Production
1949 – 1968
Country
East Germany
Optical
Cooke Triplet (3 elements in 3 groups)
Updated
Jul 4, 2026
E. Ludwig E. Ludwig 50mm f2.8
Exakta (also produced in M42 screw mount) · 50mm · f/2.9
Compiled from 1 real reviews · AI-assisted · accuracy-checked · Updated 4 Jul 2026
Overview
The E. Ludwig Meritar 50mm was produced in East Germany by Ernst Ludwig between 1949 and 1968, marketed as an affordable, entry-level lens often bundled with Exa/Exakta bodies. It uses a Cooke Triplet optical formula (3 elements in 3 groups), a 19th-century design dating back to simpler optics that emphasizes distinctive rendering. Reviewers repeatedly note it shares this same triplet formula with the famed (and far pricier) Meyer-Optik Trioplan 100mm F2.8, which is often cited as the source of its character. The lens has a cult following among vintage lens shooters and filmmakers for its organic, film-like imperfections rather than technical excellence. One reviewer directly compares its character to the 'legendary Helios 44-2 58mm F2,' saying any lens similar to it is 'pretty magical.' Note: the reviews cover the f/2.9 version; specifics on an f/2.8 variant are unknown. No established nicknames are evidenced in the reviews. Some versions are marked with a red 'V' to indicate single coating.
Verdict: The E. Ludwig Meritar 50mm is a cheap, compact, character-first triplet lens for photographers and filmmakers who value organic, film-like imperfection over technical perfection. It won't be your main or even second 'sharp' 50mm, but for the right creative project it delivers colorful rainbow flares, smooth slightly-swirly bokeh, and diffused colors at a bargain price. Ideal for BMPCC/Super 35 shooters seeking a vintage look, especially paired with a Speedbooster.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Smooth and beautiful, described as slightly swirly wide open.
Color
Diffused, muted colors compared to strongly multi-coated lenses, well-suited to color grading in post.
Sharpness wide open
Center sharpness quite good wide open per one reviewer but overall soft; sharpens noticeably stopped down to F4-F8 with soft edges/corners.
Flare resistance
Loses contrast toward the sun and produces colorful rainbow-like flares, considered a desirable artistic trait.
Contrast
Low contrast wide open at f/2.9, improving noticeably when stopped down to f/5.6-f/8.
Community Insights
What people love
- Abundant vintage character and organic, film-like rendering that softens the 'digital bite' of modern sensors
- Colorful, rainbow-like flares reminiscent of the Helios 44-2
- Smooth, slightly swirly bokeh, especially wide open
- Diffused colors that are great for color grading in post
- Compact and lightweight size, ideal as a fun holiday/day-out lens
- Click-less (preset/de-clicked) aperture that filmmakers appreciate
- Extremely affordable price
- Pairs magically with a Speedbooster/MetaBones on a BMPCC for the extra stop and focal boost
What people dislike
- Very slow for a 50mm at f/2.9
- Soft edges and weak corner sharpness (though many see this as a feature)
- Weak chromatic aberration control
- Tiny focus ring and closely spaced focus/aperture rings make handling fiddly, and its small size is impractical on professional shoots
- Focusing direction is opposite to Zeiss/Canon-style lenses (same as Nikon/Pentax), which can be disorienting
- Small 35/35.5mm filter thread requiring a step-up ring
- Sample variation is common due to its budget origins
Pro Tips
- Shoot wide open at f/2.9 for maximum dreamy, low-contrast character; stop down to F4-F8 to sharpen up
- Point it toward the sun to exploit its colorful rainbow flares
- Take advantage of the click-less preset aperture for smooth exposure pulls in video
- Use a step-up ring to fit standard filters over the tiny 35mm thread
- Lean into the soft edges as part of the vintage aesthetic rather than fighting them
Compatible Adapters
Real adapters from our shop that fit this lens mount.
Standard · ฿785 · In stock
Sources (1)
Web research
The E. Ludwig Meritar 50mm is a cheap, compact, character-first triplet lens for photographers and filmmakers who value organic, film-like imperfection over technical perfection. It won't be your main or even second 'sharp' 50mm, but for the right creative project it delivers colorful rainbow flares, smooth slightly-swirly bokeh, and diffused colors at a bargain price. Ideal for BMPCC/Super 35 shooters seeking a vintage look, especially paired with a Speedbooster.
https://www.vintagelensesforvideo.com/e-ludwig-meritar-50mm-review/https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/e-ludwig-meritar-50-2-9.htmlhttps://indiefilmhustle.com/meritar-e-ludwig-50mm-f2-9/