Carl Zeiss Jena Lenses
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Well since the lens is currently in use does that not indicate the blades are fine?
All bodys and lens should be kept in constant use. Also flashguns.
OP
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Indeed Richard, the blades are just fine. There are some traces of oil on them, but it in no way detracts from the performance, which is very smooth. I think the results speak for themselves.
I do find that it's a little slow turning the focussing ring compared with my Olympus lenses, but then again I wouldn't expect a lens of this age to be as fast. It's also a lot heavier, but I'm getting used to it.
I just stuck my head out of the front door and took this...
...and this one from the back...
It's as sharp as a tack...I love this lens!
Janet
I do find that it's a little slow turning the focussing ring compared with my Olympus lenses, but then again I wouldn't expect a lens of this age to be as fast. It's also a lot heavier, but I'm getting used to it.
I just stuck my head out of the front door and took this...
...and this one from the back...
It's as sharp as a tack...I love this lens!
Janet
Wow! Janet... only just noticed that you'd posted some pics.... Thanks. 
That looks some lens.... up there with the best of them I'd say.
Gorgeous bokeh and 3D effect and handling the very poor light this time of year without any problems..... What will it do in the Spring? The shot of the hanging thingy and the green leaves looks very 3D.
Seems no one is prepared to price it properly and the Christies stuff went for less than ebay prices.
It has to worth at least £250 - £300 and ebay's probably the only place that they will get that sort of price. It could even go for double that. It needs to have a high Buy It Now (BIN) price and high reserve.
Tomioka 50mm f/1.2's in M42 are currently going for about £500 and purely because they have nice bokeh link
I'll have a look around some of the MF sites and see if I can find any further info.
The Opton version is West German.
Did the original owner not say how it came to have an M42 thread on it?
That looks some lens.... up there with the best of them I'd say.
Gorgeous bokeh and 3D effect and handling the very poor light this time of year without any problems..... What will it do in the Spring?
The shot of the hanging thingy and the green leaves looks very 3D.Seems no one is prepared to price it properly and the Christies stuff went for less than ebay prices.
It has to worth at least £250 - £300 and ebay's probably the only place that they will get that sort of price. It could even go for double that. It needs to have a high Buy It Now (BIN) price and high reserve.
Tomioka 50mm f/1.2's in M42 are currently going for about £500 and purely because they have nice bokeh link
I'll have a look around some of the MF sites and see if I can find any further info.
The Opton version is West German.
Did the original owner not say how it came to have an M42 thread on it?
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Wow! Janet... only just noticed that you'd posted some pics.... Thanks.
That looks some lens.... up there with the best of them I'd say.
Gorgeous bokeh and 3D effect and handling the very poor light this time of year without any problems..... What will it do in the Spring?
Seems no one is prepared to price it properly and the Christies stuff went for less than ebay prices.
It has to worth at least £250 - £300 and ebay's probably the only place that they will get that sort of price. It could even go for double that. It needs to have a high Buy It Now (BIN) price and high reserve.
Tomioka 50mm f/1.2's in M42 are currently going for about £500 and purely because they have nice bokeh link
I'll have a look around some of the MF sites and see if I can find any further info.
The Opton version is West German.
Did the original owner not say how it came to have an M42 thread on it?
I have been following this thread for almost a year now, and I stand by my first post on page #1. I know collectors are funny types but this lens is nothing special.
I think you are leading the OP up the garden path.
The lens would be of no use to a collector only to a serious photographer.
You obviously know little about the M42 lens market. This certainly isn't
car boot material as you seem to suggest.
It's at least on a par with an 85mm Helios which goes for £250 minimum,
more in the UK with duties paid link
It might be worth slightly less if Janet can't find out why they put the
aperture ring upside down i.e. was it something more than a mistake?
Button in the way perhaps. It's not too bad from a user point of view
because the bulge from the built in flash often blocks the aperture
markings.
