The Swiss Kern Macro-Switar 50mm f/1.8 was introduced in 1958 and served as the standard lens for Alpa cameras until 1969. Manufactured by Kern, a company specializing in cine lenses, this is one of the few photographic lenses they produced. It features a 5-group, 7-element apochromatic design, with distance markings in feet.
Its outstanding image quality makes it a truly versatile lens, excelling in everything from macro photography to street snapshots. Renowned for its high performance, the Macro-Switar remains popular to this day, delivering a soft yet captivating rendering with a unique, smooth character.
In the 1990s, Aoyama Retina House released an adapter that enabled the Macro-Switar to be used with Leica rangefinder coupling, sparking a major movement among photography enthusiasts. Even in recent years, this remarkable lens continues to be appreciated not only on Alpa and Leica cameras but also on mirrorless systems, expanding its field of use.
Every time our staff conducts test shots, we can’t help but be amazed by the exceptional quality of this legendary lens.
The lens barrel is in very beautiful condition. Apart from some very minor scuff marks on the mount area due to attachment and removal, the black and silver paint remains well-preserved throughout. This condition makes it a suitable piece for collection purposes as well.
It has undergone a full overhaul in February 2025. Thanks to meticulous servicing, the aperture and helicoid operate with a smooth and refined feel. The focusing action remains silky and seamless, even when extending to the closest focusing distance.
There are minor coating imperfections on the rear element and tiny bubble-like separation marks on the cemented surfaces of the rear group. However, these are unlikely to affect image quality in any noticeable way. There are no visible wipe marks, fungus stains, or haze, ensuring a clear and pristine optical condition.
Includes the original front cap and a replica Alpa rear cap.
