Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 - Good Condition | Classic East German Standard Prime in M42 Mount

This Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 is a classic East German standard prime that carries the legendary optical heritage of the Zeiss Jena factory in a compact, all-metal M42 package. The 50mm focal length is the most natural and versatile perspective in photography — delivering images that closely match the human eye's field of view, making it an ideal choice for portraits, street photography, and everyday shooting. The Zeiss Jena optical formula produces images with exceptional sharpness, brilliant contrast, and a natural rendering quality that has stood the test of time. In M42 mount, it adapts effortlessly to a wide range of modern mirrorless and film bodies. Serial number 8009574. Note: model name not visible on lens barrel; identified by focal length, aperture, mount, and serial number range.

Key Features

• 50mm focal length — classic standard perspective for portraits, street, and everyday shooting
• f/2.8 maximum aperture with smooth, characterful rendering
• Legendary Carl Zeiss Jena optical quality and coating heritage
• M42 screw mount — compatible with a vast range of film and digital bodies via adapter
• Manual focus operation with smooth, well-damped focus ring
• Solid all-metal construction built to last
• A genuine piece of East German optical history

Condition Report

• Body: Good condition — light marks consistent with age and use, no cracks or damage to barrel or mount
• Optics: Elements clean and clear — no fungus, haze, or significant dust; coatings intact
• Mechanics: Focus ring operates smoothly; aperture blades clean and snappy

"A 50mm from Zeiss Jena is one of those lenses that never disappoints. The optical quality is immediately apparent — sharp where it needs to be, smooth where it counts, and with a rendering character that is unmistakably East German. On a modern mirrorless body with an M42 adapter this is a genuinely joyful lens to shoot with every day."

What's Included

• Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 lens (M42 mount)
  

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Carl Zeiss Jena
• Model: 50mm f/2.8 (model name not visible on lens)
• Serial Number: 8009574
• Mount: M42
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Lens Construction: 4 elements in 3 groups (Tessar formula)
• Minimum Focus Distance: approx. 0.35m
• Filter Thread: 49mm
• Construction: All-metal barrel
• Type: Prime Lens
• Category: Lenses
• Condition: Good Condition