Overview

The Steinheil Auto-Cassaron 50mm f/2.8 is a vintage M42 lens with solid build quality and a compact, polished steel design. Optically, it delivers a dreamy, soft-focus look wide open with okay center sharpness but poor corners and heavy glow; stopping down improves sharpness. Flare and ghosting are extreme, often producing cartoon-like sun rays. Bokeh is generally good but occasionally uneven. It suits photographers seeking a vintage character and strong flare effects, but not those wanting technical perfection.