I've just been looking at the bokeh off some of the West G. 85mm
Sonnars f/2 and f/2.8 and they aren't that impressive. This lens looks
a lot better. More shots showing the bokeh are going to be needed.
You obviously know little about the M42 lens market. This certainly isn't
car boot material as you seem to suggest.
It's at least on a par with an 85mm Helios which goes for £250 minimum,
more in the UK with duties paid link
It might be worth slightly less if Janet can't find out why they put the
aperture ring upside down i.e. was it something more than a mistake?
Button in the way perhaps. It's not too bad from a user point of view
because the bulge from the built in flash often blocks the aperture
markings.
I've just been looking at the bokeh off some of the West G. 85mm
Sonnars f/2 and f/2.8 and they aren't that impressive. This lens looks
a lot better. More shots showing the bokeh are going to be needed.
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The OP's lens is nothing like the one in your link! That is a rare, mint condition 85mm f/1.5, complete with leather case and a set of filters!
The OP's lens is a very battered and dented East German Zeiss 85mm f/2. Thousands of old Sonnars about, and frankly nothing particularly great about them. If its provenance is of no interest to a collector, then I'm not sure too many other folks will be very excited by it.
To suggest that it is worth £250-300 and then say "It could even go for double that" strikes me as irresponsible.
Sorry. I hope I'm wrong.
One just sold in the US for £280 with an M42 conversion. Just before Christmas isn't a good time for selling lenses. link
One on ebay Netherlands with an Exacta mount for £453 link
Janet not sure if I posted these before, but these are samples taken with the Russian Jupter 9 copy.... the original Sonnar should be better link
The service manual for the Jupiter 9 which should be similar can be downloaded off this page link I'm not suggesting that you do any servicing, but just in case someone decides to get it re-lubed it's better to have the manual because it's a multi-helix design and can be fiddly to put back together.
One on ebay Netherlands with an Exacta mount for £453 link
Janet not sure if I posted these before, but these are samples taken with the Russian Jupter 9 copy.... the original Sonnar should be better link
The service manual for the Jupiter 9 which should be similar can be downloaded off this page link I'm not suggesting that you do any servicing, but just in case someone decides to get it re-lubed it's better to have the manual because it's a multi-helix design and can be fiddly to put back together.
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Apologies for the late reply to previous posts, but I've been away for the festivities.
Sorry Hoppy, but you're wrong there...apart from a slight dent in the filter ring which doesn't bother me in the slightest, it is far from being a very battered and dented lens. It's in absolutely perfect condition apart from that little knock, which doesn't affect its performance at all. I have absolutely no idea why the aperture ring is at the bottom but I've been using it for a while now and it doesn't present any problems. It's a bit quirky, but I've learned to live with it.
Unfortunately, no...he bought the lens second hand in Berlin in the early 1950's and it had already been converted to m42 when he got it. We can't get any more information, unfortunately. :shrug:
Anyway, it's all academic now...we've managed to get a rough figure of what it might be worth and decided that it isn't going anywhere. I made him an offer which he couldn't refuse and the lens is now mine. E-Bay's loss is my gain....
It's a bit quirky and rather heavy but it's an absolute pleasure to use and I'm really rather enjoying the results...
Thanks to everyone for all the help. I really do appreciate you all taking the time to respond.
Janet
Sorry Hoppy, but you're wrong there...apart from a slight dent in the filter ring which doesn't bother me in the slightest, it is far from being a very battered and dented lens. It's in absolutely perfect condition apart from that little knock, which doesn't affect its performance at all. I have absolutely no idea why the aperture ring is at the bottom but I've been using it for a while now and it doesn't present any problems. It's a bit quirky, but I've learned to live with it.
Unfortunately, no...he bought the lens second hand in Berlin in the early 1950's and it had already been converted to m42 when he got it. We can't get any more information, unfortunately. :shrug:
Anyway, it's all academic now...we've managed to get a rough figure of what it might be worth and decided that it isn't going anywhere. I made him an offer which he couldn't refuse and the lens is now mine. E-Bay's loss is my gain....
