Focal 28mm f/2.8 MC 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
8.3 oz (234g)

Focus Ring
Rubber on Metal.

Close Focus
1.0 feet (0.3 meters).

Filter Threads
55mm, Metal.

Aperture Ring
Metal.

Diaphragm
8 blades stopping down to f/16.

Mount
Mine came in a M42 Metal Mount.

Made in
Japan

 

 

Sharpness
f/2.8: Decently sharp but has lower contrast, a fair bit of spherical aberration and very heavy coma on the sides causing the image to look less sharp.
f/3.5: Sharper yet, but still has heavy amounts of spherical aberration and coma therefore reducing image quality.
f/4: Very sharp but still really bad on the sides due to the coma that just doesn’t want to leave.
f/8: Sharper yet, but is beginning to get a bit of diffusion and still a little bit of coma on the sides.

Vignetting
There is quite a bit of vignetting at f/2.8 which takes a while to clean up although it is almost gone by f/4.

Distortion
There is very little Barrel Distortion and probably not worth correcting in post processing. The distortion is high in the center which lowers on the sides and then moves back up again at the edges like a wave; typical to a 28mm.

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

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

I would be interested in getting another copy of this lens because I have trouble believing this lens should produce that much coma on the sides even at f/4. If I get another copy I will probably retest this lens again just to see if it was only my copy.

Anyhow this lens shows very little to almost no distortion and the image itself is very sharp even wide open. But it is just clouded with spherical aberration and coma.

Construction is great and very easy to use.

 

Did this review help?
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