There are two versions of the lens: the early ML 135/2.8 and the later 135/2.8 ML C.
Supposably ML stands for Multi Layer coating, no clue what the C stands for but some sources say they are improved versions in terms of weight and quality.
There is also a third one with C/Y bayonet, the Yashica 135/2.8 DSB, it seems to be single coated.

In C/Y mount I own the ML C and the DSB and can't see any difference in the results: equal sharpness, good colour and contrast, good built quality and handling, six aperture blades.  Price range was about 10 -15 Euro.

My older DS-M in M42 is noticeable sharper but with much less contrast, the oldest Yashica 135 I own is the 135/2.8 DX, a lovely lens.

At F2.8 none of them can beat the Contax Sonnar 135, at least mine.

Some sources for further information about Yashica:

http://www.geocities.com/ilprode/TestY.htm
http://www.cdegroot.com/cgi-bin/photowiki/YashicaLenses
http://www.fhtino.it/fotografia/yashica/index.html
http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~coreya/y … hlens.html
http://louislam.photopage.org/Yashica/Yashica.htm
http://www.pbase.com/kkawakami/yashicas
http://tokidokicameraman.blog19.fc2.com … ry-19.html
http://translate.google.com/translate?u … p;ie=UTF-8
http://yashica.org/212-2-CY-ML-Tele.html

regards  Martin

Last edited by Martin (2008-04-25 22:56:14)

I guess so. But as always: it depends.
Some time ago a user of this forum reported his DSB to be better or at least equal than his Contax.
Quality fluctuations are quite normal...
And the Contax is no lightweight, if you intend to hiking, or you are on low budget, a cheap Yashica might be a good choice as well...
To be honest, Yashica made some masterpieces, my faves are the 15mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50/1.4, 50/2, even the cheap 55/2 DSB(!), but the 135 mm are only good average IMHO.

Martin

Last edited by Martin (2008-04-25 23:57:44)