Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm f/1.8 - Good Condition | Vintage German Prime with Artistic Bokeh

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm f/1.8 (S/N: 5385115) is a classic East German prime lens, highly regarded for its unique "painterly" rendering and exceptional close-focusing capabilities. Produced in Görlitz, this lens is a favorite among vintage glass enthusiasts for its smooth bokeh and the soft, organic way it handles highlights. With a fast f/1.8 aperture, it is an excellent performer in low light, offering beautiful subject separation. Its simple yet effective optical design provides a distinct character that modern, clinical lenses often lack, making it a perfect choice for portraits, nature photography, and creative videography.

Key Features

• Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture for shallow depth-of-field and low-light versatility

• Renowned Meyer-Optik Görlitz color rendering with a classic vintage feel

• Impressive close-focusing distance of just 0.33m for detailed macro-style shots

• Robust all-metal construction featuring the iconic "Zebra" or black finish

• Precise manual focus ring with a smooth, tactile mechanical action

• Six-blade diaphragm creating a soft, pleasing background blur

• Universal M42 screw mount (or Exakta, depending on version) for easy adaptation

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: Lenses

• Lens Mount: M42 Screw Mount (most common for this S/N range)

• Focal Length: 50mm

• Aperture Range: f/1.8 - f/16

• Category: Lenses ▸ Prime Lens

• Filter Size: 49mm

Specialist Note "The Oreston 50mm f/1.8 (S/N: 5385115) is a hidden gem of the M42 era. While many people chase the Helios-44 for its swirly bokeh, the Oreston is actually a more versatile and sharper lens, especially at close distances. It was later rebranded as the Pentacon 50mm f/1.8, but the original Meyer-Optik versions are often considered to have slightly better build quality and coating character. It has a 'dreamy' quality when shot wide open but becomes surprisingly sharp when stopped down to f/4. It’s an incredibly fun lens to use on modern mirrorless cameras because it turns every light source into a beautiful piece of art."

Condition Report Good condition. The lens barrel (S/N: 5385115) shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its vintage age. The optics are clear, free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The manual focus ring operates smoothly across the entire range. The aperture blades are clean, oil-free, and snap quickly. Fully tested and operational.

What's Included

• Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm f/1.8 Lens (S/N: 5385115)

• Front Lens Cap

• Rear Lens Cap