Pentaflex Color 50mm f/2.8

Pentaflex Color 50mm f/2.8 - Good Condition | Rare East German Standard Prime in M42 Mount

The Pentaflex Color 50mm f/2.8 is a rare and characterful East German standard prime that carries the rich optical heritage of the Carl Zeiss Jena tradition in a compact, all-metal M42 package. Produced in limited numbers, it is a genuine collector's piece that also delivers a distinctive and pleasing rendering for creative photographers. The Color designation reflects its optimised colour transmission coatings — a hallmark of quality East German optics of the era. In M42 mount, it adapts effortlessly to a wide range of modern mirrorless and film bodies, making it as usable today as it is collectable. Serial number SR 4326315.

Key Features

• 50mm focal length — classic standard perspective for portraits, street, and everyday shooting
• f/2.8 maximum aperture with smooth, characterful rendering
• Colour-optimised coatings for accurate and pleasing colour transmission
• 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
• A rare and collectable 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

"The Pentaflex Color is one of those lenses that serious vintage glass collectors get genuinely excited about. It's not common, it's well built, and the rendering has that unmistakable East German character — smooth transitions, natural colour, and a certain organic quality that makes every frame feel considered. A real find in good condition."

What's Included

• Pentaflex Color 50mm f/2.8 lens (M42 mount)
• Front and rear lens caps (if available)

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Pentaflex
• Model: Color 50mm f/2.8
• Serial Number: SR 4326315
• Mount: M42
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Lens Construction: 3 elements in 3 groups (triplet)
• Minimum Focus Distance: approx. 0.33m
• Filter Thread: 40.5mm
• Construction: All-metal barrel
• Type: Prime Lens
• Category: Lenses
• Condition: Good Condition