Carl Zeiss 50mm 1.4 Planar T* ZF - examples?

So I know it's unlikely but anyone shooting with this amazing lens?

I've had a look/feel before and beautifully put together, so now looking to head to London Friday with the 5D and Nikon/EOS adaptor to see what it does at the Zeiss specialist down there.

Be nice to see any samples ya got as it has to have that magic if I am gonna give up AF!

Not too many people buy the ZF version, since the Contax version is nearly identical and is available for half the price or less. I own the Zeiss (contax mount) 50 f/1.7, which is somewhat sharper than the f/1.4 (though probably insignificant in daily use), and it is extremely good. Very, very sharp, and much sharper at f/1.7 than the Canon 50 f/1.4 is at f/1.8. By f/4, it's probably the sharpest lens I've ever used. In fact, it's TOO sharp and contrasty for portraits. I use a Pentax (screwmount) Super-Takumar 50 f/1.4 for my portrait needs, as it's plenty sharp enough, with nicer bokeh, and a much smoother contrast curve, which is better for portraits. The Zeiss, I use for non-people subjects, where it really excels.

A recent shot from my Zeiss 50 f/1.7:

Jman13 wrote in post #5927268
Not too many people buy the ZF version, since the Contax version is nearly identical and is available for half the price or less.

Yeah, I just missed a mint and boxed 50mm 1.7 the other day on eBay ... sods law there was a delay on my connection just as I put in a last seconds bid. I think I would have got it as went for well below what my highest bid was gonna be It's a nice lens. The 1.4's are a bit rarer SH and about 1/3 of the price of new. I just fancy a new one that I can keep perfect, and through thick and thin will use with the 5D even if I sell all my other stuff ... or if I ever go Nikon I have a quality lens to get me going.

Well, that'll work. The ZF is certainly a good lens...extremely high resolution in the center at all apertures, and very good corner resolution from f/2 and beyond. A bit high in the CA department for a 50mm, though. I think the Contax lenses do better in this regard.

BTW...KEH has an EX condition (that roughly means like new with KEH's ratings) Contax 50 f/1.4 for $225 right now.

http://www.keh.com …CC=6&CCC=2&BCL=​&GBC=&GCC=

I've been interested in possibly getting the ZF 85 f/1.4, since it appears to be better than the older Contax versions, isn't a whole lot more all things considered, and is still 50% less than the price of an 85L. Of course, that'll be years down the line, as I won't be buying any new lenses for some time.

Jman13 wrote in post #5927338
BTW...KEH has an EX condition (that roughly means like new with KEH's ratings) Contax 50 f/1.4 for $225 right now.

http://www.keh.com …CC=6&CCC=2&BCL=​&GBC=&GCC=

If I was in the US I would probably go for that ... but I ain't, so I won't

condyk wrote in post #5927597
If I was in the US I would probably go for that ... but I ain't, so I won't

ffordes have 2. £139 each.

foxbat wrote in post #5927725
ffordes have 2. £139 each.

Cheers Foxy ... yeah, I missed those because I have only checking Zeiss Seems they got four SH from £139 to £159, so I rang 'em and the guy is gonna find out if it's worth spending on a new one or whether to just go for their best SH Contax. He says they are all mint. he's also gonna check the fitment re my bodies. Nice shop.

Jman13 wrote in post #5927268
Not too many people buy the ZF version, since the Contax version is nearly identical and is available for half the price or less. I own the Zeiss (contax mount) 50 f/1.7, which is somewhat sharper than the f/1.4 (though probably insignificant in daily use), and it is extremely good. Very, very sharp, and much sharper at f/1.7 than the Canon 50 f/1.4 is at f/1.8. By f/4, it's probably the sharpest lens I've ever used. In fact, it's TOO sharp and contrasty for portraits. I use a Pentax (screwmount) Super-Takumar 50 f/1.4 for my portrait needs, as it's plenty sharp enough, with nicer bokeh, and a much smoother contrast curve, which is better for portraits. The Zeiss, I use for non-people subjects, where it really excels.

A recent shot from my Zeiss 50 f/1.7:

Oh hey, I work there

ef2 wrote in post #5927927
Oh hey, I work there

PNC Park, the Highmark building or PPG Place?

Highmark

condyk wrote in post #5927926
Cheers Foxy ... yeah, I missed those because I have only checking Zeiss Seems they got four SH from £139 to £159, so I rang 'em and the guy is gonna find out if it's worth spending on a new one or whether to just go for their best SH Contax. He says they are all mint. he's also gonna check the fitment re my bodies. Nice shop.

Yeah he's a nice guy. I got all my Leica's from him and they've all been very conservatively rated. I think you get a 6 month guarantee as well.

This is from a Zeiss 50mm 1.4 ZS (M42) on a Canon 7NE, Tri-X 400. Scanned using a Nikon V ED, with no sharpening applied during or after scan.

(Sorry, I don't have any color shots)

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condyk wrote in post #5927173
So I know it's unlikely but anyone shooting with this amazing lens?

I've had a look/feel before and beautifully put together, so now looking to head to London Friday with the 5D and Nikon/EOS adaptor to see what it does at the Zeiss specialist down there.

Be nice to see any samples ya got as it has to have that magic if I am gonna give up AF!

There was a non-ZF version that just sold over on FM...

http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic/66728​0

foxbat wrote in post #5928256
Yeah he's a nice guy. I got all my Leica's from him and they've all been very conservatively rated. I think you get a 6 month guarantee as well.

Haven't heard back from them as yet so I am heading down to The Classic Camera near the British Museum tomorrow PM to have a play. They said no problem if I take an adaptor. If the ZF makes me swoon and blows my pants off with the IQ then I'll get one. If it is just very good then I'll get a SH Contax off the ffordes guy.

sjones wrote in post #5930754
This is from a Zeiss 50mm 1.4 ZS (M42) on a Canon 7NE, Tri-X 400. Scanned using a Nikon V ED, with no sharpening applied during or after scan.

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Cheers ... it is really the contrast and range I like with some of these lenses. All the best ones have it and usually it is a prime.

Double Negative wrote in post #5930873
There was a non-ZF version that just sold over on FM...

http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic/66728​0

Cheers DN ... looks nice huh? The refinement in the focus with these things is amazing compared to most of what we have allowed ourselves to get used to in contemporary lenses from Canon, Sigma and Tamron. I must get one of those AF adaptors too.

condyk wrote in post #5930882
Cheers DN ... looks nice huh? The refinement in the focus with these things is amazing compared to most of what we have allowed ourselves to get used to in contemporary lenses from Canon, Sigma and Tamron. I must get one of those AF adaptors too.

Oh boy does it look nice! I've been involved in two separate threads today comparing FD and EF L lenses - and I've already been drooling over various "alternative" threads here and at FM. Really got me thinking about the "old school" quality of lenses like these. Jman's pictures aren't helping any, heh.

One of these days I'll break down and get a nice MF piece to play with along with the AF confirmation adapter. I would love to get a converted Contax N, but that's way too much coin, nevermind a rare bird to begin with.

Well, if you don't mind looking into U.S. sales, these types of lenses regularly appear on FM in the B&S forum. Recently there was a thread with three very, very nice ones (1.4/50, 2.8/85 and one other I don't remember). I wasn't ready to commit or I'd have jumped on the package.