Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f2 Contarex Bullseye Mount Lens Serviced Hood Tested

Description

The Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f/2 is a legendary, ultra-high-resolution standard prime lens manufactured in West Germany for the iconic Carl Zeiss Contarex 35mm SLR camera system (frequently referred to as the "Bullseye" or "Cyclops"). Celebrated for its extraordinary optical benchmark performance, exceptional micro-contrast, and solid all-chrome metal mechanical craftsmanship. Designed without an internal aperture ring (aperture control is driven via the camera body mechanism or a modern specialized Contarex-to-mirrorless adapter ring). Serial number 2615632. Complete with an original Zeiss metal lens hood (marked f50-135mm). Serviced and fully tested.

Condition

Overall Condition: Excellent (Serviced)

Freshly serviced and in outstanding overall mechanical and optical condition. Cosmetically very clean with bright, polished chrome barrel work showing only faint, natural signs of handling. Optics are exceptionally clear following service, with no haze, fungus, or separation. Manual focusing ring rotates smoothly and evenly across the entire distance scale. Internal aperture mechanism operates snappily and clean. Serial number 2615632. Fully serviced, inspected, and operational.

Included

• Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f/2 Lens (Contarex Mount, Serial No. 2615632)
• Original Carl Zeiss Metal Square Lens Hood (f50-135mm)

Key Features

• Classic 6-element Carl Zeiss Planar optical formulation offering incredible sharpness and resolution
• Heavy-duty all-chrome West German chassis construction
• Contarex bayonet mount, fully adaptable to modern digital mirrorless bodies (Sony E, Fujifilm X, Leica L, Canon RF) via geared Contarex adapters
• Fast f/2 maximum aperture delivering smooth background bokeh and sharp subject separation
• Includes original snap-on metal Zeiss square lens shade

Collector's Notes

Contarex-mount Carl Zeiss glass represents the pinnacle of 1960s German optical engineering. Among vintage prime lenses, the 50mm f/2 Planar is universally lauded by optical technicians and collectors for its resolution and rendering. Serviced examples with clean optics and smooth helicoids—especially complete with the original Zeiss metal hood—are highly sought after by both collectors and modern digital adaptors.

Keywords

Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f2, Contarex Bullseye Lens, Zeiss Contarex Prime, Serviced Vintage Zeiss Lens, West Germany Planar 50mm, Zeiss Contarex Hood