Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm f/1.8 - Good Condition | Legendary Bokeh and German Precision

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm f/1.8 is a celebrated standard prime lens from the German Democratic Republic, renowned among film enthusiasts and digital adapters for its unique "organic" rendering and exceptional sharpness.Developed as a high-end alternative to the Tessar design, the Oreston features a sophisticated six-element construction that produces a distinctive, smooth background blur (bokeh) and a subtle vintage glow when shot wide open. Its fast f/1.8 aperture makes it a superb performer in low-light conditions, while its robust all-metal "zebra" or black-style barrel reflects the high mechanical standards of Meyer-Optik. Whether used for intimate portraits or atmospheric street photography, the Oreston 50mm delivers a timeless, filmic aesthetic that modern lenses often struggle to replicate.

 

Key Features

• Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture for beautiful shallow depth-of-field and low-light capability

• Six-element optical design providing a perfect balance of sharpness and vintage character

• Renowned "Meyer-Optik bokeh" with smooth transitions and circular out-of-focus highlights

• Versatile 50mm focal length, often considered the "perfect" normal lens for all-around use

• Robust all-metal construction built to professional mechanical standards

• Close focusing distance of just 0.33m, allowing for impressive detail in close-up shots

• Universal M42 screw mount for easy adaptation to almost any modern camera system

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: Lenses

• Lens Mount: Exakta

• 
  Focal Length: 50mm

• Aperture Range: f/1.8 - f/16

• Category: Lenses ▸ Prime Lens

• Filter Size: 49mm

Specialist Note "The Oreston 50mm f/1.8 is a true connoisseur's lens. While many gravitate toward the Pentacon 50mm, it’s important to remember that early Pentacon lenses were actually rebranded Orestons. What makes the original Meyer-Optik version so desirable is its incredible minimum focus distance of 33cm—most 50mm lenses of this era can't get nearly that close. This makes it a fantastic tool for 'near-macro' photography, where the lens's signature bokeh really shines. It has a beautiful, tactile focus throw that feels like a precision instrument, making it a joy to use for both video and still photography."

Condition Report Good condition. The lens barrel shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its vintage age. The optics are clear, free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The manual focus ring operates smoothly across the entire range. The aperture blades are clean, oil-free, and snappy. Fully tested and operational.

What's Included

• Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm f/1.8 Lens

• Front Lens Cap

• Rear Lens Cap