Production
1975 – 1990
Country
-
Optical
Zeiss Tessar 4-element design
Updated
Jul 20, 2026
Industar 50-2 50mm f/3.5
M42 · 50mm · f/3.5
Compiled from 3 real reviews · AI-assisted · accuracy-checked · Updated 20 Jul 2026
Overview
The Industar 50-2 50mm f/3.5 is the humble workhorse of Soviet photography. Based on the pre-war Zeiss Tessar design, this tiny, affordable lens was fitted to millions of Soviet cameras. It's not fast or fancy, but its simple 4-element design produces surprisingly good results. The pancake size makes it a favorite for adapted mirrorless use.
Verdict: The ultimate budget lens. For very little, you get a surprisingly capable 50mm. Perfect for experimenting with vintage glass.
Optical Character
Color
The colors and contrast are similar to what you'd expect from an average vintage lens.
Sharpness wide open
Sharpness wide open is not great but becomes more usable when stopped down to f/4.
Flare resistance
There is no proper vignetting on full frame, but the light fall-off around the corners is more noticeable.
Contrast
The contrast is similar to an average vintage lens.
Vignetting
Vignetting on APS-C/Super35 is almost unnoticeable, but more pronounced on full frame.
Community Insights
What people love
- Tiny pancake size
- Surprisingly sharp
- Very affordable
- Clean rendering
What people dislike
- f/3.5 slow
- No bokeh
- Not exciting
Pro Tips
- Perfect carry-anywhere lens
- Great for landscapes
- The sharpness surprises
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
Sample Photos
Sources (3)
Vintagelensesforvideo
rezedaphoto.com
Curated heritage archive
The ultimate budget lens. For very little, you get a surprisingly capable 50mm. Perfect for experimenting with vintage glass.