It's a bit quirky and rather heavy but it's an absolute pleasure to use and I'm really rather enjoying the results...
Thanks to everyone for all the help. I really do appreciate you all taking the time to respond.
Janet
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That's Brilliant Janet.... I'm glad your keeping the lens from the pictures above
it looks absolutely Magic! It's managed the church well in what looks appalling light and the pine cones and ribbons have that Sonnar look about them.
It must be a very good lens design if Leica owners will splash out 3k on the new version.
Have a Happy New Year with your New Lens 
it looks absolutely Magic!
It's managed the church well in what looks appalling light and the pine cones and ribbons have that Sonnar look about them.It must be a very good lens design if Leica owners will splash out 3k on the new version.
Have a Happy New Year with your New Lens
OP
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Thanks Shimbo! I'm absolutely delighted to be able to keep the lens instead of standing by and watching it be sold on e-Bay. It will be good to have it back in use again as it should be.
The light was appalling on Boxing Day morning, with a very heavy mist, but the lens coped admirably. I took it for a walk round the local churchyard, as you can see, and tried some close up as well as landscape shots, just to practice focussing in the low light. I was delighted with the results when I got it right, however I'm now considering buying one of the AF confirm adaptors...has anyone used one, and do they work? I find it easy to focus in good light, but in early morning mist or dusk conditions, my eyesight isn't as good as it should be!
The Christmas wreath is straight out of the camera - I deliberately overexposed it to blow the snow and make it stand out. I think I see what you mean about that "Sonnar" look. I can't put my finger on what exactly it is, but I can look at several shots and immediately tell which were taken with the new lens.
Now, I wonder if that manual photography forum will allow me back after being so arsy with me last year?
Although the lens is now mine and is not being put up for sale, I will still be grateful if anyone has any more information about it....
Janet
The light was appalling on Boxing Day morning, with a very heavy mist, but the lens coped admirably. I took it for a walk round the local churchyard, as you can see, and tried some close up as well as landscape shots, just to practice focussing in the low light. I was delighted with the results when I got it right, however I'm now considering buying one of the AF confirm adaptors...has anyone used one, and do they work? I find it easy to focus in good light, but in early morning mist or dusk conditions, my eyesight isn't as good as it should be!
The Christmas wreath is straight out of the camera - I deliberately overexposed it to blow the snow and make it stand out. I think I see what you mean about that "Sonnar" look. I can't put my finger on what exactly it is, but I can look at several shots and immediately tell which were taken with the new lens.
Now, I wonder if that manual photography forum will allow me back after being so arsy with me last year?
Although the lens is now mine and is not being put up for sale, I will still be grateful if anyone has any more information about it....
Janet
If I come across anything I'll let you know by PM. It's unlikely that I will find anything with it being a custom mount.
Don't forget that it covers full frame as well and you can buy Pentax Spotmatics etc. quite cheap on ebay if you ever want to use 35mm film.
I'm not familiar with Oly cameras so I don't know about the AF confirm. With my Pentax K20D there's already a green light in the camera and for M42 (there's only one type of adapter) and the green light comes on when your in focus. It also has a green button that meters through old M42 lenses stopping them downfirst or just taking a reading if it's a pre-set like your Sonnar. You can also get split-image viewfinder screens for most cameras.
The wreath does look very 3D I think it's the huge chunk of glass that's inside Sonnars that causes it.
There was also a similar Nikon 85mm f/2 which I'm sure was a Sonnar copy.
If ever you want it serviced this guy is quite highly regarded on the Pentax
forum : http://www.cam-rep.co.uk/
Don't forget that it covers full frame as well and you can buy Pentax Spotmatics etc. quite cheap on ebay if you ever want to use 35mm film.
