason, YUS is more sought-after than DSB. They appear to be the same lenses, and I haven't had a chance to do a side-by-side comparison, but prices on the collectors' market reflect the preference for YUS. There isn't much info available on why, though I get the impression that the coating was better on the YUS.
If it's ML, and it's in good shape, jump on it. There are 50mm 1:2 Yashicas all over the place for +/- $50, and the 135mm 1:2.8 is probably the second least expensive. The 28mm 1:28 and 24mm 1:2.8 are much more expensive. Good luck finding a 35mm 1:2.8. I found one, and it's the only one I've seen after weeks of searching. There are other 50mm Yashicas that are also easy to find, though a little more expensive than the 1:2. There are 1:1.9, 1:1.7, and 1:1.4.
The only drawback to having Yashica primes is that they did not make 85mm or 100mm lenses (except for a 100mm macro). There are a couple of ML zooms that will cover that range, but they're non-constant-aperture or they're a constant 1:4. This doesn't cover the full range of lenses they made, either. There are several others (some wider like a 21mm 1:3.5, and some longer like a 200mm 1:2.8).
Like many vintage lenses, these are completely manual and will have no communication with your camera. This makes shooting for stills a bit of a challenge as there's no DOF preview. You have to use the optical TTL viewfinder. If you really want to use the LCD, you'll have to open the aperture all the way to set focus and then stop back down before exposing. But for video, it's not a big deal and having the manual aperture ring is very nice (something that is getting less common in modern lenses). Plus, the focus ring has close to a 180º throw.
ML is the creme of the crop. It's the multi-layered (ML) coating. Those are the ones I have, and I absolutely love them.
YUS and DSB are both single-layer coatings. YUS stands for Yashica US, and these were made for US release. DSB were the lenses made for the rest of the world. For some reason, YUS is more sought-after than DSB. They appear to be the same lenses, and I haven't had a chance to do a side-by-side comparison, but prices on the collectors' market reflect the preference for YUS. There isn't much info available on why, though I get the impression that the coating was better on the YUS.
If it's ML, and it's in good shape, jump on it. There are 50mm 1:2 Yashicas all over the place for +/- $50, and the 135mm 1:2.8 is probably the second least expensive. The 28mm 1:28 and 24mm 1:2.8 are much more expensive. Good luck finding a 35mm 1:2.8. I found one, and it's the only one I've seen after weeks of searching. There are other 50mm Yashicas that are also easy to find, though a little more expensive than the 1:2. There are 1:1.9, 1:1.7, and 1:1.4.
The only drawback to having Yashica primes is that they did not make 85mm or 100mm lenses (except for a 100mm macro). There are a couple of ML zooms that will cover that range, but they're non-constant-aperture or they're a constant 1:4. This doesn't cover the full range of lenses they made, either. There are several others (some wider like a 21mm 1:3.5, and some longer like a 200mm 1:2.8).
Like many vintage lenses, these are completely manual and will have no communication with your camera. This makes shooting for stills a bit of a challenge as there's no DOF preview. You have to use the optical TTL viewfinder. If you really want to use the LCD, you'll have to open the aperture all the way to set focus and then stop back down before exposing. But for video, it's not a big deal and having the manual aperture ring is very nice (something that is getting less common in modern lenses). Plus, the focus ring has close to a 180º throw.
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It's a YUS Automatic 28mm 1:2.8. I was going to buy it coz the pawnshop guy offered to sell for $30 but I hesitated coz I don't have any idea what mount it is. So I came here @dvxuser to asked for some enlightenment from from experience and helpful users here. The lens was so dusty coz it was just stacked together on an open shelf. How do you clean it properly?
Thanks, again.
rikitik22
Thanks, again.
rikitik22
I googled where to find those Yashica EOS adapter and found that amazon.com are selling those Yashica and Nikon EOS adapters. I bought a Nikon and Yashica, but when I checked out and took my visa card out to pay, there was a red bold note on the Yashica item that it can't be shipped to my address (Canada), the Nikon adapter is ok to ship. Then I went to Fotodiox and ordered one. I was a new customer so I registered, but when I tried to look for Canada for the country I'm ordering from, it's not there. What a bummer... Look like Fotodiox is one of those companies that ships everywhere but Canada... What are my options now?
rikitik22
rikitik22
The "Automatic" lenses are a different generation. Not sure how they stack up.
Cleaning a dusty lens is fairly easy. Use compressed air to remove the bulk, then use a lens brush to detail. Last, take some lens cleaning solution and a lens chamois to the glass. Honestly, if it's that dirty, it may not be worth the risk. You can take care of external dirt, but do you have any idea of how much dust has been introduced internally? Internal dust cannot be cleaned.
Adapters can be found HERE.
Cleaning a dusty lens is fairly easy. Use compressed air to remove the bulk, then use a lens brush to detail. Last, take some lens cleaning solution and a lens chamois to the glass. Honestly, if it's that dirty, it may not be worth the risk. You can take care of external dirt, but do you have any idea of how much dust has been introduced internally? Internal dust cannot be cleaned.
Adapters can be found HERE.
jambredz
Veteran
i shot this with my Yashica 28mm 2.8. All Colour graded (except the end where u see the real colour) to make it look more daunting. Nice lens. This is the family while we were in Belize. play in HD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPR83TMWMKc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPR83TMWMKc
ollywood88
Well-known member
I am waiting for my DSB to come got it for 10 bRITISH POUNDS WHICH IS LIKE 7 DOLLARS.
£10 is actually just over $16USD. Still, not a bad price if the lens is in good condition.
WhiteMonkey
Well-known member
I just got the CY - EOS adapters yesterday in the mail. My dad gave me his 35mm kit and it contained the 28mm 2.8, a 50mm 1.8, and a YUS 135mm 2.8. I'm looking forward to shooting with these and my 7D. I'll post some video is I find anything interesting.
WhiteMonkey
Well-known member
ollywood88
Well-known member
looks great mate, looking forward to get mine. Just brought a olmypus 35mm f2.8 zuiko for 40 GBP.