Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II

Sony E

Review

The Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II is a beautiful lens that carries with it a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship, making it a unique addition to the Sony E mount lineup. Known for its distinct rendering and character, this lens is particularly appealing to photographers who appreciate a classic aesthetic in their images.

Design and Build Quality

The Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II features a compact and lightweight design, a notable trait for a lens with this focal length and maximum aperture. It's crafted with high-quality materials that feel sturdy in the hands while still being lightweight enough for prolonged shooting. The focus ring has a smooth and slightly dampened action, which allows for precise manual focusing — an indispensable feature for achieving that expertly blurred background or dreamy bokeh that this lens is famous for.

Optics and Performance

Optically, the Primoplan delivers stunning results with a uniquely soft focus that is well-suited for portraiture and creative photography. At f/1.9, the lens produces a shallow depth of field, and when stopped down, it maintains excellent sharpness across the frame, making it versatile for various shooting conditions. However, it’s worth noting that the lens can exhibit some vignetting and chromatic aberration, particularly at wider apertures, which may require correction in post-processing depending on your preferences.

Bokeh Quality

One of the standout features of the Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II is its remarkable bokeh. The lens is designed with a unique optical formula that creates an aesthetically pleasing background blur, allowing subjects to pop out in a striking way. Photographers who prioritize artistic rendering will find this lens excels in creating that dreamlike quality.

Compatibility and Usability

Designed for Sony E mount cameras, the Primoplan can easily be adapted for use on other mirrorless systems with appropriate adapters, though it really shines in its intended ecosystem. It’s essential to highlight that this is a manual focus lens, which may not be ideal for all shooters, especially those who rely heavily on autofocus for their style of work.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautifully crafted with a lightweight and compact design
• Unique bokeh that enhances portrait and creative photography
• Excellent build quality with smooth manual focusing
• Produces a soft yet sharp image when stopped down

Cons

• Some vignetting and chromatic aberration at wider apertures
• Manual focus only may limit usability for some photographers
• Requires careful handling to achieve optimal results, particularly in fast-paced scenarios

Verdict

In conclusion, the Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 II stands out as a distinctive lens that caters to the artistic photographer. Its beautiful bokeh, solid build, and unique character make it a joy to work with, despite its manual focus limitation and optical quirks. If you embrace the creativity that comes with manual shooting and seek a lens that offers a different perspective on portraiture, the Primoplan is certainly worth considering for your Sony E mount.