Two very different Biotar 58 mm-f:2 Carl Zeiss Jena.

Petzval 1840

Hi:

Approximately 25 years ago I bought in Barcelona this two Biotar 58mm-f:2. Both are Carl Zeiss Jena, but they are very different.

Does anybody can explain to us the reason?

Bests Regards: David.

MF-addicted · Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:28 am Post subject:

Hi David,

here you can look up the production years:

http://forum.mflenses.com/carl-zeiss-jena-lenses-issue-date-by-serial-number-t6865.html

The first has 17 blades and was produced around 1951-1952 (serial 34...)
The second has 10 blades and has pre-set aperture and was produced around 1957-1958 (serial 47...)

I am sure that the first has a brass (messing) tube (... in the black version - thanks to Klaus Very Happy

) and I am not sure, but think that the second has an aluminum tube.

I have got the first one with 17 blades in black and f=5.8 cm.
The first version is one of the rarest.

Both of them are really good performes ... as well as their russian brother Helios 44 and his variations.

Might be some interesting links:

http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=14481&highlight=biotar&sid=66744daa4450f28bf0dd04a4a9e39f31

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/53228-czj-biotar-58mm-f-2-0-a.html

Esox lucius · Expire: 2011-11-18

Hi David,

Your lens #3418808 is quite near mine #3418060.

This prewar design and postwar manufactured fully manual version has a protruding rear element which at infinity can hit some mirrors (or glass adapters). It clears the Bessaflex' mirror by what seems to be perhaps only 0.3mm

I have not yet seen this first version with 1Q stamp, maybe the export standard quality control was introduced later and not immediately after WW2?

exaklaus · Expire: 2011-12-02

MF-addicted · Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 3:09 pm Post subject:

horvlas · Joined: 30 Dec 2008 Posts: 202 Location: Budapest, Hungary

I have the first, older version too, Ser no starts with 3351xxx, not bad performer, but Helios 44-7 is better in my tests.

wol · Joined: 18 Sep 2009 Posts: 63 Location: Germany

I love that aperture! So much blades Razz

Petzval 1840 · Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 11:35 pm Post subject:

Hello:

I show them a photo taken on December 8 with the Biotar design of pre war, to f:4. " Top model " is my dog female " Rams ", which always wants to raise the wagon of the tractor, when I am going to look for hay for my old mare (30 years) and my two female donkeys.

Bests Regards: David

francotirador · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 894

Hi David.
It would be very interesting if you could make a comparison of both lenses and see how they work.
Thanks.

Hola David.
Seria muy interesante si pudiera hacer una comparative de ambos lentes, aver como se comportan.
Gracias y disculpa el atrevimiento.

taunusreiter · Joined: 20 Mar 2007 Posts: 127

They share the same optical calculation (date 1936).
For the second version, a hood may be negligible

Petzval 1840 · Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 7:39 pm Post subject:

Hello all the People:

The Biotar design post-WW2 has the ring of the diaphragm blocked to maximum opening: only I can compare with same diaphragm.

What type of tests do they suggest me to compare them? The design pre-WW2 was used like lens of enlarger and he suffered temperature for which was not designed.

Greetings: David

lulalake · Expire: 2011-11-18

I don’t know if this link has been posted but it’s several lists of lens and Compur shutter serial numbers and the dates of manufacture.

I have dated a CJZ Tessar folder lens of mine and its Compur shutter to the war years. Pretty amazing:

Jules