Yasuhara MC 50mm f/2.8 LTM

Yasuhara MC 50mm f/2.8 LTM

The Yasuhara MC 50mm f/2.8 LTM is a compact normal lens made for the Yasuhara T981 Leica-thread-mount rangefinder system. The T981 was designed by Shin Yasuhara and produced in China by Phenix Optical Company, combining a modern Copal vertical metal shutter, TTL metering and Leica screw-mount lens compatibility. Mike Eckman identifies the Yasuhara 50mm f/2.8 MC as the only lens made specifically for the camera and lists it as a Leica Thread Mount lens with 4 elements in 3 groups and focusing from 0.8m to infinity [1].

The lens is a rigid, chrome-finished 50mm f/2.8 rangefinder lens with multi-coating, an aperture range from f/2.8 to f/22 and a focusing tab. The Lens DB lists the Yasuhara 50mm f/2.8 MC LSM as a Leica screw-mount lens with a 4 element, 3 group optical formula, 0.80m close focus, E35.5 filter size and 6 aperture blades [2]. Mike Eckman describes the lens as brass-built and heavy, but published weight data is inconsistent, so the database weight should remain Unknown unless confirmed from the exact lens.

This lens should be separated from the later Phenix MC 50mm f/2.8 collapsible lens sold with the Phenix JG50. The Yasuhara MC 50mm f/2.8 for the T981 is generally described as rigid, chrome finished and fitted with a focusing bar, while the Phenix-branded JG50 lens is described as collapsible. Collector listings may confuse Yasuhara, Phenix and JG50 lenses, so front-ring engraving and barrel construction are important identification points [3] [4].

Optical qualities

Rendering

The Yasuhara MC 50mm f/2.8 is a modern simple normal lens with a 4 element, 3 group formula. Published optical testing is limited. Mike Eckman’s user report describes the kit lens as producing good contrast, color and sharpness on film, but those observations are based on one sample and should not be treated as laboratory data.

Sharpness

User evidence suggests competent performance for a compact f/2.8 normal lens. Mike Eckman reports good corner-to-corner sharpness with minimal edge softness on his sample. Because detailed independent testing is scarce, the lens should be described conservatively as a capable modern Tessar-type normal lens rather than a high-performance collector optic.

Contrast and color

The “MC” marking indicates multi-coating, and Mike Eckman suggests that the modern coating likely gives better contrast and color than many older mid-century lenses with similar basic specifications. This is a reasonable user-level observation, but not a measured comparison.

Bokeh and transitions

The Lens DB lists 6 aperture blades. Because the maximum aperture is f/2.8 and the optical formula is simple, the lens should not be positioned primarily as a bokeh lens. Rendering notes should focus on compact normal-lens usability rather than exaggerated background blur claims.

Digital use

The lens can be used on Leica M bodies with an L39-to-M adapter and on mirrorless cameras with suitable adapters. It is rangefinder-coupled and focuses to 0.8m, but close-range accuracy should be checked on the exact camera and adapter combination, especially because the Yasuhara T981 itself has a mixed reputation for production consistency [5].

History

Development and Launch

The Yasuhara T981 appeared during the late 1990s and early 2000s revival of Leica-thread-mount rangefinder cameras. The body was designed by Shin Yasuhara, a former Kyocera employee, and made in China by Phenix Optical Company. The camera accepted standard Leica screw-mount lenses, but a Yasuhara-branded 50mm f/2.8 MC lens was also made for the system.

Production Evolution

Public documentation for the lens is limited. The Lens DB gives 2001 as the introduced year for the Yasuhara 50mm f/2.8 MC LSM, while broader T981 sources describe the camera itself as a 1999-era product. CameraQuest’s early hands-on page also states that, at the time of writing, Yasuhara made only the T981 body and no Yasuhara lenses yet, which suggests that lens availability may have varied by market or period. Because of this, the production end year and total lens production are not confirmed.

Special Editions/Variants

No confirmed factory special edition is widely documented for the Yasuhara MC 50mm f/2.8 LTM. The main collector distinction is between the rigid Yasuhara-branded MC 50mm f/2.8 lens for the T981 and the collapsible Phenix MC 50mm f/2.8 lens associated with the Phenix JG50. These should be kept as separate database entries if both are included.

Collector Notes

Collectors should verify that the front ring is engraved Yasuhara MC 50mm f/2.8 and that the lens is the rigid LTM version with focusing tab, not a collapsible Phenix JG50 lens. Important checks include rangefinder coupling, infinity focus, aperture clicks, focusing smoothness, haze, coating marks, filter thread condition and whether the lens came with its original cap or T981 kit. Because this is an obscure modern LTM lens, provenance and matching camera history can add collector interest.

Special editions

No confirmed factory special edition is currently documented.

Known collector-relevant variants and related versions include:

• Yasuhara MC 50mm f/2.8 LTM, rigid chrome lens for the Yasuhara T981, this entry.
• Phenix MC 50mm f/2.8 collapsible LTM, associated with the Phenix JG50, related but separate.
• Yasuhara T981 kit examples, where the lens is sold together with the original camera body.
• Rebadged or seller-described “JG50” combinations, should be checked carefully by engraving and barrel type.

Sources

• [1] Mike Eckman. Yasuhara 一式 T981 (1999). https://mikeeckman.com/2023/10/yasuhara-%E4%B8%80%E5%BC%8F-t981-1999/
• [2] The Lens DB. Yasuhara 50mm F/2.8 MC LSM. https://thelensdb.com/lenses/yasuhara-50mm-f28-mc-lsm-2001
• [3] Douban. L39 lenses and manufacturers, Yasuhara / Phenix section. https://m.douban.com/note/201920084/
• [4] Camerapedia. Yasuhara T981. https://camerapedia.fandom.com/wiki/Yasuhara_T981
• [5] CameraQuest. Yasuhara Hands On. https://cameraquest.com/yasu2.htm
• [6] Bonhams. Yashuhara T981, c. 2004. https://www.bonhams.com/fr/zh-cn/auction/22252/lot/783/yashuhara-t981-c-2004/