| Author: | | Veteran Member Registered: October, 2011 Location: Mystery Bay, NSW Posts: 4,111
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 31, 2015 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | sharp after 5.6, handles flare well, cheap and easy to acquire | | Cons: | soft wide open, blurry edges | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 8
Value: 8
Camera Used: k-s2 and k-50
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The internet suggests this lens has a pretty bad reputation. To be honest the only reason it's in my arsenal is because I had purchased it thinking it was a Diaplan. Was a little horrified at the time when I realised my mistake, as I'd paid close to $50 AUD for it, after exchange rate and some exorbitant shipping. So really, giving it the Singles In treatment was the only way I could justify my mistake.
I made a point of doing some research, and had read some reviews before I started using it, so was prepared for softness wide open, purple fringing, and washing out if shooting into direct sunlight. But also knew based on those reviews that dropping the aperture would help. So most of the time I made a point of shooting at 5.6 or more and just raising iso. I figured with state of the art k-s2 and k-50 you couldn't really go wrong, and if nothing else, modern day technology would really help with isolating issues with old lenses like this.
As you can see in some of the shots I showed this month, the Domiplan can definitely render sharp images on the k-s2.
The Leaf on Tarmac by wolfie_girl, on Flickr
It can render beautiful portraits.
It can also make starbursts:
 Starbursts through the gloaming by wolfie_girl, on Flickr
And handles flare surprisingly well, turning the light into an overall wash.
I also found in general that the lens was sharp in the middle with a slight swirl or softness/streaking on the edges, which I didn't mind for portraits or artistic focus, but others may struggle with, especially if you are looking for sharpness from edge to edge.
The mfd is also quite long, which makes it a bit of a downer at 50mm. I meant to try some extension tubes, but never got around to it. I did however attach a +2 lens and enjoyed the chance to shoot closer.
The hidden elephant by wolfie_girl, on Flickr
I should also note this is a m42 mount with the pin. Mine came already glued down, but if yours doesn't, you will need to do something about it, in order to ensure it stays pressed down. otherwise the lens will remain wide open.
So, what do I think of the Domiplan? I think it probably deserves its rating here of 7 or so.
I think that overall, if you play to the Domiplan's strengths, stopped down, it will reward you with some lovely shots. Cheap and cheerful, it shouldn't cost you the bank (unless you make a mistake like me), and using it in the right conditions will result in some lovely shots.
| | | | | | | Junior Member Registered: February, 2009 Location: Ireland Posts: 31
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 2, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $10.00
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | Cheap | | Cons: | Not really well built | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 5
Value: 8
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The old Domiplan was quite divisive in its day and that was caused by it being a budget kit lens on E.German cameras - it wasn't that great, but copy variation made it appear worse to some people. I was lucky enough to get one which was at the better end of the spectrum, so they are out there.
Of course, an APS-C sensor doesn't show the edge aberrations which were the subject of most of the criticism on film, so bear that in mind.
All pics taken on K10D
xroads-looking-east by Lensosaurus, on Flickr
water-lid-and-stone by Lensosaurus, on Flickr
rusty-corry-roof by Lensosaurus, on Flickr
number-27-has-crashed by Lensosaurus, on Flickr
broken-byre-and-gate by Lensosaurus, on Flickr
broken-byre-1 by Lensosaurus, on Flickr
| | | | | New Member Registered: November, 2016 Posts: 7
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 17, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $35.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Unique characteristics | | Cons: | none | | Sharpness: 5
Aberrations: 6
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 8
Value: 9
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If you are looking for a sharp lens, skip this one. However, if you are looking for a lens with loads of character, get this one. The lens is cheap in build quality and price, but it renders images with unique characteristics like bokeh that seems to jump in your face. With these characteristics, and low price, everyone should try it out.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: August, 2009 Location: Wandering the Streets Posts: 1,411
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 17, 2018 | Recommended | Price: $20.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Light, no auto/manual switch, a very nice triplet | | Cons: | Perhaps build quality but mine seems to be decently built. | | Sharpness: 9
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: Honeywell Pentax H1A
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I was actually quite surprised when I noticed that this lens was reviewed here. I was even more surprised when I saw how low the overall rating was, especially since mine has been a superb lens overall.
I use several different formats and am a real sucker for triplet lenses on medium and large format. So, I guess it is no surprise that I went looking for a triplet to use with 35mm film.
This Domiplan 50/2.8 in M42 mount is what I found. The price was certainly right so I took the plunge. I mean, even if it doesn't work really that well, $20 really isn't a huge loss.
But my experience with the Domiplan has been the mirror of most of my experiences with the triplets I have used on other film formats. It is a superb performer within its niche and it does exactly what I ask of it. It certainly is not a Cooke Series XVa Triplet lens but it definitely didn't cost as much as one of those lenses do either.
For starters, with a maximum aperture of only f/2.8 this really isn't exactly a low light lens, so I don't try to use it in really low light scenarios. However, like most triplets, it can produce a decent result while wide open if you do your part and focus properly.
