Yashica Lens DSB 50mm f/1.9 - Good Condition | Sharp Vintage Prime with Smooth Bokeh

The Yashica DSB 50mm f/1.9 (S/N: a4011532) is a classic standard prime lens known for its impressive sharpness and characterful rendering. Built for the Contax/Yashica (C/Y) mount, this lens was designed as a high-quality yet accessible "all-rounder" for 35mm film photography. It features a bright f/1.9 maximum aperture, making it an excellent choice for low-light situations and for creating a shallow depth-of-field with smooth, pleasing background blur (bokeh). While it belongs to Yashica's single-coated DSB line, many enthusiasts praise it for its "organic" look, punchy contrast, and robust mechanical construction. Its 50mm focal length provides a natural perspective, making it perfect for street photography, portraits, and daily documentation.

Key Features

• Bright f/1.9 maximum aperture for excellent low-light performance and subject isolation

• Natural 50mm focal length providing a "human eye" perspective

• Robust all-metal and high-quality plastic construction for long-term durability

• Smooth, well-damped manual focus ring for precise adjustments

• Six-blade diaphragm creating a distinctive, vintage-style hexagonal bokeh when stopped down

• Universal Contax/Yashica (C/Y) mount, easily adaptable to modern mirrorless systems

• Compact and lightweight design, ideal as a primary "walk-around" lens

Introductory Paragraph The Yashica DSB 50mm f/1.9 is a hidden gem in the world of vintage optics. This specific unit (S/N: a4011532) offers a level of optical performance that rivals much more expensive lenses of its era. Often compared to the Yashica ML or even some Zeiss counterparts, the DSB version is highly regarded for its "bite" and clarity, especially when stopped down slightly. Its single-coating allows for a touch of vintage flare that adds a soulful, cinematic quality to images—something modern, ultra-sharp lenses often lack. Whether you are shooting on a classic Yashica FX-3 or a modern digital sensor, this lens provides a tactile and rewarding photographic experience.

Condition Report Good condition. The lens barrel (S/N: a4011532) shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its vintage age. The optics are clear, free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The manual focus mechanism is smooth across the entire 180° throw. The aperture ring clicks firmly at all stops (f/1.9 to f/16), and the six diaphragm blades are clean and free of oil. The C/Y mount is in excellent condition, ensuring a secure fit to your camera or adapter.

Specialist Note "The Yashica DSB 50mm f/1.9 is one of my favorite 'bang-for-your-buck' vintage primes. What I love about this S/N: a4011532 is how it handles micro-contrast; it captures textures in a way that feels very authentic and three-dimensional. While the ML series might have fancier coatings, the DSB has a unique character that is hard to beat for street photography. It’s also incredibly fun to use on modern mirrorless cameras—the focus throw is generous, which makes hitting focus a breeze. It’s a reliable, sharp, and soulful piece of glass that reminds you why Yashica earned its reputation as a master of Japanese optics."

What's Included

• Yashica Lens DSB 50mm f/1.9 (S/N: a4011532)

• Front Lens Cap

• Rear Lens Cap

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: Lenses

• Lens Mount: Contax/Yashica (C/Y) Mount

• Focal Length: 50mm

• Aperture Range: f/1.9 - f/16

• Category: Lenses ▸ Prime Lens

• Filter Size: 52mm