Zeiss Contax vs. ZE?

[Arnold F.]

Are the Contax lenses being discussed for Canon? May we see a link to B&H or eBay or elsewhere to get an idea which lenses you're speaking of?

 

[Ryan Chapman]

Also the Contax N coatings doesn't match the Contax coating exactly. It will be close enough, but not exact. Just an FYI.

Great to know, thanks for all the info Nick. That's too bad, having that super wide zoom at 2.8 would have been fantastic. I would definitely like to check out whatever Contax footage you have, DSLRs or not.

How do you like the 35 2.8 vs the 1.4?

 

[Ryan Chapman]

Are the Contax lenses being discussed for Canon? May we see a link to B&H or eBay or elsewhere to get an idea which lenses you're speaking of?

17-35 but not the right mount/coating as the rest of Contax:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Contax-N-Ca...amera_Lenses&hash=item231a042db6#ht_500wt_969

35mm

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Carl-Zeiss-...mera_Lenses&hash=item5892033c7c#ht_1060wt_720

28mm

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Carl-Zeiss-...era_Lenses&hash=item35b3ccc6b4#ht_2078wt_1062

etc.

 

[Nick Morrison]

Great to know, thanks for all the info Nick. That's too bad, having that super wide zoom at 2.8 would have been fantastic. I would definitely like to check out whatever Contax footage you have, DSLRs or not.

How do you like the 35 2.8 vs the 1.4?

The 35 2.8 is awesome. But the 35 1.4 is a beast. I use it on every shoot. I'll PM you some links.

 

[Ryan Chapman]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm looking into buying the 28mm f2, 60mm 2.8 and 100mm 2.8. Does anyone know what a good price is for mint copies of any of these? I haven't found any good resources for pricing yet.

 

[Nick Morrison]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm looking into buying the 28mm f2, 60mm 2.8 and 100mm 2.8. Does anyone know what a good price is for mint copies of any of these? I haven't found any good resources for pricing yet.

Why would you get both Macro lenses? If I were you, I'd get the Macro 100 2.8, and the 85 1.4.

The Macro 60 and 100 are identical in their Macro abilities, except the 100 is the bigger brother. Its operating distance is from further back, which can be very useful.

Prices as follows:

28 F2 in mint: $900 minimum.
60 2.8 mint: $550 to $800. $600 range most common
100 2.8 mint: $850 to $1200
85 1.4 mint: $700 to $850

Hope this helps.

 

[Ryan Chapman]

Thanks. It's because I have the 85 1.4 ZE, and I'm filling my set out with Contax. That way I have the choice of shooting with either type of lens for a shoot, and could theoretically shoot an entire piece on one set or another. Plus I heard great things about the 100 2.8, and I also very much like the 60mm focal length.

 

[Lliam Worthington]

Hi Ryan,

Nick answered you exceptionally well re my choice of the 35-70. It was me finding what I felt was a high quality way to stretch my budget. Giving me a macro and 35 + focal length and a wonderful convenient zoom all in the one lens to boot. That said, recently I stumbled on some real good fortune and just picked up a MINT 180, 60 macro and 35 1.4 for $1500 from a retired collector. Needless to say I'm a very happy little film maker. It pays to talk to sellers and approaching the traders whose lens listing have just expired unsold is a good idea. Also look for best offer lenses. KEH is great too.

Another great tool is:

http://www.photozone.de/active/survey/querylens.jsp

For me, in developing my set, I found the best way was to research specific lenses and their characteristics, and decide what are your MUST HAVE lenses first. Really, find the ones you fall in love with. Then decisions are much easier and more useful. Just filling up focal lengths is not always the best way forward. Fo example, I wanted the 28 2, but 28 is by personal preference not my most preferred focal length, and in comparing the 28 2.8, the 2 is little sharper stopped down, a little faster, and does have a closer focus range that is legendary. But as I wasn't going to be spending too much time at that focal length and it's brother was still a great performer, it was quite fine for my needs and I invested the $ into helping pay for my must have 21 2.8 instead as one example.

Anyhow, Nick's advice on Contax is always excellent, and in looking at the lenses you were considering I think you should bare in mind that the 28 2.8 and 35 2.8 - really hold up incredibly well to their faster brothers if your looking to save dollars. (Check the survey and look at samples) As does the 50 1.7 - I actually preferred the characteristics of the 1.7 to be honest, but I wanted the better build quality of the 1.4. Half stop was a bonus.) Aaaannnnnyhow, the point is, If you know which lenses are great budget performers, the point is then you can afford to splurge on your "must have" lenses/favourite focal lengths.

