Chinon 55mm f/1.7 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
7.9 oz (223g)

Focus Type
Manual Focus.

Focus Ring
Rubber on Metal.

Close Focus
1.75 feet (0.5 meters).

Filter Threads
52mm, Metal.

Aperture Ring
Metal.

Diaphragm
6 blades stopping down to f/16.

Mount
Mine came in M42 Metal.

Made in
Japan.

 

 

 

 

Sharpness
f/1.7 Fairly soft with a bit of spherical aberration and chromatic aberration and low contrast.
f/2 Sharpens up a bit with very little spherical aberration but still a fair amount of chromatic aberration but much better contrast.
f/2.8: Sharpens up a ton with great contrast and no spherical aberration but there is still a bit of chromatic aberration.
f/3.5: Sharpens up even further but still some chromatic aberration.
f/4: Sharpens up even further with No chromatic aberration.
f/8: Nice and sharp.

Vignetting
There is a fair bit of vignetting at f/1.7 and quickly clears around f/2.8 and gone by f/3.5.

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

Distortion
There is very little visible Barrel Distortion.

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

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

This is a decent little lens and you can’t go wrong with it. It’s fairly soft wide open with low contrast and strangely holds onto a lot of chromatic aberration for a while but for a little low light lens its swell. I wouldn’t go out of my way looking for one but if you find one for a good price grab it. It’s a really fun and easy lens to use and works great on some digital bodies with adapters.

 

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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