Where this lens really shines is from f/5.6 on, and it is really nice at f/8. Of course this really isn't a great surprise since most lenses seem to do their best when set at least two stops from wide open.
I scored this lens fairly high on the sharpness scale since it does quite well within its aperture sweet spot between f/5.6 to f/11. I have attached a photo I took for the fun of it that really demonstrates this sharpness. Of course, no lens is at its best if you are not focusing it properly and my little Pentax H1A does a really nice job of focusing. It does have a tendency to flare if you are not careful so I do use a lens hood, which everyone really should.
Now there may have been some issues with quality control at the factory with these lenses, I can't say because mine has been wonderful. I feel bad for those of you who received lenses that did not perform well but I am certainly thrilled with mine. I have noticed though that a lot of the reviews here seem to be from users who are using the lens on their digital cameras. I haven't personally tried that but it does seem to work great with film.
I love the rendering of a triplet lens and this wonderful little lens has provided that look for me in 35mm. I certainly recommend it for anyone who feels the need for something a little different.
Here is a little sample from my lens. If you look closely you can count the threads in that flag. That is pretty good performance in my book.
I recently picked up a really nice set of extension tubes for about $20 off the buy and sell page on this forum. So that will be my next adventure. I wonder how well this lens will perform at macro distances? What the heck...a macro for $40. How can you go wrong...right??
| | | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: September, 2013 Location: Cuenca Posts: 644
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: May 20, 2017 | Not Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 1 |
| Pros: | cheap | | Cons: | very poor resolution | | Sharpness: 1
Handling: 4
Value: 1
Camera Used: Sony Alpha a850
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I have a sizable collection of m42 lenses, about three dozen. I've been collecting and using them for years. I bought this quite awhile ago when I wanted to check out German glass. I liked the artistic rendering and color in some images I had seen that were taken with German lenses. I wasn't happy with the Domiplan when I got it and put it away. Just recently, I decided to revisit it using my 24 Mpx Sony Alpha a850. Resolution at infinity was horrible. Close up was perhaps acceptable, but I don't want a lens on my camera that has such a severe limitation. I tossed it in the trash and ordered a CZJ Tessar 50mm f2.8 lens to replace it.
| | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2013 Location: Jakarta Posts: 2
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 15, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $40.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | vintage color rendering, price | | Cons: | need flanged adapter, sharpness at f2.8 | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 6
Value: 8
Camera Used: K5
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as far i know there are two type of MOG Domiplan, first marked as Q1 and the other is non-Q1. The Q1 type has more vintage color rendering than non-Q1.
no A/M switch of my M42 mount lens must use flanged adapter for hold the pin on the back for adjust aperture blades on digital body camera
here are the samples images:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/roe_groho/sets/72157648655203655/ | | | | | Senior Member Registered: April, 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 211
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 3, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $20.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp, smooth focus ring, Meyer Optik | | Cons: | Can miss focus or difficult to focus | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 8
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 9
Value: 9
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Perhaps my copy is good, but I get great pictures with this lens. Focusing is a bit difficult and takes some time, hence not suitable for action, but once focus is achieved, it produces sharp pictures and colour rendering is impressive.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: December, 2012 Posts: 94
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 29, 2012 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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Image quality filming
 | | | | | New Member Registered: February, 2019 Posts: 15 | | Review Date: March 28, 2023 | Not Recommended | Price: $5.00
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | f8 and F11 give best imaging | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 6
Aberrations: 6
Bokeh: 6
Handling: 10
Value: 7
Camera Used: Film and full frame digital
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A very neat and small lens. Not for infinity work - but can reach infinity well at F8 and F11 - but not horrible at around ten yards and getting better for closer work across the aperture range. About 30-35 inches is as close as you'll get. It is a cheap and cheerful lens that is well made and can provide good images and some photographic fun in a limited range of conditions.
It is a basic three-glass design that makes it close-to-good at F8 and onto F11 but problematic at any other F-stop. F5.6 can also be fair in some shooting scenarios, but it is soft and fuzzy below F8 - with a lot of edge blur and distortions. Above F8 gives some distortions but less edge blur. Accept this and you won't be disappointed.
Bokeh? Swirl? Below F5.6 and my lens was really ordinary with distortions that were not visually attractive or "buttery" or "bubbly" or whatever other often-repeated comparative words people may use to describe nice look backgrounds. F2.8 was generating something fair, but nothing special.
there is no auto/manual button. It is only auto with a rear pin.
The only real frustration with this lens is that it has tiny diameter glass - like the Zeiss Tessar - so it lets in little light and makes use on an SLR a bit dark and difficult to focus; even if you open up the iris and then turn it down again before shooting. Any marks or scratches are also more damaging on such tiny glass pieces. This is important because the front glass seems very easy to mark, scratch, and damage.
