Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/2.8 - Like New

Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/2.8 - Like New | Legendary East German Standard Prime in M42 Mount

The Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/2.8 is one of the most historically significant and celebrated standard primes ever produced — a lens whose four-element optical formula, patented by Paul Rudolph in 1902, defined the standard for sharp and natural image rendering for over a century. The Tessar formula — often described as the "Eagle Eye" — delivers exceptional sharpness, natural colour rendering, and outstanding contrast in a compact and beautifully built package. This Carl Zeiss Jena DDR example represents the East German continuation of the legendary Zeiss optical tradition — built to the exacting standards of the original Zeiss formula and finished with the multi-coating quality that Carl Zeiss Jena glass is universally renowned for. In M42 mount, it adapts effortlessly to virtually any modern mirrorless or film body via adapter. Serial number SR 9283262.

Key Features

• 50mm focal length — classic standard perspective for portraits, street, and everyday shooting
• f/2.8 maximum aperture with the legendary Tessar rendering quality
• Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar formula — over a century of optical excellence
• Multi-coated East German Zeiss optics for exceptional contrast and colour accuracy
• 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: Like new — no marks, scratches, or signs of use on the barrel or mount
• Optics: Elements pristine and clear — no dust, fungus, haze, or coating damage
• Mechanics: Focus ring operates smoothly and precisely; aperture blades clean and snappy; mount clean and secure

"The Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/2.8 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. In like new condition this is an exceptional example of one of the finest standard prime optical formulas ever devised."

What's Included

• Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/2.8 lens (M42 mount)

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Carl Zeiss Jena
• Model: Tessar 50mm f/2.8
• Serial Number: SR 9283262
• Mount: M42
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• 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: 49mm
• Construction: All-metal barrel
• Type: Prime Lens
• Category: Lenses
• Condition: Like New