CZJ tessar 50/2.8, red T or not?

[chris_zeel]

I have the opportunity to buy either a CZJ Tessar 50/2.8 exakta mount or a M42 mount with red T.
There is a price difference, either 15euros or 40euros for the red T.

What is exactly the difference between a lens with or without a red T?


Thanks for your replies!

[Attila]

Depend how old before 1960 RED T did mark special Zeiss coating later they didn't use T just 1Q in my experience no difference.
Even if early and marked with T coating may gone and lens even worst than without T so doesn't means much in general.

I haver pre-war Tessar with T shows bad pictures due glass imperfection and no T at all produce beautiful images due perfect glass.

[chris_zeel]

Thanks for your reply.
This is the M42 lens, can tell the build year?




It does have (I think) 12 aperture blade, which is tempting.

This is the exakta version.


[url=http://forum.mflenses.com/userpix/20138/big_6492_exaexaktaundfotobild62065898_1.jpg]
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Any other opinions are welcome.

[iangreenhalgh1]

As long as your camera can use Exakta lenses, I'd take the Exakta one and save the 25eu difference. It's a later lens so has the T coating, just no letter.

[Attila]

http://forum.mflenses.com/carl-zeiss-jena-lenses-issue-date-by-serial-number-t6865.html
I vote for 40 EUR T if lens in good condition you can sell for double if you get bored, M42 always easier to sell than Exakta

Key figure is lens surface how scratched, they look well used, if marks too much (not countable) lens produce soft contrast less images.
Use led tourch light throw it and look haze, marks etc.