You may also find the aperture mechanics are ridiculously complicated and may stick at F16/F22, or even play up through the whole aperture range. Fixing it is fiddly, faffy, and often consumes hours with no better end result. I think it's just another piece of kit that struggles to deal with the passing of time very well.
| | | | | New Member Registered: May, 2021 Posts: 15 | | Review Date: October 10, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $5.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Unique, Bokeh | | Cons: | Sharpness, minimum focus distance, focus throw, small | | Sharpness: 6
Aberrations: 6
Bokeh: 7
Handling: 6
Value: 9
Camera Used: Sony A7III
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This is a very interesting little lens. If you're looking for sharpness, you should avoid this one. If you're looking for a lens that is different from all other vintage 50mm's, this should be your lens of choice!
I did a little video test with this lens:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0klC7okXNhk | | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2020 Posts: 4 | | Review Date: October 16, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $40.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Unique character | | Cons: | MFD narrow focus ring | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 7
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 7
Value: 8
Camera Used: k-01
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To begin with...never expect Takumar nor Tessar results from this lens 
I got this lens in near mint appearance. It's really amazing how some people preserve things; to think that this lens is half a century old.
I have always been intrigued of how triplets and non-coated glass work. When I got my copy the first thing I noticed was the weight. This is by far the lightest lens I have ever had. Construction is metal but on the fragile side if I may say so. Focusing is silky smooth but the focus ring is so narrow and very near the aperture ring that I some times focus with the focus ring and aperture ring simultaneously.
As for the images it gives...you can get sharp output if you nail the focus. Images lack contrast but easily enhanced via PP or left as such to retain a vintage feel. One gets a bonus of bubble bokeh with this lens though. I had to look twice to realize there were outlines in the bokeh balls of my images. The images this lens produces has a character so unique to its own.
If you come across this lens and set your expectations on getting a half-century old lens with a very outdated optic formula; go get it. You will be rewarded with lovely surprises in your photos. Besides...the lens looks way cooooool also 
 | | | | | New Member Registered: March, 2020 Posts: 1 | | Review Date: September 5, 2020 | Recommended | Price: $12.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Nice Character, bubbles and swirly Bokeh!!! | | Cons: | Nothing | | Sharpness: 7
Aberrations: 9
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 9
Value: 10
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Hi, I've got the Lens which is very similar to the one above from charity shop in mint condition, I've done many test on the lens, it's very light, all metal, the focus is smooth and the aperture is responsive. Don't expect tak sharpness but sharp enough and loads of swirly bubbles, I was surprised how nice images this lens can render and gives different feeling and over all character. I liked very much and I compared it to the Tessar 50mm f2.8 lens, despite the Tessar is away sharper than the Domiplan but you'll get bubbles, character and swirls. at least from my copy. I uploaded images all taken wide open.
  
[IMG] [/IMG] | | | | | New Member Registered: September, 2019 Posts: 8 | | Review Date: September 18, 2019 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 10
Aberrations: 10
Bokeh: 10
Handling: 10
Value: 10
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This is Great Lens ... Very Sharp with Beautifull Bokeh and special character.
| | | | | New Member Registered: January, 2017 Posts: 19 | | Review Date: January 14, 2017 | Not Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 6 |
| Pros: | | | Cons: | | | Sharpness: 6
Aberrations: 6
Bokeh: 8
Handling: 4
Value: 6
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Sometimes I make lenses of my own and this particular lens was almost like one of them - very soft with dream-like fog caused by aberration faults. Stopping down didn't help too much. Still I kind of liked using it because it's like a small puppy 
Overall, it produced the worst image quality I have seen so far.
PS. My copy was labeled "Pentaflex" and really wasn't as sharp as in other reviewer's photos.
PPS. I got another Domiplan, this time a genuine Meyer-Optik Görliz. The lenses were dirty and there were fungus, which I cleaned but didn't get all off, and there are even some scratches... anyhow, it seems like a totally different lens to Pentaflex, being much sharper and this time there are no fog. I'll have to change my rating.... Beware of the Pentaflex.
| | | | | New Member Registered: November, 2013 Posts: 14 | | Review Date: March 22, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $30.00
| Rating: 7 |
| Pros: | in center very sharp, contrast ok | | Cons: | in the edges CA's and not s sharp | | Sharpness: 8
Aberrations: 6
Bokeh: 9
Handling: 9
Value: 10
Camera Used: pentax k-5, K-S1, k200, spotm.
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It wasn't my best lens.Really. I sold it, because of weak sharpness in the edges and border CA's. (perhaps bad justage?)
++ very good sharpness in center 9 points, 
O/+ sharpness in the edges only 7 points, medium 8 points
++ no center CAs
O/+ CAs in the edges? yes
recommendation? yes for micro 4/3.
it has no achromate therein. only 3/3 elerments. 
my Zeiss tessar 2,8/50 is better: because of 4/3 elements
if you shan't stop down the aperture to 8-11, sharpness wouldn't increase and CA's shouldn't be reduced - afterwards it could be a good lens for APS-C. . Not for full frame ! - That's the reason for so different recommendations.
Not for big posters, because of weak sharpness in the edges, for pictures 9x13cm to 13x18cm still sufficient.
(Changed review). i suppose, evaluation between 6 and 8 points are okay, never 1 and never 10 points !
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