Contax Zeiss Survival Guide

[Nick Morrison]

Congrats Nick - Scarlet or Epic?

I'm really close to confirming a job that will pay for the Epic upgrade in one go, which obviously I am massively excited about.

Scarlet. With plan to upgrade to Dragon afterwards.

 

[David W. Jones]

For those interested, I thought I'd give you first crack before posting in the marketplace.

I am considering selling my Zeiss Contax lens set as a whole. You guys know how hard it is trying to assemble an entire kit of these lenses, especially when the market has dried up and you just can't find them.

Here is what I have.

Zeiss 18mm f4.0 AEG No Gear
Zeiss 20mm f2.8, Flektogon Geared
Zeiss 25mm f2.8 AEG Geared
Zeiss 28mm f2.0 AEG Temp Gear
Zeiss 28mm f2.8 MMJ Geared
Zeiss 35mm f1.4 AEG Temp Gear
Zeiss 35mm f2.8 AEJ Geared
Zeiss 45mm f2.8 MMJ No Gear
Zeiss 50mm f1.4 MMJ Geared
Zeiss 50mm f1.4 AEJ Temp Gear
Zeiss 60mm f2.8 Macro AEG Full Length Geared
Zeiss 85mm f1.4 AEG Geared
Zeiss 100mm f2.0 MMJ No Gear
Zeiss 135mm f2.8 MMJ Geared
Zeiss 200mm f3.5 AEG Temp Gear
Zeiss Mutar I 2X

Most of the lenses were serviced and had focus gears installed by Focus Optics. A few of the lenses still need focus gears added, as I have been too busy to send off, so temp gears have been added. They have inexpensive 80mm hard fronts, and inexpensive C/Y to EF adapters. They are not declicked, as Contax lenses will hold a iris split, and I didn't see the need. They cover Full Frame, and will get you 95% of the way to delivering both the famous Zeiss Super Speed, and Standard Speed looks from this one well rounded kit for a fraction of the cost.

I will not break up this set, and will entertain offers if you are so inclined.

This is the set you have been looking for! Pimp mode over...

I'll post photos later.

Thanks!

Dave

 

[Tom Greenberg]

For those interested, I thought I'd give you first crack before posting in the marketplace.

I am considering selling my Zeiss Contax lens set as a whole. You guys know how hard it is trying to assemble an entire kit of these lenses, especially when the market has dried up and you just can't find them.

Here is what I have.

Zeiss 18mm f4.0
Zeiss 20mm f2.8, Flektogon
Zeiss 25mm f2.8
Zeiss 28mm f2.0
Zeiss 28mm f2.8
Zeiss 35mm f1.4
Zeiss 35mm f2.8
Zeiss 45mm f2.8
Zeiss 50mm f1.4 MM
Zeiss 50mm f1.4 AE
Zeiss 60mm f2.8 Macro
Zeiss 85mm f1.4
Zeiss 100mm f2.0
Zeiss 135mm f2.8
Zeiss 200mm f3.5
Zeiss Mutar I 2X

This is the set you have been looking for!

I'll post photos later.

Thanks!
Dave

That's a very attractive set, Dave! Someone should jump on it! As you point out, it's very hard and time consuming to build up a set like this (it has taken me over a year to build a similar set). And just out of curiosity, what are you planning on getting to replace the Contax?

Good luck with your sale!

 

[David W. Jones]

This may sound stupid, but first priority is better camera support, so something along the lines of an O'Connor Ultimate 2060 or 2065.

 

[Tom Greenberg]

This may sound stupid, but first priority is better camera support, so something along the lines of an O'Connor Ultimate 2060 or 2065.

Yeah, I can see that...I have one of those in my future too (or maybe a 1030DS)...although for now my Millers do a pretty good job. The O'Connors are just SO damn expensive...

 

[David W. Jones]

Yes they are very expensive!

Probably also putting my Cooke 20-100mm & Duclos 11-16mm up for sale as well.

 

[Ben Scott]

That is some collection to be offloading!

I've watched that clip before Nick, but didn't realise it was the 28. I'm in. Want want want. Nice piece too

 

[David W. Jones]

Some of my most favorite shots have been with the 28/2.0 Hollywood. And you can get in really close with it giving you that yummy bokeh.

 

[Samir Patel]

So tempting but must save up for Epic upgrade

 

[David W. Jones]

Or perhaps I might entice you with the wondrous look of a Cooke Speed Panchro S3 18mm, in Arri S mount with PL adapter. Perfect to round off your set and ship to Van Diemen for rehousing. :biggrin:

 

[Brice Ansel]

For those interested, I thought I'd give you first crack before posting in the marketplace.

I am considering selling my Zeiss Contax lens set as a whole. You guys know how hard it is trying to assemble an entire kit of these lenses, especially when the market has dried up and you just can't find them.

Here is what I have.

Zeiss 18mm f4.0 AEG No Gear
Zeiss 20mm f2.8, Flektogon Geared
Zeiss 25mm f2.8 AEG Geared
Zeiss 28mm f2.0 AEG Temp Gear
Zeiss 28mm f2.8 MMJ Geared
Zeiss 35mm f1.4 AEG Temp Gear
Zeiss 35mm f2.8 AEJ Geared
Zeiss 45mm f2.8 MMJ No Gear
Zeiss 50mm f1.4 MMJ Geared
Zeiss 50mm f1.4 AEJ Temp Gear
Zeiss 60mm f2.8 Macro AEG Full Length Geared
Zeiss 85mm f1.4 AEG Geared
Zeiss 100mm f2.0 MMJ No Gear
Zeiss 135mm f2.8 MMJ Geared
Zeiss 200mm f3.5 AEG Temp Gear
Zeiss Mutar I 2X

Most of the lenses were serviced and had focus gears installed by Focus Optics. A few of the lenses still need focus gears added, as I have been too busy to send off, so temp gears have been added. They have inexpensive 80mm hard fronts, and inexpensive C/Y to EF adapters. They are not declicked, as Contax lenses will hold a iris split, and I didn't see the need. They cover Full Frame, and will get you 95% of the way to delivering both the famous Zeiss Super Speed, and Standard Speed looks from this one well rounded kit for a fraction of the cost.