For example if you can live with the closer focal distance of the 60, save $400 there and then get the slower 35, with the money you'd save you could go close to affording a legendary 21 2.8 - where there's no cheap option. Note, if you go for the 60 macro - make sure you get the older original - not the C version. And I definitely wouldn't get both macro's.

Nick, ahhh, that 135 2 is the major final jewel i want in my Contax crown.

Have to say another bonus of the Contax to ZE you have no concerns with your lenses being recognised with your scarlet. This was something I was concerned with, and has proven to be correct, with some people unable to use some of their new Zeiss lenses.

Best WIshes

Lliam

 

[Jeffrey Loewe]

Hi Ryan,

Nick answered you exceptionally well re my choice of the 35-70. It was me finding what I felt was a high quality way to stretch my budget. Giving me a macro and 35 + focal length and a wonderful convenient zoom all in the one lens to boot. That said, recently I stumbled on some real good fortune and just picked up a MINT 180, 60 macro and 35 1.4 for $1500 from a retired collector. Needless to say I'm a very happy little film maker. It pays to talk to sellers and approaching the traders whose lens listing have just expired unsold is a good idea. Also look for best offer lenses. KEH is great too.

Another great tool is:

http://www.photozone.de/active/survey/querylens.jsp

For me, in developing my set, I found the best way was to research specific lenses and their characteristics, and decide what are your MUST HAVE lenses first. Really, find the ones you fall in love with. Then decisions are much easier and more useful. Just filling up focal lengths is not always the best way forward. Fo example, I wanted the 28 2, but 28 is by personal preference not my most preferred focal length, and in comparing the 28 2.8, the 2 is little sharper stopped down, a little faster, and does have a closer focus range that is legendary. But as I wasn't going to be spending too much time at that focal length and it's brother was still a great performer, it was quite fine for my needs and I invested the $ into helping pay for my must have 21 2.8 instead as one example.

Anyhow, Nick's advice on Contax is always excellent, and in looking at the lenses you were considering I think you should bare in mind that the 28 2.8 and 35 2.8 - really hold up incredibly well to their faster brothers if your looking to save dollars. (Check the survey and look at samples) As does the 50 1.7 - I actually preferred the characteristics of the 1.7 to be honest, but I wanted the better build quality of the 1.4. Half stop was a bonus.) Aaaannnnnyhow, the point is, If you know which lenses are great budget performers, the point is then you can afford to splurge on your "must have" lenses/favourite focal lengths.

For example if you can live with the closer focal distance of the 60, save $400 there and then get the slower 35, with the money you'd save you could go close to affording a legendary 21 2.8 - where there's no cheap option. Note, if you go for the 60 macro - make sure you get the older original - not the C version. And I definitely wouldn't get both macro's.

Nick, ahhh, that 135 2 is the major final jewel i want in my Contax crown.

Have to say another bonus of the Contax to ZE you have no concerns with your lenses being recognised with your scarlet. This was something I was concerned with, and has proven to be correct, with some people unable to use some of their new Zeiss lenses.

Best WIshes

Lliam

Lliam,

Thanks for sharing! I was looking at Leica R's but have decided to go this direction for cost. I want to snag the Lecia M mount to use Voigtlander's but for the time being these are good. Just making sure this is the right kind of lens right? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Contax-Zeis...63719213?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item3cc2a6582d

Also on Keh they don't label them as Contax Zeiss, they just have Contax...unless I'm looking in the wrong place. Is that something I should just call them about?

Also curious what Adapter most of you are using?

Sorry to keep adding, this looks like a great deal I might try to do as well...it says AE though...is that in relation to the mount or is it still good to snag? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Contax-Carl...10637892?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item20c301f144

best,

Jeffrey

 

[Joseph Coleman]

I've decided to go this route, Just bought a 85mm 1.4, The image is amazing....some weird fringing at 1.4 but it clears up at 2.8. I'm excited about the 35mm 1.4, heard amazing things about it

 

[Bill Sepaniak]

Lliam,

Thanks for sharing! I was looking at Leica R's but have decided to go this direction for cost. I want to snag the Lecia M mount to use Voigtlander's but for the time being these are good. Just making sure this is the right kind of lens right? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Contax-Zeis...63719213?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item3cc2a6582d

Also on Keh they don't label them as Contax Zeiss, they just have Contax...unless I'm looking in the wrong place. Is that something I should just call them about?

