The S-Planar 50mm f/4 is a special-purpose lens designed exclusively for close-up photography with the Contarex system. It is a highly specialized lens engineered with an emphasis on performance at close focusing distances, allowing shooting from approximately 15 to 70 cm from the front of the lens.
It features a 4-group, 6-element optical construction.
Only 400 units were produced between 1963 and 1966. This particular black-barrel version was manufactured in 1966. According to the Oberkochen edition of the Zeiss Phone Book, 200 units with a chrome barrel were produced in 1963, followed by 200 units with a black barrel in 1966.
The actual measured weight is 256g. A true rarity.

There are no signs of use, and the lens is in exceptionally beautiful condition — its appearance could easily be described as like-new.
The chrome plating on the flange at the front of the lens shines brilliantly.
Fully overhauled in April 2025, the helicoid ring, which can often become stiff with age, now operates with remarkable smoothness.
Matching its pristine exterior, the optics are also outstanding, showing no wiping marks or haze, with a crystal-clear appearance.
The beautiful purple-toned coating remains firmly intact on all lens surfaces.
This S-Planar delivers the original image quality it was designed for, and the actual shooting results were excellent.
Sample photos are available in our Test Shots Gallery.
As with previous S-Planar lenses we have handled, we were once again amazed by the rendering performance.
The lens comes with its original front cap and a plastic case; notably, the case bears the matching serial number to the lens.
It is a highly recommended piece for collectors as well.