The Lens details of a series of images taken by Steve Cushing on mirrorless camera.

Fitting has a 42mm mount Flange Distance - this lens will fit and achieve focus to infinity mirrorless cameras and on DSLRs.


Lens History

You can buy the Pentacon 200mm f4 15 bladed lens for about 20 euros on eBay or you can buy the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestegor 200mm f4 for about 150 euro, either way there are no differences other than the name, no difference in the glass elements or in the other mechanical parts. They are the same lens made in the same factory in East Germany just with a different name on the lens.

The optical scheme comprises 5 elements in 5 groups. Thanks to the 15-bladed aperture, this lens has a beautiful bokeh, the subjects located outside the depth of field are shown with highly circular features.

So if it is marked PENTACON 4 / 200 - German Democratic Republic. This is the successor to the Meyer Optik Gorlitz Orestegor 200mm f4 and is essentially the same lens at a lower price.

Lens In Use

PROs:

• Solid and well balanced.
• Sharp lens with creamy-bokeh.
• Build quality is nothing short of tank like.
• Weighs 600 grams
• Minimum focusing distance 2.5 m
• FL = 200mm
• 15 Blades - Preset - f4 to f 22
• 5 elements in 5 groups
• This lens has a removable mount. Most commonly available in M42. Otherwise Exacta.

CONs

• Very heavy lens.
• Soft wide-open

Summary

If you see the pentacon 135 as a hand-grenade this is a ballistic missile of a lens, built like one and feels like one.

Overall a pretty good buy if you are looking for a cheap but relatively good 200mm lens. MF is easy to use although a-bit annoying since the longer focal lengths are used more for things that are jitter and like to move quickly, but good skill development


For images using this lens click HERE

For general information on lens design and lens elements go to the homepage HERE