Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Biotar 75mm f/1.5 II

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Biotar 75mm f/1.5 II is a classic lens that brings a unique character to your photography while being compatible with the Leica L mount. This lens has been designed to cater to photographers who appreciate both the aesthetic and technical sides of an image. A combination of vintage optical design and modern manufacturing techniques gives this lens its distinctive charm.

Design and Build Quality

The Biotar 75mm f/1.5 II features a robust metal construction that feels sturdy in the hand. The smooth focusing ring, which is nicely damped, allows for precise manual focus adjustments. The lens's compact size and elegant appearance make it an appealing choice for street photography and portrait work alike. However, the lack of weather sealing can be a concern for outdoor photographers in harsh environments.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Biotar 75mm f/1.5 II excels at producing creamy bokeh, thanks to its fast f/1.5 aperture and unique lens design. This aspect makes it a favorite among portrait photographers who want to isolate subjects beautifully. However, the lens can exhibit some softness at wide-open apertures, especially in the corners, which may require stopping down for critical sharpness.

Color and Contrast

The lens produces colors with excellent saturation and a pleasing contrast. It tends to render skin tones naturally, making it a solid choice for portraiture. Some users may notice a slight warm tint to the images, which can be charming, although not everyone's preference. Additionally, flare can be a potential issue when shooting against bright light sources, which may require careful composition to mitigate.

Usability

The Biotar's manual focus operation is smooth and enjoyable, providing an engaging photographic experience. The aperture is set through a clickless design, making it ideal for videographers looking to create seamless transitions in exposure. However, the lack of autofocus could be a drawback for some users, particularly those who are accustomed to modern lenses that include this feature.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unique bokeh quality that enhances portraiture
• Solid build and aesthetic appeal
• Excellent color rendition and saturation
• Clickless aperture for versatile shooting styles, including video

Cons

• Softness at f/1.5, especially in the corners
• Lack of weather sealing
• Manual focus may not suit all photographers

Verdict

The Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Biotar 75mm f/1.5 II for Leica L mount is an exceptional lens that offers photographers a touch of vintage charm combined with modern manufacturing quality. While it has its quirks, particularly regarding its softness at wide apertures and the absence of weather sealing, its beautiful bokeh and color rendition make it a worthy addition to any portrait shooter’s kit. If you appreciate manual focus lenses and the classic aesthetic they provide, this lens might just be the perfect match for your creative vision.