Meyer-optik Meyer-Optik 100mm f2.8 Heritage

Overview

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 is a triplet-formula lens with roots in the former DDR (East Germany), described in the reviews as 'Classic lens from former DDR.' It is 'based on a vintage formula that's known for crazy soap bubble bubble bokeh' and has, per the reviews, 'a bit of cult status and is loved (and loathed) in classic lens user circles.' Phillipreeve.net calls it 'one of the most hyped lenses of the moment,' noting that 'prices have exploded to absolutely crazy levels.' The lens exists in numerous versions and mounts (including M42 and Exakta bayonet), and was closely related to the Meyer-Optik Orestor / Pentacon 100mm f/2.8. The Trioplan brand was revived by OPC Optics as a modern remake, which one reviewer priced at 1,499€ (the original vintage copies sold roughly £130 a decade ago and now command £300-£600 or around $500). The reviews reference its famous 'soap bubble' rendering repeatedly; the effect is the primary reason for its devoted (and divided) following. No specific nickname beyond the descriptive 'soap bubble bokeh' association is supported by the reviews. People love it for the distinctive specular-highlight bokeh; detractors feel that same effect distracts from the subject.

Verdict: The Meyer-Optik Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 is a specialty character lens defined by its polarizing 'soap bubble' bokeh at f/2.8. It's for photographers who prize distinctive, painterly out-of-focus rendering and low-contrast, Biotar-like color, and who are willing to fight its poor flare resistance, tricky focusing, and inflated prices to get it. If you want that specific effect and enjoy the process, it's a joy; if you want an all-around portrait lens or clean subject isolation, cheaper alternatives serve better and the bubbles may simply distract.

Optical Character

Bokeh

Signature 'soap bubble' bokeh at f/2.8 with strong highlight outlining that becomes very smooth by f/4.

Color

Colors reminiscent of older Zeiss Biotar lenses; specific warm/cold tonality unknown.

Sharpness wide open

Can be very sharp when stopped down, especially on 24MP sensors, though low contrast.

Flare resistance

Poor; requires shielding the front element by hand and the stubby hood is ineffective.

Contrast

Distinctly low contrast.

Community Insights

What people love

The signature 'soap bubble' bokeh at f/2.8, described as 'the most beautiful bokeh ever' by one reviewer, with fans saying 'every time I look at the bokeh, I fall in love a little bit more.'
Color rendering, compared favorably to older Zeiss Biotar lenses.
It can be genuinely sharp when stopped down, particularly on 24MP sensors.
The unique, low-contrast character that makes it fun for portraits and photo walks.
Metal construction and smooth focusing (the modern version's ring travels ~330 degrees and 'feels very smooth and is a pleasure to use').
Small size and, for the vintage versions, historically affordable pricing (Pentaxforums users cite ~$30-$102).

What people dislike

The bubble bokeh can distract from the subject; phillipreeve.net felt it 'usually distracts a lot from my subject and only very rarely adds to the image.'
Lousy flare resistance requiring you to shield the front with your hand, and an ineffective hood.
Hard to focus, worsened by the low contrast.
Exploded, 'absolutely crazy' prices on the vintage versions and the very expensive modern remake (~1,499€).
Delicate build on the thin vintage versions; the modern one lacks weather sealing and rubber gaskets.
Questionable ergonomic choices on the modern version (zone focusing scale deemed 'useless' at this focal length, no AF/AE contacts, declickable aperture).

Pro Tips

Shoot wide open at f/2.8 to maximize the soap bubble bokeh; stop down to f/4 or beyond for smooth, conventional bokeh.
Shield the front element with your hand to combat veiling flare, especially when backlighting the scene to create bubbles.
Stop down for critical sharpness; it can be quite sharp closed down and performs better on lower-resolution (24MP) sensors.
Compose deliberately so the attention-grabbing bokeh complements rather than fights your subject.
Prefer a high-blade-count version (14-15 blades) if round highlights matter to you.

Sources (1)

Web-grounded synthesissecondary

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 is a triplet-formula lens with roots in the former DDR (East Germany), described in the reviews as 'Classic lens from former DDR.' It is 'based on a vintage formula that's known for crazy soap bubble bubble bokeh' and has, per the reviews, 'a bit of cult status and is loved (and loathed) in classic lens user circles.' Phillipreeve.net calls it 'one of the most hyped lenses of the moment,' noting that 'prices have exploded to absolutely crazy levels.' The lens exists in numerous versions and mounts (including M42 and Exakta bayonet), and was closely related to the Meyer-Optik Orestor / Pentacon 100mm f/2.8. The Trioplan brand was revived by OPC Optics as a modern remake, which one reviewer priced at 1,499€ (the original vintage copies sold roughly £130 a decade ago and now command £300-£600 or around $500). The reviews reference its famous 'soap bubble' rendering repeatedly; the effect is the primary reason for its devoted (and divided) following. No specific nickname beyond the descriptive 'soap bubble bokeh' association is supported by the reviews. People love it for the distinctive specular-highlight bokeh; detractors feel that same effect distracts from the subject.

https://www.35mmc.com/09/11/2020/meyer-optik-gorlitz-100mm-trioplan-ii-review/https://phillipreeve.net/blog/meyer-trioplan-100mm-28-review-sony-a7/https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/meyer-optik-orestor-100mm-f-2-8-m42-mount.htmlhttps://www.thephoblographer.com/2020/11/16/meyer-optik-trioplan-100mm-ii-review/