Contax Sonnar 2.8/135, MM version...test photo.

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

Testing Attila's new upload tool Smile

This is a test shot I made today with a Contax Sonnar 2.8/135, MM version. It is hand-held at f/8, 200ISO, on the 5D:

What follows is the link to the full image not sharpened. The focus is on the decorated building on the left:

www.orio.ws/temp/czsonnar28-135-testff.jpg

As I also have the Elmarit-R 135 last version, one day I will probably make a head to head comparison. I have the suspect that the Sonnar may even beat it for sharpness, at least in the distant range.
Closer range may be tougher I think, as Elmarit is a superlative closeup performer, but I have seen some astounding portraits done with this Sonnar and it might be a tough challenge for Elmarit.

P.S. Note also the virtual absence of any visible chromatic aberration, even in the harshest areas.

P.P.S. And note the astounding side/corner performance.

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

Please compare with CZJ Sonnar 135mm f3.5 MC or Zebra also if you have one of them. That is more exciting me than to compare to a Leica or Jupiter-137 also fine.

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

OK I will.

Himself · Expire: 2013-05-30

Crispy clear image. This is the one I want for a long time. Some day ....
Now enough with my little rant,, coming back to your picture, you have some spots up there in the sky.
I guess the sensor is the culprit.

peterm1 · Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 224

This is seriously impressive. Sharp and contrasty. Perhaps the rendition is slightly cool, or is this just because of the clear blue sky. In any even this is a lens I would be happy to own and use. I have no Contax SLR lenses but am beginning to think about getting some for use on my Panasonic L1 with an adapter. I have many Leica M and LTM lenses. What a shame I cannot use these on my digital camera.

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

That is a serious trouble you have one the finest lenses and you can use them on DSLR that is a shame.. Try to sell some of them and get best ones from R series and you will able to use on your DSLR.

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

Leica M lenses are generally regarded as being better than the R lenses, with some exceptions.
Since you already have them, I would keep them, and get a digital back for your Leica camera - or even better an all-digital Leica M8, which, now that they have fixe the technical problems, delivers impressive results.
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