Carl Zeiss Jena 135/3.5 on the E-M5

[memento]

For anyone who might be interested.... here are my first results with the CZJ 135/3.5 Sonnar on the E-M5:



The first is a shot at f/3.5:



This is f/8:



The last one, for comparison, the 45-200 Panasonic AF lens at f/8:



I found that the 135/3.5 is best from around f/5 to f/8 (stop down further than that and diffraction kicks in). Wide open, it's not super-tack-sharp on the E-M5 when you do 100% pixel peeping, but still IMO very good for normal viewing distances. Anyway, it very easily beats the zoom lens – especially at the image borders – but that was probably to be expected.

I have put up a few full-size examples for download here:

http://tomscameras.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/shooting-tele-macros-with-the-olympus-e-m5-and-carl-zeiss-jena-1353-5-sonnar/

Next week or so, I should also get a 135/2.8 Olympus OM. I'm interested in how this will compare to the CZJ Sonnar.

Thomas

[ManualFocus-G]

Hi, it's best to upload them using the Upload Picture tool

[memento]

Thanks, I changed my post. Did not see the "upload picture" button in the first place

[Pancolart]

What is there in the background: a moose? Interesting lens serial.

[memento]

The backdrop is from a big photo book, and yes that's a moose

Serial number indicates its a 1977 lens, according to this link:
http://www.dresdner-kameras.de/objektive/objektive.html

It's in German only, however you can just scroll down to the list with the serial numbers. Also there's a link to an English PDF file with a big chart that shows almost all GDR lenses and their dates of manufacture.

The lens came with an original package, but I suspect it's the package of another 135/3.5 as it says "Objektive aus Jena" on it and not "Carl Zeiss Jena" as on the lens itself. So my guess is the package is from a lens that was originally sold in West Germany or elsewhere while the lens itself was originally sold in the GDR or Eastern countries.

Thomas

[memento]

I now also got an Olympus Zuiko 135/2.8 MC. Still waiting for the MFT adapter so I can properly use it. So far, I have just tried it pressed against the M42 adapter with my hand. The amazing outcome is – even with this handicap, the Zuiko 135/2.8 at f/2.8 beats rather clearly the Sonnar 135/3.5 at f/3.5. More sharpness, similar colour fringes, all this at a 2/3 stop more speed. Closed down they both are superb..... anyway, I'd never suspected that.....