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ManualFocus-G
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 6622
Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2014-11-24
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 Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2009 10:59 pm Post subject: Sonnar re-visited...is it really that good? |
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ManualFocus-G wrote:
Back in February I posted some pictures from a quite astonishing £10.50 lens, my bargain Carl Zeiss Sonnar 135/3.5 MC - http://forum.mflenses.com/my-2nd-best-buy-of-the-year-after-the-flek-in-the-snow-t14345,highlight,2nd+buy.html. I was blown away at the time, but haven't actually got to use it that much since, purely because I've been collecting so many lenses!
Needless to say, when I was offered another for £7.50, I jumped at the chance! Initial testing showed that although exactly the same model (black MC) this one was even sharper!
So here's some test pics mostly handheld at f3.5 (sorry, there's 12 or so!):
100% crop
100% cat-crop 
It's a quite extraordinary lens, really heating up the competition for my favourite 135mm prime. I feel a group test coming up!
_________________
Graham - Moderator 
Shooter of choice: Fujifilm X-T20 with M42, PB and C/Y lenses
See my Flickr photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/manualfocus-g |
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supahmario
Joined: 18 Mar 2009
Posts: 615
Location: Berlin, Germany
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| Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2009 11:12 pm Post subject: Re: Sonnar re-visited...is it really that good? |
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supahmario wrote:
| Shrek wrote: |
| I feel a group test coming up! |
group test, group test, group test...
i'd also like to see the two sonnars in direkt comparison!
_________________
EOS 5D, EOS 30
Leica-R: Summicron 2/50
QBM: Distagon 2.8/35
PK: Tokina 3.5/17, Porst 1.2/55
M42: S-M-C Takumar 3.5/24, S-M-C Takumar 1.8/55, CZJ MC Sonnar 3.5/135, Jupiter 21M 4/200
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ManualFocus-G
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 6622
Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2014-11-24
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| Posted: Sun Jun 07, 2009 11:33 pm Post subject: Re: Sonnar re-visited...is it really that good? |
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ManualFocus-G wrote:
| supahmario wrote: |
| Shrek wrote: |
| I feel a group test coming up! |
group test, group test, group test...
i'd also like to see the two sonnars in direkt comparison! |
OK, here's my mad collection of lenses I have available to test:
1. Pentacon Electric 135/2.8
2. Pentacon pre-set (black) 135/2.8
3. Carl Zeiss Sonnar 135/3.5 MC x 2
4. Jupiter 11
5. Jupiter 11A
6. Tamron Adaptall 1 135/2.8 black
7. Tamron Adaptall 1 135/2.8 silver
8. Tamron Adaptall 2 135/2.5
9. Tamron Twin-tele 135/4.5
10. TAIR 11A
11. Soligor 135/3.5
12. Hanimar 135/2.8
13. Helios 135/2.8
14. Mayfair Sankor 135/3.5
Might have to be a basic test, eep!
_________________
Graham - Moderator
Shooter of choice: Fujifilm X-T20 with M42, PB and C/Y lenses
See my Flickr photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/manualfocus-g |
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zewrak
Joined: 12 Apr 2008
Posts: 1212
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:13 am Post subject: Re: Sonnar re-visited...is it really that good? |
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zewrak wrote:
| Shrek wrote: |
| supahmario wrote: |
| Shrek wrote: |
| I feel a group test coming up! |
group test, group test, group test...
i'd also like to see the two sonnars in direkt comparison! |
OK, here's my mad collection of lenses I have available to test:
1. Pentacon Electric 135/2.8
2. Pentacon pre-set (black) 135/2.8
3. Carl Zeiss Sonnar 135/3.5 MC x 2
4. Jupiter 11
5. Jupiter 11A
6. Tamron Adaptall 1 135/2.8 black
7. Tamron Adaptall 1 135/2.8 silver
8. Tamron Adaptall 2 135/2.5
9. Tamron Twin-tele 135/4.5
10. TAIR 11A
11. Soligor 135/3.5
12. Hanimar 135/2.8
13. Helios 135/2.8
14. Mayfair Sankor 135/3.5
Might have to be a basic test, eep! |
Where are the dead-cheap Takumars? :p
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My homepage, all manual shots |
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martinsmith99
Joined: 31 Aug 2008
Posts: 6950
Location: S Glos, UK
Expire: 2013-11-18
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 6:20 am Post subject: |
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martinsmith99 wrote:
Sonnar is a great lens. My favourite out of my 135s.
