The Carl Zeiss Jena 20mm f2.8 Flektogon MC - Lens Info
The Carl Zeiss Jena 20mm f2.8 Flektogon MC
The Carl Zeiss Jena 20mm f2.8 Flektogon MC is a legendary wide-angle lens, highly regarded for its optical performance and distinctive character. Originally designed in East Germany by Carl Zeiss Jena, the Flektogon series was developed during the mid-20th century as part of Zeiss’s effort to create high-quality lenses for Pentacon and Praktica cameras. The 20mm f2.8 version, introduced in the 1970s, was one of the most advanced ultra-wide-angle lenses of its time, competing with Western counterparts while maintaining a distinct Zeiss optical philosophy. Despite being produced behind the Iron Curtain, the Flektogon gained a strong reputation worldwide, making its way into the hands of photographers who valued its exceptional sharpness and unique rendering.
LENS SPECS
Release Date: 1977
Format: 35mm
Mount: M42
Filter: 67mm
Aperture Blades: 6
Aperture Range: 2.8 - 22
Min Focus Distance: 0.19m
Weight 350g
Weather Sealing: No
Optical Design: 9 elements in 9 groups
APS-C Conversion Approx.: 32mm
Gear Shots
Designed for landscape, architectural, and even environmental portrait photography, its 20mm focal length provides a broad perspective, making it an excellent choice for capturing expansive scenes with rich detail. The fast f2.8 aperture ensures solid low-light performance and allows for creative depth-of-field control, something not commonly associated with ultra-wide lenses.
One of the standout aspects of the Carl Zeiss Jena 20mm f2.8 Flektogon MC is its advanced retrofocus optical design, which consists of nine elements in nine groups. This distagon-type construction allows for a short focal length while maintaining a longer back focus distance, making it compatible with SLR cameras. Carl Zeiss’s Multi-Coating (MC) technology enhances contrast, reduces glare, and minimizes reflections, resulting in sharp, vibrant images with excellent color reproduction. The MC version was released around 1977 and the non MC version was released a decade earlier around 1967. The Flektogon is also known for its exceptional close-focusing ability, with a minimum focusing distance of just 19cm / 7.4” a rare feature for a wide-angle lens that enables dramatic near-macro perspectives. While some natural vignetting blury edges and slight distortion may be present, particularly at f2.8, stopping down to f5.6-f8 delivers a lot better edge-to-edge sharpness, making it a top choice for landscape and architectural photography. At the time of its release, this optical design was highly innovative, cementing the Flektogon’s reputation as one of the finest wide-angle lenses of its era. Today, it remains a favorite among vintage lens enthusiasts, valued for its sharpness, color rendition, and unique character.
Beyond its optical strengths, the build quality of the Flektogon is robust and compact, embodying the durability that vintage lenses are known for. The all-metal construction and smooth manual focus ring make it a pleasure to use, offering precise focusing for both photography and video work. While it requires manual operation, many photographers appreciate the tactile control and artistic engagement that this lens provides.
For those who enjoy vintage lenses, the Flektogon is not just a tool but a collector’s item, admired for both its historical significance and optical excellence. Whether you’re looking for a unique rendering style or a reliable wide-angle performer, the Carl Zeiss Jena 20mm f2.8 Flektogon MC remains a sought-after choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