Also curious what Adapter most of you are using?

Sorry to keep adding, this looks like a great deal I might try to do as well...it says AE though...is that in relation to the mount or is it still good to snag? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Contax-Carl...10637892?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item20c301f144 Jeffrey

Yes. The 50/1.4 in the e-bay listing will work, with an adapter of course . (However that example looks pretty rough ... not worth the buy it now price).

Adapters can run from the super-cheap, no-name Chinese specials you also see on e-bay, to mid price adapters from Fotodiox (use the "pro" version though if you go the Fotodiox route), to pricier offerings from Cameraquest (which I use) and the even more expensive Novoflex. Another popular option are the new "semi-permanent" adapters from Leitax. (They require a minor bit of lens mount disassembly that is easily done.)

With respect to KEH, just make sure that you are looking at the plain old Contax series of lenses. There are Contax G lenses (for range finder cameras) and Contax N lenses (for Contax SLR's that contained electronic focusing, etc). You want the plain Contax series, not the G or N series.

As to the "AE" vs "MM" distinction, the AE mount Contax Zeiss lenses were the original Zeiss lens mounts. When Zeiss updated the mounts they were designated as MM. The MM mounts offer more in the way of exposure and metering. However, since none of those functions are being used in EOS lens-mount cameras, there really is no real functional difference between them.




____________________________________
SO # 6931 “Betty Page” Canon AL Package
“… preparing to ‘whip’ the competition …”

Zeiss Lenses:

CY 21/2.8
ZF 28/2.0
CY 35-70/3.4
CY 50/1.4
ZF100/2.0

Nikon Lenses:
G 14-24/2.8
G 24-70/2.8
D 80-200/2.8

Tokina Lenses:

11-16/

 

[Jeffrey Loewe]

Yes. The 50/1.4 in the e-bay listing will work, with an adapter of course . (However that example looks pretty rough ... not worth the buy it now price).

Adapters can run from the super-cheap, no-name Chinese specials you also see on e-bay, to mid price adapters from Fotodiox (use the "pro" version though if you go the Fotodiox route), to pricier offerings from Cameraquest (which I use) and the even more expensive Novoflex. Another popular option are the new "semi-permanent" adapters from Leitax. (They require a minor bit of lens mount disassembly that is easily done.)

With respect to KEH, just make sure that you are looking at the plain old Contax series of lenses. There are Contax G lenses (for range finder cameras) and Contax N lenses (for Contax SLR's that contained electronic focusing, etc). You want the plain Contax series, not the G or N series.

As to the "AE" vs "MM" distinction, the AE mount Contax Zeiss lenses were the original Zeiss lens mounts. When Zeiss updated the mounts they were designated as MM. The MM mounts offer more in the way of exposure and metering. However, since none of those functions are being used in EOS lens-mount cameras, there really is no real functional difference between them.




____________________________________
SO # 6931 “Betty Page” Canon AL Package
“… preparing to ‘whip’ the competition …”

Zeiss Lenses:

CY 21/2.8
ZF 28/2.0
CY 35-70/3.4
CY 50/1.4
ZF100/2.0

Nikon Lenses:
G 14-24/2.8
G 24-70/2.8
D 80-200/2.8

Tokina Lenses:

11-16/

Thanks Bill...

I'm noticing alot of these are saying made in Japan on them. Is that the case or are there ones that were made in Europe/Germany as well? Might be better to go with keh.com from the way it looks.

 

[Bill Sepaniak]

... I'm noticing alot of these are saying made in Japan on them. Is that the case or are there ones that were made in Europe/Germany as well? Might be better to go with keh.com from the way it looks.

Some (mostly the early ones) were made in Germany. The rest were made in Japan first by Yashica (actually a subsidiary) then by Kyocera until about 2005 when Cosina began production for Zeiss. Today, all Zeiss photo lenses are made by Cosina in Japan, with the exception of the CP line, which use "select" glass sourced from Cosina, but the lenses themselves are actually assembled by Zeiss in Germany. Zeiss has maintained strict QC control on all glass/lenses sourced from Japan.

I have CY Zeiss lenses from both Japan and Germany and (except for snob appeal or bragging rights) I have found no quality or optical differences between the Japanese and German lenses.

