Skip to product overview

Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM Lens

The Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM is a 50mm f/1.7 lens designed for Contax/Yashica mount cameras. Used copies start from $211.14 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM Lens

Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM Lens

Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM — image 1
Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM — image 2
Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM — image 3
Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM — image 4
Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM — image 5
Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM — image 6
Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM — image 7

Contax 50mm f1.7 Planar T* MM Lens C/Y Mount

Condition: Good

Product Highlights

  • 50mm Standard Prime Lens
  • f/1.7 Maximum Aperture
  • T* Coating for Enhanced Optics
  • Manual Focus Operation

Sell your Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM on GearFocus

$211.14

🚚 Free Shipping

Shop with confidence. GearFocus Buyer Protection is included with every purchase.

Used Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM Listings on GearFocus

Contax 50mm f1.7 Planar T* MM Lens C/Y Mount
Contax 50mm f1.7 Planar T* MM Lens C/Y Mount

Good

$211.14

🚚 Free Shipping

Lens Overview — Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM

The Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM is a manual focus prime lens built for the Contax/Yashica mount system, designed to cover full frame sensors and film planes. With a maximum aperture of f/1.7, it offers solid low-light capability and meaningful subject separation for a standard focal length. At 50mm, it falls squarely in the standard range, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of photographic subjects.

The lens is entirely manual focus, with no autofocus or image stabilization, which places it firmly in the hands-on, deliberate shooting style that many photographers appreciate. Weighing just 210g, it is a notably lightweight option that balances well on both film SLR bodies and mirrorless systems via appropriate adapters. The filter thread measures 55mm, a common size that keeps accessory costs reasonable.

As a Contax/Yashica mount lens, it is natively compatible with Contax and Yashica SLR bodies, and can be adapted to a variety of modern mirrorless and DSLR systems with the appropriate third-party adapter. For photographers who value a compact, lightweight standard prime with a wide maximum aperture and full frame coverage, this lens presents a compelling option in the used and vintage lens market.

Key Features — Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM

50mm f/1.7 Aperture: A wide maximum aperture delivers capable low-light performance and meaningful subject separation at a standard focal length.

Full Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full frame image circle, suitable for both 35mm film SLRs and adapted full frame digital bodies.

Contax/Yashica Mount: Natively fits Contax and Yashica SLR bodies, and can be adapted to most modern mirrorless systems with a third-party adapter.

Carl Zeiss Optics: Manufactured with Carl Zeiss optical designs, the MM series is known for its color rendition and contrast characteristic of Zeiss glass.

MM Compatibility: The MM designation enables full aperture control with Contax bodies that support program and shutter-priority exposure modes.

Manual Focus Design: Fully manual focus operation encourages deliberate, precise shooting suited to adapted use on mirrorless cameras with focus peaking or magnification aids.

Lens Specifications — Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM

Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Street, Creative Effects
Lens TypePrime
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length50mm
Maximum Aperturef/1.7
Camera SystemSLR
Lens MountContax/Yashica
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread55mm

Description — Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM

The Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM is a manual focus prime lens built around the Contax/Yashica mount, designed for full frame coverage across both film SLR and compatible adapted digital systems. Its f/1.7 maximum aperture gives photographers meaningful light-gathering capability at the 50mm standard focal length, suitable for a broad range of subjects and lighting conditions. Weighing only 210g, it is a lightweight companion that won't add significant bulk to any camera kit.

The 55mm filter thread accommodates a wide range of commonly available filter accessories. With no autofocus and no image stabilization, this lens rewards a deliberate, manual approach to shooting. It is categorized as a prime lens in the standard focal length range, and its SLR-oriented design makes it a natural fit for film bodies as well as adapted mirrorless use.

Pros — Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM

  • ✓Wide maximum aperture of f/1.7 provides strong low-light performance for a standard prime
  • ✓Full frame coverage suits both film SLR and adapted digital full frame bodies
  • ✓Lightweight at just 210g, making it easy to carry for extended shoots

Cons — Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM

  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support, which may limit usability for fast-moving subjects
  • ✗No image stabilization, requiring steady hands or faster shutter speeds in lower light
  • ✗Contax/Yashica mount requires an adapter for use on most modern camera systems

Videos — Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM

50mm Vintage Manual Lens Sharpness Comparison - Six Lenses Tested — BarTech TV

Resources & Downloads — Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM

What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Contax/Yashica mount, making it natively compatible with Contax and Yashica SLR bodies. With a third-party adapter, it can also be used on many modern mirrorless and DSLR systems.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No — this is a fully manual focus lens. There is no autofocus mechanism, so all focusing must be done by hand using the focus ring.
Will this lens cover a full frame sensor?+
Yes, the lens is specified for full frame coverage, making it suitable for use on full frame film SLRs and, when adapted, full frame digital bodies.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 210g, which is quite light for a fast standard prime and makes it a comfortable option for everyday carry.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens accepts 55mm filters, a widely available size that makes finding compatible polarizers, ND filters, and other accessories straightforward.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, there is no image stabilization on this lens. Photographers should account for this when shooting in lower light conditions, particularly at slower shutter speeds.

Similar to Contax 50mm f/1.7 MM

Loading similar products...