Comparison
KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 vs Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8
The KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 is a 50mm f/2.8 M42 lens made 1970s-1990s, valued at $25 to $100 used. The Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is a 50mm f/1.8 M42 lens made 1960s-1990, valued at $20 to $90 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 | Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Native mount | M42 | M42 |
| Production years | 1970s-1990s | 1960s-1990 |
| Optical design | 4 elements / 3 groups, Tessar | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss (Meyer Oreston derivative) |
| Typical used value | $50 | $45 |
| Value range | $25 to $100 | $20 to $90 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount |
What actually differs
- The Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is 1.3 stops faster: f/1.8 against f/2.8.
- The Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $45 against $50, a gap of $5. Ranges: $20 to $90 versus $25 to $100.
- Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 is the older design; production began around 1960 against 1970 for the KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 (1960s-1990 versus 1970s-1990s).
- Both use the M42 mount, so one adapter serves either lens on a mirrorless body.
- Construction differs: 4 elements in 3 groups for the KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8, 6 elements in 5 groups for the Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8.
Which one to buy
On the catalog data the Pentacon auto 50mm f/1.8 wins on the 1.3 stops of extra speed and the $5 lower typical price, and the KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 gives up nothing measurable in return except its own rendering, described below. Condition and variant matter more than the spec sheet at these prices.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.
Full reference pages
Mount references: M42