Carl Zeiss Jena aus Jena 50mm f/2.8

Carl Zeiss Jena aus Jena 50mm f/2.8 - Good Condition | Classic East German Standard Prime in M42 Mount

The Carl Zeiss Jena "aus Jena" 50mm f/2.8 is a beautifully crafted East German standard prime from the legendary Carl Zeiss Jena optical factory — a sharp, compact, and characterful optic that delivers natural and pleasing image quality with the characteristic rendering quality of the DDR optical tradition. The "aus Jena" designation — meaning "from Jena" in German — is one of the most recognisable and historically significant markings in vintage lens collecting, indicating production at the Jena factory during the post-war division of the Zeiss enterprise. Multi-coated optics ensure excellent contrast and colour accuracy, while the all-metal construction and smooth focus ring provide a tactile shooting experience that modern lenses simply cannot replicate. In M42 mount, it adapts effortlessly to virtually any modern mirrorless or film body. Serial number SR 8017967.

Key Features

• 50mm focal length — classic standard perspective for portraits, street, and everyday shooting
• f/2.8 maximum aperture with clean and characterful rendering
• "aus Jena" designation — genuine Carl Zeiss Jena DDR production heritage
• Multi-coated optics for excellent contrast, colour accuracy, and flare resistance
• 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 East German 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; coatings intact
• Mechanics: Focus ring operates smoothly and precisely; aperture blades clean and snappy; mount clean and secure

"The Carl Zeiss Jena 'aus Jena' 50mm f/2.8 is one of those lenses that carries a heritage far greater than its modest appearance suggests. The 'aus Jena' marking is a genuine piece of photographic history — and the optical quality it delivers is immediately apparent. Sharp, natural, and with a rendering character that is unmistakably East German Zeiss. On a modern mirrorless body via adapter it's a thoroughly enjoyable and characterful standard prime."

What's Included

• Carl Zeiss Jena aus Jena 50mm f/2.8 lens (M42 mount)
• Front and rear lens caps

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Carl Zeiss Jena
• Model: aus Jena 50mm f/2.8
• Serial Number: SR 8017967
• Mount: M42
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Lens Construction: 6 elements in 4 groups
• Angle of View: 46°
• Minimum Focus Distance: approx. 0.35m
• Filter Thread: 49mm
• Construction: All-metal barrel
• Type: Prime Lens
• Category: Lenses
• Condition: Good Condition