CZJ Biotar 58/2 T (M42)

[no-X]

I have a chance to buy CZJ Biotar 58/2 T for M42. Does anybody know current price of this lens? And price of Biotar 70/1.5? Thanks.

[Attila]

Around 100 and 400-500 USD

[voytek]

Try to find old Biotar 2.8/5cm - this is not red T but this is also outstanding performer. I paid for mine $60 in mint condition

[no-X]

I found this one on ebay - $156 + $23 for shipping and still more than 60 minutes to the end

I can buy T for about $25, but it needs some servicing. Focusing is a bit stiff and two screws are missing on (I don't know, how is the part called in english) back-stop ring(?). I could obtain one more Biotar (without T) for $35 and use the crews from it, but I'm not sure, if both version use the same screws (hope so).

[voytek]

ebay # 290252458849. $65 including shipping

[no-X]

Arrived

wide-opened:




f/8 (1:1, RAW, sharpness = 0)

[Attila]

Beauty!

[poilu]

congrats no-X! beautiful lens!

[koji]

Question: Are they all "preset" aperture lenses?

Thanks...(I have Exakta mount one.)

[Attila]

No , they have different variants.

I have
Exakta with external bumber
M42 pre-set
M42 auto lens

[koji]

Hi Attila, can you tell which aperture this biotar 58/2 has?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=380056131427&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=025

I like Biotar 58/2, but preset is a bit too much for modern usage.

[Attila]

This is an auto lens, push pin do work with blades.Lot more worst than pre-set on DSLR. Best one to use on DSLR Exakta with external bulb.
I found Biotar really same than Helios-44 , Helios 44 has A/M switch.

[peterqd]

[bob955i]

As an aside, the only Biotar 2/58 in M42 that will work on the EOS 5D is the semi-auto version as fitted to some of the Pentacon FM cameras but the M42-EOS adapter really needs to have the rear ring to press the stop-down pin in for reliable operation.

The preset is a no-no as it has a rear "nose" that fouls the 5D's mirror.

[koji]

OK, OK. My saying "preset" is to change aperture I have to push aperture ring before rotating for EXAKTA 58/2 I own. Some "preset" lens such as Takumar Macro 50/4 works fine, and also if you take out the stopper pin from OM->EF adapter you can set an aperture first and just before shooting you press shutter button you press also aperture button on the lens, this works well too. Life becomes too complicated these days.

[Esox lucius]

My Biotar 58/2 T arrived on Friday, together with a Tessar 50/2.8 T, Sonnar 135/3.5 and Flektogon 35/2.4 MC

Today I had an hour of time to test mainly the Biotar in a park nearby, and I was really impressed by how well it behaves on the D3. Still waiting for the non-glass adapter, the slight loss of detail with the Bower M42 to Nikon mount adapter I found looks acceptable.









The rest of the test shots in original size here

[Attila]

I really like the last one! You got a great batch of lenses, congrats!

[Esox lucius]

Thank You Attila, yes I'm thrilled

I actually owe the batch to you, as I wouldn't have dared to buy 4 lenses from the same seller unless he came strongly recommended, and you gave the eBay seller of these fine instruments a very high score in another discussion here on the forum.

[Attila]

Which seller ? Exaklaus or grizzly ?

[Esox lucius]

stil22

Exact descriptions, excellent condition of lenses, fast replies, promptly shipped, well packaged... He even messaged me in my mother tongue (Swedish), which is outstanding since he's Greek.

[Attila]

YES! He is one of the greatest seller on Ebay, I don't how can able to get those beauties.

[poilu]

[Attila]

[Esox lucius]

Yes, he evidently has a very developed taste, be it women or cameras. Just bought a Pentacon 135/2.8 from him, these should keep me busy and away from eBay for a while