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Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8 Biometar Lens

The Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8 is a lens from Carl Zeiss Jena. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8 Biometar Lens

Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8 Biometar Lens

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Lens Overview — Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8

The Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8 Biometar is a vintage medium format lens manufactured during the 1960s, built around the M42 Screw Mount and designed for use with 120 film format cameras. As a manual focus SLR lens from the Carl Zeiss Jena lineage, it represents a distinct era of optical craftsmanship that continues to attract photographers seeking character-rich rendering from vintage glass. The lens operates with no integrated shutter mechanism, meaning shutter control is handled entirely by the camera body.

Flash compatibility is listed as none, keeping the shooting experience straightforward and reliant on ambient or continuous light sources. Weighing in at 230g, the Biometar is a relatively compact option for medium format glass. Its M42 Screw Mount makes it adaptable to a range of modern mirrorless and SLR bodies through widely available third-party adapters, broadening its usability well beyond its original 1960s context.

Whether used on period-correct medium format film cameras with 120 film or adapted for contemporary digital shooting, this lens appeals to collectors and creative photographers alike who value the tactile, manual shooting experience and the distinctive rendering qualities associated with vintage Carl Zeiss Jena optics.

Key Features — Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8

80mm f/2.8 Biometar Optics: A six-element Biometar design delivers the characteristic rendering and contrast associated with Carl Zeiss Jena glass from this era.

Medium Format Image Circle: Designed to cover the 120 film format, providing a large image circle suited to medium format SLR systems.

M42 Screw Mount: Universal screw mount makes this lens adaptable to a wide range of modern mirrorless and SLR bodies via readily available third-party adapters.

Manual Focus Design: Fully manual focus operation gives the photographer direct, tactile control over focus with no electronic dependence.

1960s East German Manufacture: Built by Carl Zeiss Jena in the 1960s, representing a distinct chapter of optical manufacturing with genuine vintage provenance.

Lightweight for Medium Format: At 230g, this lens is notably compact and light for medium format glass, making it comfortable for extended handheld use.

Lens Specifications — Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8

Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Creative Effects
FormatMedium Format
Lens MountM42 Screw Mount
Focus TypeManual Focus

Description — Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8

The Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8 Biometar is a vintage manual focus SLR lens produced during the 1960s, built on the widely adaptable M42 Screw Mount. It is designed for medium format 120 film cameras, giving it a larger image circle suited to medium format SLR bodies of its era. With a focusType of Manual Focus, the Biometar demands a hands-on shooting approach that many photographers find rewarding.

The lens carries no integrated shutter, so shutter timing is fully delegated to the camera body. Flash compatibility is listed as None, keeping the setup straightforward. At 230g, it is a relatively lightweight option within the medium format vintage lens space.

The M42 Screw Mount means this lens can find new life on modern camera systems with the appropriate adapter, making it a compelling choice for both film photographers shooting 120 format and digital shooters drawn to the character of vintage glass.

Pros — Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8

  • ✓Vintage M42 Screw Mount enables broad adapter compatibility with modern camera systems
  • ✓Designed for medium format 120 film, offering a larger image circle suited to medium format SLR bodies
  • ✓Lightweight at 230g for a medium format lens, making it relatively easy to handle

Cons — Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8

  • ✗No integrated shutter — shutter control must come entirely from the camera body
  • ✗No flash compatibility, limiting use with flash-based lighting setups
  • ✗Manual focus only, with no autofocus capability for modern workflows

Videos — Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8

The FINEST Vintage Lenses Ever Made! Seven INCREDIBLE Carl Zeiss Jena Lenses - Tested! — Zenography

Resources & Downloads — Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8

What film format is this lens designed for?+
The Carl Zeiss Jena 80mm f/2.8 Biometar is designed for medium format 120 film. Its filmCompatibility is listed as 120, making it suited for medium format SLR camera bodies.
What mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the M42 Screw Mount. It can be adapted to many modern mirrorless and DSLR cameras using third-party M42 adapters.
Does this lens have a built-in shutter?+
No. The shutterType is listed as None, so all shutter control must be managed by the camera body rather than the lens itself.
When was this lens manufactured?+
According to the specifications, this lens was manufactured between 1960 and 1969, placing it firmly in the vintage category.
How heavy is the Biometar 80mm f/2.8?+
The lens weighs 230g, which is relatively manageable for a medium format lens of its era.
Can this lens be used with flash?+
Flash compatibility is listed as None for this lens, so it is not designed for use with flash systems.

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