Meyer-Optik's Lydith 30mm f/3.5 — a compact, collectible East German M42 wide-angle prime.
The Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Lydith 30mm f/3.5 is an East German wide-angle prime made in M42 mount from the mid-1960s. Produced by Meyer-Optik of Gorlitz, the Lydith was a compact wide-angle in their line and is a collectible classic among vintage East German lenses.
This is a manual-focus M42 screw-mount lens with a 30mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/3.5. Focus and aperture are set by hand on the barrel, and early Lydiths used a preset aperture. It is a compact all-metal wide-angle. Detailed element and filter figures are not asserted here beyond the verified focal length and aperture.
At 30mm the Lydith gives a moderate wide view for street, travel, landscape and interiors, with good depth of field at f/3.5. It is regarded for good sharpness stopped down and a characterful rendering, and its compact size and the reputation of Meyer-Optik wide-angles make it a sought-after vintage wide for adapted use.
Used copies are collectible and priced above the common standards. Inspect for haze, fungus and cleaning marks, confirm the aperture blades are clean and, on preset versions, the preset ring works, and check focus feel. Verify the M42 mount. An M42 adapter makes it a compact, characterful wide-angle on mirrorless.