Enna Ennaston 85mm f/1.5

Enna Ennaston 85mm f/1.5

The Enna Ennaston 85mm f/1.5 is a rare German short telephoto made in an original Leica screw-mount rangefinder barrel. Its unusually fast aperture, coupled focusing and substantial metal construction make it one of the more distinctive independent portrait lenses of the 1950s.

Optical Qualities

Published references agree that the lens uses six elements, but disagree on whether they are arranged in four or five groups. The group count is therefore intentionally left open. The 85mm focal length provides a classic portrait perspective, while the f/1.5 maximum aperture supports selective focus and low-light photography. Results vary with coating and optical condition.

History

Enna-Werk München produced the Ennaston during the post-war expansion of the German photographic industry. Auction documentation records an original rangefinder-coupled M39 example from approximately 1956. The name was used alongside related Ennalyt and Lithagon SII lenses, but this profile is limited to lenses engraved Ennaston.

Handling

The lens uses a dedicated focusing barrel mechanically coupled to the camera rangefinder. Its fast 85mm optics make it larger and heavier than typical standard lenses. Reliable LTM-specific minimum-focus, filter and diaphragm specifications are not established consistently enough to enter without qualification.

Compatibility

Original examples use the Leica thread mount, also known as LTM or M39. They can be mounted directly on compatible screw-mount rangefinders and used on Leica M cameras with a suitable adapter. An external 85mm finder may be useful on camera bodies without matching framelines.

Sources

• OstLicht Auction, Enna Werk München M39 Ennaston 1.5/85mm
• AllPhotoLenses, Enna Werk München Ennaston 85mm f/1.5