No photo available for this lens
Production
1964 – 1979
Country
East Germany
Optical
6 elements in 5 groups
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8
M42, Exakta, Praktica BFF
Overview
The Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 was East Germany's answer to the standard lens question. Produced throughout the Cold War era, it brought genuine Zeiss quality to Eastern Bloc photographers and to the world market at competitive prices. The Pancolar refined the Double-Gauss design for better correction while maintaining characterful rendering. Many versions were made over decades, each with subtle variations.
Verdict: The workhorse of East German photography. The Pancolar offers genuine Zeiss quality at budget prices. Various versions suit different tastes — from character-heavy zebras to practical multi-coated blacks. A versatile entry into vintage Zeiss.
Optical Character
Bokeh
The bokeh is smooth and pleasant, though not dramatic, with 6 aperture blades.
Color
The color rendering is neutral with a slight warmth, producing clean and natural tones.
Sharpness wide open
The lens is sharp across the frame even when shot wide open at f/1.8, and reaches excellent sharpness by f/2.8.
Flare resistance
The flare is reasonably well-controlled despite the compact design.
Contrast
The lens has good contrast with nice punch and a well-balanced tonal range.
Vignetting
Moderate vignetting when shot wide open, which improves by f/2.8.
Community Insights
What people love
- Real Zeiss Jena quality
- Beautiful warm colors
- Good balance of character and sharpness
- M42 mount very adaptable
- Affordable Zeiss
- Multiple versions to collect
What people dislike
- Radioactive versions (thorium)
- Some versions soft wide open
- Quality varies by production era
- Coating varies significantly
- Can be confusing which version is best
Pro Tips
- Zebra 6-blade version is the cult classic
- MC black version is most practical
- UV exposure can fix thorium yellowing
- Great portrait lens at f/2-2.8
Sources (5)
phillip_reeve-
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-carl-zeiss-jena-pancolar-50mm-f-1-8-mc/
vintagelensesforvideo-
https://www.vintagelensesforvideo.com/carl-zeiss-jena-pancolar-50mm-zebra/
unknown-
https://www.mflenses.com/carl-zeiss-jena-pancolar-50mm-f18-lens-review.html
unknown-
https://www.cameraray.com/carl-zeiss-jena-pancolar-50mm-f1-8-mc-review-video/
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f/1.8 was East Germany's answer to the standard lens question. Produced throughout the Cold War era, it brought genuine Zeiss quality to Eastern Bloc photographers and to the world market at competitive prices. The Pancolar refined the Double-Gauss design for better correction while maintaining characterful rendering. Many versions were made over decades, each with subtle variations.