Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primoplan 58mm f1.9 1951-52 Exakta (Adapters Available)

Meyer Optik Görlitz Primoplan 50mm f/1.9 "Dreamy, swirled, and full of mood — the Primoplan is a painter’s brush in lens form."

OVERVIEW

The Primoplan 50mm f/1.9 is a mid-century German prime lens celebrated for its painterly rendering and swirling bokeh. Designed by Meyer-Optik Görlitz in the early 1950s, it is a characterful, Ernostar-derived lens made for Exakta and M42 mounts. Today it enjoys cult status among portraitists and filmmakers seeking nostalgic softness and organic visual storytelling.

KEY FEATURES

Focal Length / Aperture: 50mm f/1.9 (manual focus) Construction: All-metal barrel, engraved markings Mount: Exakta Aperture: f/1.9–f/22, 14 curved blades Minimum Focus: ~0.75m Coating: Single-layer anti-reflective coating Filter Thread: ~49mm (varies by batch) Weight: ~240g

OPTICAL CHARACTER

Design: Ernostar-type – 5 elements in 4 groups Sharpness: Central sharpness wide open with progressive edge softness Wide Open: Soft-focus glow with swirling background blur Stopped Down: Improved sharpness and microcontrast from f/4 onwards Bokeh: Swirly, bubbly, painterly — renowned for unique rendering Flare: Flares readily — adds artistic haze and glow Colour Rendering: Warm tones and low contrast — ideal for vintage or dreamlike mood

IDEAL FOR

Filmmakers seeking soft, emotional rendering with artistic flare Portrait shooters wanting dreamy separation and painterly backgrounds Mirrorless camera users exploring expressive vintage glass with strong character

NOTES

Serial No: 1227425 — made circa 1951–1952 Mount: Exakta Best adapted for Sony E, Fuji X, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and MFT via Exakta adapter Pre-set aperture design with buttery-smooth focus throw Ideal for cine mods and soft, expressive shooting styles