Lens · prime
Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.7
Carl Zeiss
Planar T* for the Contax/Yashica bayonet. Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/1.7: 7 elements in 6 groups, 6 aperture blades, 0.6m minimum focus, 55mm filter thread, 195g.
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.7
- Mount
- other
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 7 / 6
Known for
- Portraits
- General photography
- Adapting to mirrorless
Considerations
- Contax/Yashica mount requires an adapter on other cameras
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Smooth, neutral
Rendering: Classic Zeiss - high contrast, excellent color
Colour: Neutral, slightly warm
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
AEJ (Japan)
1975-1990
AE designation, Japan made
Made by Yashica
MMJ (Japan)
1985-2005
MM designation, Japan made
Made by Kyocera, program mode compatible
MMG (Germany)
1985-2000
MM designation, Germany made
Made in Germany, premium finish
Japanese (AEJ, MMJ) and German (MMG) production versions are listed with the same optical design.
Common issues
- Aperture blade oil
- Focus ring wear
Buying guide
Check the aperture for stickiness and the focus ring for wear.
Specifications
| Mount | other |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.7 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 6 |
| Min Focus | 0.6m |
| Filter Size | 55mm |
| Weight | 195g |
Optical design
| Formula | Planar |
| Elements | 7 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Coating | Zeiss T* |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £150 - £250
- Mint
- ~£300
Indicative, no dated source.