Canon Serenar 85mm f/2 II

Canon Serenar 85mm f/2 II

The Canon Serenar 85mm f/2 II is the second documented version of Canon’s early fast portrait lens for Leica screw-mount rangefinder cameras. Canon introduced Version II in September 1951, replacing the original Serenar 85mm f/2 I that had appeared in January 1948 [1] [2].

Version II retains the six-element, four-group optical construction, 1.07-metre minimum focusing distance, f/16 minimum aperture and 48mm filter fitting of the earlier lens. Its most clearly documented specification difference is weight. Canon records 615 grams for Version II, compared with 556 grams for Version I [1] [2]. This makes the revised lens one of the heavier 85mm rangefinder lenses of its period.

The lens was produced in Leica L39 / LTM / M39 screw mount and is rangefinder-coupled. Its substantial chrome-finished barrel, long focusing movement and f/2 maximum aperture place it among Canon’s early premium telephoto lenses. An external 85mm finder was commonly used for accurate framing on screw-mount cameras without suitable built-in framelines.

This entry covers the officially designated Serenar 85mm f/2 II. It should remain separate from the Serenar 85mm f/2 I, Serenar 85mm f/1.9, Serenar 85mm f/1.5 and later Canon 85mm f/1.8 lenses. Finders, hoods, cases, caps and L39-to-M adapters are accessories and do not constitute separate lens versions.

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Optical qualities

Rendering

The Serenar 85mm f/2 II combines a portrait-oriented focal length with a relatively fast f/2 maximum aperture. Its six-element, four-group design provides meaningful subject separation and a rendering style associated with early postwar Japanese rangefinder optics.

At full aperture, surviving examples can show gentler contrast and softer transitions than later Canon telephoto lenses. Stopping down generally improves contrast, definition and consistency across the image. The precise result depends strongly on the condition and calibration of the individual lens.

Sharpness

No standardized modern test specific to Version II was found. The optical formula is officially listed as six elements in four groups, matching Version I [1] [2]. A clean and correctly adjusted example should provide useful central detail at f/2, with improved clarity after stopping down.

Performance differences between surviving copies may be caused by haze, cleaning marks, element separation, coating wear, optical misalignment or inaccurate rangefinder coupling. These factors should be considered before drawing conclusions about the design itself.

Contrast and color

The Serenar belongs to Canon’s coated postwar lens generation, although Canon’s specification page does not document the exact coating process. Contrast remains strongly dependent on optical cleanliness and coating condition.

A suitable hood is recommended. Strong side light or backlight may produce veiling flare, particularly when internal haze or front-element cleaning marks are present.

Bokeh and transitions

An 85mm focal length combined with an f/2 maximum aperture provides substantial background separation at portrait distances. The lens can produce smooth transitions between focused and defocused areas, although the exact appearance of highlights depends on aperture setting, subject distance and diaphragm construction.

Canon does not provide an official diaphragm-blade count for either Version I or Version II. Because published third-party figures are inconsistent, the blade count should remain unconfirmed until established from a clearly documented Version II example.

Distortion and vignetting

No reliable measured distortion figures were found specifically for Version II. Visible corner falloff can be expected at maximum aperture and should reduce as the lens is stopped down. For portrait use, distortion is generally less significant than focus accuracy, flare and optical condition.

Handling

The lens focuses to approximately 1.07 metres and uses a 48mm filter fitting [2]. Its 615-gram weight gives it a notably substantial feel on compact screw-mount cameras.

Accurate rangefinder calibration is important at f/2. The long focusing movement can support precise adjustment, but the combination of focal length and aperture places greater demands on the camera’s rangefinder than a slower normal lens.

An external 85mm optical finder is useful for framing. Original finders, hoods, caps and leather cases increase completeness and collector interest, but should be recorded as accessories.

Digital use

The lens can be mounted on Leica M bodies with an L39-to-M adapter and on mirrorless cameras with suitable adapters. It has no six-bit coding or electronic communication.

On a digital rangefinder, the lens and adapter should be checked for accurate infinity focus and rangefinder coupling. Mirrorless live-view focusing avoids coupling errors and provides a practical way to assess wide-open performance.

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History

Development and Launch

Canon introduced the first Serenar 85mm f/2 in January 1948 as an early fast short-telephoto lens for its postwar rangefinder system [1]. Version II followed in September 1951 [2].

The revised lens appeared during a period in which Canon was rapidly expanding its screw-mount lens range. Fast 85mm lenses were important prestige products because they combined portrait capability, low-light performance and demanding optical design.

Production Evolution

Canon officially distinguishes the two generations as:

• Serenar 85mm f/2 I, marketed January 1948 and weighing 556 grams.
• Serenar 85mm f/2 II, marketed September 1951 and weighing 615 grams.

Both versions use six elements in four groups, focus to 1.07 metres and accept 48mm filters [1] [2]. The increased weight indicates a revised mechanical construction, although Canon does not publish detailed barrel dimensions or a complete explanation of the mechanical changes.

Version II was followed by other fast Canon 85mm lenses, including the Serenar 85mm f/1.9 and the premium 85mm f/1.5. These later lenses should not be treated as further versions of the 85mm f/2 because they have different apertures, model identities and collector markets.

Special Editions/Variants

No commemorative factory special edition is documented.

Collector-relevant variations may include:

• Different Canon Camera Co. front-ring engravings
• Minor focusing-scale and barrel-marking differences
• Feet-only or combined distance scales
• Original 85mm finder sets
• Matching hood, leather case and caps
• Sets later supplied with an L39-to-M adapter

These differences should be recorded per copy but do not automatically require separate lens entries.

Collector Notes

Collectors should first distinguish Version II from Version I. Canon’s official specifications establish Version II as the September 1951 revision weighing 615 grams [2]. Barrel appearance, serial number and measured weight can all assist with identification.

Condition checks should include internal haze, fungus, coating damage, element separation, cleaning marks, oily diaphragm blades, stiff focusing grease and damage to the screw mount. The heavy barrel should also be checked for impact damage or looseness.

The external 85mm finder should be assessed separately. Finder haze, fungus, separation or damaged mounting feet can affect both usability and set value.

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Special editions

No confirmed factory commemorative special edition is documented.

Known collector-relevant versions and related lenses include:

• Canon Serenar 85mm f/2 II, introduced in September 1951, this entry.
• Canon Serenar 85mm f/2 I, introduced in January 1948, separate earlier entry.
• Version II examples supplied with an original 85mm optical finder.
• Complete sets with hood, leather case and matching caps.
• Examples sold with an L39-to-M adapter, accessory only.
• Canon Serenar 85mm f/1.9, faster and optically separate lens.
• Canon Serenar 85mm f/1.5, premium fast lens with a separate design.
• Canon 85mm f/1.8, later and considerably lighter Canon-branded model.

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Sources

• [1] Canon Camera Museum. Serenar 85mm f/2 I. https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/s25.html
• [2] Canon Camera Museum. Serenar 85mm f/2 II. https://global.canon/en/c-museum/product/s26.html
• [3] The Lens DB. Canon Serenar 85mm f/2 II. https://thelensdb.com/lenses/canon-serenar-85mm-f2-ii-1951
• [4] Lens-DB. Serenar 85mm f/2 II LSM. https://lens-db.com/serenar-85mm-f2-ii-lsm-1951/