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Updated
Jul 9, 2026
Rexatar Rexatar 35mm f2.8
M42 · 35mm · f/2.8
AI-assisted · from real reviewsUpdated 9 Jul 2026
Overview
The Rexatar 35mm f/2.8 is part of the little-documented Rexatar family, a badge-engineered brand of manual-focus lenses sold for popular non-autofocus SLR systems of the 1970s-80s. The reviews available describe closely related Rexatar-branded lenses (a 36-100mm f/3.5 zoom, a 135mm f/2.8 telephoto) rather than this exact 35mm, so much about this specific optic must be treated as unknown. The related 135mm f/2.8 in the Rexatar line is documented as being made in Japan with a metal body, and one reviewer of the Rexatar zoom speculated (without confirmation) that at least some Rexatar-branded glass may have been produced by Tokina, a common OEM behind many rebadged Japanese lenses of the era. A closely spelled sibling, the 'Rexagon,' appears as an M42 lens whose brand origin could not even be positively identified by cataloguers (guessed as JCPenney store branding). There are no established nicknames or cult jargon for the Rexatar line; it is a budget, off-brand name that surfaces mostly in thrift stores and bargain bins rather than collector circles. There is no evidence of a cult following — reviewers treat these as inexpensive curiosities. This particular 35mm f/2.8 in M42 mount is not directly reviewed in the sources, so its individual reputation is unknown.
Verdict: The Rexatar 35mm f/2.8 is a budget, off-brand M42 wide-angle with almost no documented track record of its own; the available reviews cover its Rexatar siblings, which ranged from harshly criticized to merely serviceable with decent color and contrast. It is best viewed as an inexpensive experimenter's lens or a curiosity for M42 tinkerers who enjoy coaxing character from unknown glass, not as a performer to seek out for its rendering. Buy only cheap, buy only clear, and set expectations accordingly.
Optical Character
Color
unknown for this lens; related Rexatar glass was noted as having decent color.
Sharpness wide open
unknown for this lens; a related zoom fell apart in the corners wide open and improved stopped down to f/5.6 and f/8.
Flare resistance
unknown for this lens; a related zoom showed little flare even shooting into the sun.
Contrast
unknown for this lens; a sibling zoom showed decent contrast.
Community Insights
What people love
- Low cost — Rexatar-branded lenses turn up as inexpensive thrift and bargain-bin finds
- Related Rexatar optics were praised for surprisingly decent color and contrast despite the budget branding
- Solid metal-bodied construction was noted on the related 135mm Rexatar
What people dislike
- Off-brand, poorly documented lineage that makes copies hard to research or verify
- Related Rexatar glass earned harsh reviews (the zoom was called 'one of the worst performers') and used copies show haze
- Uncertain build and optical consistency between examples given the budget origins
Pro Tips
- If this lens behaves like its Rexatar siblings, expect weak wide-open performance and stop down to f/5.6 or f/8 for a meaningful jump in image quality and corner sharpness
- Meter carefully in low light — a related Rexatar was noted to transmit less light than its marked aperture would suggest
- Focus on high-contrast subject edges; the related lens was hard to nail focus on low-contrast areas
- It may handle backlight better than expected — a sibling showed little flare shooting into the sun, so don't be afraid of contre-jour, but verify with your own copy
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-grounded synthesissecondary
The Rexatar 35mm f/2.8 is part of the little-documented Rexatar family, a badge-engineered brand of manual-focus lenses sold for popular non-autofocus SLR systems of the 1970s-80s. The reviews available describe closely related Rexatar-branded lenses (a 36-100mm f/3.5 zoom, a 135mm f/2.8 telephoto) rather than this exact 35mm, so much about this specific optic must be treated as unknown. The related 135mm f/2.8 in the Rexatar line is documented as being made in Japan with a metal body, and one reviewer of the Rexatar zoom speculated (without confirmation) that at least some Rexatar-branded glass may have been produced by Tokina, a common OEM behind many rebadged Japanese lenses of the era. A closely spelled sibling, the 'Rexagon,' appears as an M42 lens whose brand origin could not even be positively identified by cataloguers (guessed as JCPenney store branding). There are no established nicknames or cult jargon for the Rexatar line; it is a budget, off-brand name that surfaces mostly in thrift stores and bargain bins rather than collector circles. There is no evidence of a cult following — reviewers treat these as inexpensive curiosities. This particular 35mm f/2.8 in M42 mount is not directly reviewed in the sources, so its individual reputation is unknown.
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