I'm not familiar with Oly cameras so I don't know about the AF confirm. With my Pentax K20D there's already a green light in the camera and for M42 (there's only one type of adapter) and the green light comes on when your in focus. It also has a green button that meters through old M42 lenses stopping them downfirst or just taking a reading if it's a pre-set like your Sonnar. You can also get split-image viewfinder screens for most cameras.
The wreath does look very 3D I think it's the huge chunk of glass that's inside Sonnars that causes it.
There was also a similar Nikon 85mm f/2 which I'm sure was a Sonnar copy.
If ever you want it serviced this guy is quite highly regarded on the Pentax
forum : http://www.cam-rep.co.uk/
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Hoppy, I totally disagree with your comments. The Carl Zeiss Sonnar formula is the same whether it was made in East or West Germany and produces quite stunning results. Yes, the West Germans had better access to materials etc., but some of the lenses were still extraordinary.
The Sonnar 85mm lenses are hard to come by and fetch a premium, as are the Biotars. The Helios copies seem to be more plentiful in numbers, but also sell for a lot. I have a Helios 40-2 from a Russian night scope, known as the "Cyclop". It is based on the same design as the 40-2, which itself was a copy of the Carl Zeiss Biotar 85/1.5. IQ wise..meh...but I haven't seen any modern lenses that can produce swirly bokeh quite like it! And sometimes character is more important than sharpness, particularly when it comes to portraits.
The Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135/3.5 is another incredible prime and delivers a lovely 3D "pop" effect, like all Sonnars. I even prefer it to my Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 135/2.8.
BTW, the pictures above are great!
The Sonnar 85mm lenses are hard to come by and fetch a premium, as are the Biotars. The Helios copies seem to be more plentiful in numbers, but also sell for a lot. I have a Helios 40-2 from a Russian night scope, known as the "Cyclop". It is based on the same design as the 40-2, which itself was a copy of the Carl Zeiss Biotar 85/1.5. IQ wise..meh...but I haven't seen any modern lenses that can produce swirly bokeh quite like it! And sometimes character is more important than sharpness, particularly when it comes to portraits.
The Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135/3.5 is another incredible prime and delivers a lovely 3D "pop" effect, like all Sonnars. I even prefer it to my Contax Carl Zeiss Sonnar 135/2.8.
BTW, the pictures above are great!
OP
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Thanks for the comments Manualfocus-g.
3D "pop" effect is a good way to describe the way this lens performs...
I still need to work on the manual focussing, but I'm getting there! I've only taken it out a couple of times up to date, and both times I've been in company, so all shots have been hand held and quickly taken. I'm looking forward this weekend to when I can use it with my tripod and take my time with both composition and focussing.
I'm no lens expert, but even a newcomer like me can see that this lens is something a little special.
Janet
3D "pop" effect is a good way to describe the way this lens performs...
I still need to work on the manual focussing, but I'm getting there! I've only taken it out a couple of times up to date, and both times I've been in company, so all shots have been hand held and quickly taken. I'm looking forward this weekend to when I can use it with my tripod and take my time with both composition and focussing.
I'm no lens expert, but even a newcomer like me can see that this lens is something a little special.
Janet
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This is what I said:
Now that the OP has bought the lens, I guess we'll never know. I just hope it wasn't for anything like that much money.
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Haha! Well done Janet
It was a wonderful find and I'm delighted it's now being put to good use. There is something very pleasurable about using quality old gear like this
Janet, for manual focusing it's a lot easier to focus on lettering that is just large enough to read. Practice on a few boxes etc until you get the hang of it. When you get used to focusing on the lettering try focusing on a picture on the box and then check by looking at the lettering. I've always focused on a plain screen whatever camera I've been using from 6x6 to 35mm film. I rarely use AF on digital.
I like the very selective quote from Hoppy about what he said seems to have left out quite a bit such as "Thousands of old Sonnars about, and frankly nothing particularly great about them." Ha! Ha! :shake:
Never mind we now have some good results and after seeing them I would now say that lens is worth a minimum of £500 Somebody just paid £260 for a Cosina made Voigtlander Bessaflex M42 mount 35mm FILM camera on ebay so there's still a big interest in M42 lenses.