Yes. KEH is an excellent source. Their lenses are fairly priced and accurately represented. I have even bought their "bargain" lenses and found them to be excellent value (much better than a lot of the crap on e-bay). However, with that said, prices of CY Zeiss lenses have gone through the roof the last several years. (Due, in large part, to people using them them with the 5DMkII.) To give you an idea, I bought my CY Zeiss 35-70/3.4 about 4 years ago from KEH for around $150.00. Trust me, I will NEVER get rid of it.


____________________________________
SO # 6931 “Betty Page” Canon AL Package
“… preparing to ‘whip’ the competition …”

Zeiss Lenses:

CY 21/2.8
ZF 28/2.0
CY 35-70/3.4
CY 50/1.4
ZF100/2.0

Nikon Lenses:
G 14-24/2.8
G 24-70/2.8
D 80-200/2.8

Tokina Lenses:

11-16/

 

[Lliam Worthington]

Lliam,

Thanks for sharing! I was looking at Leica R's but have decided to go this direction for cost. I want to snag the Lecia M mount to use Voigtlander's but for the time being these are good. Just making sure this is the right kind of lens right? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Contax-Zeis...63719213?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item3cc2a6582d

Also on Keh they don't label them as Contax Zeiss, they just have Contax...unless I'm looking in the wrong place. Is that something I should just call them about?

Also curious what Adapter most of you are using?

Sorry to keep adding, this looks like a great deal I might try to do as well...it says AE though...is that in relation to the mount or is it still good to snag? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Contax-Carl...10637892?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item20c301f144

best,

Jeffrey

Hi Jeffrey, sorry I couldn't get to you post earlier. Awesome your going Contax route ) We have had a similar evolution. The retired photographer I just spent a day with ran a camera shop in Sydney form most of his life. He loves Leica, but maintains Contax Zeiss are "simply the best" His words Vintage Leica devotees
I really liked him ))

Bill has done a great job responding to your questions though. With adapters, many people consider Leitax as the best option. Though the others Bill mentioned are very well regarded. (Except the cheap fotodiox ones - heard lots of complaints about them also) I was going the leitax route, but had three different cheap adapters already and have used them extensively now, and they are all working fine. One is "slightly" loose - but it's still definitely not going anywhere - especially once locked down. And there are no focus issues whatsoever. So I decoded to save the money, get more cheap adapters, and use the $$ savings to buy an additional lens instead. I have more inexpensive adapter with focus confirm chips on the way from another company, if they are decent, I'll PM you a link. Should be here any day now.

For your FF, I highly reccommend the Wide Open camera universals gear ties too.

Regarding KEh, my experience has been that "excellent" to "excellent +" rated lenses on KEH equals "Mint" off ebay. If not better - as on ebay you get people selling you lenses they have touched up with paint. You can feel confident buying off KEH and their prices are very fair. You just wont get super bargains, which you can if your patient on ebay and approach people personally and make best offers etc. If your willing to wait and mess around a bit, you can save a fair bit. I had sellers come down by as much as $400 on make an offer lenses. ANother trick is to use translator and buy off german ebay too. I found listings there that don't come up on the international sellers list.

I'm sorry I didn't post before that 35 1.4 ended. That was a good price. Anything under 14-1500 and you've done well.

Regarding AE vs MM. Bill explained the difference. I have both AE lenses and MM in my set. I don't believe there is any difference at all. No one I have read has ever been able to find a difference. (unless it's a new updated lens release - not the same release being manafactured in different countries)
Nor should there be, as Zeiss's QC is pretty legendary. So definitely don't pay more for German unless it means something. Some of the MM's don't produce the ninja star bokeh at the same focal length that the AE do. Some love it- some hate it. But personally because I want consistency across my set I avoided the ninja star versions, as they are the minority.

The build is gorgeous, the image is gorgeous, the throw is fantastic, I'm still to find any noticeable issue with breathing and the price is good.
So I'm sure you'll be happy. Feel free to PM me at anytime if I can offer any help.

If I could only buy 4 i'd definitely get;
21 2.8
35 1.4
50 1.4
85 1.4 .....or... (I'll PM you) Or Nick will kick my ass!

