Near mint! 1937 Carl-Zeiss 2.0/5cm (50mm) Sonnar Lens for Contax II & III Rangefinder cameras

 Camera NOT included

The f2.0/50mm Carl Zeiss Sonnar is a superb lens and is recognized around the world as a master piece of design. Only slightly slower that the its larger sibling, the 1.5/50 Sonnar, the 2.0/50 Sonnar featured the same great image quality combined into a smaller more convenient package. It was especially sought after by photojournalists during WWII who had to walk for miles and who wanted the smallest, sharpest lens available. After the war this optical design continued to be produced by Zeiss. The Sonnar also influenced countless copies and variations which helped launch new commers such as Nikon and Canon to greatness.

But its greatness is not simply defined by history or speed, or resolution. Just like it’s bigger brother this lens has a lovely rounded rendition which now-a-days is referred to as Bokeh. Open up the lens or narrow the depth of field by getting closer and the focus rolls on and off very smoothly off of your main plane of focus.

The serial number on this lens, 2040214, indicates that it was produced by Zeiss in Germany in 1939. It was intended for use on the Contax II & III cameras however it will function correctly on the earlier Contax I and the later postwar Contax IIa & IIIa cameras.

The lens is in superb condition. The aperture blades are excellent with just a light touch of oil on them which is normal for prewar Contax lenses. The glass is exceptionally clean and clear. There are no scratches, no cleaning marks, and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W films.

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