contax zeiss planar T 85/1.4 opinion needed!

rbelyell · Expire: 2014-01-31

many here love this lens; and i am amazed at the results ive seen on the forum. i have an opportunity to get one for a very reasonable price (comparatively!) but it is a 'japanese' made model, number starts 811xxxx.

i am curious as to members thoughts about the japanese model of this lens vs the german model.

thanks!
tony

keltzar · Joined: 22 Apr 2010 Posts: 70

There is no difference.

Even modern Zeiss lenses are made in Japan.

People paying a premium for German made Zeiss lenses are clearly deluding themselves.

If you can benefit by buying it cheaper as it is Japanese, power to you.

Heck, i have a friend who personelly saw lens elements destined for Zeiss in Germany while shooting work for an optics plant named Avimo in Singapore. That's not even in europe.

Mal1905 · Expire: 2011-11-18

I didn't manage to compare the two side by side Tony, but have used both types. As I recall, they're both similar performers, but again, there may be more definitive proof that one is better than the other.

For some, the green Made in Japan 'MM' is more desirable than the standard Made in West Germany 'AE' model, and pricing can be quite a bit higher for the MM from what I've seen. So much so that I recently sold my MM and picked up the AE and "Hollywood" Distagon 2/28 for the same money!!!

rbelyell · Expire: 2014-01-31

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

I have both. I can not see any visible difference.

rbelyell · Expire: 2014-01-31

thank you to all for posting your thoughts, they were very helpful.

DSG · Joined: 04 Mar 2007 Posts: 544 Location: London, UK.

rbelyell · Expire: 2014-01-31

$400usd!

ManualFocus-G · Expire: 2014-11-24

Great price! Grab it!

Cobalt60 · Joined: 01 Mar 2007 Posts: 544 Location: Central Europe

Good one! Either get it ... or tell me where to get it Smile

Ruifer · Joined: 28 Dec 2009 Posts: 18

Is a 811xxxx?... 400$... if the lens is in good conditions, it's a great price!!... I've got one MMJ, for what I know, the differences with the old AEG/J versions is lil better coating in the MMs, lil sharper corners and that Zeiss still fix MMs, not AEs.

But for me the main difference is the blades shape... The AEs got a "ninja star" shape once they get closed, and you can find blurred shines on your pics with that shape, not rounded... I don't like that shape.

You can take a look at this...

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/615546

·

Dream Merchant · Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 92 Location: Singapore

For me, I noticed on the Japan version I had, there's no 'Ninja Star' bokeh. The aperture is all intact with no jagged edges. Whether you prefer the jagged edges, or a smooth edge is personal.

alex · Joined: 18 Apr 2009 Posts: 561 Location: UK

I cannot tell any difference, and there is no reason why I should. CZ lenses made in Japan are made to Zeiss QC standards, no one else's, and indeed it's the Zeiss insistence on no compromise, and stern reject policy, that is said by some to have been responsible for the breakdown between Zeiss and Kyocera.

Those who pay a premium for 'Made in Germany' on the lens barrel are not doing so for optical reasons, not in the slightest atom.

Ruifer · Joined: 28 Dec 2009 Posts: 18

Yes, of course that shape is a personal choice. I've seen three of the 85/1.4 MMs (the ones with the f16 number in green), an none has "ninja star" blades. There are some people talking about little differences between the color and 3D rendering in the new MMs because of the new coatings, but it seems very little. For me is better to go for the MMs because they are not as old as the AEs, and because Zeiss still covers MMs repairing, anyway I think is a personal choice again.