Description
Carl Zeiss Jena Werra 2 is a mid-century design masterpiece — both visually striking and mechanically ingenious. Produced in East Germany between 1957 and 1961, this compact 35mm viewfinder camera is instantly recognizable by its clean, minimalist design and distinctive olive-green finish.
At its core lies the exceptional Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm f/2.8 lens, renowned for its sharpness, contrast, and classic rendering. All the camera’s main controls — aperture (f/2.8–16), focus (0.9m–infinity), and shutter speeds (1s–1/750s + Bulb) — are located around the lens barrel, giving it a unique and streamlined handling experience.
One of the Werra 2’s most innovative features is its twist-to-advance film mechanism, allowing users to wind the film and cock the shutter by rotating the lens base. This clever engineering touch not only simplifies the shooting process but also gives the camera a distinct, tactile charm.
The Werra 2 also features an uncoupled selenium light meter, a manual exposure calculator, and a viewfinder with parallax markings — practical tools housed within a camera that feels more like an art object than a machine. The integrated lens cap doubles as a lens hood, and its compact metal construction makes it light yet durable.
Produced by Carl Zeiss Jena, a name synonymous with optical excellence, the Werra 2 remains one of the most beautifully designed and collectible cameras of its era — a perfect blend of Bauhaus-inspired aesthetics and German precision.
Available now in olive green with the original case and the iconic Tessar 2.8/50 lens — a true classic for both collectors and film enthusiasts.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.