Testing out my new Contax Planar 85mm f1.4 and Canon 7D

bleach551 · Last edited by bleach551 on Tue May 18, 2010 8:17 pm; edited 1 time in total

Hello Everyone,

I have been reading your posts for many months on the various lenses, their unique characteristics and I have been very impressed with the depth of knowledge everyone has displayed. I was inspired, after being interested in both video and photography for many years, to take the plunge and purchase a Canon 7d and Zeiss manual lenses. The lens that has quickly become my favorite is the Contax Planar 85mm f1.4. Recently I have taken a few photos with this lens and would like any constructive criticism or tips you may have to make them better. thank you very much for your time.(' Very Happy

')

http://www.flickr.com/photos/50377985@N08/

poilu · Expire: 2019-08-29

welcome bleach551
yours pics have bad reference address
try the 'Upload picture' button
have a nice stay with us

trifox · Expire: 2014-05-29

bleach551 · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 8:31 pm Post subject:

Poilu, and Trifox,

Thank you guys so much for your help. I thought it wasn't working because I was on my Mac instead of my PC. You two are among the few whose post I have read the most and It is an honor to have my first post replied to by you two guys. Shocked

natebarnz · Expire: 2013-01-23

This is the sharpest lens I have ever used and I think it's just amazing. I'm sure you will love it!

bleach551 · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 9:53 pm Post subject:

Thanks Electricl, and Natebarnz

I thought at first whats the big deal about having a fast lens. "i will never need or want to have someones nose in focus and have the rest of their face blurred out". Now, This lens has made me an "Zeiss Addict" and convert. Its seems that everything i shoot now has to have the shallowest depth of field possible.I use other lenses but I keep coming back to this one over and over again. My next lens to purchase will be Contax zeiss Planar 50mm f1.7 with a serial # in the 8XXXXXX range. All of my other Zeiss lenses are in that Range( Planar 85mm f1.4 Serial # 8412198 and a Distagon 28mm f2.8 serial # 8138552. I guess I just want the lastest formulation of lens coating and optical performance that the Zeiss Contax Lens line had to offer. Is this an erronious mind set to have ?

natebarnz · Expire: 2013-01-23

Yea the Zeiss Contax are quite possibly the best of their range. I have not seen much from the new Zeiss lenses but have used many of the Contax ones. I have to say anything Planar is quite spectacular. I'm also a huge fan of the Distagon 18/4, it is far superior in IQ than the 28/2.8 in my experience. I have not used any other Distagons though.

bleach551 · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:05 pm Post subject:

Electricl,

Your photos of those night scenes in the link below were a big part in me choosing the Planar 85mm f1,4 over the Sonnar 85mm f2.8. I am very glad I did because I do not beleive I could get those photos, at those F-stops with the Sonnar. So, thanks again for that post.

http://forum.mflenses.com/cz-planar-85-1-4-testshots-t24983.html

bleach551 · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:13 pm Post subject:

Natebarnz,

I wish I could only afford the Distagon 18/4. I had to sell two lens on Ebay, A Sigma 20mm f1.8 and a Planar 50mm f1.7 with 7xxxxxx serial #, in order to pay for the Planar 85mm f1.4. But, maybe someday when you are feeling genious, and want to donate it to a worthy cause, you will think of me. Crying or Very sad

natebarnz · Expire: 2013-01-23

Haha yea I don't have one either. I borrow it Smile

I recently bought the Flek 4/20 because thats the most I could save up. I have seen the Distagon 18 go for $600 or so, I think thats pretty close to the Planar 85.

You'll get one sooner or later if your patient enough!

natebarnz · Expire: 2013-01-23

I borrow the 85 too lol Smile

bleach551 · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:30 pm Post subject:

Natebarnz,

Like the old saying goes: "If you cant' afford to buy it, Borrow it" or steal it I forget which one but to be on the safe side of the law, borrowing it might be a better suggestion.

bleach551 · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:31 pm Post subject:

Natebarnz,

Like the old saying goes: "If you cant' afford to buy it, Borrow it" or steal it I forget which one but to be on the safe side of the law, borrowing it might be a better suggestion. Cool

bleach551 · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:44 pm Post subject:

Electricl,

I love this camera. Still learning all of its functions, But I think I have the basics down for now. I am not really up to speed on all of the various focus screens or how to remove and install new ones so I guess for right now, I will continue to use the one that came with it, For now at least.

bleach551 · Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 10:50 pm Post subject:

hey guys,

I have to go over to my grandmothers house to checkup on her so I will be back in an hour or so.

bleach551 · Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 1:37 am Post subject:

Electricl,

I see the focus screen for the 7d you mentioned earlier. I was unsure if it was something I would replace myself and , upon reading the info., it advises that a camera professional do the replacement, although no modification to camera is required. Is this something you have done yourself?

http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/item--Canon-7D-Focusing-Screen--prod_7D.html

bleach551 · Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 5:54 pm Post subject:

elecricl,

I was wondering also if anyone else had their focus screen replaced with the katseye as well.

F16SUNSHINE · Expire: 2011-11-18

Welcome to the group Bleach Very Happy

Stay with the Canon "S" screen to start with. It's a quick drop in replacement and under $40.
If you find it's not doing it for you go to third party screens.
3rd party parts can be fiddly. Many folks have spent hours shimming those screens to get them perfect.

Search BHphoto.com for 7D focus screens.

bleach551 · Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 10:47 pm Post subject:

Thanks F16sunshine,

As I discussed with Electricl, I was unsure at this time if changing focus screens, since I just got the camera 2 days ago, would be a good Idea. You guys are much more skilled than I. But, maybe when the newness of the camera wears off, I will be more inclined to replace it with something that will bring it up to the quality that you guys demand from your focusing screens.