Home

Please support mflenses.com if you need any graphic related work order it from us, click on above banner to order!

SearchSearch MemberlistMemberlist RegisterRegister ProfileProfile Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages Log inLog in

New toy..Biotar 2/58
View previous topic :: View next topic  


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 12:00 am    Post subject: New toy..Biotar 2/58 Reply with quote

Very happy with this little buy for $23au including postage.There are some faults and I have no idea how to use the lens ie to stop down.Do you rotate the front ring by pulling down on it changing it to the F stop desired and waiting until it clicks into place?When turning this ring it seems to grab and you see the blades go from large to small then sometimes you do not see the blades until you hit the pin at the back. It feels like this F stop ring is spring loaded?
The glass is less than perfect as you will see on the photos.I would like some advice on how to revive this lens if it is possible.I am very happy regardless to just have a biotar and have the opportunity to see how it works and takes images....even if the images are not up to scratch.
#1

#2

#3

#4


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 12:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Does it have an auto/manual switch? if its in auto mode I think it will only step down if the pin is pushed int

Then again, Ive never owned a preset lens yet, it looks to be in good shape , I have a Helio 44m-6 that has some cleaning marks and it still takes great photos

Im sure the locals will have better advice once they see your post Smile


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 12:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nice purchase-I read about it
Here and Here


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 12:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Aperture control is from the front knurled rim. Is it the 17 blade version like mine?
I think the front element can be accessed by removing the front name plate. Rear elements will need a lens spanner. Enjoy and if it cleans up ok you scored a great deal.


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 1:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks guys
Mine is the semi automatic and has 10 blades M42. The marks inside look like poor cleaning and I hope I am able to just remove the front element.I don't want to tackle the spring set up as it feels like a challenge just by changing the aperture Shocked

@Kathmandu
Wow thanks for the links to the discussions it saved me a lot of pain trying to work it out and stressing if I have done the wrong thing with changing the aperture and breaking it Very Happy

Now I know how to set the aperture I will take it out and give it a whirl...lousy overcast,hazy day so lets see what happens. Laughing

@John have you posted a pick of that lens?Sounds interesting.


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 2:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The aperture does take a lot of patience but not a turn off.Turning the stiff focus also can be hard work but taking it slowly and not shooting wildlife or moving objects it again does not turn me off of using this lens.Amazed at the image quality considering the lens coating and marks.I did PP a little just for the contrast

F5.6


F2


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 4:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

congrats! your first Zeiss Cool


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 5:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well 2nd including the 2/50 pancolar Very Happy Thanks!
Here is another couple.....again small PP(I have to go back too these flowers with the macro tak)
#1

#2

#3 Not so good with the sun above the lens


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 6:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow, those yellow flowers are magnificent! Very Happy


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 7:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Wow, those yellow flowers are magnificent!

Yes they surprised me when I saw them on the screen.Is a Zeiss lens really this different from other lenses in producing images?...and would you believe I was taking these while a wind was blowing...in between gusts of course. Very Happy


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 2:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Holy Cow!


those yellow flowers look 3d!


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 3:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

dude163 wrote:
Holy Cow!


those yellow flowers look 3d!


Indeed they do!! Shocked


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 3:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lovely flowers and congrats on your new toy. By the way, you got it at a very good price.


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 4:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

amazing flowers, color goes right thorugh your eyes....


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 5:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mo - Great and love the images so far. Hopefully you have an adapter with the stopdown flange included? The lens is quite easy to take apart and you need 3 hands to re-assemble, but mine also had a sticky focus which I relubed and now it is fine.

Get a lens hood to preven flare and try it wide open in backlit, busygrounds to get some swirlies.

A bit like this....


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 5:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Congrats MO!


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 7:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mo,
Those flowers are fantastic, but some of the other shots are real keepers as well!

I just cleaned my CZJ Biotar 2/58 M42 last night. I couldn't turn the focus without using some acetone to free it for a moment. The elements had a little bit of internal dust and mold, but were quickly sparkling. The focus is now smooth with some white lithium grease. Very easy to pull the lenses out from the rear. What I found interesting was that my Biotar had two title rings on the front - one has just the Jena and a 422xxxx serial number, while the one on top had Carl Zeiss Jena and a 472xxxx serial number. I had to remove the top one to make room for a 49mm filter.

Great lens, I like mine now that it can focus. The colors are exceptional.
Congrats.


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 7:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm happy for you Moïra !
Your flowers are fantastic !!!

You know what ?
This week I should receive a Pentacon body with a silver Biotar 2/58 mounted on it. Very Happy


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 8:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Congratulations! It can be uniquely satisfying to achieve a wonderful result with a less-than-perfect lens.

Oh, and if I were able to take a flower shot like that with a dirty lens, I'm not sure I would clean it. Just beautiful.

Cheers,

Jon


PostPosted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 9:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Embarassed Thanks everyone...I am extremely happy with this lens.I have obtained a quote to get it overhauled...but I am having 2nd thoughts on getting the glass cleaned as you can see it works quite well in its present condition....now I have it I don't want to break it.The focusing would be the only issue.
Look forward to seeing your results Olivier Very Happy
@overmywaders,Interesting double name plate?? I wonder if that is common.
Forgot to say Martin...I can't wait till I can do the swirly background,I have the original Pentax adapter...not sure if that does what you mentioned(I am still unsure of these different adapters,I am a visual type person unless I see it I can not picture what it looks like Embarassed )