Getting to know the lens
Fujifilm X-E2 / Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f / 0.95 II Fujifilm X SETTINGS: ISO 200, F2.0, 1/1700 S, 6.0 MB
Ultra-fast lenses with a maximum aperture of F0.95 can be counted on the fingers, and their cost often exceeds all conceivable and unimaginable limits. Each of these lenses has a characteristic pattern and is the source of numerous disputes. Some argue about the bokeh, others about the price, others are surprised at the need for such a high aperture. Against this background, the emergence of a new lens of this class is always an event, and the appearance of a budget option is an event already out of the ordinary. So, meet: Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f / 0.95 Mark II .
View prices and buy the Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f / 0.95 II
As the name suggests, this is the second version of the lens. It is produced by the Chinese company Zhong Yi Optics for Sony E, Fuji X and EOS-M mounts. Zhong Yi Optics was founded in 1984 with the money of Japanese investors and from the very first day was engaged in the production of optics. She became famous thanks to the release of a relatively budget manual ultra-fast optics for mirrorless cameras. The test sample came to us in the Fuji X mount version and was installed on the Fujifilm X-E2 camera.
Fujifilm X-E2 / Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f / 0.95 II Fujifilm X INSTALLATIONS: ISO 200, F0.95, 1/125 S, 4.0 MB
The Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f / 0.95 Mark II is adapted to the size of the APS-C sensor, assembled from 11 optical elements in 8 groups and has a 9-blade rounded aperture. The minimum focusing distance is 0.35 m, the minimum aperture value is F16, the filter size is 58 mm (not so much for such aperture). The lens weighs 460 grams, its length is 60 mm and its diameter is 63 mm. Just want to note that the lens with its impressive aperture ratio is compact and light. Together with the Fujifilm X-E2, he formed a beautiful pair that looks harmonious and fits perfectly in the hand.
Fujifilm X-E2 / Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f / 0.95 II Fujifilm X INSTALLATIONS: ISO 200, F0.95, 1/4000 S, 4.0 MB
The lens is made of metal. The focus scale is marked in meters and feet. All numbers are engraved and painted. The appearance of the Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f / 0.95 Mark II left a very pleasant, but not perfect impression. The slightly loosening focusing helicoid reminded that we still have a budget lens, and not the legendary Leica. In principle, such a drawback does not affect the operation of the product itself. And if we compare the price of our hero with the cost of branded representatives of super-high-aperture optics, this feature does not seem to be a drawback anymore.
Fujifilm X-E2 / Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f / 0.95 II Fujifilm X INSTALLATIONS: ISO 200, F2.8, 1/1400 S, 4.0 MB
Much more important for manual optics is the convenience of using focus and aperture rings. They should be neither rigid nor rotatable. To achieve the perfect combination between rigidity and smoothness allows a properly selected lubricant for helicoids. In the lens under test, a sufficiently thick grease is used, and because of it, the rings rotate a little tight. On the one hand, for a continuously variable diaphragm ring, the use of grease will not allow accidentally knocking the set value. Fortunately, in specialized workshops, grease can be replaced with a softer one. This operation is not so expensive.
Fujifilm X-E2 / Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f / 0.95 II Fujifilm X SETTINGS: ISO 640, F0.95, 1/60 S
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