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Casual attendance these days |
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mflex-on
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 7:40 am Post subject: |
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mflex-on wrote:
I count on the Hanimar - or the Mayfair Sankor. Very exotic indeed 
To be fair: the Sonnar 4/135 can be very nice as well. |
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eeyore_nl
Joined: 09 Nov 2008
Posts: 837
Location: Netherlands
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 12:03 pm Post subject: Re: Sonnar re-visited...is it really that good? |
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eeyore_nl wrote:
| Shrek wrote: |
Needless to say, when I was offered another for £7.50, I jumped at the chance! Initial testing showed that although exactly the same model (black MC) this one was even sharper!
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Some people have all the luck! 
I only have the Zebra Sonnar 135/3.5 but I think it is a wonderful lens. Only seems that I overpaid at 30 euros |
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ManualFocus-G
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 6622
Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2014-11-24
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 12:29 pm Post subject: Re: Sonnar re-visited...is it really that good? |
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ManualFocus-G wrote:
| eeyore_nl wrote: |
| Shrek wrote: |
Needless to say, when I was offered another for £7.50, I jumped at the chance! Initial testing showed that although exactly the same model (black MC) this one was even sharper!
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Some people have all the luck!
I only have the Zebra Sonnar 135/3.5 but I think it is a wonderful lens. Only seems that I overpaid at 30 euros |
30 euros is still a good price!!!
_________________
Graham - Moderator
Shooter of choice: Fujifilm X-T20 with M42, PB and C/Y lenses
See my Flickr photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/manualfocus-g |
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djmike
Joined: 01 Apr 2009
Posts: 930
Location: Taiwan
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 2:34 pm Post subject: |
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djmike wrote:
135mm? I got Sonnar 135/3.5, Pentacon 135/2.8, SMC Takumar 135/3.5 and Jupiter-37A 135/3.5 (and more in future). I pick Sonnar 1st place while other 3 tie at 2nd. I just can not deny Soonar becasue of the color, creamy bokeh and min focus distance is less than 1m.
_________________
DSLR: Canon 400D
SLR: Nikon FM2 + Canon A-1 + Canon AE1-P + Praktica MTL-5B + Pentax Spotmatic F + Fujica ST801 + Voigtlander Bassematic + Voigtlander Vito + Rollei 35S + Rolleiflex SL35 ME + Canon QL17 GIII + Olympus Pen EE-3
Lenses
M42: CZJ Flektogon 35/2.4 + CZJ Flektogon Zebra 35/2.8 + CZJ Pancolar 50/1.8 + CZJ Sonnar 135/3.5 + CZJ Tessar 50/2.8 Chrome + Pentacon 135/2.8 + Pentacon 50/1.8 + SMC Takumar 50/1.4 + SMC Takumar 55/2 + SMC Takumar 135/3.5 + Fujinon 55/1.8 + Jupiter-9 85/2 + Jupiter-37A 135/3.5 + Helios 44-6 58/2
Nikor: Nikkor 50/1.4 + Nikkor 28/3.5 + Nikkor 35-105 Zoom + 36-72 Series E Zoom
Canon: Canon FD + 28/2.8 + 50/1.8 + Canon 35-105 Macro Zoom
Other: Rollei Planar HFT 50/1.8
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Schnauzer
Joined: 09 Apr 2008
Posts: 2155
Location: Maine, USA
Expire: 2012-03-08
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 4:09 pm Post subject: |
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Schnauzer wrote:
Really nice samples Shrek.
Beautiful flower djmike.
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ManualFocus-G
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 6622
Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2014-11-24
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 4:23 pm Post subject: |
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ManualFocus-G wrote:
| Schnauzer wrote: |
Really nice samples Shrek.
Beautiful flower djmike. |
Thanks 
Djmike, can you remember what aperture you shot that flower at? It's razor sharp! Unfortunately I've only really tested wide open as the two times I've taken a Sonnar out it's either been snowing or overcast 
_________________
Graham - Moderator
Shooter of choice: Fujifilm X-T20 with M42, PB and C/Y lenses
See my Flickr photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/manualfocus-g |
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djmike
Joined: 01 Apr 2009
Posts: 930
Location: Taiwan
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 4:34 pm Post subject: |
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djmike wrote:
| Shrek wrote: |
| Schnauzer wrote: |
Really nice samples Shrek.
Beautiful flower djmike. |
Thanks
Djmike, can you remember what aperture you shot that flower at? It's razor sharp! Unfortunately I've only really tested wide open as the two times I've taken a Sonnar out it's either been snowing or overcast |
Hi Shrek, at about F7 or F8 with 1/200 or 1/160 and lot of sunshine.
