Hugo Meyer Görlitz Primoplan 50mm f/1.9 – Original Leica Screw Mount
Manufactured in 1934, this rare Primoplan features a 4-group, 5-element modified Ernostar-type optical design and a 12-blade aperture. The focusing scale is in meters, with a minimum focusing distance of 1 meter. It weighs approximately 240g.
The Primoplan 50mm f/1.9 is the youngest sibling in Hugo Meyer’s so-called Mushroom Triplets, alongside the Makro-Plasmat 35mm f/2.7 and Makro-Plasmat 50mm f/2.7. While the earlier two lenses were produced in both nickel and chrome finishes, the Primoplan 50mm f/1.9 appears to exist only in chrome, as far as we know. With a relatively short production period and limited output, it is among the rarest of Hugo Meyer’s Leica-thread-mount lenses.
In 1934, pricing reflected each lens's relative speed: the Kino-Plasmat 50mm f/1.5 was priced at 200 Reichsmarks for both Leica and Contax mounts; the Makro-Plasmat 50mm f/2.7 was 105 RM; and this Primoplan 50mm f/1.9 was set at 135 RM — a clear indicator of its place in the lineup.
While not included with this item, the original hood shared the same trumpet-shaped design as those for the Makro-Plasmat 35mm and 50mm, and was paired with a leather front cap. These accessories, too, are exceptionally hard to find today.
A true rarity.
The collapsible barrel shows some light scuff marks, but there are no noticeable dings or significant damage — overall, it remains in good cosmetic condition.
Fully overhauled in April 2025. The aperture and focusing rings, which are often stiff on Hugo Meyer lenses, now operate very smoothly. The front element has some minor cleaning marks, but nothing that should affect actual image quality. For a Primoplan 50mm, the glass is in quite clean condition.
As is typical with these lenses, the infinity mark slightly overshoots when the helicoid is turned, but both the rangefinder patch and actual focus align perfectly when set at true infinity. Rangefinder coupling is accurate.
Included is a beautifully crafted, one-off custom lens hood made by the previous owner. Since Hugo Meyer lenses often use non-standard thread sizes and pitch, this is a particularly welcome and practical accessory.
