Industar 50-2 50mm f/3.5

Industar 50-2 50mm f/3.5 - Good Condition | Standard Prime Lens | Ultra-Compact "Pancake" Russian Tessar Glass

The Industar 50-2 50mm f/3.5 (S/N: 7618542) is one of the most compact and characterful lenses ever produced in the Soviet Union. Based on the legendary four-element Carl Zeiss Tessar optical formula, this "pancake" lens is famous for its diminutive size and impressive central sharpness. Despite its tiny footprint, the Industar 50-2 delivers high-contrast images with a distinct vintage rendering that modern, clinically perfect lenses cannot replicate. Its robust all-metal construction and simple mechanical design have made it a favorite for street photographers and enthusiasts who value a "stealthy" setup. With its universal M42 screw mount, it is easily adaptable to almost any modern digital camera system.

Key Features

• Iconic "Pancake" design—one of the smallest 50mm lenses ever made

• Sharp f/3.5 Tessar-style optical formula for high-contrast, detailed imagery

• Universal M42 screw mount for easy adaptation to mirrorless and DSLR systems

• Robust all-metal and glass construction built for durability and longevity

• Natural 50mm focal length, providing a human-eye perspective

• Precise manual focus ring with a tactile feel for critical focusing

• Seven-blade diaphragm (in many versions) for pleasing out-of-focus highlights

Introductory Paragraph The Industar 50-2 is the ultimate "pocket" prime lens. This specific unit (S/N: 7618542) represents the 50-2 version, which was the standard lens for millions of Zenit SLR cameras, proving its reliability over decades of use. The 50mm focal length is incredibly versatile, acting as a standard lens on full-frame cameras and a perfect portrait lens (75mm equivalent) on APS-C sensors. Because it is so thin, it turns even a bulky camera into a portable street-shooting machine. Whether you are seeking the "Soviet look" with its unique flare and micro-contrast or simply want the smallest possible lens for your daily carry, the Industar 50-2 offers an unbeatable combination of size and character.

Condition Report Good condition. The lens barrel (S/N: 7618542) shows normal signs of light use and minor cosmetic surface wear consistent with its vintage age. The optics are clear, free from fungus, haze, or significant scratches. The manual focus mechanism is smooth and consistent. The aperture ring moves freely, and the diaphragm blades are clean and free of oil. The M42 screw mount threads are in excellent condition, ensuring a secure fit to your camera or adapter.

Specialist Note "The Industar 50-2 is a little giant. What I love about this S/N: 7618542 is that it’s so small you can almost forget it's on the camera, yet the image quality is surprisingly 'punchy.' It has that classic Tessar sharpness in the middle that makes it great for street photography. When you shoot it wide open at f/3.5, it has a lovely, soft fall-off at the edges that gives photos a real sense of depth and nostalgia. It’s a rugged, minimalist tool that proves you don't need a massive piece of glass to take a world-class photograph."

What's Included

• Industar 50-2 50mm f/3.5 Prime Lens (S/N: 7618542)

• Front Lens Cap

• Rear Lens Cap (M42)

Technical Specifications

• Camera Type: Lenses

• Lens Mount: M42 Screw Mount

• Focal Length: 50mm

• Aperture Range: f/3.5 - f/16

• Category: 2. Lenses ▸ Prime Lens

• Filter Size: 35.5mm