prime35mmvintage
Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm f/1.8
Meyer-Optik Görlitz · 1965-1970
East Germany's fast standard lens. The Oreston delivers excellent quality with distinctive character. The zebra pattern construction is beautiful. Close 0.33m focus is unusually good for the era.
Known for
- Portraits
- Street photography
- General photography
- Low light
Considerations
- Soft corners wide open
- Single coating
- Some sample variation
Optical Characteristics
Sharpness (wide)3/5
Sharpness (stopped)5/5
Contrast4/5
Flare Resistance3/5
CA Control3/5
Vignetting Control3/5
Distortion Control4/5
Bokeh: Smooth, slightly swirly
Rendering: Character-rich with 3D pop
Color: Warm, vintage tones
Common Issues
- Sticky aperture
- Focus ring grease
- Coating wear
Buying Guide
Zebra versions are more collectible. Check aperture and focus smoothness. The Pentacon successor is optically identical but less sought-after.
Specifications
MountM42 Screw
Focal Length50mm
Max Aperturef/1.8
Min Aperturef/16
Aperture Blades6
Min Focus0.33m
Filter Size49mm
Weight215g
Optical Design
FormulaDouble Gauss
Elements6
Groups4
CoatingSingle Coated
Pricing
£50 - £120
Typical used price
Mint: ~£160
Zebra versions command premium
Adapts To
Sony EFujifilm XCanon RFNikon ZMicro Four Thirds
Compatible Cameras
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Last verified: Jan 2026Report an error