I am not sure when I began thinking about acquiring a vintage lens to use with my Fuji X cameras, but once their was thought, there was obsession. And so began the quest to find a Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50/1.8 lens. What I really wanted was the Trioplan 100/2.8 with its distinctive soap bubble bokeh, but the price was more than I really wanted to pay. So I settled.
While searching Ebay and KEH for the Oreston, I decided to take a quick check of my local Craigslist and to my surprise I saw the exact same lens I was searching attached to an old Praktica for sale in the next town over for $20. I texted the seller, met the seller, and had a new lens to play with.
Fortunately I already owned a M42 to Fuji X adapter and had the immediate gratification of being able to try the Oreston once I brought the lens home.
So how does the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50/1.8 perform?
![]( "Fuji X-E1 with Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50/1.8")
![]( "Fuji X-E1 with Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50/1.8")
![]( "Fuji X-T1 with Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50/1.8")
![]( "Fuji X-T1 with Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50/1.8")
![]( "Fuji X-E1 with Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50/1.8")
![]( "Fuji X-T1 with Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50/1.8")
![]( "Fuji X-T1 with Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50/1.8")
While searching Ebay and KEH for the Oreston, I decided to take a quick check of my local Craigslist and to my surprise I saw the exact same lens I was searching attached to an old Praktica for sale in the next town over for $20. I texted the seller, met the seller, and had a new lens to play with.
 |
| That was then.... |
Fortunately I already owned a M42 to Fuji X adapter and had the immediate gratification of being able to try the Oreston once I brought the lens home.
 |
| ....and this is now! |
Bokeh
Harsh, abstract, and crazy, the perfect contrast to the creamy bokeh of my Fujinon lenses.
Macro
The Oreston 50mm close focuses to about 12 inches. While it is not labeled as a macro lens, the Oreston 50 has decent macro capabilities. Combined with its unusual bokeh, this optic will serve as my "art" lens.
Sharpness
While the Oreston 50 in no way comes close to my Fujinon lenses, stopped down it displays reasonable sharpness.
Flare
Lots of it! Embrace it! Why use Instagram retro-style filters when you can get it directly using a 40+ year old retro lens!
Conclusion
The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm f1.8 is an enjoyable lens with interesting character and is a wonderful addition to any lens collection. I approve...especially at $20!