I like the very selective quote from Hoppy about what he said seems to have left out quite a bit such as "Thousands of old Sonnars about, and frankly nothing particularly great about them." Ha! Ha! :shake:
Never mind we now have some good results and after seeing them I would now say that lens is worth a minimum of £500
Somebody just paid £260 for a Cosina made Voigtlander Bessaflex M42 mount 35mm FILM camera on ebay so there's still a big interest in M42 lenses.
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Thanks for that Shimbo!
I'm relatively new to all this, as you all know, but even I can tell that this lens is just a little bit out of the ordinary. There may be "thousands of old Sonnars" about, but it's taken me almost a year to find any similar to mine. Mine? I like that word!!!!
I've found a few on eBay USA and a couple of other sites, within just a few digits on the serial numbers. OK, they're all in the original mount, but none are for sale for anything under £300 (one is on sale at the moment for approx £1400!) and I really can't believe that the mount matters so much and that it having been changed could alter the value so significantly. Perhaps it may matter to a serious collector, but I wanted this lens to use, not to sit around as a collectors piece. I've found a couple in m42 that have been sold for just short of £400, and all produced within a year or so of mine.
I'm convinced that I've got a great lens at a great price, and I have the satisfaction of knowing that I'm keeping a "family" tradition going. I could have just kept my big mouth shut at the start and accepted the camera and lenses as a gift when they were first offered to me, but that just wouldn't have felt right. I break out in a cold sweat when I think how close he came to putting it on a flea market for a tenner! Thank goodness I got there in time to prevent it! I've paid slightly more than a tenner, but nowhere near as much as its real value!
It's been an interesting and informative year, and the research I've done has taught me a lot. I've had loads of help, both on the forum and by PM, and I'm immensely grateful for all of it!
I'll continue to keep an eye out regarding prices, purely for information, but this lens is now firmly in my camera bag and won't be going anywhere except out with me and my Oly!
Janet
I'm relatively new to all this, as you all know, but even I can tell that this lens is just a little bit out of the ordinary. There may be "thousands of old Sonnars" about, but it's taken me almost a year to find any similar to mine. Mine? I like that word!!!!
I've found a few on eBay USA and a couple of other sites, within just a few digits on the serial numbers. OK, they're all in the original mount, but none are for sale for anything under £300 (one is on sale at the moment for approx £1400!) and I really can't believe that the mount matters so much and that it having been changed could alter the value so significantly. Perhaps it may matter to a serious collector, but I wanted this lens to use, not to sit around as a collectors piece. I've found a couple in m42 that have been sold for just short of £400, and all produced within a year or so of mine.
I'm convinced that I've got a great lens at a great price, and I have the satisfaction of knowing that I'm keeping a "family" tradition going. I could have just kept my big mouth shut at the start and accepted the camera and lenses as a gift when they were first offered to me, but that just wouldn't have felt right. I break out in a cold sweat when I think how close he came to putting it on a flea market for a tenner! Thank goodness I got there in time to prevent it! I've paid slightly more than a tenner, but nowhere near as much as its real value!
It's been an interesting and informative year, and the research I've done has taught me a lot. I've had loads of help, both on the forum and by PM, and I'm immensely grateful for all of it!
I'll continue to keep an eye out regarding prices, purely for information, but this lens is now firmly in my camera bag and won't be going anywhere except out with me and my Oly!
Janet
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Rather than starting a new thread, I thought I'd just add a quick update, as I've had a stroke of rather good luck!
One of my other friends remembered that he also had his dad's camera gear in the loft and, finally, after months of nagging, he managed to drag it out for me to have a look at. Yes, I know it seems a bit unbelievable, but there you go...
Lo and behold, another couple of treasures! Well, one, at least!
