Finally! ~ I bought a "wartime" 1943 CZJ Sonnar T f1.5/50 in LTM [Archive]

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 13:34

So after evading me for almost TWO YEARS, I finally found a "wartime" CZJ Sonnar T f1.5/50 in LTM off of Evilbay. *paid less than $120 for it*

It seems to have "all the right stuff" and the serial number falls into one of Thieles lists of 5cm f/1.5 Sonnars which included some in LTM that were completed and delivered on the 29th January 1943 to the German military.

I`m crossing fingers and hoping the elements will clean up ok and the lens will turn out to do what they do best ~ TAKE PICTURES!

I`ll keep everyone informed what`s happening with the lens, it`s next stop will be to Brian Sweeney for full tear down and rebuild and then by the time it`s back, #3904xx K (my 8th May 1945 Leica IIIC K Grey) will be back from Youxin`s, ready for a lens, I`m really excited about putting those two together, now I need a "LONG NOSE" Leica IIIC/IIIF case, anyone have one with good solid straps?????

Stay Tuned :)

Tom

raid

05-27-2009, 13:39

Tom,
If it's a Zeiss lens, then you got a super deal here. Congrats.

f16sunshine

05-27-2009, 13:44

Wow! congrats. As Raid said, what a killer deal. :)

One of the lenses on my list. I hope it works out for you.

Rhodes

05-27-2009, 14:31

Congrats, what a deal!

JohnTF

05-27-2009, 14:57

I fell asleep bidding. ;-) Just kidding.

I may have the case, will check some drawers.

john

chris00nj

05-27-2009, 15:00

I hope the fungus cleans up well.

Nonetheless, a good price even considering the cost of a CLA.

Brian Sweeney

05-27-2009, 15:05

P. Lynn Miller

05-27-2009, 15:18

Tom,

Great find. I am sure that till Brian is finished with your Zeiss, it will be a great little lens.

Would this lens be coated or uncoated?

helenhill

05-27-2009, 15:57

Wooohoooo TOM, Great score.....Tres Cool
Congrats!
cheers-H

Brian Sweeney

05-27-2009, 16:06

The "T" means the lens is coated. The "T" is for Transparent.

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 16:24

Thanks Everyone!!!!!

Yeah, I guess now I finally will have the shooting combo, I`ve wanted for years now, a IIIC K body and a real CZJ Sonnar T f1.5/50 :D

Brian`s a genius with these lenses, I`m sure after he`s worked his magic on it, the results will be the best possible, I`m really prepared for bad news, with the way they described the lens, but well broken in lenses also perform very well
(I`ve noticed that with well broken in Elmar`s and also with Nikkor`s).
so I`m sure the combo will prove to be very interesting and also "pure vanity" I will try to make them both work as good as they look ;)

More here soon......

Tom

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 16:29

It will be interesting to open up another one. I now know how to get them back together...

http://www.ziforums.com/showthread.php?t=143

http://www.ziforums.com/showthread.php?t=120

Good think I bought an ultrasonic cleaner.

Yes, these two threads are great reads, and Brian you really work wonders with these lenses :)

I`m pretty sure that mine will be like that late wartime one you have (conditionwise)
looks like a horror and had tons of dirt/sand in it, but now it shoots GREAT!

Tom

wlewisiii

05-27-2009, 19:40

hans voralberg

05-27-2009, 20:02

Wow that's the exact same lens I just about to buy the other day haha. Not sure why I decided against it, probably the "too many 50s already" thinking.

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 20:42

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 20:49

Oh, those folks, I LIKE them. I got lots of good deals out of them when I was buying on ebay. Good for you - when Brian get's done with it, you'll be set. I'll look forward to seeing what you do with it.

I just recently got my grubbies on a very nice 50/2 uncoated collapsible Sonnar that is very pleasing to use. Hope you're happy with your Sonnar.

William

William,

Yes, I`ve bought really kool stuff from Shutterblade before, (two very very early production Minox B`s) ~ something like the 200th and 400th something ever made in 1958.

I was pretty excited about the Sonnar when I saw it, Brian also had a peek at it and said it looked that it could be the real deal, I knew the serial number was from the 43' LTM production run, so that`s when I went for it, another RFF`er didn`t know I was bidding on that one *there were two* and he set up a counterbid at it with like 2 mins left, had he`ed known it was me bidding he said he would`nt have done that, and I would have won it for like $57!!!!!
(I was prepared to pay way more than what it sold for due to it`s serial number, but the traffic was really low on it and it stayed at a "parts lens" price). ;)

I`m really stoked about it, I have to arrange some gals to shoot some Retro Pinup and some Retro Nude Glamour stuff with it as soon as the IIIC K bodies back from CLA as well, I`ll post samples here too :)

Tom

wlewisiii

05-27-2009, 20:49

Hans,
The other lenses that also hit close to home are the Canon f1.5/50 and the Nikkor HC f2/50 both in LTM and both have the unforgettable Sonnar signature :D

Tom

Tom's right as far as he goes. But a good J3 can scream that Sonnar look just as loud, hard & long. I have a 1956 J3 in Contax mount that is easily the best 50/1.5 Sonnar I've ever used. From anywhere.

