Yashica Lens DSB Zoom 70-210mm F4

Cost: $29.99 (average market price $17)

I have been playing lately with some really nice Yashica lenses, so I really wanted to like this lens, but I was not impressed. And the dreary weather was for sure not helping... For sure overpaid for this one, although it seems to be fairly rare so might have some value for collectors (like myself).

Ok, with close to a kilo, this is a heavy lens, so you would expect some quality. And construction is actually very nice. Build-in hood, smooth focus and zoom rings, And a nice back mat finish. Only on looks, it could score well...

But lenses are made to take pictures with, and that's where it falls short. With the single layer coating, colors look flat, with little contrast. Sharpness is lacking... so it probably fits well in zoom lenses of that era, explaining the recommendation in those times was that you need prime lenses to get good quality.

So, I will probably keep the lens as part of a collection, but unlikely you will find it again in front of my camera.

Yashica DSB lenses are single coated, ML lenses are multi coated (ML stands for Multi-Layer) and were later renamed as MC for Multi Coated. Contrary to the quality jump from DSB to ML, there is no distinguishable quality difference between ML and MC lenses.

Lens Specification:

Focal Length: 70-210mm
Maximum Aperture: F4.0
Minimum Aperture: F22
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: C/Y
Optics: 14 elements in 10 groups
Blades: 6
Focussing: Manual
Minimum Focus: 250cm
Filter Size: 58mm
Weight: 690g
Length: 650-750mm
Production: 1979 - ?
Serial Number: A7212364
Made in: Japan

More information on: Yashica

Samples

1/250 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/200 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/5000 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

1/125 sec - ISO100 - Handheld

Sources:
All Photo Lenses
cdegroot.com
flikr.com