Carl Zeiss Jena in the German Democratic Republic (DDR) produced a wide range of optical products. Including cameras, binoculars, microscopes, and notably, camera lenses.
Carl Zeiss Jena was a renowned optical company based in Jena, East Germany (DDR stands for Deutsche Demokratische Republik, or German Democratic Republic, which was the official name of East Germany during the Cold War era).
The company had its roots in the original Carl Zeiss optical company founded by Carl Zeiss in Jena, Germany, in 1846. The original Carl Zeiss company was known for its high-quality optical instruments, including microscopes and camera lenses.
After World War II and the division of Germany, the Zeiss company was split into two separate entities: Carl Zeiss AG in West Germany and Carl Zeiss Jena in East Germany. The latter became part of the state-owned conglomerate VEB (Volkseigener Betrieb) Carl Zeiss Jena.
Carl Zeiss Jena continued the tradition of producing optical instruments, including cameras and lenses. They were known for their high-quality optics, and some of their lenses gained popularity for their excellent performance. One of the well-known lens series produced by Carl Zeiss Jena was the Tessar lens, which was widely used in various cameras.
During the existence of the German Democratic Republic, Carl Zeiss Jena faced challenges due to the political and economic situation in East Germany. The company experienced various changes, and the socialist state controlled economy influenced its production methods and technologies.
With the reunification of Germany in 1990, the situation for Carl Zeiss Jena changed significantly. The company underwent restructuring, and eventually, it integrated parts of itself into the newly reunified Carl Zeiss AG.
The Jena based operations became part of Jenoptik AG, a separate entity from Carl Zeiss AG.
Hence, the name ‘Carl Zeiss Jena’ often links to the historical legacy of optical excellence and the era of divided Germany. Collectors and photographers may still appreciate and seek out vintage Carl Zeiss Jena lenses for their optical quality and historical significance in the world of photography
Some of the notable products and lens series from Carl Zeiss Jena DDR include:
Tessar Lenses: The Tessar lens design was a hallmark of Carl Zeiss Jena lenses. These lenses gained renown for delivering excellent image quality and sharpness. Photographers widely used Tessar lenses in various cameras, including the Praktica series.
Biotar Lenses: Another notable series from CZJ, is renowned for its unique optical formula, often featuring a distinctive swirly bokeh effect. The Biotar design has been influential and continues to be of interest to photographers and lens enthusiasts.
Flektogon Lenses: The Flektogon series included wide-angle lenses known for their optical performance. Photographers used these lenses in various camera systems, appreciating them for their image quality and versatility.
Pancolar lenses: from Carl Zeiss Jena earned a reputation for their fast apertures, making them ideal for low-light photography. They often featured a classic Sonnar optical formula.
Sonnar Lenses: The Sonnar lens design, known for its excellent optical performance and bokeh, was also part of the Carl Zeiss Jena lens lineup. Photographers used Sonnar lenses in several camera models.
Cameras: In addition to lenses, Carl Zeiss Jena produced cameras, including the Contax series. The Contax cameras earned a reputation for their quality build and for employing Carl Zeiss Jena lenses.
I believe that lenses produced by CARL ZEISS JENA are among the absolute best. They attract high demand and, as a result, stand out as some of the most expensive on the market.
As of now (12.2023), finding good deals on the market isn’t easy. Low-priced offers often come with various issues. Conversely, some listings exceed the average value of the past 5/6 years for similar offerings. The demand is high, leading to offers sometimes inflated by up to 25% compared to the average market value.
The two lenses I own are in good condition. There are, of course, better ones available, better maintained but with considerably higher costs. It’s a highly personal choice.
I personally love CZJ lenses, especially the PANCOLAR 50mm. It’s an extraordinary lens: precise, sharp, and detailed. It’s the best among the lenses I own. Actively seek other lenses from the same manufacturer at reasonable prices.
I assess what the market offers and, accordingly, decide what to do.
I will try, within the time constraints, to update this page as I gather more information about the esteemed manufacturer. If interested, follow the website and informative posts.
