Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 50mm f/1.9 (Collapsible)

Meyer-Optik Görlitz Primoplan 50mm f/1.9 (Collapsible)

The Primoplan 50mm f/1.9 is an exceptionally rare pre-war Meyer normal lens in a collapsible, rangefinder-coupled Leica thread mount. Its five-element, four-group design is housed in a chrome barrel with a ten-blade diaphragm.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The Primoplan formula uses five elements in four groups and derives from the Ernostar family. At wider apertures it is associated with gentle contrast, visible aberration character and pronounced background separation. Stopping down improves definition while the ten-blade iris keeps highlights comparatively rounded.

Handling

The collapsible barrel reduces carrying length and the coupled LTM mechanism supports direct rangefinder focusing. Verified figures for minimum focus, filter size and exterior dimensions have not been established, so those specifications remain blank. Retraction should only be attempted after confirming camera-body clearance.

History

Development and Launch

An experimental pre-series Leica screw example is documented from 1934, while reference catalogues place the production LSM version from about 1935. Only very small numbers are known.

Production Evolution

The coupled collapsible 50mm lens predates the much more familiar rigid 58mm Primoplan made for SLR systems. Those later lenses share the design family but are not the same mechanical profile.

Special Editions/Variants

The pre-series example lacks the two aperture adjustment pins found on the standard production barrel. This mechanical detail is treated as production evolution rather than a separate lens identity.

Collector Notes

Original coupled LTM construction, collapsibility and chrome finish are decisive identification points. The soft front glass found in many examples makes cleaning marks and surface condition especially important.