_________________
DSLR: Canon 400D
SLR: Nikon FM2 + Canon A-1 + Canon AE1-P + Praktica MTL-5B + Pentax Spotmatic F + Fujica ST801 + Voigtlander Bassematic + Voigtlander Vito + Rollei 35S + Rolleiflex SL35 ME + Canon QL17 GIII + Olympus Pen EE-3
Lenses
M42: CZJ Flektogon 35/2.4 + CZJ Flektogon Zebra 35/2.8 + CZJ Pancolar 50/1.8 + CZJ Sonnar 135/3.5 + CZJ Tessar 50/2.8 Chrome + Pentacon 135/2.8 + Pentacon 50/1.8 + SMC Takumar 50/1.4 + SMC Takumar 55/2 + SMC Takumar 135/3.5 + Fujinon 55/1.8 + Jupiter-9 85/2 + Jupiter-37A 135/3.5 + Helios 44-6 58/2
Nikor: Nikkor 50/1.4 + Nikkor 28/3.5 + Nikkor 35-105 Zoom + 36-72 Series E Zoom
Canon: Canon FD + 28/2.8 + 50/1.8 + Canon 35-105 Macro Zoom
Other: Rollei Planar HFT 50/1.8
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ManualFocus-G
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 6622
Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2014-11-24
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 4:47 pm Post subject: |
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ManualFocus-G wrote:
| djmike wrote: |
| Shrek wrote: |
| Schnauzer wrote: |
Really nice samples Shrek.
Beautiful flower djmike. |
Thanks
Djmike, can you remember what aperture you shot that flower at? It's razor sharp! Unfortunately I've only really tested wide open as the two times I've taken a Sonnar out it's either been snowing or overcast |
Hi Shrek, at about F7 or F8 with 1/200 or 1/160 and lot of sunshine. |
Great stuff, thanks. Looks like I need a trip to Taiwan then!
_________________
Graham - Moderator
Shooter of choice: Fujifilm X-T20 with M42, PB and C/Y lenses
See my Flickr photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/manualfocus-g |
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djmike
Joined: 01 Apr 2009
Posts: 930
Location: Taiwan
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 3:44 am Post subject: |
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djmike wrote:
Shrek, I can be the tour-guide if you visit Taiwan. Back to this topic, I would like to learn more other 135mm experience from group.
_________________
DSLR: Canon 400D
SLR: Nikon FM2 + Canon A-1 + Canon AE1-P + Praktica MTL-5B + Pentax Spotmatic F + Fujica ST801 + Voigtlander Bassematic + Voigtlander Vito + Rollei 35S + Rolleiflex SL35 ME + Canon QL17 GIII + Olympus Pen EE-3
Lenses
M42: CZJ Flektogon 35/2.4 + CZJ Flektogon Zebra 35/2.8 + CZJ Pancolar 50/1.8 + CZJ Sonnar 135/3.5 + CZJ Tessar 50/2.8 Chrome + Pentacon 135/2.8 + Pentacon 50/1.8 + SMC Takumar 50/1.4 + SMC Takumar 55/2 + SMC Takumar 135/3.5 + Fujinon 55/1.8 + Jupiter-9 85/2 + Jupiter-37A 135/3.5 + Helios 44-6 58/2
Nikor: Nikkor 50/1.4 + Nikkor 28/3.5 + Nikkor 35-105 Zoom + 36-72 Series E Zoom
Canon: Canon FD + 28/2.8 + 50/1.8 + Canon 35-105 Macro Zoom
Other: Rollei Planar HFT 50/1.8
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PaulC
Joined: 23 Dec 2008
Posts: 2318
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 8:11 am Post subject: |
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PaulC wrote:
What a cheeky, provocative thread title ... of course it is "that good", as these gorgeous photos show.
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View or buy my photos at:
http://shutterstock.com/g/paulcowan |
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Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007
Posts: 57865
Location: Hungary
Expire: 2025-11-18
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 9:22 am Post subject: Re: Sonnar re-visited...is it really that good? |
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Attila wrote:
| Shrek wrote: |
| eeyore_nl wrote: |
| Shrek wrote: |
Needless to say, when I was offered another for £7.50, I jumped at the chance! Initial testing showed that although exactly the same model (black MC) this one was even sharper!
|
Some people have all the luck!
