Contax Zeiss Survival Guide

[Fred Potts]

Yes, the 50mm f1.4 MM I have is really good. Most of that series is brilliant, use them all the time.

Thanks

 

[paul hofseth]

Ad post number 4754,,

Sir,

I do not use my metabones speedbooster adapters for movies, but am vary satisfied with resolution and contrast for landscape photography using my C\Y and Alpa mount optics. The mounts are quite stiff (= exact dimensions) but will loosen up a bit with frequent use.

Regardless of dubious net opinions like mine, given the constructor, mr Caldwells, reputation as optics designer as well as the exact and positive MTF measurements published by the lens-rengtals site, I would not hesistate to use the originals in prefefrence to copies-

p.

 

[Matthew Capowski]

Does anyone use filters with their Contax lenses? In particular, I'm wondering how well promist and lowcon filters play with the Contax lineup. Or have people found that the naked lens already provides enough halation/lowcon that additional filtration isn't necessary?

 

[Miguel Calderon]

Hi Paul,
thanks for your input. I did end up buying the CY-MFT speedbooster Cine version. It was a bit pricey, specially sending it to Spain, but it works for my needs so I'm happy with it!

 

[M Harvey]

Does anyone use filters with their Contax lenses? In particular, I'm wondering how well promist and lowcon filters play with the Contax lineup. Or have people found that the naked lens already provides enough halation/lowcon that additional filtration isn't necessary?

Yes, certainly people do use these types of filters with their Contax lenses. Is it necessary? Only if trying to replicate a particular look. For example, a Contax lens alone won't give you the very prominent halation around light sources, nor will it do what a low con or ultracon do for a sunny, cloudless day. (It'll be closer, though, than if you'd used a Sigma Art lens.) Otherwise, I think it's probably mostly a matter of personal preference.

 

[Francisco Bech]

Would you guys know where can I buy a set of Contaxt Zeiss?

 

[David W. Jones]

I have a set available.

 

[David W. Jones]

As part of my continuing retirement sale, I offer up my set of Zeiss Contax Primes.
It took a long time to assemble this set, but it was well worth it. Providing the look of both Zeiss Standard Speeds, and Zeiss Super Speed cine lenses for a fraction of the cost.
The mounts are all C/Y except for the Flektogon 20mm which has an adapter added. They have step rings added with 80mm outer diameter and 80mm lens caps.
The apertures have not been de-clicked on these lenses, as they will hold a split just fine, and I disliked the idea of adding dampening grease into an area which was never meant to have it.
Focus gears have been added to all lenses by Focus Optics, with the exception of the 45mm and 18mm.
They come with C/Y rear lens caps, as well as Canon EF lens adapters with EF rear lens caps.
They ship in 2 iM2500 Storm Cases, which are carry-on flight sized.
Focus on the 18mm F4.0 is a little stiff, but otherwise all lenses are in great shape for as old as they are.
This lens kit would make a great addition to your arsenal!


Zeiss Contax 18mm f4.0 AEG No Focus Gear
Zeiss Flektogon 20mm f2.8
Zeiss Contax 25mm f2.8 AEG
Zeiss Contax 28mm f2.8 MMJ
Zeiss Contax 28mm f2.0 AEG
Zeiss Contax 35mm f2.8 AEJ
Zeiss Contax 35mm f1.4 AEG
Zeiss Contax 45mm f2.8 MMJ No Focus Gear
Zeiss Contax 50mm f1.4 MMJ
Zeiss Contax 50mm f1.4 AEJ
Zeiss Contax 60mm f2.8 S-Macro AEG
Zeiss Contax 85mm f1.4 AEG
Zeiss Contax 100mm f2.0 MMJ
Zeiss Contax 135mm f2.8 MMJ
Zeiss Contax 200mm f3.5 AEG
Zeiss Contax Mutar I 2X

 

[chris ware]

Hello Everyone!

Just curious what folks think about the 28/2 vs the 28/2.8. I currently have the 2.8 and it's very nice. Is it worth upgrading to the F/2?

thanks!

chris.....

 

[Uli Plank]

Well, the 28mm f2.8 is a great lens with excellent sharpness and perfect for gimbal work and the like.
The f2 is a legend which shares its characteristics with a classic cine lens, see here: https://youtu.be/EUjUxKvXgpw
I wouldn't call it an upgrade, it's rather a stylistic alternative (I own both).

