Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 105mm f/4.5

Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan 105mm f/4.5

This early Trioplan is a factory rangefinder-coupled Leica screw-mount short telephoto. Its three-element, three-group construction and moderate f/4.5 aperture prioritize simplicity and compactness over high speed.

Optical qualities

Rendering

The lens uses a classic three-element, three-group triplet formula. At f/4.5 it is intended for practical daylight photography, with rendering and contrast strongly influenced by coating status, internal reflections and the condition of the surviving glass.

Handling

The native coupled M39 barrel focuses to approximately 1.5 metres. Its moderate aperture makes rangefinder focusing less demanding than with very fast portrait lenses, while the 105mm focal length still benefits from careful camera and lens calibration.

History

Development and Launch

A documented original Leica M39 example dates to 1934. It belongs to Hugo Meyer's prewar Trioplan family and was supplied as a complete coupled focusing lens.

Production Evolution

The black and nickel finish is documented for the factory M39 version. The available evidence does not establish a later optical redesign for this exact 105mm f/4.5 profile.

Special Editions/Variants

Accessories such as period filters and hoods may survive with individual lenses. They do not define separate lens variants.

Collector Notes

Correct rangefinder coupling and a native barrel are important identifiers because Trioplan optical cells were also used in shutters and other camera mounts.