Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8
The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8, made in East Germany, offers creamy bokeh and solid build quality. Ideal for portraits and street photography, this vintage lens combines character-rich images with a nostalgic feel, despite its soft sharpness wide open.
Contents
Introduction to the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8
The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 is a vintage gem that brings a distinctive charm to your photography. Hailing from East Germany, this lens was crafted in an era when precision and character were key. With its bright f/1.8 aperture, the Oreston is renowned for delivering creamy bokeh and a unique rendering that stands out in a sea of modern optics. Whether you're shooting portraits, street scenes, or creative close-ups, this lens offers a nostalgic yet vibrant touch to your images.
Unboxing and First Impressions of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8
The moment you unbox the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8, you're immediately struck by its solid, all-metal construction. There's a certain heft to it, a reminder of a time when lenses were built to withstand the test of time. The focus ring is smooth, with just the right amount of resistance, and the aperture ring clicks with satisfying precision. It's a lens that feels as good as it looks, promising a tactile shooting experience that's as enjoyable as the photos it produces.
Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 Specifications
| Brand: | Meyer-Optik Görlitz |
| Model: | Oreston 50mm F1.8 |
| Country of Manufacture: | East Germany (GDR) |
| Focal Length: | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture: | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture: | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades: | 6 |
| Optical Formula: | 6 elements in 5 groups |
| Minimum Focus Distance: | 0.33m |
| Filter Thread Size: | 49mm |
| Mount Type: | M42 screw mount |
| Weight: | 230g |
| Dimensions: | 61mm diameter, 48mm length |
Build Quality and Design Features of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8
Built like a tank, the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 is a lens that’s clearly made to last. Its all-metal construction exudes durability, with a design that feels timeless. The focus ring is smooth and precise, with a long throw that's ideal for fine-tuning focus—especially handy when shooting at wide apertures. The aperture ring, located near the front of the lens, clicks with precision, allowing for quick adjustments even when you're in the midst of a shoot. There's no autofocus here—this is manual focus territory—but that's part of the appeal for those who appreciate a more hands-on approach to photography.
Optical Performance of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8
When it comes to optical performance, the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 delivers a unique blend of sharpness and character. Wide open at f/1.8, the lens produces a pleasingly soft look that’s perfect for portraits, where you want to emphasize your subject while gently blurring the background. Stopping down to f/2.8 and beyond, the lens sharpens up significantly, revealing fine details without sacrificing its vintage charm. The bokeh is one of the standout features of this lens—it's creamy, with a subtle swirl that adds a dreamy quality to your photos.
Contrast and color rendition are typical of vintage lenses, with a slightly subdued palette that can be a refreshing change from the overly saturated look of modern optics. There’s a bit of chromatic aberration at wider apertures, but nothing that detracts from the overall image quality. In fact, these small imperfections often add to the lens's charm, giving your photos a distinctive, filmic quality.
Sample Images from the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8
To truly appreciate the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8, you need to see it in action. Here are a few sample images captured with this lens:
- Portrait: Taken at f/1.8, the subject is in sharp focus with a beautifully blurred background, highlighting the lens's excellent bokeh.
- Street Scene: Stopped down to f/5.6, the Oreston captures a busy street with sharp details and a well-balanced exposure.
- Close-Up: The lens's close focusing distance allows for detailed shots of flowers and small objects, showcasing its versatility.
Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 Sample Images
Ideal Use Cases for the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8
The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 is ideal for photographers who appreciate the nuances of vintage lenses. Its strengths lie in portrait photography, where its wide aperture and smooth bokeh can make your subjects pop. It's also a great choice for street photography, offering a classic look that can lend a nostalgic feel to urban scenes. If you're into creative photography, this lens's unique rendering can help you achieve results that stand out from the crowd.
Comparison: Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 vs. Other Lenses
When comparing the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 to other lenses, it’s clear that this vintage optic has its own niche. Here’s how it stacks up against a couple of its peers:
-
Helios 44-2 58mm F2: The Helios is another vintage lens with a cult following, known for its swirly bokeh. While the Helios offers a slightly longer focal length and more pronounced swirly bokeh, the Oreston is generally sharper and has a more refined build quality.
-
Pentax Super Takumar 50mm F1.4: The Super Takumar is a favorite among vintage lens enthusiasts for its fast aperture and sharpness. While it offers better low-light performance and is sharper wide open, the Oreston wins in the bokeh department, with a softer and more ethereal rendering.
-
Canon FD 50mm F1.8: The Canon FD is a solid performer with modern coatings and reliable sharpness. However, it lacks the character and unique bokeh of the Oreston, making the Meyer-Optik a more interesting choice for those looking for something different.
History and Background of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8
The Meyer-Optik Görlitz brand has a storied history dating back to the late 19th century. The Oreston 50mm F1.8 was produced during the Cold War era in East Germany, at a time when Meyer-Optik was one of the leading lens manufacturers behind the Iron Curtain. Known for their innovative designs and quality construction, Meyer-Optik lenses became highly sought after by photographers who appreciated their unique optical characteristics. The Oreston 50mm F1.8, in particular, was valued for its fast aperture and smooth bokeh, qualities that have kept it relevant among vintage lens enthusiasts to this day.
Current Market Price and Availability of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8
As with many vintage lenses, the price of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 can vary depending on condition and demand. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $150 for a good condition unit, though prices can fluctuate. The lens is widely available on platforms like eBay and through various vintage lens retailers, making it relatively easy to find for those interested in adding it to their collection.
User Reviews and Feedback on the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 Lens
User feedback on the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 is overwhelmingly positive. Photographers love its unique character, especially the bokeh and rendering at wide apertures. Many users appreciate the lens's build quality and the tactile experience of shooting with a fully manual lens. However, some note that it may not be the sharpest option available, particularly when compared to modern glass, but this is often seen as part of its charm.
Pros and Cons of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 Lens
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ➕ Unique, creamy bokeh | ❌ Not the sharpest wide open |
| ➕ Solid, durable construction | ❌ Manual focus only |
| ➕ Compact and lightweight | ❌ Slight chromatic aberration at f/1.8 |
| ➕ Affordable for a vintage lens | ❌ Limited availability in mint condition |
| ➕ Character-rich image quality | ❌ Less contrast compared to modern lenses |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8
Q: Can the Oreston 50mm F1.8 be used on modern digital cameras?
A: Yes, with the appropriate M42 adapter, this lens can be mounted on most modern mirrorless cameras.
Q: Is this lens good for video work?
A: The manual focus and distinct bokeh make it a good choice for creative video projects, but it might not be ideal for fast-paced shooting.
Q: How does this lens handle flare?
A: Like many vintage lenses, the Oreston is prone to flare, particularly when shooting against strong light sources. A lens hood is recommended.
Conclusion: Is the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 Worth It?
If you're a photographer who loves the character and quirks of vintage lenses, the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm F1.8 is definitely worth considering. It offers a blend of unique bokeh, solid build quality, and a tactile shooting experience that’s hard to find in modern lenses. While it might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, its charm lies in its imperfections, making it a favorite among those who appreciate the art of photography as much as the science.
