Zeiss Lens on EOS


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so far not yet .... maybe a photoshop expert might but not me. I used the planar mm lens and it gives me wonder bokeh(never tried the 50 EF). However I think that the EF lens might be sharper and more contrast.
 

Can ask my friend YOL925
He has used Leica lens on 300D already.
He said terrific. :)
 

flourish said:
Very helpful info and advice... Wah good that I asked before buying!


Hi
Flourish

Remember my message #210 sometime ago?
Now I have gone against my own thinking. :hammer:
Someone (outside ClubSnap) offered me a set of Praktica bayonet stuff.
At price so cheap I dare not mention here. So cannot resist.
I bought the bayonet bodies and lenses.
Recently added 1 more lens from Clubsnap member.
I already have some of the CZ screw mount M42 lenses long ago.

But I guess original thought still remains, i.e. if you have not bought any yet.
Then it may be better to buy the M42 screw mount CZ ones since they will be useable on many camera bodies with adapter.

But don't pay ridiculous high price for these. If price is too high, then there is no fun buying.

Let me know if you need specific M42 CZ lens and I will scout around. If see in any downtown 2nd hand shop, will let you know. :)
 

ricohflex said:
But I guess original thought still remains, i.e. if you have not bought any yet.
Then it may be better to buy the M42 screw mount CZ ones since they will be useable on many camera bodies with adapter.

Especially the CZJ 35mm/ 2.4 Flektogon MC & 135/ 3.5 Sonnar MC. Both very highly rated lenses and don't cost that much. But you need to inspect the lenses.
 

Hi All,

Would like to try out the CZ 28mm f2, however, I'm alittle concern on the focusing as, there won't be any AF on it and on my 350D manual focusing will be a little difficult.

Can you advice me on the zone focusing as mentioned earlier or can I use split prism.

Thanks!
 

lucky you.
costly lens.
good performance.

change your focusing screen to one with a split.
on a bright day, if you set F8 and set to 10 feet, everything from 5 feet to infinity will be sharp. No need to focus if object is in that range.
 

ricohflex said:
Remember my message #210 sometime ago?
Now I have gone against my own thinking. :hammer:
Someone (outside ClubSnap) offered me a set of Praktica bayonet stuff.
At price so cheap I dare not mention here. So cannot resist.
I bought the bayonet bodies and lenses.
Recently added 1 more lens from Clubsnap member.
I already have some of the CZ screw mount M42 lenses long ago.

But I guess original thought still remains, i.e. if you have not bought any yet.
Then it may be better to buy the M42 screw mount CZ ones since they will be useable on many camera bodies with adapter.

But don't pay ridiculous high price for these. If price is too high, then there is no fun buying.

Let me know if you need specific M42 CZ lens and I will scout around. If see in any downtown 2nd hand shop, will let you know. :)


Gee, thanx Richoflex! Yes, I do rem the opinion you gave... No need to feel paiseh, appreciate your latest inputs as well. I've been bz scouting on e-bay, well at the same time reading different websites eversince weekh and other CS mems discussed this topic (so much to learn! Bec compared to many here, I'm still a newbie. But my 1st camera was Yashica FX-2 then I moved on to Canon 630, so the manual focusing etc comes in handy now even when I'm using 300D... will switch to 20D soon).

Still doing some courses, so I'm circumspect with the $ spend on cam & lenses, bought CZ 28mm f2.8 (waiting for it to arrive then will get the adaptor from Weekh), knowing the 25mm and 35mm f1.4 are much more expensive. So I figured I practise first b4 investing further...

Is it true that MM is better than AE - I read as one seller on e-bay claimed that MM works better on EOS cam bodies (not sure if he's refering to digital cams or all EOS).

Thanx for offering to check out the M42 CZ lens, honestly, I don't know which specific lens are the "better" ones but I do want to buy one which is along the range of Canon 17-40mm L/ CZ35-70mm/ CZ 28-85mm. Any recommendations? budget? Also for the split prism change for 20D, any idea where I can buy the prism and get it fixed? Or bring down to Canon and ask them? Thanx and sorry for this thread is a little long... ;p
 

flourish said:
Is it true that MM is better than AE - I read as one seller on e-bay claimed that MM works better on EOS cam bodies (not sure if he's refering to digital cams or all EOS).

Thanx for offering to check out the M42 CZ lens, honestly, I don't know which specific lens are the "better" ones but I do want to buy one which is along the range of Canon 17-40mm L/ CZ35-70mm/ CZ 28-85mm. Any recommendations? budget? Also for the split prism change for 20D, any idea where I can buy the prism and get it fixed? Or bring down to Canon and ask them? Thanx and sorry for this thread is a little long... ;p

For more information on CZJ (M42 CZ lenses) lenses on EoS bodies, you can check out the following link:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=70506&page=1&pp=20

I've both the 35mm/ 2.4 Flektogon & the 135mm/ 3.5 Sonnar. Also have the M42 to EOS adaptor.. All I need now is a nice Canon DSLR.. LOL.. Anyone wants to give me a 1D or 1Ds? ;p

IIRC, the MM lenses are the CZ lenses that were manufactured in Germany while the AE's are made by the Contax Zeiss factory in Japan. Something like that..

You actually get the screen changed, not the pentaprism.

For C/Y to EoS adaptors, most people get their's from DSLRx. This adaptor uses a screw to hold the C/Y lense.

A more costly alternative is the C/Y to EoS adaptor from cameraquest. It has a sort of spring catch to hold the C/Y lense in place so you can change lenses more easily when you're out.
 

Firefox said:
IIRC, the MM lenses are the CZ lenses that were manufactured in Germany while the AE's are made by the Contax Zeiss factory in Japan. Something like that..

You actually get the screen changed, not the pentaprism.

Thanx Firefox!
OH... I'm confused now :bsmilie: bec I read elsewhere that said AE is made in West Germany (like the "Distagon" indication on the lenses). Anyway, as long as it is C/Y Mount and can save to buy (still studying, u c), will try any good CZ lens.

Change screen... oops, paiseh.. ok I'll ask Canon if they can change and the prices. Thanx for all the info and experience sharing... as a newcomer to CS, I feel so blessed... Now its really up to me to research, decide and practise! :)
 

flourish said:
Thanx Firefox!
OH... I'm confused now :bsmilie: bec I read elsewhere that said AE is made in West Germany (like the "Distagon" indication on the lenses).

Not too sure about this but I know the MM or AE is an indication of which country the lense is manufactured in.
 

Flourish

Actually I have used Contax, so maybe can comment.

The AE and MM designation do not refer to country of manufacture.
AE means Auto Exposure.
MM means it can be used in the Program mode with Contax bodies that have this feature. MM may mean Multi-Mode. Maybe you have to set the lens to the smallest aperture. Usually either f16 or f22 which is colored green. There is a little lug on the metal rear of the lens. I think it is to impart the MM signal mechanically. I am no fan of "program" mode. I shoot in either aperture priority or manual mode.

Because the invention of MM lens came later, the lenses were mostly made in Japan. Some of the earlier lenses using AE designation were mostly made in West Germany. That is how you associated AE with West Germany and MM with Japan. Some super expensive Contax MM lenses are made in Germany even at a late stage. They are not made in Japan. Some of these lenses are made to order.

You mentioned you were looking for a CZ zoom. DON"T.
Normally most Contax users would encourage you to use prime fixed lenses.

MM is not better than AE. In fact optically I prefer many of the old AE Made in West Germany lenses. It is 100% untrue that MM works better on EOS. In fact there is ZERO electronic signal transmission between the AE CZ or MM CZ lens and the EOS camera. The adapter is in between. So the guy on eBay was just bull shitting. A lot of crap.

Don't have to pay a lot.
Stay with sensible buys. CZ 50 f1.7 is value for money buy.
So is CZ 135 f 2.8. So is 28 f2.8.

No real need for "prestige" glass. Like CZ 85 f1.2.

If possible - ALWAYS buy fixed focal length Carl Zeiss lens. No zooms.
This is my prejudiced view.

Stick to prime lens to get every ounce of performance you paid for. Is it important for that extra +5% diff? Well in Olympics, the gold medal goes to the guy who is 1/100th of a sec faster than the 2nd guy. And years later nobody remembers who won the silver medal.
 

Tried out the Distagon 25mm today and found that it has very good CA control!

CZ 25mm
cz25a.jpg
 

Just received a CZ 50mm f1.7 lens from Ebay and was screwed. Lens was very mint but the glass was very dirty. Almost wanted to sell it away. Then realised that it cost only $35 to send it for cleaning. So I'm keeping it!
So this is one aspect that u guys can consider when u're searching for the scarce CZ lenses.
 

weekh said:
Just received a CZ 50mm f1.7 lens from Ebay and was screwed. Lens was very mint but the glass was very dirty. Almost wanted to sell it away. Then realised that it cost only $35 to send it for cleaning. So I'm keeping it!
So this is one aspect that u guys can consider when u're searching for the scarce CZ lenses.

Dirty as in dust and fibres or dirty as in mould/ fungus?

If it's the former, when you send in the lens for cleaning, request that it's not cleaned with chemicals.. Just cleaned with a brush and blower.
Chemicals will take a layer of coating off per cleaning session and are useful only when you get fungus on the lense element(s).
 

ricohflex said:
You mentioned you were looking for a CZ zoom. DON"T.
In fact optically I prefer many of the old AE Made in West Germany lenses.
Don't have to pay a lot.
Stay with sensible buys.

Points from Richoflex n Weekhd noted! Sorry - seems keep askg basic, personal question.. Newbie is lidat ;p yes, Richoflex, prime is always the best. i'm planning to get a zoom lens because wana take events like school speeches & frens' wedding dinner (with their permission that I'm practising), that's why thought of an equivalent of Canon 17-40mm L (but can't afford now lah). As long as I can, will acquire prime lens but thought I may juz lose out significant moments changing lenses...

Btw CZ AE lens seems pretty expensive now... When you are free, mayb can tell me more about the "alternative" bayonet lenses to acquire (can fit EOS bodies wif adaptor right?). Next best for budget constrained beginner. Thanx!
 

HI
flourish

wah, you practise on friend's wedding. what if photos don't turn out? :sweat:
hope friend got pro-photog to cover his wedding.
I have shot a few weddings. They want me to shoot. I insist all FOC otherwise I don't shoot. I don't want any $.
It was just a favour to friends.

In weddings, I don't use zooms for quality reasons.
All fixed lenses. That means change lenses fast if you have to.
But I found that 35mm to 50mm range is OK for part where they stroll entrance - you know... dry ice mist and all that.

For the actual dinner a 25mm or 28mm is best. I don't even bother to focus.
Depth of field at medium apertures with flash keeps everything sharp.

golden rule - Keep 1 camera standby in wedding if yours malfunctions.

actually for EOS - the best lenses are ...... Canon EF lenses. :bsmilie:
The autofocus, exposure and other features are all optimised.
Canon EF lenses are already very good. More than enough for hobbyist requirements.

the CZ, Leica, screw mount adapt to EOS bodies are just for us too-free people who got nothing better to do. People who are better than us, do volunteer service at old folks' homes.
We lazy buggers spend time trying other brands on EOS bodies. :embrass:
 

ricohflex said:
the CZ, Leica, screw mount adapt to EOS bodies are just for us too-free people who got nothing better to do. People who are better than us, do volunteer service at old folks' homes.
We lazy buggers spend time trying other brands on EOS bodies. :embrass:


I guess I must be the main culprit for starting the Zeiss-to EOS craze.
But the Zeiss lenses, especially those at the wider end, are indeed very nice!


Some images taken with the CZ 35 f1.4 today:

cz35c.jpg


cz35d.jpg


cz35e.jpg


cz35f.jpg
 

ricohflex said:
wah, you practise on friend's wedding. what if photos don't turn out? :sweat:
hope friend got pro-photog to cover his wedding.

But I found that 35mm to 50mm range is OK for part where they stroll entrance - you know... dry ice mist and all that. For the actual dinner a 25mm or 28mm is best. I don't even bother to focus. Depth of field at medium apertures with flash keeps everything sharp. golden rule - Keep 1 camera standby in wedding if yours malfunctions.
We lazy buggers spend time trying other brands on EOS bodies. :embrass:

Oh no no! I don't play play with my frens' big day :bsmilie: Definitely there's a pro fotographer around. I make sure 1) I don't obstruct him, 2) never asks him any ques, and 3) won't ask the subjects to look at me.. If I see the pro not happy, I'll stop taking at once. I just take whatever I think is interesting.. Thanx for the advice, will use the 28mm AE lenses for Yam Seng shots (x1.6 on EOS, wonder it turns out).

Hehe, if there r no pp like you all ard, how are beginners like me gona learn? Its the trying out of new stuff that makes fotography challenging for me.

Will resist askg ques (for as long as I can) lest other users :hammer: :flame: me.. Everyone.. have a great week ahead!
 

Think 28mm x 1.6 is not wide enough.
For whole table 20mm to 28mm on film body is OK.
If also got videographer then crowded.

Very funny thing. If the guests do not know you are the groom's or bride's close personal friend and is taking the photos FOC, some of them treat you VERY badly. Just laugh it off. They boss you around like their servant
It just goes to show the low social status Singaporeans accord to pro-photographers. :dunno:
 

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