Tessar

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Inspector’s condition notes

This lens shows normal cosmetic wear for its age, including light scratches and noticeable finish wear on the black-painted edges and mount area. The markings are still legible and the body looks intact, with no obvious dents visible in the photos. Overall it presents as a well-used but respectable example.

How this lens renders

Compared to other 50mm f/2.8 lenses of the same era, the Tessar earned the nickname "Eagle Eye" because its center sharpness is genuinely sharp wide open — no need to stop down. The classic 4-element design delivers excellent micro-contrast (the Tessar name has long been a fixture in the photographic world). Wide open at f/2.8, the center is genuinely sharp while the edges remain soft. Stopping down to f/5.6–f/8 brings the edges up to par. Vignetting runs about 1.5–2 stops wide open and disappears once you stop the aperture down. The Tessar's bokeh is busy, with double-edged highlights. This character suits landscape, architecture, or street work that calls for detail. For portrait work where you want creamy background separation, it may not be the right fit. Color leans neutral to slightly cool, with just-right saturation. The T-coated version handles backlight better than the single-coated version (if you'd like to avoid veiling flare, a lens hood is recommended). This lens is well worth collecting — ideal for photographers who appreciate center sharpness without leaning on post-processing and who are looking for a lens…

In the box

Honest disclosure