The first is another Zeiss lens, although I have to say it doesn't feel anywhere near as good quality and build as my 85mm Sonnar. This is what it says on the front of the lens....
electric MC S1:3,5f=135 CARL ZEISS JENA DDR 10491502
The second lens is marked thus...
PENTACON auto 1.8/50 MULTI COATING
I've had a play around with both of them, and the CJZ is by far the best. I've been informed that it's another Sonnar...
A couple of quick test shots...just random, taken from my computer desk.
This is a shot of the coins I chuck in a glass bowl at the end of the day...one day I'll have enough to buy an e5! Straight OOC with no cropping or PP work. This was taken from about 10 feet away from the subject and I'm rather pleased with the result.
This is a picture of a passport sized photograph in a small (5cm) plastic photo holder thingie...taken from approx 10 feet away...apart from cropping out some shadow at the left hand side, it's straight OOC.
This one is just totally random, as you can tell. Don't ask why I have a Mitchell Match fishing reel and a teddy bear! :shrug:
I'm more than happy with the performance and the sharpness - I'm sure I'll get a lot more from the images with a bit of careful PP work and when I get the hang of manual focussing!
I'm pleased to say that I've been allowed back into the Manual Focus forum and they've been an absolute mine of information, both about my 85mm lens and these new additions - a great bunch of knowledgeable people.
Please note, I'm posting this purely as an update for all the guys who were so helpful. I'm not looking for prices...the deal's already done! I think I did OK - a straight swap for my Shimano float rod for both the Sonnar and the Pentacon.
However, if any of you know anything about either of these lenses and how I can use them to the best of their potential, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
Janet
One of my other friends remembered that he also had his dad's camera gear in the loft and, finally, after months of nagging, he managed to drag it out for me to have a look at. Yes, I know it seems a bit unbelievable, but there you go...
Lo and behold, another couple of treasures! Well, one, at least!
The first is another Zeiss lens, although I have to say it doesn't feel anywhere near as good quality and build as my 85mm Sonnar. This is what it says on the front of the lens....
electric MC S1:3,5f=135 CARL ZEISS JENA DDR 10491502
The second lens is marked thus...
PENTACON auto 1.8/50 MULTI COATING
I've had a play around with both of them, and the CJZ is by far the best. I've been informed that it's another Sonnar...
A couple of quick test shots...just random, taken from my computer desk.
This is a shot of the coins I chuck in a glass bowl at the end of the day...one day I'll have enough to buy an e5! Straight OOC with no cropping or PP work. This was taken from about 10 feet away from the subject and I'm rather pleased with the result.
This is a picture of a passport sized photograph in a small (5cm) plastic photo holder thingie...taken from approx 10 feet away...apart from cropping out some shadow at the left hand side, it's straight OOC.
This one is just totally random, as you can tell. Don't ask why I have a Mitchell Match fishing reel and a teddy bear! :shrug:
I'm more than happy with the performance and the sharpness - I'm sure I'll get a lot more from the images with a bit of careful PP work and when I get the hang of manual focussing!
I'm pleased to say that I've been allowed back into the Manual Focus forum and they've been an absolute mine of information, both about my 85mm lens and these new additions - a great bunch of knowledgeable people.
Please note, I'm posting this purely as an update for all the guys who were so helpful. I'm not looking for prices...the deal's already done! I think I did OK - a straight swap for my Shimano float rod for both the Sonnar and the Pentacon.
However, if any of you know anything about either of these lenses and how I can use them to the best of their potential, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
Janet
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Pentacon 50mm f1.8 is not up to the same standard as Zeiss Jana 135mm f3.5. i think Zeiss Pancolar MC 50mm f1.8 is in the same league
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It would be too much to hope to find a Zeiss 50mm lens after the luck I've had recently!
I haven't had chance to get out and about with my camera and the new lenses over the past couple of day, but I'm hoping to put them through their paces this coming weekend.
