Lens · prime
Carl Zeiss Jena MC Pancolar 50mm f/1.8
Carl Zeiss Jena · from 1976
Pancolar standard lens from Jena; see version notes for the glass change. Carl Zeiss Jena MC Pancolar 50mm f/1.8: 6 elements in 5 groups, 6 aperture blades, 0.35m minimum focus, 49mm filter thread, 200g.
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.8
- Mount
- M42 Screw
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 5
Known for
- Portraits
- Street photography
- General photography
- Low light
Considerations
- 6 aperture blades
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Smooth, creamy transitions
Rendering: Classic Zeiss 3D pop with smooth gradations
Colour: Rich, saturated, warm
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
Zebra (single-coated)
1965-1970
Zebra mount; 1964 design (6/4, strongly thoriated glass, prone to yellowing) or 1967 design (6/5)
More character, warm rendering
MC (multi-coated)
1976-1990
Black body, MC marking
Better contrast, more practical
The 1964 design used thoriated SSK11 glass, which yellows with age. The 1967 redesign (the basis of the later MC versions) uses lanthanum crown SK22, which still contains some thorium but much less (Zeiss Ikon VEB article).
Common issues
- Sticky aperture
- Focus ring grease hardening
- Coating wear on early examples
Buying guide
Check for smooth aperture and focus operation. Early zebra examples may show yellowing from thoriated glass.
Specifications
| Mount | M42 Screw |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 6 |
| Min Focus | 0.35m |
| Filter Size | 49mm |
| Weight | 222g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 5 |
| Coating | Multi-Coated |
| Special | Lanthanum crown glass containing some thorium |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £60 - £130
- Mint
- ~£180
Indicative, no dated source.