Production
1960 – 1980
Country
East Germany
Optical
7 elements in 6 groups, Modified Tessar/Double Gauss design.
Updated
Feb 6, 2026
Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50mm f1.8
M42 Screw Mount / Praktica B · 50mm · f/1.8
Overview
The Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50mm f1.8 represents the pinnacle of East German optical engineering from the 1960s-1970s. This lens was manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena in East Germany and became the standard prime lens for Praktica and other Eastern Bloc SLR systems. The Pancolar series was renowned for its sharpness and character, competing directly with Western designs from Zeiss West. The Pancolar line evolved through multiple coating generations, from single-coated to multi-coated (MC) versions, each offering incremental improvements. This lens embodies the 'Golden Age' of East German optics when quality rivaled or exceeded Western contemporaries.
Verdict: The Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50mm f1.8 is an excellent choice for photographers valuing technical excellence and sharpness over character. MFlenses forum users frequently recommend it for its professional-grade optics and reliable performance. A superb lens for those seeking East German precision engineering.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Smooth, rounded bokeh from 8-bladed aperture; slightly busy compared to modern lenses but acceptable.
Color
Neutral to slightly cool rendition with excellent color accuracy and saturation control.
Sharpness wide open
Sharp even at f1.8 with excellent sharpness f2.8-f16 and minimal corner softness.
Flare resistance
Good flare resistance with minimal ghosting in backlit situations, especially MC versions.
Contrast
Medium to high contrast with excellent micro-contrast, punch and clarity throughout the frame.
Vignetting
Mild vignetting wide open, reduces significantly by f2.8 and negligible by f2.8.
Community Insights
What people love
- Sharp even wide open - excellent for fast work
- Excellent color rendition and neutral tone
- Beautiful three-dimensional rendering
- Robust mechanical construction
- Multi-coated versions offer superior flare resistance
- Professional quality optics at vintage prices
What people dislike
- Less character compared to other vintage 50mm lenses
- Can feel clinical and sterile to photographers seeking warm rendering
- Some single-coated versions prone to haze
- M42 mount requires adapter for modern cameras
Pro Tips
- Seek out MC versions for best performance
- Excellent for technical work and professional applications
- Adapts well to modern digital cameras
- Works exceptionally at f4-f8
Sample Photos
Sources (2)
MFlenses ForumForum
The Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50mm f1.8 represents the pinnacle of East German optical engineering from the 1960s-1970s. This lens was manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena in East Germany and became the standard prime lens for Praktica and other Eastern Bloc SLR systems. The Pancolar series was renowned for its sharpness and character, competing directly with Western designs from Zeiss West. The Pancolar line evolved through multiple coating generations, from single-coated to multi-coated (MC) versions, each offering incremental improvements. This lens embodies the 'Golden Age' of East German optics when quality rivaled or exceeded Western contemporaries.
DPReview ForumForum
The Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50mm f1.8 represents premium East German optical engineering. Manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena during the Cold War era, it competed directly with Western optics while remaining largely unknown in the West. The Pancolar series became legendary among Eastern Bloc photographers for its reliability and optical quality. Modern enthusiasts have rediscovered this lens as a brilliant option for adapted lens photography on mirrorless systems. The multi-coated MC versions offer impressive performance that rivals many modern standard primes.