 

[William Long]

If you can afford it, I'd get one. It's a fantastic lens.

 

[chris ware]

Thank you very much!

 

[Josh Birch]

I'm selling a 7 lens set of Zeiss Contax if anyone is interested give me a DM

Carl Zeiss Contax Distagon T* 18mm F4.0 MMJ
Carl Zeiss Contax Distagon T* 25mm F2.8 AEG
Carl Zeiss Contax Distagon T* 28mm F2.8 AEJ
Carl Zeiss Contax Distagon T* 35mm F1.4 AEG
Carl Zeiss Contax Distagon T* 50mm F1.4 AEJ
Carl Zeiss Contax Planar T* 85mm F1.4 AEG
Carl Zeiss Contax Sonar T* 135mm F1.4 AEJ


https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EnECYKLSjcEyDtAcUn1RmIgrrjQK-l8J?usp=sharing

 

[Daniel Ax]

Does anybody own a 100mm 2.8 macro in the MM-Version?
I am currently building an MM-Set and can't find one. I recently found a lens with an 84xxxx serial number which was an AE, it had the ninja star.
I found that very odd, since the MMs usually start in the high 6's of serial numbers. Is there even an MM-Version of this lens, that doesn't have the ninja star?

 

[Tommaso Alvisi]

Does anybody own a 100mm 2.8 macro in the MM-Version?
I am currently building an MM-Set and can't find one. I recently found a lens with an 84xxxx serial number which was an AE, it had the ninja star.
I found that very odd, since the MMs usually start in the high 6's of serial numbers. Is there even an MM-Version of this lens, that doesn't have the ninja star?

Hey Daniel, short answer...no. ;-)

 

[Nick Morrison]

Does anybody own a 100mm 2.8 macro in the MM-Version?
I am currently building an MM-Set and can't find one. I recently found a lens with an 84xxxx serial number which was an AE, it had the ninja star.
I found that very odd, since the MMs usually start in the high 6's of serial numbers. Is there even an MM-Version of this lens, that doesn't have the ninja star?

As Tommaso said, the answer is NO. The Macros were always AE - but it you get some with later serial numbers, presumably the coatings may be newer ie more "MM".

 

[Zack Birlew]

Hey, everybody, I got lucky and happened to get a Contax 35mm 2.8 for a pretty good deal but I'm not too into the ninja star look of the non-MMJ versions and I couldn't remember, did somebody offer replacement apertures or mods to fix this?

 

[William Long]

Hi Nick!

You might need to re-link those opening pages?

Thanks again for this wonderful introduction.

Some of the best of Red user.




..... So you have options. Explore. Research. Find what works for you.


[/FONT][/SIZE]ADDENDUM: WHAT LENSES TO GET?
Almost six months after I wrote this guide, I decided to update it with a quick survey of what lenses to consider - a general overview of the Contax lineup, if you will.

You can skip ahead and read that HERE.


THE CONTAX LENS GUIDE - 2015 EDITION

The most up-to-date guide to almost every Contax lens ever made. My attempt to be as thorough as possible!

READ THAT HERE!!

[/QUOTE]

 

[Takor Arrey]

Hi Nick!

You might need to re-link those opening pages?

Thanks again for this wonderful introduction.

Some of the best of Red user.




..... So you have options. Explore. Research. Find what works for you.


[/FONT][/SIZE]ADDENDUM: WHAT LENSES TO GET?
Almost six months after I wrote this guide, I decided to update it with a quick survey of what lenses to consider - a general overview of the Contax lineup, if you will.

You can skip ahead and read that HERE.


THE CONTAX LENS GUIDE - 2015 EDITION

The most up-to-date guide to almost every Contax lens ever made. My attempt to be as thorough as possible!

READ THAT HERE!!

[/QUOTE]

Hi William, the "read that here" link does'nt open up. Is this an issue from my end? Thanks

 

[Takor Arrey]

Does anyone know if the Contax Zeiss 100 Makro-Planar f/2.8 T* with Serial #7833568 is any good? Is MMJ/AEJ or German AEG or MMG?

It's listed for about $400 and seems to be in excellent condition with an EF adapter. I could use an honest opinion right now.

Thanks in advance.