I only have the Zebra Sonnar 135/3.5 but I think it is a wonderful lens. Only seems that I overpaid at 30 euros |
30 euros is still a good price!!! |
Low prices has a sad a part and I think you should not forget it, these equipments was owned by old people they put their most loved property into shops for nothing. I saw personally a few times it not made me happy at all to get them on extremely low prices. I always see the scene in my mind.
_________________
-------------------------------
Items on sale on Ebay
Sony NEX-7 Carl Zeiss Planar 85mm f1.4, Minolta MD 35mm f1.8, Konica 135mm f2.5, Minolta MD 50mm f1.2, Minolta MD 250mm f5.6, Carl Zeiss Sonnar 180mm f2.8
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ManualFocus-G
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 6622
Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2014-11-24
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:15 am Post subject: |
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ManualFocus-G wrote:
| PaulC wrote: |
| What a cheeky, provocative thread title ... of course it is "that good", as these gorgeous photos show. |
Thanks A cheeky title of course, but I tested it last time before a number of other very good 135s e.g. Pentacon pre-set and Jupiter 11.
It really is a cracking lens though.
_________________
Graham - Moderator
Shooter of choice: Fujifilm X-T20 with M42, PB and C/Y lenses
See my Flickr photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/manualfocus-g |
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Anu
Joined: 14 Apr 2009
Posts: 879
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 12:50 pm Post subject: |
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Anu wrote:
One property I really love about this Sonnar is the way it renders bokeh. Here's a link to picture of a shot from today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/38713633@N05/3610806654/
It is such a perfect lens, I am sure I'll buy myself a backup copy one of these days. |
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pirius
Joined: 28 May 2009
Posts: 133
Location: SoFla
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| Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 4:40 am Post subject: |
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pirius wrote:
I am yet to buy any manual lenses in the 135mm range, but the Sonnar will probably be the first. I think Zeiss lenses beat Canon in most ranges below 200mm, except at 135 where the phenomenal 135 2.0L is the king. I couldn't resist posting this shot - hey, I focused it manually!
I just didn't see any need to have anything else at this focusing distance, but if Sonnar can be had that cheap, it's a no brainer! |
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piticu
Joined: 04 Aug 2008
Posts: 591
Location: Romania
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| Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:24 am Post subject: |
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piticu wrote:
I got one for selling, in as new condition. Asking 150e plus shipping.
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www.atelierelealbe.eu |
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eeyore_nl
Joined: 09 Nov 2008
Posts: 837
Location: Netherlands
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| Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:40 am Post subject: |
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eeyore_nl wrote:
In the gallery, I just put a direct comparison between the Pentax SMC Takumar 135/3.5 and the CZJ Sonnar 135/3.5. I think the Sonnar is the best of the two, even if the Takumar doesn't stay much behind. However, for both, the resizing on the Ipernity photo site doesn't do the pictures much good.
Atilla, you are correct of course. Someone once bought those lenses new, and cared for them. But both my Takumar 135 and my Sonnar 135 came from the property of someone who deceased (the children sold off the photo gear). I think it is a good thing that those lenses are re-used again!
Last edited by eeyore_nl on Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:48 am; edited 1 time in total |
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eeyore_nl
Joined: 09 Nov 2008
Posts: 837
Location: Netherlands
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| Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:43 am Post subject: |
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eeyore_nl wrote:
| pirius wrote: |
I am yet to buy any manual lenses in the 135mm range, but the Sonnar will probably be the first. I think Zeiss lenses beat Canon in most ranges below 200mm, except at 135 where the phenomenal 135 2.0L is the king. I couldn't resist posting this shot - hey, I focused it manually!
I just didn't see any need to have anything else at this focusing distance, but if Sonnar can be had that cheap, it's a no brainer! |
To be honest, I think the Sonnar could produce a better picture of this. Or, at least as good 
That has nothing to do with cheap, but with quality of the optics. |
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estudleon
Joined: 15 May 2008
Posts: 3754
Location: Argentina
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| Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:11 am Post subject: Re: Sonnar re-visited...is it really that good? |
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estudleon wrote:
| Attila wrote: |
| Shrek wrote: |
| eeyore_nl wrote: |
| Shrek wrote: |
Needless to say, when I was offered another for £7.50, I jumped at the chance! Initial testing showed that although exactly the same model (black MC) this one was even sharper!
|
Some people have all the luck!
I only have the Zebra Sonnar 135/3.5 but I think it is a wonderful lens. Only seems that I overpaid at 30 euros |
30 euros is still a good price!!! |
Low prices has a sad a part and I think you should not forget it, these equipments was owned by old people they put their most loved property into shops for nothing. I saw personally a few times it not made me happy at all to get them on extremely low prices. I always see the scene in my mind. |
Excelent !!!
