Contax zeiss lens

[Kamyar]

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Hi guys.

What do you think about the use of the contax zeiss 85mm f1.4 lens on leica? I used a number of m42 mount lenses like mir1 37mm f2.8 and hellius 85 f2 using novoflex. That's a good result. What do you think of using contax zeiss 85mm f1.4?

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[farnz]

I use a 1949 Carl Zeiss Jena 85/2 Sonnar with both film and digital Leica cameras with very pleasing results.  I've never used the Zeiss Contax 85/1.4 but I regularly use my Leica 80/1.4 Summilux-R so technically there should be no problem with the Zeiss.  If you're asking about the rendering of the Zeiss Contax lens I can't comment but I would expect it to have high contrast and strong colours when stopped down - I've no idea how the out of focus areas would look when shot wide open but I'd anticipate that they're probably pleasant.

 

Pete.

[luigi bertolotti]

With such a focal (I mean, rather long) there is no reason for it won't work fine on a Leica... or any other digital FF ;  about Zeiss lenses... I like a lot the Sonnar 250 (for Contarex) , even more than the Sonnar 85 f2.

Edited January 24, 2018 by luigi bertolotti

[adan]

Since this is the Leica M lens forum - it should be pointed out that the Contax 85mm f/1.4 will not focus with the main Leica rangefinder/viewfinder. It is an SLR lens.

 

It will only work with Live View or an (accessory) EVF for ttl focusing - i.e. the CMOS Ms and the SL/TL/CL.

[farnz]

Good point, Andy; I'd assumed that a Visoflex or EVF would be used to focus.

 

Pete.

[Raid Amin]

I own a similar lens; a Zeiss Planar 85/1.4 in Rollei QBM mount. It is one of my all time favorite lenses. I was hoping that Amedeo could craft a custom adapter for me (to M), but in the end he could not do it due to technical difficulties.  It would work on the M240 with an adapter and using Live View. I use it on M 4/3 cameras for a 170mm view. With IS system and a 10x focus assist, focusing is very easy. The Contax mount lens differs from the QBM lens. My lens has only 3 aperture blades, and it sells for more money on ebay than the Contax mount lens. 

Edited January 24, 2018 by Raid Amin

[luigi bertolotti]

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I own a similar lens; a Zeiss Planar 85/1.4 in Rollei QBM mount. ....My lens has only 3 aperture blades, and it sells for more money on ebay than the Contax mount lens. 

Market seldom lies...there is a definite difference between those two 85 with identical name...and even if they are both in Contax/Yashica Mount     (see http://www.marcocavina.com/articoli_fotografici/Zeiss_85_1,4_lemon/00_pag.htm) ... they are completely different products... the original "3 blades Planar 85 1,4" was originally developed for Contarex, even if first items were made for Rolleiflex SL35 (sorry... I know we are in Leica Forum, but Contarex is my only "aliene" passion... and the only SLR I have ever had. .. )

Edited January 25, 2018 by luigi bertolotti

[Raid Amin]

I bought the Zeiss Planar 85/1.4 and Zeiss Distagon 35/1.4 (both Made in Germany) for a symbolic amount then. I also have the wonderful Zeiss Planar 50/1.4. Great lenses overall. 

Edited January 25, 2018 by Raid Amin