Zhong Yi

Zhong Yi Optics (Shenyang Zhongyi Optical & Electronic Co., Ltd.), often branded as Mitakon, is the original disruptor of the "super-speed" lens market. Long before TTArtisan or 7Artisans began releasing affordable f/0.95 lenses, Zhong Yi was the first modern Chinese manufacturer to successfully mass-produce an ultra-fast 50mm f/0.95 that didn't cost as much as a used car.

For the Leica M-mount shooter, Zhong Yi represents the "dreamy" side of the budget spectrum. While newer competitors aim for clinical sharpness and brass vintage aesthetics, Zhong Yi's "Speedmaster" line is unapologetically modern in design and soft in rendering, offering a classic "glow" that appeals to portrait and artistic photographers.

History

Zhong Yi's roots go deeper than many of the new "pop-up" lens brands.

The Sino-Japanese Origins (1984 to Present)

The company was established in 1984 in Shenyang, China. Historically, it operated as a joint venture with Japanese investors, producing lenses under the Mitakon brand name. While the company is now fully Chinese-owned, that legacy of optical manufacturing provided them with the infrastructure to attempt difficult designs.

The "Speedmaster" Breakthrough (2014)

In 2014, Zhong Yi shocked the industry by releasing the Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 for the Sony E-mount. It was the first time an f/0.95 lens was available for under $1,000. Following the success of the mirrorless versions, they eventually re-engineered the optic for the Leica M-mount. This move proved that a Chinese factory could produce coupled rangefinder lenses with extreme specifications [[1]].

Product Lines (M-Mount Native)

Zhong Yi's presence in the M-mount is defined almost entirely by one lens, though a few lesser-known primes exist.

The Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 III

This is the lens that put them on the map.

• The "Dark Knight": Often marketed with "Dark Knight" branding, this lens is massive and modern looking.
• Rendering: Unlike the newer TTArtisan f/0.95 (which tries to be sharp), the Mitakon has a distinct "soft" character wide open. It suffers from spherical aberration that creates a "halo" or glow around subjects, similar to the classic Leica Noctilux f/1.0 (the pre-ASPH version).
• Mechanics: A polarizing feature is the clickless aperture ring. Designed for videographers, the ring rotates smoothly without stops. While great for video, rangefinder photographers often dislike it because it is easy to accidentally change the f-stop [[2]].

The Creator Series (Rare)

• Creator 35mm f/2: An affordable, simple prime lens. It is often overlooked because it faces stiff competition from Voigtländer and TTArtisan.
• Creator 85mm f/2: A portrait lens based on older optical designs. It offers decent bokeh but is quite large for a rangefinder lens.
• Creator 135mm f/2.8: One of the few budget 135mm lenses available new, though it is very difficult to focus accurately on a rangefinder at f/2.8 due to the short baselength of M bodies.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification Details
Native Mount	Leica M-Bayonet
Focus Coupling	Coupled. (Usually 0.7m to Infinity).
Aperture Ring	Clickless (Stepless). A major point of difference; it produces no sound when changing aperture.
Build Materials	Anodized Aluminum and Steel. Heavy (approx 675g for the 50mm).
Filter Thread	67mm (Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95). Large filters are required.
Coatings	Multi-coated (Optimized for flare resistance, though strong light sources can still cause veiling glare).
Color Cast	Early versions were known for a slightly cooler color rendition compared to Leica glass.

Why Photographers Choose Zhong Yi

• The "Classic Glow": Photographers who find modern aspherical lenses "too sharp" or "clinical" often prefer the Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95. It renders skin tones with a natural softness that requires less retouching.
• Video Use: Because of the stepless aperture, this is often the preferred M-mount lens for videographers adapting Leica glass to cinema cameras (like the RED Komodo or Sony FX3). It allows for smooth exposure pulls.
• Budget Speed: While TTArtisan has entered the ring, the Mitakon can often be found on the used market for incredibly low prices (sometimes under $400), making it the absolute cheapest entry point into the "f/0.95 club."

---

Sources

• [1] Zhong Yi Optics (Official Site): https://www.zyoptics.net/
• [2] Phillip Reeve (Mitakon 50mm f/0.95 III Review): https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-zhong-yi-mitakon-50mm-0-95-iii/
• [3] 35mmc (Speedmaster M-Mount Analysis): https://www.35mmc.com/17/10/2021/mitakon-speedmaster-50mm-f-0-95-iii-review/
• [4] Steve Huff (The "Dark Knight" Lens): https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2015/10/19/the-mitakon-50-0-95-lens-review-for-sony-a7rii-by-gary-clough/