Contax Zeiss Survival Guide

[Craig J Marshall]

...Are you using a C/Y speedbooster to E mount?

Yes, I'm using the original C/Y to NEX model, not the later optical design. I did have an original problem mounting the Speed Booster on the E-Mount camera as the back element was out too far but after I loosened the grub screw and wound the rear element in a turn to two to set the back focus, it's now set and forget but no, I have never had an issue changing aperture as there's plenty of clearance.

I'm not changing mounts, only lenses so my Speed Booster and the camera are mounted together on a custom rail/plate arrangement so there is no chance of movement between the camera and the Speed Booster thus eliminating one potential source of trouble. The original Contax C/Y mount is far from perfect as is say, a P/L mount but given that my centre of balance on the tripod is under the Speed Booster, not under the camera, there's little chance of mount movement during a shot. For heavier arrangements such as when I use the Speed Booster, Mutar 2x and the heavy 300mm f/4.0, then I use a completely different arrangement.

 

[Tommaso Alvisi]

Hey guys!

I'm regretfully selling the gorgeous and quite rare 85mm 1.2 on eBay to fund some DSMC2 accessories and MiniMags (in fact, trades are accepted, just PM me!).

Others are asking around 3000€ and without Leitax adapter and rear sealed cap.

It's ending soon, help a brotha out!!!

Contact me before the end of the auction for trades and such, once it's gone on eBay, it's gone for good.

Details here:

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?141482

 

[Nick Morrison]

Is it just me, or is there less Contax glass for sale, in general?

I've been looking around, and B&H and Adorama are wiped out (Adorama has ONE lens, a 15mm).

Even Ebay is pretty skint. I'm looking for a spare 80-200 (one of ours shattered inside a pelican on a flight back from LA), and I'm SHOCKED at how few GOOD copies are for sale.

Ebay used to be DRIPPING with 80-200s.

WOW - are people just buyings TONS of Contax Glass?

Never occurred to me that there really COULD have been a run on this glass, but I'm starting to see it...

WOW. All I have to say...WOW.

 

[Nick Morrison]

PS - Tomasso, I was really tempted by that 85 1.2....really tempted!!!!

Good luck with the sale!!

best

 

[Paul Russell]

Yes, there seems to be a lot less, and the prices are going up. I finally had the motive, money and opportunity to buy an excellent 28mm F2, but it cost me nearly USD1,000!

It's all your fault, Nick

 

[Uli Plank]

I suppose it's Sony's A7 line drying up the market, not only us RED folks.
@Nick: I sent you a PM

 

[Craig J Marshall]

I looked late last week and there were quite a few 80-200s on Ebay out of Japan - even a couple of 100-300s and 35-135s - all usually excellent quality. As you probably know already, you need to set up your parameters results to show 'worldwide' search results.

 

[Ben Scott]

Just to add I've done a few purchases and swaps with Tommaso and he is a pleasure to deal with and his glass is always in great condition

 

[Mark Spurrell]

Speaking of selling, I'm selling a flawless Contax 180mm 2.8 AEG for $500 CAD or ~$383 USD. It's a beauty lens and I hate to sell it, but I don't use it enough and I'd rather it go to someone who will use it more than me

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/172140882320?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 

[Bill Sepaniak]

I suppose it's Sony's A7 line drying up the market, not only us RED folks.

All of my Contax lenses are "Leitaxed" and I have used them for years on my 5DMkII ... I don't even own any Canon lenses. And, you are right about the A7's. I just got a A7RII for shits-n-giggles. With a Speed Booster Ultra and my Contax lenses it is a low light demon at 4K ... Oh ... and the stills aren't too bad either!

 

[Tommaso Alvisi]

PS - Tomasso, I was really tempted by that 85 1.2....really tempted!!!!

Good luck with the sale!!

best

Ha!

As I told you the eBay buyer has problems with his PayPal so if anyone wants to jump on the 85mm 1.2 at that low price contact me before I contact one of the other bidders!

Just to add I've done a few purchases and swaps with Tommaso and he is a pleasure to deal with and his glass is always in great condition

Thanks Ben!!! Same feelings here!!!

 

[jordan levy]

Hey Kemalettin, just from the serial number (64X-XXX) that looks like an AE. MM's usually start later, at about 66 at the earliest. I don't see the green dot, and that all black back is usually AE.

So I'm 95% positive that's a LATE AE. An EARLY AE would have serials in the high 5's, or low 6's.

hey nick, every try the zeiss f2.8 20mm flektagon? maybe for a wide option? its m42 mount obviously…just wondering.

 

[Nick Morrison]

hey nick, every try the zeiss f2.8 20mm flektagon? maybe for a wide option? its m42 mount obviously…just wondering.

Never have no. We have the older 20mm F4 Jena, but that's a whole different lens!

 

[jordan levy]

Never have no. We have the older 20mm F4 Jena, but that's a whole different lens!

just curious because it seems like the fastest widest old zeiss, but no t coating. the know the f4 striped one is an old photog favorite though.

 

[Nick Morrison]

just curious because it seems like the fastest widest old zeiss, but no t coating. the know the f4 striped one is an old photog favorite though.

The F4 flares and blooms like crazy. Its pretty nuts. We've yet to find a good use for it.

 

[jordan levy]

The F4 flares and blooms like crazy. Its pretty nuts. We've yet to find a good use for it.

ah, i actually think zeiss came out with some t coating clear filters, that might be an option for matching and controlling that.

 

[Jake Wilganowski]

I need to get my 35mm 1.4 contax re-greased in the focus. Surprisingly dulcos doesn't do that. Anyone know who I could send it to?

 

[Tommaso Alvisi]

Surprisingly dulcos doesn't do that.

Wait, what??

Why?

 

[Jake Wilganowski]

They said they only do it to cinema lenses

 

[jordan levy]

They said they only do it to cinema lenses

that mean they just dont want to, send to RPP.