Carl Zeiss Sonnar 5.8cm f/1.5

Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 5.8cm f/1.5

The Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 5.8cm f/1.5 is a very rare fast Sonnar lens documented for Leica M39 screw-mount use. It should not be confused with the much more common Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 5cm f/1.5, or with the separate rare Sonnar 6cm f/1.5. Leitz Auction lists examples as “Carl Zeiss Jena f. Leica M39 Sonnar 1.5/5.8cm” and describes the lens as a very rare early uncoated Sonnar [1] [2].

The 5.8cm focal length makes this lens an unusual normal-to-short-telephoto Sonnar rather than a standard 50mm lens. Leitz Auction notes that about 500 pieces are known to exist, with starting number around 1407002 [1] [2]. Because of the rarity and the unusual focal length, each copy should be verified carefully by engraving, mount, serial number, rangefinder coupling and optical condition.

This entry covers documented Leica L39 / LTM / M39 screw-mount examples of the Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 5.8cm f/1.5. It should be kept separate from Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 5cm f/1.5 LTM, Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 6cm f/1.5 M39, Contax-mount Sonnar lenses, Jupiter-3 50mm f/1.5 lenses and later conversions unless the listing clearly shows the 5.8cm / 58mm marking and Leica screw mount.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The Sonnar 5.8cm f/1.5 should be understood as a rare early fast Sonnar with classic prewar-style rendering. Its appeal is the combination of a very fast f/1.5 aperture, a slightly longer-than-normal focal length and uncoated optics. Wide open, it should be expected to show vintage contrast, glow and strong subject separation rather than modern high-contrast correction.

Sharpness

No reliable modern bench test was found for this specific 5.8cm M39 version. Performance should be judged copy by copy. A well-preserved and correctly adjusted Sonnar can be strong in the center, but rangefinder calibration, optical condition, haze, cleaning marks and previous servicing are especially important at f/1.5.

Contrast and color

Leitz Auction describes known examples as uncoated [1] [2]. This means contrast will usually be lower than later coated Sonnar lenses, especially in backlight or high-contrast scenes. A hood is recommended for practical use. Cleaning marks and haze can have a large effect on contrast.

Bokeh and transitions

The 58mm focal length and f/1.5 aperture can produce strong subject separation, with a slightly tighter field of view than a 50mm lens. The lens should be described as characterful rather than clinically corrected, especially when used wide open.

Handling

The lens is documented for Leica M39 screw-mount use. It can be used on Leica screw-mount cameras and on Leica M bodies with an L39-to-M adapter. Because 58mm framelines are not standard, framing will usually be approximate when used on rangefinder cameras. The adapter should be recorded as an accessory only, not as part of the lens model.

Digital use

The lens can be used on Leica M digital bodies with a suitable L39-to-M adapter and on mirrorless cameras with suitable adapters. It is uncoded and has no six-bit identification. Rangefinder accuracy should be checked carefully because a fast 58mm f/1.5 lens is demanding on focusing precision.

History

Development and Launch

The Sonnar 5.8cm f/1.5 appears to be an unusual early Carl Zeiss Jena Leica screw-mount Sonnar rather than a regular mass-market lens. Leitz Auction describes it as a very rare early uncoated Sonnar and notes that about 500 pieces are known to exist [1] [2]. The exact production context is not fully documented in public sources.

Production Evolution

No complete production timeline or factory catalogue entry was found. Leitz Auction examples mention starting serial number around 1407002, which is useful for collector identification [1] [2]. Because the lens is rare and may appear in unusual condition or mount histories, serial number and engraving should be recorded whenever visible.

Special Editions/Variants

No commemorative factory special edition is documented. Collector-relevant differences include uncoated examples, front-ring engraving style, missing or absent “Carl Zeiss Jena” engraving on some examples, serial number range, Leica M39 mount and included caps or adapters.

Collector Notes

Collectors should verify the 5.8cm focal-length marking, f/1.5 aperture, Carl Zeiss Jena or Sonnar engraving where present, serial number, Leica L39 / M39 screw mount, rangefinder coupling, infinity focus and optical condition. Important condition checks include haze, fungus, cleaning marks, coating status, separation, stiff focus, aperture function and damaged threads. Do not merge with ordinary 5cm f/1.5 Sonnar entries.

Special editions

No confirmed factory commemorative special edition is currently documented.

Known collector-relevant variants and related versions include:

• Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 1.5/5.8cm for Leica M39, this entry.
• Uncoated early examples, collector-relevant and specifically noted in auction records.
• Examples lacking “Carl Zeiss Jena” engraving, documented in auction descriptions.
• Examples sold with L39-to-M adapter, accessory only.
• Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 5cm f/1.5 LTM, related but separate standard focal length.
• Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 6cm f/1.5 M39, related rare Sonnar-category lens but separate focal length.
• Jupiter-3 50mm f/1.5 M39, Soviet Sonnar-derived lens but separate maker and entry.
• Contax-mount Sonnar 5cm f/1.5 lenses, historically related but not this Leica screw-mount entry.

Sources

• [1] Leitz Auction. Carl Zeiss Jena f. Leica M39 Sonnar 1.5/5.8cm, A02548. https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Carl-Zeiss-Jena-f.-Leica-M39-Sonnar-1.5-5.8cm/A02548
• [2] Leitz Auction. Carl Zeiss Jena f. Leica M39 Sonnar 1.5/5.8cm, AI_41_41025. https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Carl-Zeiss-Jena-f.-Leica-M39-Sonnar-1.5-5.8cm/AI-41-41025
• [3] Leitz Auction. Carl Zeiss Jena f. Leica M39 Sonnar 1.5/5.8cm, AI_39_39800. https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Carl-Zeiss-Jena-f.-Leica-M39-Sonnar-1.5-5.8cm/AI-39-39800
• [4] Leitz Auction. Carl Zeiss Jena f. Leica M39 Sonnar 1.5/5.8cm, AI_20220121_1128_41302. https://www.leitz-auction.com/en/Carl-Zeiss-Jena-f.-Leica-M39-Sonnar-1.5-5.8cm/AI-20220121-1128-41302