I will not break up this set, and will entertain offers if you are so inclined.

This is the set you have been looking for! Pimp mode over...

I'll post photos later.

Thanks!

Dave

Nice set of lenses.

Looks like I'll be joining the RED "family" pretty soon myself (with my OWN camera at home). Can't wait to start posting EVEN more Contax samples too!

Ha ha ha this thread is gona to explode.
Yes to more samples.

60AE@2Kws-300FPS-F8-1/600

Cheers.
B.

 

[Nick Morrison]

60AE@2Kws-300FPS-F8-1/600

Cheers.
B.

Brice, these pics are OFF THE FUCKING CHAIN. Love the Bokeh.

 

[Brice Ansel]

I tend to overpush the bokeh and high lights those last month.
C.Z Contax are my friends.
B.

 

[Matthew Robertson]

Man I am really thinking about selling my 25mm f2.8 AEG for a 28mm f2, would this be a wise descision?

 

[Matthew Robertson]

http://youtu.be/PEcvRKsmeoE

New video, almost all contax. Used the fantastic new Rokinon 16mm f2 for the wide shot (call me crazy but I prefer this to the Tokina 11-16mm, and find it easier to match with contax glass). Rest is 35-70mm for the side shot with slight zooms, 85mm f2.8 AEG for the handheld front 3/4 shot, 50mm f1.4 MMJ for the CU, and the 25mm f2.8 AEG at the end after the video (accidently had it back-focused in the first half of the clip, doh!).

Shot on Sunday, edited and finished last night at 3:30am haha. Pretty rushed grade, could have tweaked some clips to match slightly better, but really happy with the result considering the time constraints.

 

[Brice Ansel]

http://youtu.be/PEcvRKsmeoE

New video, almost all contax. Used the fantastic new Rokinon 16mm f2 for the wide shot (call me crazy but I prefer this to the Tokina 11-16mm, and find it easier to match with contax glass). Rest is 35-70mm for the side shot with slight zooms, 85mm f2.8 AEG for the handheld front 3/4 shot, 50mm f1.4 MMJ for the CU, and the 25mm f2.8 AEG at the end after the video (accidently had it back-focused in the first half of the clip, doh!).

Shot on Sunday, edited and finished last night at 3:30am haha. Pretty rushed grade, could have tweaked some clips to match slightly better, but really happy with the result considering the time constraints.

Lots of 3D feeling in that clip.
What's the smoke in the back ground?

While I'm here,
I was playing with the 50AE 1.7 tonight and nail some CA at F1.7
I really like the special creamy and sharpy texture of this lens
I just wish it had the mechanic build of the 50 summicron.

50 AE @ 1.7 Some CA around the chair.

Cheers
B.

 

[Matthew Robertson]

Lots of 3D feeling in that clip.
What's the smoke in the back ground?

While I'm here,
I was playing with the 50AE 1.7 tonight and nail some CA at F1.7
I really like the special creamy and sharpy texture of this lens
I just wish it had the mechanic build of the 50 summicron.

50 AE @ 1.7 Some CA around the chair.

Cheers
B.

Thanks! Yes the microcontrast is fantastic on these lenses, its not some myth like people often think, it's really there.. And it was just really foggy that day so thats what created that effect! Worked perfectly

 

[Samir Patel]

http://youtu.be/PEcvRKsmeoE

New video, almost all contax. Used the fantastic new Rokinon 16mm f2 for the wide shot (call me crazy but I prefer this to the Tokina 11-16mm, and find it easier to match with contax glass). Rest is 35-70mm for the side shot with slight zooms, 85mm f2.8 AEG for the handheld front 3/4 shot, 50mm f1.4 MMJ for the CU, and the 25mm f2.8 AEG at the end after the video (accidently had it back-focused in the first half of the clip, doh!).

Shot on Sunday, edited and finished last night at 3:30am haha. Pretty rushed grade, could have tweaked some clips to match slightly better, but really happy with the result considering the time constraints.

Wow Matthew. Great job. Did you use multiple cameras or single camera and have him repeat the lines? So seamless

 

[Nick Morrison]

While I'm here,
I was playing with the 50AE 1.7 tonight and nail some CA at F1.7
I really like the special creamy and sharpy texture of this lens
I just wish it had the mechanic build of the 50 summicron.

50 AE @ 1.7 Some CA around the chair.

Cheers
B.

Brice CRUSHES it again. Love that Bokeh. Yeah, the build on the 1.7s aint great. The older ones are built better - more metal feeling.

 

[Tom C. Hall]

http://youtu.be/PEcvRKsmeoE

New video, almost all contax. Used the fantastic new Rokinon 16mm f2 for the wide shot (call me crazy but I prefer this to the Tokina 11-16mm, and find it easier to match with contax glass). Rest is 35-70mm for the side shot with slight zooms, 85mm f2.8 AEG for the handheld front 3/4 shot, 50mm f1.4 MMJ for the CU, and the 25mm f2.8 AEG at the end after the video (accidently had it back-focused in the first half of the clip, doh!).

Shot on Sunday, edited and finished last night at 3:30am haha. Pretty rushed grade, could have tweaked some clips to match slightly better, but really happy with the result considering the time constraints.

Did you shoot this 5k?