Carl Zeiss 13.5cm (135cm) f4.5 Jena Tessar Lens

Carl Zeiss 13.5 cm f/4.5 Jena Tessar Lens

Travel back in time with this legendary East‑German Tessar—a beautifully engineered 4‑element lens famed for its sharp center performance, “eagle‑eye” optical clarity, and slightly softer edges for that vintage character. Often used on 4×5 view cameras and large‑format folders with a Compur shutter, this Jena‑era Tessar conjures nostalgic, textured images with character

Key Specifications

• Focal Length: 13.5 cm (135 mm)

• Maximum Aperture: f/4.5 (uncoated vintage design)

• Optical Design: Classic Tessar – 4 elements in 3 groups renowned for crisp center sharpness

• Format Coverage: Well-suited for 4×5 format (ideal at f/11–f/16); slight edge softness expected 

• Mount & Shutter: Typically fitted in a barrel with a Compur/Deckel shutter; various mounts (including thread/unmounted) available

• Coating: Uncoated (brass or black barrel); greater character, potential for flare and softer micro‑contrast Condition: Pre‑owned; glass clarity varies by seller—check for haze/fungus

• Bokeh & Character: “Soap‑bubble” bokeh, medium‑soft corners; vintage tonal rendering praised by cinematographers