Ofunar 5cm f1.9, manufactured by Ofuna Optical. Miranda-dedicated 44mm screw mount. A modified double-Gauss design with 4 groups and 7 elements. The minimum focusing distance is 1.5 feet, approximately 45 cm.
The exterior and optical construction are almost identical to the Zunow 5cm f1.9 made for Miranda. Aside from a slight difference in the knurling pattern at the base, the external characteristics match, including the font used for the engraved markings on the barrel. This example has 10 aperture blades. The later Zunow 50mm f1.9 for the Miranda T uses 12 blades, so this point differs. The filter size is 40.5 mm.
The Offner lens is mentioned in the well-known reference book on vintage lenses, 35mm Old Lens Masterpieces (2) Diagnostic Charts of Old Lenses 50mm f1.9 and 50mm f1.5, and the very lens shown here is the exact specimen illustrated in that publication.
The optical design is attributed to Kenji Kunitomo, formerly of Nippon Kogaku. He is known as one of the engineers at Teikoku Kogaku who worked on the improved flat-type redesign of the Ping-Pong Zunow lens.
Production numbers were extremely limited, making this a highly rare and collectible lens.
An extremely rare lens has returned to our shop. Welcome back!
The condition remains as good as when it was previously sold. There are some relatively deep scratches on the helicoid ring, but overall it still presents quite nicely. No dents or impact marks are visible.
It was overhauled by a professional technician in 2024. The aperture, helicoid, and all other mechanisms continue to operate smoothly.
The front element shows very faint cleaning marks and minor coating wear, but the glass remains quite clean overall.
Sample images have been posted in our Test Shoot Gallery. Its rendering near wide open is characterized by a soft, airy look with a gentle flare. Within that softness, a surprisingly fine level of detail can still be observed. As the lens is stopped down, the character changes dramatically, much like the Zunow f1.1, becoming strikingly sharp as if it were an entirely different lens, with color reproduction improving noticeably as well. Not only is it rare, but it is also a lens that allows for a wide variety of photographic expressions.
Although it does not couple with the rangefinder, a Leica M mount conversion adapter, along with a Walz hood and filter, are included. Enjoy it with live view or on a mirrorless camera.
