Zunow 50mm f1.1. Early version known as the Pin-pong Zunow. Made by Teikoku Kogaku, engraved Teikoku Kogaku Japan. A historic lens that ignited the domestic race for ultra-fast large-aperture lenses in Japan. Announced in 1953 and released in 1954, designed by Michisaburo Hamano. The aperture has 8 blades, and the helicoid is marked in feet.
This example bears serial number 37xx and features the prominently protruding rear element nicknamed the ping-pong ball.
A lens with a strong and distinctive character at full aperture, demanding great care when handling the large rear element, yet radiating a presence that captivates enthusiasts. The pale bluish coating is beautiful. When used wide open, a dazzling white veil of flare covers the entire frame, though the central area remains delicately defined. Stopping down slightly calms the flare considerably, revealing a sharper, higher-resolution image. The sweet spot lies around the slightly stopped-down range.
A rare and remarkable lens.
Signs of wear and plating deterioration from long years of use and aging are visible across the barrel, giving it a slightly dull appearance. There is also a minor dent on the mount surface, but it has been carefully corrected during the recent overhaul, and there are no functional issues with focusing or rangefinder coupling.
Fully overhauled in October 2025, including major focus adjustment. Initially, this lens suffered from serious front focus and other issues, but with ample time and cost, it underwent a thorough and meticulous restoration. As always, the Ping-pong Zunow never makes it easy! Now the focus accuracy and rangefinder coupling are excellent, and both the aperture and helicoid operations have been dramatically improved.
There are some cleaning marks on the front and rear elements, traces of fungus around the outer edge of the front element, slight separation at the periphery of the middle elements, and mild haze on the rear element’s inner edge. However, considering that many Ping-pong lenses show severe optical deterioration, this example can be regarded as fairly good in glass condition.
Test shots produced excellent results. Sample images are posted in our Test Gallery. Around full aperture, you can fully enjoy the characteristic optical aberrations of the early Ping-pong design. Back in the film era, it must have been a great challenge to predict what the image would look like. Its unique design, concept, and rendering continue to excite the imagination—an unruly masterpiece that shines once again in the digital age.
Comes with rare original front and rear caps and a leather case.
