Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42
Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar M42 is a compact manual-focus standard prime lens. The Tessar formula is known for good centre sharpness, modest size and straightforward handling, making this a practical everyday lens for film cameras and adapted use on digital bodies with the correct M42 mount. At 50mm it gives a natural perspective for general photography, with the f/2.8 maximum aperture offering a bit more depth of field than faster normals, often appealing to users who value compactness and rendering over low-light speed. As an older fully manual lens, operation is simple: aperture control is direct and focusing relies on a smooth mechanical helicoid rather than autofocus or electronic communication. Exact build details vary by production run, but these lenses are typically metal-bodied and well suited to careful, long-term use. On the used market, check that focus turns evenly without stiffness, the aperture blades are clean and snappy, and there is no haze, fungus or separation in the optics. Also inspect the M42 threads for wear and ensure any adapter fit is secure.
From £14.95 - £76 · 6 Available · 1 Dealer Tracked
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6 available from independent sellers.
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Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42
#4326 Carl Zeiss Jena DDR Tessar 50mm F2.8 Lens M42 mount
eBayUsed£14.95+ £1 Delivery(opens dealer listing in a new tab)
Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42
#4324 Carl Zeiss Jena DDR Tessar 50mm F2.8 Lens M42 mount
eBayUsed£14.95+ £1 Delivery(opens dealer listing in a new tab)
Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42
Carl Zeiss Jena DDR Tessar 50mm f/2.8 Manual Focus Lens
eBayUsed£14.99+ £4.25 Delivery(opens dealer listing in a new tab)
Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42
Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm F/2.8 Standard Lens M42 Mount Manual Focus
eBayUsed£19.99Free Delivery(opens dealer listing in a new tab)
Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42
Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 2.8/50, 50mm 1:2.8 Prime Lens M42 Mount Auto/M…
eBayUsed£22.95Free Delivery(opens dealer listing in a new tab)
Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42
Carl Zeiss JENA DDR 50mm 2.8 camera lens M42 mount, WORKING402
eBayUsed£76+ £4.20 Delivery(opens dealer listing in a new tab)
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Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42 Model Overview
Specifications
- Brand
- Carl Zeiss Jena
- Model
- 50mm f/2.8 Tessar
- Variant
- M42
- Release year
- 1952
- Lens Mount
- M42
- Lens Type
- Prime
Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar M42 is a compact manual-focus standard prime lens. The Tessar formula is known for good centre sharpness, modest size and straightforward handling, making this a practical everyday lens for film cameras and adapted use on digital bodies with the correct M42 mount. At 50mm it gives a natural perspective for general photography, with the f/2.8 maximum aperture offering a bit more depth of field than faster normals, often appealing to users who value compactness and rendering over low-light speed. As an older fully manual lens, operation is simple: aperture control is direct and focusing relies on a smooth mechanical helicoid rather than autofocus or electronic communication. Exact build details vary by production run, but these lenses are typically metal-bodied and well suited to careful, long-term use. On the used market, check that focus turns evenly without stiffness, the aperture blades are clean and snappy, and there is no haze, fungus or separation in the optics. Also inspect the M42 threads for wear and ensure any adapter fit is secure.
SDS takes care to provide accurate model details, but errors or omissions may occur. Always confirm specifications, condition and included accessories with the seller before buying. This does not affect your statutory rights.
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£0£53£107£16026 Oct29 Oct- Median
- £27
- Low
- £10
- High
- £146.30
Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42 Price History
Used Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42 market summary
Prices are falling. The used Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42 has dropped -52.2% over the past 30 days, from a median of £36.62 to £17.49.
The latest median price sits near the lower end of its the past 30 days range (£10 – £146.30). The downward movement suggests buyers can afford to compare carefully, while sellers may benefit from obtaining quotes before further depreciation. These figures describe advertised used prices rather than a guaranteed valuation for any individual item.
Supply is comfortable with 6 listings from 1 dealer, and asking prices have eased, so buyers have room to negotiate and sellers benefit from moving sooner rather than later.
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Buying a used Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42 FAQs
Current prices are shown in the listings above, from 1 UK dealer tracked by SDS. The price of each example depends on its condition, included accessories and warranty, so compare the total cost including delivery.
You can compare used Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42 listings from verified UK dealers on SDS, then buy directly from the dealer you choose. SDS is a free comparison service: payment, delivery, warranty and returns are handled by the dealer.
Yes, when you buy your Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42 from a UK business. You are covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, so goods must be as described and of satisfactory quality, and most online purchases come with a 14-day right to cancel. Every dealer on SDS is a verified UK business.
Check each Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42 listing's condition notes, photos and included accessories. Confirm any faults or repairs, how long the warranty lasts and the returns terms. Condition grades vary between dealers, so read each dealer's grading guide.
It depends on the dealer. Warranty length and cover on a used Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42 are set by each dealer and shown on their website. Your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act apply whether or not a warranty is offered.
It varies by Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42 listing. Check the dealer's included-items list for essentials such as batteries, chargers, cables or caps, and whether they are original Carl Zeiss Jena parts. Product photos on SDS identify the model and do not show what a listing includes.
Each used Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42 differs in condition, accessories and warranty, and each dealer prices its own stock. Comparing listings side by side on SDS shows the difference before you buy.
Yes. Request a free Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm f/2.8 Tessar - M42 quote on SDS to compare offers from verified UK dealers, with no obligation to accept. Offers to buy are usually lower than resale prices because dealers cover inspection, preparation and resale costs.
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