Production
-
Country
East Germany (DDR)
Optical
Cooke triplet, 3 elements in 3 groups, derived from the Trioplan 50 f/2.8.
Updated
Jul 4, 2026
Pentaflex Pentaflex 50mm f2.8
M42 · 50mm · f/2.8
Compiled from 1 real reviews · AI-assisted · accuracy-checked · Updated 4 Jul 2026
Overview
The 'Pentaflex Color 2.8/50' is one of the many rebadged names under which the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Domiplan 50mm f/2.8 was sold. According to the reviews, the Domiplan was produced in East Germany and, near the end of its production run, appeared under different names including 'Orestor 2.8/50', 'Automatic Lens 2.8/50', and 'Pentaflex Color 2.8/50'. The lens descends from the 'Trioplan 50 f/2.8' and uses a classic Cooke triplet design of 3 elements in 3 groups, the same fundamental optical formula as the famous Trioplan 100 f/2.8. It was designed as a budget, entry-level kit lens for Exakta and Praktica cameras. Despite being frequently criticized for its build quality and limited sharpness, the Domiplan family has developed a cult following for its quirky bokeh, vintage rendering, and extremely low cost, making it especially popular for close-up/experimental work when combined with extension tubes. No specific nickname for the 'Pentaflex Color' branding is evidenced in the reviews beyond it being one of the Domiplan's rebadges.
Verdict: The Pentaflex Color 2.8/50 is a rebadged Meyer-Optik Görlitz Domiplan — a cheap, all-metal Cooke triplet that trades sharpness and contrast for character. It's soft and blurry-cornered from f/2.8 to f/8, has somewhat muted colors, and its build is only middling, yet it resists flare beautifully and delivers quirky, cult-favorite bokeh at a rock-bottom price. This is a lens for experimental shooters, collectors, and close-up hobbyists who want vintage flavor and creative imperfection for pocket change — not for anyone chasing clinical resolution.
Optical Character
Bokeh
Quirky, surprising bokeh with a cult following; precise bubble/swirl behavior unknown.
Color
Muted, somewhat weak color rendering compared to other lenses of the era.
Sharpness wide open
Soft with blurry edges/corners from f/2.8 through f/8, sharpening significantly at f/8 to f/11.
Flare resistance
Excellent flare resistance; very difficult to provoke flare even shooting into the light.
Contrast
Low contrast, especially wide open.
Community Insights
What people love
- Quirky, surprising bokeh that has built a genuine cult following among experimental shooters
- Excellent flare resistance — very difficult to provoke flare even shooting into the light
- Extremely low cost, frequently found for around $20 and generally under $35
- Compact, small, and lightweight, easy to carry and adapt
- Its optical flaws become creative features, especially for close-up work with extension tubes
- Charming vintage rendering that suits experimental and characterful photography
What people dislike
- Soft with blurry corners/edges from f/2.8 all the way to f/8
- Low optical resolution and low contrast wide open
- Somewhat weak color rendering compared to other lenses of the era
- Focus ring with low travel makes precise focusing difficult
- Long minimum focus distance of 0.75 m prevents true close-up work without tubes
- No manual aperture stop-down switch — the aperture pin must be depressed manually or via a suitable adapter
- Commonly criticized build quality despite being all-metal
Pro Tips
- Stop down to f/8–f/11 for meaningfully improved sharpness; wide open is best used deliberately for its soft, dreamy look
- Pair with extension tubes for close-up photography, where the lens's optical flaws turn into creative features
- Lean into its rendering for experimental, character-driven images rather than technical work
- Shoot toward the light with confidence — its strong flare resistance is one of its best traits
Compatible Adapters
Real adapters from our shop that fit this lens mount.
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿325 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿540 · In stock
Standard · ฿1,250 · In stock
Standard · ฿890 · Out of stock
Standard · ฿890 · Out of stock
Sources (1)
Web research
The Pentaflex Color 2.8/50 is a rebadged Meyer-Optik Görlitz Domiplan — a cheap, all-metal Cooke triplet that trades sharpness and contrast for character. It's soft and blurry-cornered from f/2.8 to f/8, has somewhat muted colors, and its build is only middling, yet it resists flare beautifully and delivers quirky, cult-favorite bokeh at a rock-bottom price. This is a lens for experimental shooters, collectors, and close-up hobbyists who want vintage flavor and creative imperfection for pocket change — not for anyone chasing clinical resolution.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/meyer-optik-g-rlitz-domiplan-50mm-f-2-8.htmlhttps://m42lens.blogspot.com/2013/10/meyer-optik-gorlitz-domiplan-50mm-f28.htmlhttps://phillipreeve.net/blog/pentacon-auto-50-mm-f-1-8-multi-coating/