Kilfitt München Makro-Kilar E 40mm f/2.8 - Good Condition | Rare German Macro Prime in M42 Mount

The Kilfitt München Makro-Kilar E 40mm f/2.8 is an exceptionally rare and highly collectable German macro lens from one of the most respected optical manufacturers of the post-war era. Heinz Kilfitt was a pioneering figure in macro lens design — the Makro-Kilar was one of the world's first dedicated macro lenses, and its optical quality and mechanical precision remain impressive to this day. The E designation indicates the standard version of the Makro-Kilar formula, delivering true 1:1 macro reproduction alongside a versatile 40mm focal length that doubles as a capable standard lens for portraits and everyday shooting. In M42 mount, it adapts effortlessly to a wide range of modern mirrorless and film bodies. A genuine piece of photographic history that is as usable today as it is collectable. Serial number 246-10428.

Key Features

• 40mm focal length — versatile standard perspective for macro, portraits, and everyday shooting
• f/2.8 maximum aperture with smooth, characterful rendering
• True 1:1 macro reproduction ratio — one of the world's first dedicated macro lenses
• E designation — standard Makro-Kilar optical formula
• 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 German construction of the highest quality
• An exceptionally rare and collectable piece of photographic 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 and precisely; aperture blades clean and snappy; mount clean and secure

"The Makro-Kilar is one of those lenses that serious collectors and photographers genuinely seek out. Kilfitt was a true pioneer of macro lens design, and the Makro-Kilar E delivers results that still impress today — sharp, characterful, and with a rendering quality that is unmistakably German. In M42 mount it's practically versatile as well as historically significant. An exceptional and rare find in good condition."

What's Included

• Kilfitt München Makro-Kilar E 40mm f/2.8 lens (M42 mount)
• Front and rear lens caps (if available)

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Kilfitt München
• Model: Makro-Kilar E 40mm f/2.8
• Serial Number: 246-10428
• Mount: M42
• Focal Length: 40mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Maximum Magnification: 1:1
• Minimum Focus Distance: approx. 0.18m
• Filter Thread: 40.5mm
• Construction: All-metal barrel
• Type: Macro Lens
• Category: Lenses
• Condition: Good Condition