Images from the Rollei Planar 80mm f/2.8 HFT

[benny]

Hi guys,

Was quite curious about the Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8 HFT. Since it's available in the LTM/M mount from Rollei, I decided to get one to see how well it works.

Anyway, here is a quick test shot that I did on a unsuspecting model. Straight out of the Epson R-D1s with NO adjustments. Shot at ISO 800, 1/125 sec at f/2.8. Film setting was at default with no sharpening, saturation or contrast adjustments. Click for a larger picture.

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I like the feel of the lens and details in the images it produced so far. Will play with it a bit more and see how it performs in other varying conditions. Those with access to my flickr account can see a few more images and in their original sizes.

Would appreciate anyone with comments/feedback/experience on this lens sharing it with us here as well.

Interestingly, this lens has an optional accessory that allows it to be mounted on the Nikon F mount. This also means that it can be mounted on most other cameras via adaptors (e.g. Canon EF).

Cheers,

 

[bernards]

Intresting lens you have there. The OOF areas contain enough details and the in-focus area is very sharp without being critical.

The model look a bit shy.

 

[chiif]

This is a very very interesting lens indeed.

It's the same lens on the Rolleiflex TLR, 2.8E, 2.8F Planar. This lens design is clearly for the medium format. Infact the last element of the lens is very far from the mount. On rangefinder, it as to be that way to cater for the long back focusing distance.

Furthermore, the last segment of the screw mount can be unscrewed to mount on a SLR camera with an adapter. The designer did it this way to make this lens compatible with the SLR bodies.

Needless to say, this lens is best on a fullframe sensor. As it is built for a medium format back, on a 1.5x or 1.33x crop sensor really doesn't justify the potential of this beauty.

The bokeh of the shot could be better if on a full frame film.

If can find the Nikon adapter and mount on the D3 or D700... :heart:

This weekend, we are going to test on the full frame 35mm film back!.

BTW... I wasn't feeling shy... was just that a terrible accident happened just 15mins before the shot was taken... I was trying to masquerade my sadness..... :cry:

 

[undercoverone]

i dont think there is a adapter for rollei lens to a nikon body..

 

[chiif]

i dont think there is a adapter for rollei lens to a nikon body..

When Benny said there is... trust me he can find one..

To him... There is nothing money can't buy.... :bsmilie:

 

[benny]

i dont think there is a adapter for rollei lens to a nikon body..

Click on this link, scroll down to the part with purple words.



The front part of the lens detach (like those from Leica that can be used on the visoflex system) and can be screwed into a separate focusing helicoid with a Nikon F attachment. It was listed at 39800 yen when it was still in production. Obviously now, it not an easy item to find.

Cheers,

 

[benny]

To him... There is nothing money can't buy.... :bsmilie:

No... misquoted. What I said was that if it is for sale, you can find it.

Cheers,

 

[tan131]

haha! but i must agree the focal point and the bokeh is very attractive

 

[benny]

Here's some better pictures of the actual adaptor. The front part has M39 type screw in mount for the front lens element.

The rear end is the Nikon F mount. Add another adaptor and you can use it on other cameras as well. (e.g. Nikon F to Canon EF mount adaptor with AF confirmation chip)

There is suppose to be a chrome version as well, but I am still looking for information on it.

Looks like a real fun thing to play with..

Cheers,

 

[gommy]

Yes, there is definitely a chrome one. I've seen it packaged with the chrome lens in a Japanese website...just couldn't remember which site. Was wondering what this extra piece of thing is then..thot was a teleconverter.
Benny, go hunting again in Japan
Does this mean that we can use all LTM lenses on SLR with this converter?? Interesting....

Here's some better pictures of the actual adaptor. The front part has M39 type screw in mount for the front lens element.

The rear end is the Nikon F mount. Add another adaptor and you can use it on other cameras as well. (e.g. Nikon F to Canon EF mount adaptor with AF confirmation chip)

There is suppose to be a chrome version as well, but I am still looking for information on it.

Looks like a real fun thing to play with..

Cheers,

 

[tomato]

Wow! If it can convert LTM lens to SLR that will be amazing! I hope it's true. Benny, Chiif, any chance that this can happen?

 

[chiif]

Only for this lens!

In theory, you can't get focus on the M or LTM lens on the SLR mount. The back focus distance is totally different!

There have been some adapters that has lens element on, but that defeat the purpose totally.

This lens is actually a medium format design. Hence, it has a pretty far back focus distance that allows it to mount on LTM or M mount. What's most amazing is that it can actually focus on the M & screw mount body. There have been F-LTM adapters made that allow F (Nikon mount) lenses to use on RF bodies, but it's non RF-coupled. BUT this lens allows focusing with the M body!

Benny just messaged me and said he managed to locate the adapter for this lens to use on Nikon bodies.... D3, D700 users... if you have some spare cash... this is a legendary lens to play on your nice little full frame sensor!

 

[tomato]

Ah....one can only dream...

 

[benny]

Ah....one can only dream...

For you, access to this lens and the adaptor should not be a problem at all! :bsmilie:

Cheers,

 

[benny]

ISO 200, 1/500 sec, f/2.8. Rollei Planar 80mm f/2.8 HFT LTM on Epson R-D1s
Direct from camera without color/contrast adjustment or sharpening.
Full size image on my flickr page.

Cheers,

 

[tomato]

ISO 200, 1/500 sec, f/2.8. Rollei Planar 80mm f/2.8 HFT LTM on Epson R-D1s
Direct from camera without color/contrast adjustment or sharpening.
Full size image on my flickr page.

Cheers,

Wow~ Damn sharp! Amazing! Congratulations Benny!

 

[benny]

Just uploaded a few more images...


ISO 200, 1/2 sec, f/2.8. Rollei Plannar 80mm f/2.8 HFT LTM on Epson R-D1s.
Direct from camera without color/contrast adjustment or sharpening.

Cheers,

 

[chiif]

Just uploaded a few more images...


ISO 200, 1/2 sec, f/2.8. Rollei Plannar 80mm f/2.8 HFT LTM on Epson R-D1s.
Direct from camera without color/contrast adjustment or sharpening.

Cheers,

Nice! looks like the frog just pop out from the image...

Great lens!

 

[benny]

Got the adaptor and mounted it on a SLR and it works! Focus to infinity is possible. Cool!

Here's a sample JPEG picture focused at infinity straight out of the camera. Click for full resolution. (Warning: Large picture)



Finally, the Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8 HFT on a SLR!! Looks like plenty of fun ahead!

Cheers,

 

[chiif]

HOORAY! We have new toys to play tomorrow! Better than the F1!