Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 58mm f/1.9 II

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 58mm f/1.9 II is a fascinating lens that combines vintage charm with modern quality. Designed for the Leica L mount, this lens appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate character and uniqueness in their photography. Its sleek design and solid build exude a classic feel, allowing users to indulge in the nostalgia of old-school optics while benefiting from contemporary improvements.

Design and Build Quality

The lens features a sturdy metal construction with a beautiful finish that not only looks stunning but feels durable in hand. The manual focus ring has a smooth and buttery action, allowing for precise focusing, which is essential when working with a wide aperture like f/1.9. The lens is compact and relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry around for extended shooting sessions.

Optical Performance

The optical quality of the Primoplan 58mm f/1.9 II is commendable, delivering sharp images across a variety of apertures. Wide open at f/1.9, the lens produces a beautiful, dreamy bokeh that many photographers and videographers crave. This characteristic can be particularly charming in portrait photography, where the subject can stand out against a wonderfully blurred background.

That said, one must be mindful of chromatic aberration and some soft corners when shooting wide open, especially in high-contrast scenes. As you stop down, the performance improves significantly, rendering crisp details and maintaining sharpness even at the edges. Color rendition is pleasing, with a warm tone that adds to the vintage aesthetic.

Usability and Compatibility

Being a manual focus lens, it requires a bit of practice, especially for those used to autofocus systems. However, it pairs smoothly with modern Leica L mount cameras, leveraging focus peaking and magnification features to ease the manual focusing process. The lens can be great for creative control, allowing photographers to craft images with a distinct artistic touch.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautifully crafted with a vintage aesthetic.
• Excellent bokeh and character in images.
• Sharpness improves significantly when stopped down.
• Compatible with modern focus aids on Leica L mount cameras.

Cons

• Manual focus may be challenging for those accustomed to autofocus.
• Some chromatic aberration and soft corners at wide open aperture.
• Limited use in fast-paced photography scenarios.

Verdict

The Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 58mm f/1.9 II is a lens that beautifully marries the nostalgia of classic optics with the demands of modern photography. If you enjoy manual focusing and are looking for a lens that offers gorgeous bokeh and character, this could be the perfect addition to your gear. Nonetheless, its quirks and manual operation may require a bit of adjustment for those used to the convenience of autofocus. Overall, it stands out as a unique option for Leica L mount users who want to infuse their work with a touch of vintage elegance.