As mentioned in the
first and
second posts of this series, I recently became the proud new owner of four lenses:
- Auto Vivitar 135/2.8 (M42)
- XR Rikenon 50/2 (2 copies)
- Auto Mamiya/Sekor 55/1.8 (M42)
This posting is my first impressions of the Auto Mamiya/Sekor 55/1.8 (M42).
Auto Mamiya/Sekor 55/1.8 (M42)
This lens was one of three "normal" kit lenses offered with the Mamiya/Sekor TL and DTL series 35mm SLRs from the late 1960s into the early 1070s. The Mamiya/Sekor line was intended as an upscale offering at the time and the appearance and build of the 55/1.8 reflects that intent. The build is sturdy with precision construction and a high level of finish. All controls are smooth (though a little stiff from age) and have the solid feel characteristic of the best Japanese lenses of the time.
The 55/1.8 is fairly compact and handles well on the 1000 DTL body it was attached to when I bought it. It also fits nicely on the K10D. All controls, including the M/A switch, are well-placed and easy to work. The lens is a pleasure to use.
Here is the Mamiya/Sekor 55/1.8 mounted on the 1000 DTL:
Here are a few sample images taken wide open at f/1.8:
As you can see, the Mamiya/Sekor 55/1.8 is a little soft wide-open, with bokeh that is generally smooth and pleasing. I am curious as to how it will work as a portrait lens.
Sample image at f/5.6:
Full image:
100% crop from the point of focus:
At f/5.6 the Mamiya/Sekor 55/1.8 shows that it is a very capable performer. While not in quite the same league as a Super-Takumar, the Mamiya/Sekor 55/1.8 is as good as most "fast-50s" of its day. At all but the widest aperture the lens has excellent sharpness and good contrast. It has effective coatings and is well-corrected for distortion and chromatic aberrations.
Conclusions:
The Mamiya/Sekor 55/1.8 is a very nice lens. It is a fitting complement to the well-built camera it was sold with. Will it displace my Pentax-M or Pentax-A 50/1.7 lenses on the K10D? Not likely. It is a solid performer, but lacks the optical quality of the M 50/1.7. Strangely, I also prefer the qualities of my Auto-Rikenon 50/1.7 (M42) over the Mamiya.
While it is not my "Go to" 50mm, I still consider it a valuable optical asset. Its most probable role in my kit is as the primary lens on the camera it was made for. I look forward to shooting film with it on the 1000 DTL and anticipate that it will provide ample rewards. (Once I get the DTL's meter working...)
Steve
Last edited by stevebrot; 03-02-2009 at 04:39 PM.