Chinon 55mm f/1.4 Auto. If you’re looking to purchase this lens I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd

Barrel
Metal

Weight
10.7 oz (304g)

Focus Type
Manual Focus.

Focus Ring
Rubber on Metal.

Close Focus
1.75 feet (0.55 meters).

Filter Threads
55mm, Metal

Aperture Ring
Metal.

Diaphragm
6 blades stopping down to f/16.

Mount
My copy came in M42 Metal.

Made in
Japan

 

 

Sharpness
f/1.4 Soft, but still sharper then I expected but has a fair bit of spherical aberration and only a tiny bit of chromatic aberration.
f/2 Sharpens up very well with very little spherical aberration and almost no chromatic aberration.
f/2.8: Sharpens up even further with little or no aberrations.
f/3.5: Sharpens up even further.
f/4: Sharpens up even further.
f/8: Begins to get a little softer due to diffraction, but still very sharp.

Vignetting
At f/1.4 there is quite a bit of vignetting which very quickly clears off around f/2. The vignetting is just about gone at f/2.8 and cleared at f/3.5

Bokeh
The blur is decent and not harsh in contrasty areas and or distracting. Would make a great portrait lens.

 

 

Distortion
This lens has a fair bit of Barrel Distortion

Recommendations
On MF Camera
Optics:         ★ ★ ★
Mechanics:  ★ ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★
Usefulness:   ★ ★ ★
Availability:    ★
Overall:          ★ ★ ★

On AF Camera
Ergonomics:  ★ ★
Overall:          ★ ★ ★
Out of 5

This is a really tough call. Optically this lens is fantastic for almost anything. Mechanically it’s well built and easy to use. I would like to say overall the lens is at Least 4 out of 5 stars and yes if you are putting it on a M42 mount film camera don’t wait, go buy this lens. You will love it if you stop it down to f/1.6 even, and f/1.8 for a great blur which quickly rids of any vignetting and aberrations.

However if you plan to shoot it on a digital camera with an adapter you, like me, will run into problems. When I shot it with the focus set to infinity the rear element hit my mirror in my body. The rear element of the lens protrudes past the mount pretty far which could easily get scratched or even do damage to your mirror. I used the lens quite a bit and as long as you focus even slightly shorter then infinity then the rear element retracts and it’s totally fine. If you plan to do closer focusing photos then it shouldn’t bother your camera any.

The lens is built like a tank, feels great, and gives fantastic photos. If the rear element allows you to focus properly on your body or you can get away with not shooting infinity focus then yes this lens is worth looking for. They are really fun and a steal of a deal these days!

 

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My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!

Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd