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Contax 80/2 sample images


TheGodParticle/Hari

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Pic included at bottom of this post...   http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/258665-help-with-contax-645-lenses/?p=3020955

 

One feature I consider when weighing options is weather sealing...obviously not an issue with studio portraiture.  Third party lenses on the S would not be as robust as native S lenses (David Farkas' S system review from Iceland, along with other reports, are superb under inclement conditions).  It remains to be seen how X1D lenses practically test in this regard, despite Hasselblad's early description as weather sealed.

 

Note, however, that the announced X1D lenses are much slower than the Contax, or even the S 70 Summarit.

 

As jip mentions,  there are many other factors to consider in the S versus the X1D.....I know, I've considered both, as well as the SL.  Lots of pros and cons.....for my style and preferences....yours likely vary.

 

Jeff

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Thank you very much, that was interesting - I am also considering trying Contax lenses on the S 007.

 

Best,

 

Vieri 

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Vieri,

I have the Contax 120mm and 35mm on the S (006). Both are pre-owned but pristine.

First of all, I am very happy with the quality of the lenses - no reported history of genetic mechanical failures that are a too common topic of discussion here. They feel like scientific instruments. That is my litmus test.

Likewise, the image quality is outstanding. I have no idea what the graphs or other "objection" data show. My eye loves the Zeiss look, just as they do with the 35mm Zeiss I use on my M9. Different than my Leica 70mm, for certain. There are some shots that I might like better with the Leica "look," but I have never tossed one out because of it. True that each lens is slower than its Leica counterpart, and that does dramatically limit low light hand-held work with the 006. But I have no legitimate reason to be using the 120mm under those circumstances, any way.

The "C" adapter is a marvel. Not easy to part with $1700 US for a mechanical collar. But, overall, worth the price of admission. It mates perfectly with my two lenses. When attached, the 35mm is fully functional with exposure and auto-focus. The 120mm is manual focus. But the exposure link is complete. Ideally, I would get another adapter to avoid having to change it in the field. It can be a bit of a challenge getting it off, particularly if a person has strength or dexterity issues in the hands. Changing the adapters in unfavorable circumstances would expose the guts of your entire kit to the elements, as well. But no issue if the switch can be made in a protected way.

Ultimately, if the two brands sold for the same money, the decision dynamic would be different. But the combined cost of both Zeiss lenses in flawless condition with the "certified" adapter was $2500US. Total. That is a low down payment on two pieces of Leica glass. 

Finally, much as I like to think that spending large on Leica gear is an "investment" that would pay off in time, the only dependable "payoff" is the image quality and user experience that are the best I have experienced. I have never seen an S lens go for more than its retail on the secondary market. And even perfect samples go for a fraction of retail. They are not collectible lenses, though perhaps they will be in time. Quality control issues will become more than an inconvenience if Leica decides that it will no longer fix them - and for free. Simply put, if my Zeiss lenses lost 50% of their value, I would be out about $1000. A similar decline with the Leica 120mm and 35mm would be thousands. Enough to buy that Q, or something else that your heart desires.

Cheers.

David

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Vieri,

I have the Contax 120mm and 35mm on the S (006). Both are pre-owned but pristine.

...  But the combined cost of both Zeiss lenses in flawless condition with the "certified" adapter was $2500US. Total. That is a low down payment on two pieces of Leica glass. 

Finally, much as I like to think that spending large on Leica gear is an "investment" that would pay off in time, the only dependable "payoff" is the image quality and user experience that are the best I have experienced. I have never seen an S lens go for more than its retail on the secondary market. And even perfect samples go for a fraction of retail. They are not collectible lenses, though perhaps they will be in time. ... if my Zeiss lenses lost 50% of their value, I would be out about $1000. A similar decline with the Leica 120mm and 35mm would be thousands. Enough to buy that Q, or something else that your heart desires.

Cheers.

David

As much as I understand you, I think your math is a bit off .. or at least tailored towards you feeling better about spending that money.

 

As you correctly stated, S lenses on the secondary market go for a fraction of retail. You can get quite a few of these lenses between $2500 and $3500 so you'll basically have lenses that cost twice as much as the Contax counterpart (I know, I'm a bit off with the math now ... just trying to make a point)

 

Basically, what I did was buy a used Metabones Mamiya Adapter and then a few F rated (lens separation) 645 lenses ... all in all cost me about $250 for a 45mm, 80mm, 110mm and 210mm ...   now those lenses aren't bad, and it is definitely i cheap option to get a little bit of variety but these lenses don't come close the the 70mm Leica I own. - I bet Contax are better, but doubt they'll be as good as Leica, so buying multiple adapters at $1700 doesn't seem like the best investment to me. 

 

But then again it's all a matter of personal preference. 

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