An Unusual Biotar 58mm f/2 Lens

[doubs43]

One of the most common normal lenses found on Pentacon/Praktica and Exakta cameras coming out of East Germany was the 58mm f/2 Biotar. Almost all will be found to be marked "Carl Zeiss Jena" and "Biotar" or "Jena" and "B". The former was used before trademark restrictions went into effect and continued for distribution to those countries that allowed it. The second set of markings will be found on lenses destined to be sold in the countries restricting the former markings.

Today I received an unusual M42 mount Biotar in that the name ring says "C. Z. Jena" "1:2 F - 58mm". My initial thought was that it was produced during the period when restrictions on the "Carl Zeiss" and "Biotar" trademarks were in effect. The focus ring was very stiff so I removed the name ring to remove the front lens group and under the ring was the obviously original ring with "Carl Zeiss" and "Biotar" crudely ground off. Now I think these lenses were set to go to the West when the trademark restrictions first forced Carl Zeiss Jena to remove the restricted markings. Seeing how ugly the name rings were with the grinding, they hurriedly made up new rings that were screwed in over the original rings. That's my theory, anyway. I also think that few will be found like this, making them something of a collector's item. Subsequent production will have name rings with the usual markings.

I was able to restore the focus to new-like smoothness and the glass is perfect. Cosmetically the lens is at least 95%. I want it to use on my DSLR where it becomes effectively an 87mm lens that should be great for portraits.

BTW, a 58mm Biotar sold on ebay a few days ago for $290!!! It's like new but IMO that's insanity. Mine is seen below. All of the internal markings match the serial number on the original (defaced) ring.



Walker

[burkea96]

I recently purchased a camera marked M-X (a re-labeled Praktica as it turns out) at a garage sale simply because I was fascinated by it and wanted to know its history. I found your article very helpful and it turns out the lens appears to be identical to the one you described.

This particular one is serial number 61158. I don't have the tools to remove the name ring but believe it will have identically the same markings (ground off) as the one you described.

I am not a collector of Prakticas (more a Nikon enthusiast)and would like to get this to someone who is. The camera is S/N 135153. Andy Burke

[philbirch]

Very interesting subject. Thanks.

[Stephen]

I seem to remember the issue was important on the lenses sent to the US, where the trade mark infringement case was heard. With Zeiss broken up into East and West, the Carl Zeiss trademark was worth a lot to both camps.
Quite a few of the lenses were identified by US customers who were unhappy to find the altered ring still on the lens. Zeiss did this to save re collimation of the lenses, which would have been needed if disassembled It was easier to add the new outer ring. I think entire batches of Exakta fit lenses had to be altered.

Stephen.