Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 105mm f/2.8

Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 105mm f/2.8

The Trioplan 105mm f/2.8 is a rare prewar short telephoto made in an original coupled Leica screw mount. It combines a simple triplet formula with a dedicated focusing barrel, placing a distinctive Meyer portrait lens directly on LTM rangefinder cameras.

Optical Qualities

The Trioplan name denotes a three-element, three-group Cooke-type triplet. At 105mm, the lens offers strong subject separation and a compressed portrait perspective. Wide-open rendering can be lower in contrast with pronounced out-of-focus highlights, while stopping down generally improves definition. Condition varies greatly among surviving uncoated examples.

History

Leitz auction documentation dates the original rangefinder-coupled M39 version to the 1930s. Early 105mm f/2.8 Trioplans are substantially rarer than the later and better-known 100mm versions made for reflex cameras.

Handling

The lens focuses through its own rangefinder-coupled helicoid. A separate 105mm finder is recommended on cameras without a suitable telephoto frame. Reliable minimum-focus, filter and diaphragm specifications for this exact LTM barrel are not consistently documented and are left open.

Compatibility

The documented factory version uses the Leica thread mount, also known as LTM or M39, and is rangefinder coupled. It mounts directly on compatible screw-mount cameras and can be adapted to Leica M with a suitable adapter.

Sources

• Leitz Photographica Auction, Meyer Görlitz Trioplan 2.8/10.5cm
• JAPB, Meyer-Optik Görlitz lens families and Trioplan construction