diff --git a/fdroidserver/common.py b/fdroidserver/common.py
index 3111d1bb..06284898 100644
--- a/fdroidserver/common.py
+++ b/fdroidserver/common.py
@@ -1256,7 +1256,7 @@ class vcs_git(vcs):
     def gotorevisionx(self, rev):
         if not os.path.exists(self.local):
             # Brand new checkout
-            p = self.git(['clone', '--', self.remote, str(self.local)])
+            p = self.git(['clone', '--filter=blob:none', '--', self.remote, str(self.local)])
             if p.returncode != 0:
                 self.clone_failed = True
                 raise VCSException("Git clone failed", p.output)