Lens · prime
Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 Multi Coating
VEB Pentacon · from 1977
Pentacon-badged 50mm f/1.8 with multi-coating, from the Oreston line made at Gorlitz. Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 Multi Coating: 6 elements in 4 groups, 6 aperture blades, 0.33m minimum focus, 49mm filter thread, 192g (198g for the second version).
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.8
- Mount
- M42 Screw
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 4
Known for
- General photography
- Portraits
- Street photography
Considerations
- Soft corners wide open
- 6 aperture blades
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Pleasant, smooth
Rendering: Classic with good contrast
Colour: Neutral with MC coating
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
Single-coated (early)
1971-1977
No MC marking, amber coating
More vintage character
Multi-coated (late)
1977-1990
MC marking, improved coatings
Better contrast and flare resistance
Black cross-knurled barrel with multi-coating from 1977, introduced around the Praktica EE2 and first based on the 1969 Oreston design (zeissikonveb.de); M42Lens lists a red-marked first version (192g) and a green-marked second version (198g).
Common issues
- Sticky aperture
- Focus ring wear
- Coating damage
Buying guide
Check aperture operation and focus smoothness.
Specifications
| Mount | M42 Screw |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 6 |
| Min Focus | 0.33m |
| Filter Size | 49mm |
| Weight | 192g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 4 |
| Coating | Multi-Coated |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £20 - £50
- Mint
- ~£70
Indicative, no dated source.