Don't forget that these old people can be us in the future. Why not?
Rino.
_________________
Konica 2,8/100
CZJ: 4/20, 2,4/35, 1,8/50 aus jena, 3,5/135MC, Pentacon 1,8/50
Pentax S-M-C-1,4/50
Helios 44-3
Mamiya 2,8/135
Misc. : jupiter 9
Stuff used:
A) SRL
Alpa 10 D - kern macro Switar 1,9/50 -black, Kilffit apochromat 2/100.
Asahi pentax spotmatic super takumar 1,4/50
Contaflex super B tessar 2,8/50 Pro-tessar 115
Leica R3 electronic summicron 2/50 elmarit 2,8/35
Konica Autoreflex 3 (2 black and chrome one), TC, T4. 2,8/24, 3,5/28 not MC and MC, 1,8/40, 1,4/50, 1,7/50 MC and not MC, 1,8/85, 3,2/135, 3,5/135, 4/200
Minolta XG9 2,8/35, 2/45, 3,5/135
Nikkormat FTn 1,4/50, 2,8/135
Fujica ST 801, 605, 705n. 3,5/19, 1,4/50, 1,8/55, 4/85, 3,5/135.
Praktica MTL 5 and a lot of M42 lenses.
Voigtlander. Bessamatic m, bessamatix de luxe, bessamatic cs, ultramatic and ultramatic cs.
Skoparex 3,5/35, skopagon 2/40, skopar 2,8/50, skopar X 2,8/50, super lanthar (out of catalogue) 2,8/50, dinarex 3,4/90, dinarex 4,8/100, super dinarex 4/135, super dinarex 4/200, zoomar 2,8/36-83, portrait lens 0, 1 and 2. Curtagon 4/28 and 2,8/35
Canon AV1, 1,8/50
Rolleiflex SL35 and SL35 E. 2,8/35 angulon, 2,8/35 distagon, 1,4/55 rolleinar, 1,8/50 planar, 4/135 tessar, 2,8/135 rolleinar, x2 rollei, M42 to rollei adap.
Etc.
RF
Yashica Minister III
Voightlander Vito, vitomatic I, Vito C, etc.
Leica M. M2, M3 (d.s.) and M4. Schenider 3,4/21, 2/35 summaron 2,8/35 (with eyes). Summicron 2/35 (8 elements with eyes), 2/35 chrome, 2/35 black, 1,4/35 pre asph and aspheric - old -, 2/40 summicron, 2,8/50 elmar, 2/50 7 elements, 2/50 DR, 2/50 - minolta version, 1,4/50 summilux 1966 version, 1,4/75 summilux, 2/90 large version, 2/90 reduced version of 1987, 2,8/90 elmarit large version, 4/135 elmar. |
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ManualFocus-G
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 6622
Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2014-11-24
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| Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:38 am Post subject: |
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ManualFocus-G wrote:
I guess Attila has a point. To be fair, usually it is younger people selling off items left to them in wills, and it is usually a risk for the buyer e.g. poor quality photos, no idea whether it will actually work.
Some of my best deals have actually come from digital camera dealers who are selling off old film gear aquired as part exchanges.
Anyway, I'm straying from the point! I love this lens, and it really IS that good 
_________________
Graham - Moderator
Shooter of choice: Fujifilm X-T20 with M42, PB and C/Y lenses
See my Flickr photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/manualfocus-g |
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supahmario
Joined: 18 Mar 2009
Posts: 615
Location: Berlin, Germany
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| Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:19 pm Post subject: |
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supahmario wrote:
when my childs sell my photo gears on ebay one day they should do it well described and with good photos, so that none of these "photo-arsenal" guys gets it and sells it for millions of euros to noobs that love "prototypes".
apart from this, i think it's ok if people like us get these bargains being really lucky about it.
people that buy a photo gear for thousands of dollars putting it for 50 years into the cupboard after a few shots should not be too sad if they see, that people like us fall in love with their lenses and cameras.
sorry for OT, but i had to say that.
_________________
EOS 5D, EOS 30
Leica-R: Summicron 2/50
QBM: Distagon 2.8/35
PK: Tokina 3.5/17, Porst 1.2/55
M42: S-M-C Takumar 3.5/24, S-M-C Takumar 1.8/55, CZJ MC Sonnar 3.5/135, Jupiter 21M 4/200
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