Janet
I haven't had chance to get out and about with my camera and the new lenses over the past couple of day, but I'm hoping to put them through their paces this coming weekend.
Janet
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Hi Janet, if you want more inormation about your new lenses go and have a look here
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/pugw/
This is a world wide group specialising in Praktica, Pentacon and Zeiss and a lot of members are very knowledgeable.
I myself have been a member for a number of years as I have used Praktica gear since the 70's and still have 13 cameras.
John
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/pugw/
This is a world wide group specialising in Praktica, Pentacon and Zeiss and a lot of members are very knowledgeable.
I myself have been a member for a number of years as I have used Praktica gear since the 70's and still have 13 cameras.
John
Hi Janet, yep the 135mm is another Sonnar and is highly regarded. I've got one but I slightly prefer the very similar Russian Jupiter 37A based on the same design. They both produce good results, but 135mm is a bit too long for general use IMHO.
The CZ 50mm is OK but nothing special unless you can find the f/1.4 version which would probably sell for £300
The next one to go for (and I haven't got one) is the 35mm f/2.4 CZ Flektogon, but these are over £100 now on ebay The 20mm is also good but expensive.
You should be getting some good shots now the light is improving, I hope you get some that reward you for all the detective work
The CZ 50mm is OK but nothing special unless you can find the f/1.4 version which would probably sell for £300
The next one to go for (and I haven't got one) is the 35mm f/2.4 CZ Flektogon, but these are over £100 now on ebay
The 20mm is also good but expensive.You should be getting some good shots now the light is improving, I hope you get some that reward you for all the detective work
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Shimbo, I am indeed getting some rewards! As for the next one to go for...I think I have enough with what I have for now! I've been incredibly lucky over the past year, don't you think?
This is just a bit of what I posted on the MF forum yesterday...a very helpful bunch of guys now that they realise I'm genuine and not just trying to get prices and run...
I finally had the chance today to take my new CZJ Sonnar 135mm lens for a trial run...not much of one, it has to be said, as I only had a quick ten minutes as I walked down to the local shop, but it was a chance to try it out after my recent disappointing results.
The weather was nice and bright and I realise now that many of my earlier problems were very much down to the dim and overcast lighting conditions...I found it much easier to find focus today and instead of having to consign 90% to history because of poor focus, today I found that out of the 15 photos I took, 10 were acceptable!
OK, the composition isn't up to much, so please don't be too critical - these were taken purely as test shots as I tried to get to grips with manual focus...it's a steep learning curve, with lots of disappointments, but today has seen a vast improvement!
This was the first one...a very simple snap, but I love the colour and the detail...I don't quite know how to describe it? Creamy? Smooth? Whatever, I like it!
Down by the river I spotted the dead seed heads of last year's Goldenrod and Rosebay Willowherb flowers...I was delighted with the way I can throw the background out of focus...the intrusive buildings are just history!
Down on the riverbank...and I thought this lens wasn't sharp? It's almost 3D!
It also performs very well under very difficult lighting conditions...I really wish I'd composed this one a bit better, but you get the general idea!
It seems to capture detail quite well...
All of these images are SOOC...I think I've found myself a little treasure....
The past couple of months have been pretty dire, photographically. I'm still doing well with my Oly, but I've really struggled with the MF lenses...I thought the images were sharp until I uploaded them, only to be disappointed. Yesterday was a revelation though...I got the right focus on almost all the shots, which proves to me that there's nothing wrong with the lens...it's just me needing to practice a bit more.
I was hoping to take the Pentacon for a walk today, but it's overcast and drizzling...not the best of conditions!
Janet
PS. The photos seem much sharper when viewed on Flickr.
This is just a bit of what I posted on the MF forum yesterday...a very helpful bunch of guys now that they realise I'm genuine and not just trying to get prices and run...
