Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/3.5 T

Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/3.5 T - Good Condition | Classic East German Standard Prime in M42 Mount

The Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/3.5 T is a beautifully crafted and historically significant standard prime from the legendary Carl Zeiss Jena optical tradition — a lens whose four-element Tessar formula, patented by Paul Rudolph in 1902, defined the standard for sharp and natural image rendering for over a century. The T designation indicates Zeiss's single-layer anti-reflection coating — an early but effective coating system that delivers improved contrast and colour accuracy over uncoated glass. The Tessar formula — universally known as the "Eagle Eye" — delivers exceptional sharpness, natural colour rendering, and outstanding contrast in a compact and solidly built package. In M42 mount, it adapts effortlessly to virtually any modern mirrorless or film body via adapter. Serial number SR 3639565.

Key Features

• 50mm focal length — classic standard perspective for portraits, street, and everyday shooting
• f/3.5 maximum aperture with the legendary Tessar rendering quality
• T (single-layer coating) for improved contrast and colour accuracy
• Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar formula — over a century of optical excellence
• 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 of the highest quality

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; T coating intact
• Mechanics: Focus ring operates smoothly and precisely; aperture blades clean and snappy; mount clean and secure

"The Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/3.5 T is one of those lenses that carries genuine optical history in every frame. The Tessar formula has been called the Eagle Eye for good reason — the sharpness, contrast, and natural rendering quality are immediately apparent and deeply satisfying. On a modern mirrorless body via adapter it remains a characterful and capable everyday standard prime."

What's Included

• Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/3.5 T lens (M42 mount)

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Carl Zeiss Jena
• Model: Tessar 50mm f/3.5 T
• Serial Number: SR 3639565
• Mount: M42
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/3.5
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Lens Construction: 4 elements in 3 groups (Tessar formula)
• Angle of View: 46°
• Minimum Focus Distance: approx. 0.35m
• Filter Thread: 40.5mm
• Construction: All-metal barrel
• Type: Prime Lens
• Category: Lenses
• Condition: Good Condition