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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Contax Zeiss Survival Guide

True that, i will use rods from now on.
Since there where no focus pulling during the shoots, i didn't have a problem with flex. And i shoot without matte box after lunch so i think the lens (28 2,8) made it without any damage.
To bad the lenses aint strong enough though since i just bought this beautiful 80mm fronts from Cordvision.

By the way im really pleased with the performance of the lens, it was the first commercial shoot i'v used them on and they where great.
 
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the 80mm fronts are still useful with a bellows back... ;)

do you guys experience some *very minimal* image shift when changing direction of focus with some of your lenses?
 
Yes. Even if these are some of the best, they are still lenses after all.
 
Tommaso Alvisi said:
the 80mm fronts are still useful with a bellows back... ;)

do you guys experience some *very minimal* image shift when changing direction of focus with some of your lenses?
Click to expand...

In my experience, having any screw on adapter will create the potential for "image shift", as all these adapters generally have some degree of play in them. I've definitely noticed my lenses "bump" or "shift" a smidge as we've focused....because the adapters just weren't attached firmly enough. As the adapters wiggled and moved, so did the lenses (a bit).

But having our lenses LEITAXED has been a MAJOR IMPROVEMENT. These shifts are almost invisible, if not completely absent. Having the lenses locked into the EOS mount firmly like this w/out any play has become a must for us now.

Another fantastic solution is the All-Star mount, very firm connections with those adapters as well.
 
if you check out my reels most of the close up stuff was shot on the 100. Its one of my favorite lenses of all time.
 
I just received the 35-70 and 25 2.8 from KEH. These are my first contax lenses, and I am very excited to get some shots. They are so small, but very well built. My leitax mounts are on the way, as well as 77mm step up rings plus front and rear caps which did not come with the lenses.
 
Brandon Kelly said:
I just received the 35-70 and 25 2.8 from KEH. These are my first contax lenses, and I am very excited to get some shots. They are so small, but very well built. My leitax mounts are on the way, as well as 77mm step up rings plus front and rear caps which did not come with the lenses.
Click to expand...

Nice way to start! That 35-70 is THE SHIT.

Consider getting the CORDVISION fronts, they are fantastic.
 
Nick Morrison said:
But having our lenses LEITAXED has been a MAJOR IMPROVEMENT. These shifts are almost invisible, if not completely absent.
Click to expand...

Thanks Nick, I meant inside the barrel, not caused by the mount, I have leitaxed all my AEs during the years, but some have minor image shift, like the 85mm SS for example.
This (somewhat weak mechs) and breathing are the ONLY 2 things that are constantly (at least 4-5 times each year) pushing me towards proper cine lenses...
I mean, I know its bad to say, but I find the Zeiss ZF/ZE MUCH better built and my ZEs don't do that, they are "tight" and smooth at the same time...perfect...
it seems the C/Y lenses are a little more loose, especially AEs, MM are better but stiffer.
 
Tommaso Alvisi said:
I have leitaxed all my AEs during the years, but some have minor image shift, like the 85mm SS for example.
This (somewhat weak mechs) and breathing are the ONLY 2 things that are constantly (at least 4-5 times each year) pushing me towards proper cine lenses...
I mean, I know its bad to say, but I find the Zeiss ZF/ZE MUCH better built and my ZEs don't do that, they are "tight" and smooth at the same time...perfect...
it seems the C/Y lenses are a little more loose, especially AEs, MM are better but stiffer.
Click to expand...

My 85 AE has no image shift at all.
Even the 50 1.7 AE wich is to my eyes the weakest AE lens in term of mecanic and plastic build,
doesn't show image shift.
Using a cinemodz mount, wich mean no locking system like the canon mount.
Now breathing is another story thought.
B.
 
Brice Ansel said:
My 85 AE has no image shift at all.
Even the 50 1.7 AE wich is to my eyes the weakest AE lens in term of mecanic and plastic build,
doesn't show image shift.
Using a cinemodz mount, wich mean no locking system like the canon mount.
Now breathing is another story thought.
B.
Click to expand...

Image shift has never come up for us, then agan we mostly do interviews and b-roll, almost never narrative, so we don't do enough fast paced focusing to probably notice.

Contax just seem to be super well built, and make pretty pictures that don't look made by a computer.
 
Please keep in mind that many of these lenses are up to 28 years old and may have been used more or less constantly. Wear and tear should be a factor in differences regarding image shift.

Even cine lenses need regular maintenance…

For those located in Europe I can recommend an excellent lens technician (still lenses only) here in Germany who even get's lens sent to him by Zeiss themselves if they are models the manufacturer doesn't service an more: http://www.classic-fototechnik.de

(No relationship other than being a satisfied customer)
 
Nick Morrison said:
Hey guys, here's an Army Wives "Dr.Scholls" branded spot starring Brooke Shields and other members of the AW cast. Shot on a Scarlet, and...of course...some Contax Zeiss glass (the 85mm "Super Speed"). Enjoy.

Click to expand...

Lovely stuff Nick. Really shows what these things are capable of.

In other news I'm absolutely shattered after being DoP on a promo for 'next big thing' singer-songwriter Nadine Shah yesterday in a seedy pub in Brixton, London.

Very little budget. Lit with 2 F&V r300 LED ringlights, one £30 korean CFL softbox and 2 x Arri 800s

600Gb of R3d footage from it. All shot on old Contax Zeiss lenses apart from one shot on a Tokina 11-16mm and two shots on an old Tamron macro.

A lot of cricket/locusts being released which required a horrific cleanup operation.
Britain's first post-op transgender woman.
An old actor who was in the 60s Hammer House of Horror film 'Witchfinder General'
A hell of a lot of seedy drunk people all trying to be on camera.
Having to do 10 trips loading the gear from the 2nd floor of the pub though the busy bar having an 'anarchist feminist' gig night.. Don't ask...
My calves seizing up once I got home from filming all day
My lower back killing today from the handheld stuff

But to be honest it's some of the best stuff I have ever shot and it was mainly on the 28-85, 35 2.8 and 50 1.7. I think one setup used the 25 2.8 as well.

Will post clips as soon as I've cut it.


Promo Shoot BTS by Soma Pics, on Flickr


Promo Shoot BTS by Soma Pics, on Flickr


Promo Shoot BTS by Soma Pics, on Flickr
 
Have other people had problems unscrewing the screws to attach the Leitax mount. I seem to press all I can while turning, but it is practically impossible to turn the screws before the screwdriver grinds the notch. It's my first attempt to convert at 35mm f2.8 MMJ Contax lens.
 
I've not Leitaxed yet so can't be of assistance.

Just wondered if people had any follow focus preferences for working with Contax lenses? On my promo shoot I ended up taking off the FF and doing it by hand...
 
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