)

Be Well mate

Lliam

 

[Nick Morrison]

Hi Jeffrey, sorry I couldn't get to you post earlier. Awesome your going Contax route ) We have had a similar evolution. The retired photographer I just spent a day with ran a camera shop in Sydney form most of his life. He loves Leica, but maintains Contax Zeiss are "simply the best" His words Vintage Leica devotees
I really liked him ))

Bill has done a great job responding to your questions though. With adapters, many people consider Leitax as the best option. Though the others Bill mentioned are very well regarded. (Except the cheap fotodiox ones - heard lots of complaints about them also) I was going the leitax route, but had three different cheap adapters already and have used them extensively now, and they are all working fine. One is "slightly" loose - but it's still definitely not going anywhere - especially once locked down. And there are no focus issues whatsoever. So I decoded to save the money, get more cheap adapters, and use the $$ savings to buy an additional lens instead. I have more inexpensive adapter with focus confirm chips on the way from another company, if they are decent, I'll PM you a link. Should be here any day now.

For your FF, I highly reccommend the Wide Open camera universals gear ties too.

Regarding KEh, my experience has been that "excellent" to "excellent +" rated lenses on KEH equals "Mint" off ebay. If not better - as on ebay you get people selling you lenses they have touched up with paint. You can feel confident buying off KEH and their prices are very fair. You just wont get super bargains, which you can if your patient on ebay and approach people personally and make best offers etc. If your willing to wait and mess around a bit, you can save a fair bit. I had sellers come down by as much as $400 on make an offer lenses. ANother trick is to use translator and buy off german ebay too. I found listings there that don't come up on the international sellers list.

I'm sorry I didn't post before that 35 1.4 ended. That was a good price. Anything under 14-1500 and you've done well.

Regarding AE vs MM. Bill explained the difference. I have both AE lenses and MM in my set. I don't believe there is any difference at all. No one I have read has ever been able to find a difference. (unless it's a new updated lens release - not the same release being manafactured in different countries)
Nor should there be, as Zeiss's QC is pretty legendary. So definitely don't pay more for German unless it means something. Some of the MM's don't produce the ninja star bokeh at the same focal length that the AE do. Some love it- some hate it. But personally because I want consistency across my set I avoided the ninja star versions, as they are the minority.

The build is gorgeous, the image is gorgeous, the throw is fantastic, I'm still to find any noticeable issue with breathing and the price is good.
So I'm sure you'll be happy. Feel free to PM me at anytime if I can offer any help.

If I could only buy 4 i'd definitely get;
21 2.8
35 1.4
50 1.4
85 1.4 .....or... (I'll PM you) Or Nick will kick my ass!

)

Be Well mate

Lliam

Haha. Liam and I are fully fledged Contax lovers. And yes...Lliam keep that other lens secret! Contax Zeiss lenses are fantastic. The godfathers of the ZE/ZF's, they have a unique look and feel that is remarkable. And many of their best designs did not make it into the ZF/ZE line, remarkably.

 

[Geoff Fong]

I own a mixed set of Contax and ZE's (Contax: 28-85/3.3, 135/2.8, ZE: 50/1.4, 85/1.4) they are both amazing build and performance. I dont have my Scarlet yet, so I havent tested them on that, but I use them on my 5D for shooting all the time and I prefer them for video much more than any other "still" lens I have come across. I use them more than my Canon L series lenses. But obviously, if you have the cash, go cine glass.

Hey Kiel,

I was thinking of mixing my set of Contax: 50/1.4, 85/1.4 with the ZE: 35/1.4 and 25/2.0. Did you think there is a noticeable aesthetic difference in the lenses when you mixed them? I'm also using them with my 5D as well. I wanted to get the contax 35mm f/1.4, but there have been mixed reviews as far as it hitting the mirror. What adapter has worked well for you? Thanks.

 

[Nick Morrison]

Hey Kiel,

I was thinking of mixing my set of Contax: 50/1.4, 85/1.4 with the ZE: 35/1.4 and 25/2.0. Did you think there is a noticeable aesthetic difference in the lenses when you mixed them? I'm also using them with my 5D as well. I wanted to get the contax 35mm f/1.4, but there have been mixed reviews as far as it hitting the mirror. What adapter has worked well for you? Thanks.

Geoff, I own two Contax 35 1.4's (one AE and one MM), Leitaxed by RP lens, and used them both extensively on Canon DSLR's for several years...and never remember having mirror clearance issues. You can see a 35 1.4 AEG in action quite a bit on a 5D MK II on this spot:

Hope this helps!

PS - yes, you could probably mix the set fine. I personally prefer not to, as I feel the older coatings have a subtle rendering (more flare, less contrast) you may not find on the ZEs, and for editorial reasons...I'd also appreciate consistency across the glass...

best