I finally had the chance today to take my new CZJ Sonnar 135mm lens for a trial run...not much of one, it has to be said, as I only had a quick ten minutes as I walked down to the local shop, but it was a chance to try it out after my recent disappointing results.
The weather was nice and bright and I realise now that many of my earlier problems were very much down to the dim and overcast lighting conditions...I found it much easier to find focus today and instead of having to consign 90% to history because of poor focus, today I found that out of the 15 photos I took, 10 were acceptable!
OK, the composition isn't up to much, so please don't be too critical - these were taken purely as test shots as I tried to get to grips with manual focus...it's a steep learning curve, with lots of disappointments, but today has seen a vast improvement!
This was the first one...a very simple snap, but I love the colour and the detail...I don't quite know how to describe it? Creamy? Smooth? Whatever, I like it!
Down by the river I spotted the dead seed heads of last year's Goldenrod and Rosebay Willowherb flowers...I was delighted with the way I can throw the background out of focus...the intrusive buildings are just history!
Down on the riverbank...and I thought this lens wasn't sharp? It's almost 3D!
It also performs very well under very difficult lighting conditions...I really wish I'd composed this one a bit better, but you get the general idea!
It seems to capture detail quite well...
All of these images are SOOC...I think I've found myself a little treasure....
The past couple of months have been pretty dire, photographically. I'm still doing well with my Oly, but I've really struggled with the MF lenses...I thought the images were sharp until I uploaded them, only to be disappointed. Yesterday was a revelation though...I got the right focus on almost all the shots, which proves to me that there's nothing wrong with the lens...it's just me needing to practice a bit more.
I was hoping to take the Pentacon for a walk today, but it's overcast and drizzling...not the best of conditions!
Janet
PS. The photos seem much sharper when viewed on Flickr.
They've certainly got that nice Sonnar look about them Janet. I like the 2nd shot best not a subject that you would expect to photograph so well.
I find the similar Russian 135mm very good for poor light, through glass etc. I used it once at Martin Mere to photograph the otters through a sort of glass/plastic I couldn't believe how sharp the results turned out, much better than previous attempts with a zoom lens.
I find the similar Russian 135mm very good for poor light, through glass etc. I used it once at Martin Mere to photograph the otters through a sort of glass/plastic I couldn't believe how sharp the results turned out, much better than previous attempts with a zoom lens.
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Janet, You might find this thread interesting:
m42 Zeiss Jena lenses
m42 Zeiss Jena lenses
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Thanks for that Shimbo...I've had an interesting couple of hours reading on that site. I'm blaming you for the housework not getting done! :nono:
Out of curiosity, I still keep an eye out for prices on my original CZJ 85mm lens and there are a few on offer at the moment, ranging from $550 up to $670....I think I know when I've bagged a bargain!
One thing I have noticed though is that all the ones for sale are very shiny, whereas mine is rather dull looking, obviously through decades of sitting unused. I haven't done anything to it since I bought it other than blow the dust away, but I'd really rather like to spruce it up a bit...
Any suggestions as to how to go about it, or should I just leave well alone?
Janet
Out of curiosity, I still keep an eye out for prices on my original CZJ 85mm lens and there are a few on offer at the moment, ranging from $550 up to $670....I think I know when I've bagged a bargain!
One thing I have noticed though is that all the ones for sale are very shiny, whereas mine is rather dull looking, obviously through decades of sitting unused. I haven't done anything to it since I bought it other than blow the dust away, but I'd really rather like to spruce it up a bit...
Any suggestions as to how to go about it, or should I just leave well alone?
Janet
I'd leave it alone or possibly polish any bad bits with aluminium polish (if such a thing is made) or Brasso. It should wear shiny through use. It's very hard to get aluminium to look like it was when it was new and being soft it wears away quite fast.
I don't know if you noticed, but there is also a Zeiss M42 Club
You should be getting some nice pics now with all this sun
I don't know if you noticed, but there is also a Zeiss M42 Club
You should be getting some nice pics now with all this sun
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