Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 100 2.8

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 100 2.8 is an underrated portraiture lens that was manufactured in the former German Democratic Republic by the very reputable Meyer-Optik Görlitz company, which was famous for portraiture lenses such as the Trioplan for example. The lens was manufactured in the 1960s and 1970s. Two distinct versions of the Orestor 100 2.8 were produced before the lens was re-branded as the Pentacon 100 2.8.

PROs:

• • • Bokeh
    • Sharpness
    • Ergonomics
    • Contrast

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 100 2.8 is a great lens. It offers a lot of qualities and is still available at a reasonable price. If it was branded Leica or Carl Zeiss if would be much more expensive.

The lens is rather short for a portraiture lens, much smaller than the 100mm Trioplan for instance. In fact it is also rather lightweight when you consider that it is not made out of plastic. This is a great lens to have in case you suddenly feel the urge to switch lenses for some portraiture shots. Actually, when I know I need to deliver good pictures, the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 100 2.8 is one of my go-to lenses.

I really appreciated the handling of the lens. The ergonomics are simple but effective:  one large focusing ring in the middle of the lens barrel and an aperture control. Everything is where it is supposed to be and the handling is therefore straightforward. The feel is also very good – classic, solid and effective. There are no gimmicks that are not required and would distract.

There is the possibility to attach a screw-on lens hood, which I would recommend doing as the lens is a bit flare prone.

CONs:

• • • Availability
    • Flare prone

In terms of performance the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 100 2.8 is one of my favorite portraiture lenses in M42 mount. The only negative (if you really want to be picky) is that the lens is slightly flare prone. Don’t worry it is not super bad – I would simply recommend using a lens shade when you are shooting close to bright light sources, especially when the light is coming from the side.

Another drawback is that the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 100 2.8 is actually not that common. The successor, the Pentacon 100mm 2.8 is much easier to find. You might therefore search for a while before you find a copy. The price is still very reasonable, so I would recommend doing that investment rather soon – the price for classic lenses is constantly rising and it will definitely go up for this little gem.

Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 100 2.8 Versions

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 100 2.8 was manufactured in two different versions. The two versions do differ, not only visually. Personally I would recommend the early Zebra version – it has more aperture blades and isn’t equipped with the obsolete aperture preset setting.

As the Meyer-Optik Görlitz  brand was discontinued, the lens was re-branded as Pentacon 100 2.8.

• Minimum Focusing Distance: 110 cm
• Angle of view: 24°
• Aperture: 2.8 – 22
• Weight: 280gr
• Mounts: M42 & Exa/Exakta
• Made in East Germany

First Version – Zebra style Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 100 2.8

The first version has the classic black and silver zebra stripes. This lens has 15 aperture blades.

• Aperture blades: 15

Second Version – Electric Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 100 2.8

As many other lenses released during the same period, the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 100 2.8 was updated and equipped with an automatic aperture setting. The lens mount is now equipped with a little knob that certain cameras will hit when you take the picture. At that moment the aperture will close to a predefined setting. This is of no advantage if you use the lens on a modern camera with an adapter (as this function will not be provided by the adapter).

The lens has a different coating and now has 6 aperture blades instead of the initial 15.

• Aperture blades: 6