Lens · prime
Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM
Carl Zeiss · Current production
In production35mm
Zeiss Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM: 6 elements in 4 groups, 10 aperture blades, 0.7m minimum focus, 43mm filter thread, 230g. Zeiss states that ZM lenses have ten aperture blades.
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/2
- Mount
- Leica M
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 4
Known for
- General photography
- Portraits
- Technical work
Considerations
- Manual focus only
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)5, level 5 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast5, level 5 of 5
Flare resistance4, level 4 of 5
CA control4, level 4 of 5
Vignetting control3, level 3 of 5
Distortion control4, level 4 of 5
Bokeh: Classic Planar rendering
Rendering: Classic Zeiss Planar look
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Common issues
- Rangefinder coupling needs checking
- Focus mechanics
Buying guide
Check rangefinder coupling and focus action, and inspect the glass.
Specifications
| Mount | Leica M |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 10 |
| Min Focus | 0.7m |
| Filter Size | 43mm |
| Weight | 230g |
Optical design
| Formula | Planar |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 4 |
| Coating | Zeiss T* |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £600 - £850
- Mint
- ~£1000
Indicative, no dated source.