Fujifilm Cristar 50mm f/2

Fujifilm Cristar 50mm f/2

The Cristar 50mm f/2 is an early Fuji standard lens made in an original collapsible, rangefinder-coupled Leica screw mount. Its six-element, four-group formula and early coating place it before the better-known Fujinon-branded LTM range.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The lens uses six elements in four groups. Its f/2 aperture supports available-light use and selective focus, while contrast and flare resistance depend greatly on the condition of the early coating and internal surfaces.

Handling

The collapsible M39 barrel focuses to approximately 3.5 feet, or 1.07 metres, and couples to the camera rangefinder. Care should be taken before retracting the lens on an adapted digital body.

History

Development and Launch

Published lens data dates the Cristar to 1949, while a documented factory M39 example is described as circa 1950. It belongs to Fuji's earliest interchangeable rangefinder-lens production.

Production Evolution

The documented example has early blue-purple coating and a chrome collapsible barrel. Available evidence does not establish a separate optical generation.

Special Editions/Variants

Small engraving or coating-color differences should remain production variants unless a mechanically different barrel or revised optical formula is documented.

Collector Notes

Original rangefinder coupling, a native M39 mount and Cristar front-ring engraving are important identifiers. Early examples are uncommon and coating condition deserves careful inspection.