The Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm 1:1.8, produced by Meyer-Optik Gorlitz in East Germany from around 1960 to 1971 is one of the legacy manual focus lenses that have continuously stayed on enthusiasts' wish lists since the early days of its production. The well-made 6 (non-coated) elements in 4 groups lens with 6 (six) straight aperture blades, acknowledged for its excellent optical performance and unique character, is precedent to the Pentacon Auto 50mm 1:1.8, another legacy lens of well-known repute.
The Meyer Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm 1:1.8 is often described as a 'bokeh monster' with sharp and striking 'soap bubbles' renders and pleasant bokeh effects. The lens has a very close minimum focus distance of 0.33 meters, making it versatile enough for almost all shooting situations, especially in portraiture and macro photography. Other physical characteristics of the lens include a measure of 52mm (diameter) and 48mm (length), a weight of around 220 grams, and a 49mm filter thread.
The lens is, of course, fully manual, meaning that focusing and setting the lens aperture is done manually, as you frame the image in the camera's viewfinder. For cameras with PASM modes, you may want to set the camera for aperture priority mode so the camera will set the shutter speed automatically. You may go further by setting the camera in fully manual mode with manual adjustments to the ISO speed, lens aperture opening, and shutter speed as you see fit.
The Meyer Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm 1:1.8 is available in both M42 or EXA/Exakta mounts. The M42 mount, as used here, is the better version to look for, as it is more universal, with the M42 lens adapter more often available for your camera model. Even at its age, the robust and well-built Oreston can still be found with a glide-smooth focus. You may also find that the lens is available in several iterations throughout its production. Earlier versions had the typical zebra look, with black and silver stripes, while later models are all black.
The lens is well-discussed, with a good following, and enjoys a rating for Sharpness at 9.0, Aberrations at 9.0, Bokeh at 9.2, Handling at 9.4, and Value at 9.2 on PentaxForums.
Shot On A Canon EOS 300D
The following images were shot on an equally vintage Canon EOS 300D (Canon EOS Digital Rebel in the US, Canon EOS Kiss Digital in Japan), one of the first digital SLR cameras with a price point of below US $1000 ($899 without lens, $999 with the "kit" lens) when launched by Canon in 2003. The camera features a 6.3MP CMOS sensor and is the first to be fitted with the EF-S lens mount, a derivative of the EF lens mount for Canon digital SLR cameras with APS-C sensors. While the EF-S mount can be used as well with EF lenses, the reverse is not.
These images were exposed with the camera set to aperture priority, lens aperture set to f8, and exposure compensation at -2/3 stops for better color concentration. Images were tweaked further on the desktop image editor with edits for tone, brightness, and contrast settings.
On the EOS 300D, the focal length of the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm 1:1.8 is equivalent to a 75mm prime on a full-frame camera. Mounted with an M42 lens adapter, the lens is a comfortable and balanced fit, with the lens elements and control just the right distance forward of the camera body. The shooting stance with the camera held to the eye is convenient and natural with the focus and aperture ring between the thumb and middle finger. A lens adapter with a properly fitted AF confirm chip will add to the convenience of using the focus confirmation system of the 300D.
Using the Canon EOS 300D, which is past its twentieth birthday, may come with its own detractors. While many may scoff at the idea of still using the camera in 2024, or in the near 2025, a good copy of the EOS 300D is a good all-rounder starter camera with excellent image edits and could be worth the money you pay.
For the adventurous, or those wanting a low start into the interest, the cost saving of acquiring a fully functional vintage digital SLR camera (maybe a Canon EOS 300D as well), fitted with a legacy lens (in the like of the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Oreston 50mm 1:1.8), can be phenomenal as well as overwhelming.
A Thought On Vintage Digital Cameras And Legacy Lenses
Vintage digital cameras, as we know them, are in the limelight after gaining popularity among enthusiasts who are out for a unique blend of nostalgia, expressing personal creative content, easy affordability, and learning opportunities that appeal to beginners and advanced amateurs alike. These cameras, be it the simple point-and-shoot, superzoom digital bridges, or the ubiquitous digital SLR, are easily available on the market at prices for the asking.
Legacy lenses, a.k.a vintage lenses, are older manual focus lenses designed for interchangeable lens cameras, manufactured mainly for the 35mm SLR film camera era, before the move to the autofocus technology of the 1980s. These lenses are often identified by the unique 'character' of the lens, such as softer focus, distinct bokeh, vintage aesthetics, and other values that appeal to the photographer. Many of these lenses can be easily adapted for use on modern mirrorless and DSLR cameras, albeit with specific adapters for proper fit and functionality, which are easy to find.
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