So what's the best Pancolar 50??

Gott23 · Joined: 10 Dec 2018 Posts: 250

As per the title, what's the general consensus as to what is the best version of the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50?

To date I've managed to accrue two early radioactive zebra versions (one "in the post" that's supposedly unmarked, and the other with a tiny touch of fungus, hence the other one being purchased) - a non radioactive zebra version (requiring anaperture fix, but that might get sold as is given I have a working radioactive one), and a later black "electric" model that's lacking the red MC on the front. Going by eBay prices, it seems the later red MC versions attract a higher price than the earlier versions but from what I've tried of the ones I have the radioactive ones are just that bit sharper..

blotafton · Joined: 08 Aug 2013 Posts: 1507 Location: Sweden

My favorite is the radioactive one. Haven't tried the f2 but I got the updated f/1.8 in zebra form. They share the same name but these 3 are actually different lenses optically.
The thorium version has a 3d-look to its images. It's a 6/4 design, while the newer version is 6/5.

Samples: https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=60398074%40N03&sort=date-taken-desc&text=pancolar&view_all=1

papasito · Joined: 09 Jan 2015 Posts: 1658

I had the following 1,8 pancolar

Zebra

Black with MC in red

Black with MC in white and large barrel and warm reflections

Black with MC in white and large and bluish reflections

Black with MC in white and short barrel

My best was the black with white MC and large barrel and bluish reflections