Lens · prime
Pentacon auto 29mm f/2.8 MC
VEB Pentacon · from 1970
Vintage35mm
East German retrofocus 29mm, introduced as the Orestegon 2.8/29 (shops from 1966) and renamed Pentacon 2.8/29 in 1970. Pentacon auto 29mm f/2.8 MC: 7 elements, 6 aperture blades, 0.25m minimum focus, 55mm filter thread, 210g.
- Focal length
- 29mm
- Max aperture
- f/2.8
- Mount
- M42 Screw
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 7 / 7
Known for
- Street photography
- Environmental portraits
- Close-up wide
- Creative work
Considerations
- 29mm not standard
- Some barrel distortion
- 6 aperture blades
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)4, level 4 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast4, level 4 of 5
Flare resistance4, level 4 of 5
CA control4, level 4 of 5
Vignetting control3, level 3 of 5
Distortion control3, level 3 of 5
Bokeh: Painterly, structured
Rendering: Characterful with close focus
Colour: Neutral with MC coating
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Common issues
- Focus ring grease
- Aperture mechanism
- Coating wear
Buying guide
Check close focus works properly. The unusual focal length can be advantageous.
Specifications
| Mount | M42 Screw |
| Focal Length | 29mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 6 |
| Min Focus | 0.25m |
| Filter Size | 55mm |
| Weight | 210g |
Optical design
| Formula | Retrofocus |
| Elements | 7 |
| Groups | 7 |
| Coating | Multi-Coated |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £50 - £100
- Mint
- ~£140
Indicative, no dated source.