Kristall Krinar Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 (Collapsible)

Kristall Krinar Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 (Collapsible)

The Krinar Anastigmat 50mm f/3.5 is a rare collapsible standard lens supplied for the Italian Kristall rangefinder system. Its compact chrome barrel, Leica-compatible screw mount and coupled focusing place it among the uncommon European alternatives to the contemporary Elmar.

Optical Qualities

Published lens references describe a four-element, three-group construction and classify the design as Elmar- or Tessar-type. The 50mm focal length provides a natural standard-lens perspective on 35mm film. Results from surviving examples depend strongly on coating, haze and optical condition.

History

The Krinar was supplied with Kristall Leica-copy cameras made in Italy by Chinaglia Domenico. Auction documentation dates surviving examples to the early 1950s, while camera references associate the retractable Krinar with the Kristall 53. Original examples are uncommon outside complete camera outfits.

Handling

The lens collapses into the camera body for compact storage and extends for photography. It focuses to approximately 1 metre and is mechanically coupled to the camera rangefinder. The exact filter attachment specification is not consistently documented and is therefore left open.

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 bodies with a suitable adapter. As with any collapsible lens, body clearance should be checked before retracting it on a digital camera.

Sources

• Leitz Photographica Auction, Kristall Krinar Anastigmat 3.5/50mm
• LENS-DB, AFIOM Kristall 53