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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

@Ben: How is the Camdiox focal reducer? I read a few reviews where it was the worst of the bunch. Still looking for something that fits my 18mm.

@Phil: The Metabones SpeedBooster doesn't fit the 18mm, neither does the Lens Turbo.
 
Ben Scott said:
Works on my nice inexpensive dumb Camdiox focal reducer. I offloaded my Metabones Speedbooster ages ago because it didn't work with a few Contax lenses.
Click to expand...

Which is, I think, why Brian Caldwell designed the latest Metabones C/Y Speed Booster ULTRA...
 
My CY lenses are all Canon mount modded sadly and I had the EF Speedbooster, and still it didn't like some of them and got in the way of the iris actuation pin and I didn't want to take a dremel to a 30 year old lens just because of one adapter.
 
Was it the EF mount which interfered with the Speed Booster elements? I've not yet found a Contax lens which interferes with the Metabones C/Y to E-Mount Speed Booster though there are probably one or two which do and it seems that the new ULTRA may overcome this issue. Expensive though but I guess, given the Metabones remarkable specs and it's ability to restore the FF lens' original FoV to a S-35 sensor, for me, it's a no brainer.

BTW, all the best for your Auto shoot coming up Ben. Looking forward to some pretty pix...
 
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I can confirm the 18mm works on the Metabones Speedbooster... let me clarify that that is on the GH4:

 
I used it for all of this (meaning almost all contax lenses on that speedbooster, mostly uncolorcorrected):

















 
Craig J Marshall said:
BTW, all the best for your Auto shoot coming up Ben. Looking forward to some pretty pix...
Click to expand...

Thanks Craig.

I have an all-Contax slomo beer shoot tomorrow then the fun car one at the weekend. Will report back :)

Jeffrey those shots look great!
 
Anyone looking for a 21mm? This one, described at 'near mint' just listed from Japan: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Contax-Zeis...-from-JAPAN-/191715199774?hash=item2ca31dcb1e

DSC_0079_zpsbskh97re.jpg


There's also a 15mm f/3.5 listed, also described as 'near mint' here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161857584072?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

s-l1600.jpg


and also from Japan, a nice 18mm f/4.0 also described as 'near mint: http://www.ebay.com/itm/171968007526?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

s-l1600.jpg
 
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Has anyone had experience ordering from Japan. Good or bad? I am just a little skeptical but the listings all look pretty legitimate. I have seen a few good looking posts for Contax lenses. In the market for an 18mm
 
I've bought all my Contax primes unseen on ebay, mainly from Europe and my last three zooms from Japan. Every item has been received 'as described' but my latest lenses from Japan have exceeded the seller's descriptions. In my case, their 'excellent' rating would be my 'mint' rating. As a very successful ebay 'Power Seller' for over ten years now, I recommend buyers parley with seller first - the quicker the response generally indicates a better seller.
 
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Yes and I you can imagine how astounded I was after searching all over the world to pick up my 21 only a month or two ago from a seller just up the road! And at half the going rate too...
 
That would be a lucky find. I have compiled my set from local listings and been able to inspect them before the purchase. I admit that I paid top dollar for a couple of them but if you factor in the unknown and the cost of shipping its worth it. Plus the Contax glass has increased its value over the last couple years. I will definitely take closer look at some of those listing from Japan.
Thanks Craig
 
I purchased nearly all of my Contax lenses (14 in all) from either Japan, Korea or Hong Kong, and all have met or exceeded the description. It seems those cultures value and take care of their glass.
 
Thanks Vance .. I will definitely look to round out my set and get an 18mm from Japan or else where. I didn't realize buying from those countries was this popular.
cheers.
 
Craig J Marshall said:
Anyone looking for a 21mm? This one, described at 'near mint' just listed from Japan: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Contax-Zeis...-from-JAPAN-/191715199774?hash=item2ca31dcb1e

DSC_0079_zpsbskh97re.jpg


There's also a 15mm f/3.5 listed, also described as 'near mint' here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161857584072?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

s-l1600.jpg


and also from Japan, a nice 18mm f/4.0 also described as 'near mint: http://www.ebay.com/itm/171968007526?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

s-l1600.jpg
Click to expand...

For crying out loud!

That is all I need, for my wife to come in and see me looking at lens porn. :ihih:
 
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