Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f2 - Photo Samples

This Pancolar 50mm f2 is the cheaper version of the Pancolar 50mm f1.8. Both versions have a few cosmetic variations. Later ones are multi-coated. Personally, I don't know what the craziness is with Pancolar lenses, as their prices are much higher than the garden variety Pantacon 50mm f1.8. I admit, I like the Pentacon 50mm f1.8, and I still have a few sitting around somewhere. Perhaps some day, I will shoot the same subject/scene with both lenses and see if there are any differences between them.

Aside from the optical aspect of the lens, it has the typical built quality of the zebra version of the Pentacon 50mm f1.8. This one is in great condition, although the focusing ring is a bit dry; no doubt due to the aging grease. The elements are pretty clean for such an old lens. No hazy stuff inside, which is really nice.

The series of pictures below were taken inside my company's cafeteria, while waiting for my wife to finish, and all were shot wide open at f2. I can say that at f2, the lens is very usable. Not really sure how the edges performs, though. I think it probably won't be as good as a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f2.8. The Tessar design is know for very good corners. We will see later when I get around to shooting outdoors with it.

Real Beauty, eh? Click for larger.

Boheh - NEX-6 & Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f2 @ f2. Click for larger.

Water Valve - NEX-6 & Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f2 @ f2. Click for larger.

Bar Stool - NEX-6 & Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f2 @ f2.

Algo Cafe - NEX-6 & Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f2 @ f2.

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9 comments:

  1. AndreMarch 26, 2013 at 2:01 PM

    I always had a weakness for these fine old lenses. The last shot is in my eyes nothing short of spectacular. Gorgeous colors and rendering, to my taste.

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    Replies
    1. Lens BubbleMarch 26, 2013 at 3:10 PM

      Me too! That's why I have so many of these things :)

      Delete
  2. macmanMarch 26, 2013 at 7:58 PM

    My copy has stiff focus ring, how easy it is to lubricate it? lovely bokeh there.

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    Replies
    1. Lens BubbleMarch 26, 2013 at 10:04 PM

      Sorry never open one of these before.

      Delete
    2. AndreMarch 27, 2013 at 1:21 PM

      They are easy to work on, but I do recommend a good repair mechanic for the simple reason that it's easy to throw off infinity focus, and, also not nice, leave tool marks. A good repairer can do it in 30 minutes or less, without any traces of tool marks.

      Delete
  3. UnknownMarch 27, 2014 at 6:34 PM

    Tried it, and don't think it's better on the Nex than the excellent Pentacon 50/1.8. And these awful sticky greases...
    Tried many 50mm, and in M42 got the best results with 58/2 Helios 2... but it's a bit too long with the APS-C sensor.

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2018 at 10:31 AM

    Does anybody know if this lens is radioactive?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Pancolar UserApril 1, 2018 at 4:12 AM

    No, this 2/50 Pancolar doesn't have thorium or lanthan lenses.The successor, only the first zebra versions of Pancolar 1.8 are thoriated.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownSeptember 27, 2021 at 4:08 PM

    All Pics shown are taken Digitally.. Would like to see Pics taken with Film?

    ReplyDelete

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