Meopta Belar 75mm f/4.5

Meopta Belar 75mm f/4.5 - Good Condition | Medium Format Enlarging Lens | Classic European Precision

The Meopta Belar 75mm f/4.5 (S/N: 180611) is a precision-engineered lens from the renowned Czechoslovakian manufacturer Meopta, specifically designed for medium format film enlarging. Known for its exceptional flatness of field and high resolving power, the Belar series was a staple in darkrooms across Europe for decades. This 75mm focal length is the "sweet spot" for enlarging 6x6cm negatives, ensuring that your prints maintain sharpness from the center all the way to the extreme corners. Built with a robust metal barrel and featuring high-quality optical glass, this lens is a testament to the legendary mechanical durability of Meopta equipment.

Key Features

• Optimized 75mm focal length for professional 6x6cm medium format enlarging

• Four-element optical design for superior edge-to-edge sharpness and contrast

• Constant f/4.5 maximum aperture for bright, easy focusing under the enlarger

• Precision click-stop aperture ring for tactile control in darkroom conditions

• Compact and durable all-metal construction built for a lifetime of use

• Standard M23.5 or M39 mounting (typical for Meopta Opemus enlargers)

• High-contrast rendering ideal for both traditional silver gelatin and modern digital scanning

Introductory Paragraph The Meopta Belar 75mm f/4.5 is an essential tool for the serious film photographer. This specific unit (S/N: 180611) represents a period when Meopta was competing with the finest German optics, delivering a lens that provides professional results at an accessible price point. While its primary home is on a Meopta Opemus or Magnifax enlarger, many modern photographers have begun adapting these lenses to digital mirrorless cameras for macro photography due to their incredible sharpness at close distances. Whether you are printing 120 film in a traditional darkroom or experimenting with "alt-glass" on a digital sensor, the Belar 75mm offers a level of clarity and character that is truly unique.

Condition Report Good condition. The lens barrel (S/N: 180611) 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 aperture blades are clean, free of oil, and move smoothly across the entire range. The mounting threads are in excellent condition. This unit comes complete with its original protective case.

Specialist Note "There is something very special about Meopta glass from this era. What I love about this S/N: 180611 is the micro-contrast; when you’re printing a 6x6 negative, the Belar 75mm pulls out textures in the shadows that other lenses simply miss. It’s an incredibly honest lens—it doesn't distort or color the light, it just passes it through with surgical precision. It’s a rugged, dependable piece of European history. For the darkroom enthusiast, this is a 'must-have' lens that will consistently deliver gallery-quality prints."

What's Included

• Meopta Belar 75mm f/4.5 Lens (S/N: 180611)

• Original Meopta Protective Hard Case

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: Lenses

• Lens Mount: M23.5 (standard for many Meopta enlargers)

• Focal Length: 75mm

• Aperture Range: f/4.5 - f/22

• Category: 4. Film, Darkroom & Scanning ▸ Darkroom Equipment

• Filter Size: N/A