Swiss-made. Kern-Switar 50mm f1.8. Standard lens for Alpa cameras. The city name of Kern's location, Aarau, is engraved on the nameplate. Between 1951 and 1955, 1526 units were produced. It features a 7-element, 5-group Gauss-type design, classified as an apochromat. Minimum focusing distance is approximately 45cm from the front of the lens. It has 15 aperture blades.
It boasts an excellent mirror barrel design with a rhythmic two-tone of black and white. Compared to subsequent Auto-Switar and Macro-Switar lenses, it is lightweight and compact, weighing only 140g. With filter and hood attached, it weighs 173g, and measures approximately 57mm in length from the mount. This size is quite unique.
Comes with a Type A original hood and SL filter. Note that the original plastic rear cap does not securely fit. Consider it as an extra.
There are signs of minor use such as slight abrasions, but there are no dents or aluminum corrosion, and the lens barrel is still quite clean.
It underwent a full overhaul in July 2024. The aperture ring has a nice click feel, and the helicoid extends smoothly with a generous focus throw, resulting in a satisfying operational feel.
There are a few light cleaning marks on the glass and slight deterioration of the coating, but these have minimal effect on image quality. There is no haze, and the lens produces clear and sharp images.
It performed well in practical shooting tests. We would appreciate it if you could visit our sample gallery.
