Chinon 55mm f/1.7 Multi-Coated - Good Condition | Sharp Vintage Prime with Modern Contrast

The Chinon 55mm f/1.7 Multi-Coated (S/N: 540516) is a highly regarded standard prime lens from the golden era of Japanese optical engineering. Built with a universal M42 screw mount, this lens was a premium alternative to the standard kit lenses of its time. It features advanced multi-coating to significantly reduce flare and ghosting, resulting in images with impressive contrast and vibrant color saturation. With its fast f/1.7 maximum aperture, it excels in low-light environments and produces a beautiful, shallow depth-of-field with smooth background blur. Its robust all-metal construction and tactile manual focus make it a favorite for film enthusiasts and modern digital shooters looking for a lens with genuine vintage character and modern performance.

 

Key Features

• Fast f/1.7 maximum aperture for excellent low-light performance and bokeh

• Multi-Coated (MC) optics for enhanced contrast and superior flare resistance

• Versatile 55mm focal length, ideal for natural-looking portraits and street photography

• All-metal barrel construction for professional durability and precision

• Universal M42 screw mount, easily adaptable to most modern mirrorless systems

• Six-blade diaphragm for pleasing, natural out-of-focus highlights

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: Lenses

• Lens Mount: M42 Screw Mount

• Focal Length: 55mm

• Aperture Range: f/1.7 - f/16

• Category: Lenses ▸ Prime Lens

• Filter Size: 49mm

Specialist Note "The Chinon 55mm f/1.7 (S/N: 540516) is a bit of a 'sleeper' in the vintage lens world. While many people gravitate toward Takumars, these Chinon primes often match them for center sharpness and build quality. This specific multi-coated version is the one to have; it handles backlight much better than the earlier single-coated lenses. What I love about this lens is the focus throw—it's incredibly smooth and precise, which is a dream for videographers or anyone practicing critical manual focusing. It delivers a look that is sharp but still has that organic, 'filmic' transition between the subject and the background."

Condition Report Good condition. The lens barrel (S/N: 540516) shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its age. The optics are clear, free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The manual focus ring operates smoothly throughout the range. The aperture blades are clean, oil-free, and snappy.

What's Included

• Chinon 55mm f/1.7 Multi-Coated Lens (S/N: 540516)
  

• Rear Lens Cap