Another photography adventure begins, this time ive been som lucky to acquire a Meyer Optik Görlitz Primotar along with a Praktica IX the original set. This lens is considered very rare because of the short manufacturing period ranging from 1959 to 1960, less than two years and the fact its a M42 Mount. The lens design is of the Tessar type. You can find the original pamflet here.

The Primotar is an aluminium construction lens of un-spectacular appearance and only a limited set of aperture values. The diaphragm isn’t particularly impressive and consist of  six bladed and not particularly round design

This lens loves to flare almost in any situation, and we love it for this  but that doesn’t matter at all while it does this so awesomely. Even though I have other Fifties, there is something special about this glass. Its ability to render fine contrast and poppy colors is second to none.
While it is a triplet it has potential to allow more light, but the 4 elements/3 group Tessar design. It gives a good balance for overall unique image quality. and the Edge falloff is very soft and glowy. Looking at the bokeh, this glass yields better bokeh in a different, unique way than many faster lenses.

Adapting for modern cameras

Obviously I have little use for the camera itself, but its fun to have. The camera is in full working condition, but could surely need a good cleaning should i want to use it for any other purpose than having on display. In the beginning of this article I mentioned that this lens has a M42 Mount, this makes this lens very attractive while it is adaptable to a whole range of modern digital cameras, and even my A-Mount Sony Alpha A99II.

This edition of the lens

Thi piece of glass looks amazing. The aperture works, the blades are dry and moving easily. The focusing is relatively smooth, the coated glass is free from fungus and free from remarkably scratches. I am impressed by its near limit, the minimum focus distance is on 0.6m/2ft.

Photo examples

(To come)