The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 2.8 135 is a good vintage 135mm prime telephoto lens that offers sharp images, a good bokeh and a very solid all metal construction. It was manufactured between 1966 and 1978, after which the Meyer-Optik Görlitz brand was discontinued and re-branded under the name Pentacon. The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 2.8 135 is actually the predecessor of the first version of the Pentacon 2.8 135mm lens (with 15 aperture blades).

Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 2.8 135 Review

PROs:

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 2.8 135 really is a nice telephoto lens. It offers everything you need from this type of lens.

The build quality is superb and well above average compared to other old lenses in that price range. The focusing and aperture settings are ergonomically well placed and the integrated little lens shade rounds up a well balanced lens. The construction is all metal and feels solid as a tank – much better than the later Pentacon 2.8 135mm models.

As most other Meyer-Optik Görlitz lenses, it creates a distinct look and feel. The colours, the great bokeh and the sharpness levels (when stopped down) are pretty good. If you after even more sharpness, have a look at the Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 3.5 135mm.

• • value for money
  • sharp
  • solidly build
  • good bookeh

CONs:

Unfortunately, the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 2.8 135 is a bit on the heavy side. At over half a Kg, it is a bit of weight to carry.

The focusing is very precise, ranging from 150cm to 40m and then infinity. Now on paper that is a good thing if you have time to shoot (e.g.: macro photography) but if you need quick focusing speed that can also be a disadvantage (e.g.: if you are shooting street / candid photography).

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 2.8 135 is also not very simple to find as it has become a bit of a collectors item lately. The price of these lenses has gone up significantly in recent years – as an alternative you could look for the first version of the Pentacon 2.8 135mm with 15 aperture blades, which is essentially the identical lens as the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 2.8 135.

• • heavy
  • slow focusing ring
  • limited availability in good condition

Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 2.8 135 Versions

The Meyer-Optik Görlitz Orestor 2.8 135 was manufactured in M42/Pentax , Praktina and EXA/Exakta mount. Earlier models versions have the typical zebra look (black and silver stripes) while later models have an all black finish.

• Mounts available:
  • M42 / Pentax Mount
  • EXA / Exakta mount
  • Praktina mount
• Made in east Germany
• minimum focusing distance: 150cm
• Lens elements: 5 elements in 4 groups
• Multi Coating: No
• Weight: 515gr
• 15 aperture blades
• Aperture settings: 32 – 22 – 16 – 11 – 8 – 5.6 – 4 – 2.8