Now, I tend to use my 50/2 more often because of ergonomics, but when I want _that_ look, I grab my J3. Just see Raid's test of fast 50's & you'll find this lens right up there.

William

P. Lynn Miller

05-27-2009, 20:53

Tom,

You have to stop this... I have a '49 J-3 which Brian is pretty certain contains Zeiss glass and looks identical to your CZJ Sonnar with the exception of the 'little m'... which has been sitting on my shelf unused for the past 6 months or so, I was planning to send it to live in Brian's collection.

But with all your ranting and raving about the 'Sonnar' signature, I have gone back and pulled prints from various portrait shoots and they are gorgeous. Now I am thinking of keeping the J-3...

http://plynnmiller.com/rrf/2008_10_012_020crop_700.jpg

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 21:02

Like I said Folks........when you can`t find the original.

These 1950`s Sonnar copies, are KILLER lenses!!!!

I have`nt personal experience with a J3, but I`ve seen examples of a 100% dead-on adjusted ones and it`s so damm close to the original CZJ`s that only a
Sonnar Freak can tell LOL!!!!!!!!!!

I live and breathe for the Canon f1.5/50, I personaly think it`s the GREATEST shootin lens of the 1950`s!!!!!!
*sadly there`s not enough to go around, and it`s always been CULT STATUS, so the prices get pretty KRAZY sometimes*

The Nikkor HC f2/50 in all of it`s versions is a "jewel" of a lens....everyone should own one of these if he or she works with a LTM!

And I`ve shot with Brian`s famous "Hacked" lenses, which are amazing, they are almost TOO MUCH Sonnar!!!!! As the prewar f2/50`s in the Jupiter mount, had to always be stopped down to f4 to get the perfect look of f2 :D ~ *at real f2* ~ my old one was OUT OF CONTROL swirlly but in a good way :) ~ my models really dig on these looks cuz, they have NEVER seen it before, just proving another point that no matter how many thousands you spend on a DSLR, if you can`t get a SONNAR on the front of it it will NEVER look right!!! ;)

Tom

PS: I need to have Brian make a Hacked "wartime" T coated f2/50 for me someday....I`ve never seen any REAL one`s cept custom made vintage one`s (like Raid has ~ a really nice one) seems that the f2 Sonnar in LTM is as equally rare as the f1.5. ~ and I`m a BIG FAN of the f2!

P. Lynn Miller

05-27-2009, 21:09

Tom.

I was not trying take anything away from the momentous occasion you are celebrating... rather your enthusiasm for the CZJ 50/1.5 has made me reconsider selling my J-3 which is the closest I have come to using the Sonnar lens that you are proclaiming you love for!

So most of all I am looking forward to seeing the work of this lens in your hands after a visit to the 'master of the Sonnar'.

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 21:16

http://plynnmiller.com/rrf/2008_10_012_020crop_700.jpg

Lynn,

See I think the Sonnar was made just for ONE REASON, to photograph women, and the Sonnar signature no matter if it`s Russian, Japanese or the original German, it all says the same thing, beautiful.
(it`s a great lens you have there Lynn, one that all the female members of the family will love you for....DON`T SELL IT!!!!)

Yeah, I`ll get the Sonnar Hype going again, here at this page, I`m just crossin my fingers, that lens is a little beat up, so I have to see if Brian can restore it to it`s former glory and that I hope it pairs up with my 45' IIIC K well, I do feel good Karma coming from that lens and I`m sure Youxin will make that camera work like new, now I just have to plan some really kool Retro PinUp shoots, and I`m all set to post back here!!!! :D

Tom

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 21:20

"Master Of The Sonnar".........ohh wow! damm that put`s alot of weight on my shoulders, I`m nervous ~ hahahahahaha!!!!! ~ I better sign up some really good models in the next few weeks!!!!

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/data/500/Angela_Lynne_09_for_net.jpg

I know everyone`s seen this photo a million times already, but it`s one of my personal favorites ~ not CZJ Sonnar ~ but 1956 Canon f1.5/50 on a 45' Leica IIIC K ~ I just love this!!!! ;)

Tom

kermaier

05-27-2009, 21:23

Tom, do you find the Nikkor HC 50/2 to be much different from the Nikkor SC 50/1.4 (at f/2 and smaller, of course)?
::Ari

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 21:46

Tom, do you find the Nikkor HC 50/2 to be much different from the Nikkor SC 50/1.4 (at f/2 and smaller, of course)?
::Ari

Hmmm well, the Nikkors.....

I found the HC f2 to be great in Black and White work, but I mainly use it in Experimental "crossprocessing" which you know can be "hit or miss" photography......

http://modelmayhm-8.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/070925/00/46f88bc69f415.jpg (http://www.modelmayhem.com/pic.php?pid=5545283&group_id=&ua=)

This was my 1950 Nikkor HC f2/50 "Tokyo" at f2 and Kodak 100 asa slide/crossprocessed.

I regret selling my "Tokyo" HC, while even though it was`nt "minty" it had a certain "feel" that my MINT 1957 HC doesn`t have, both are sharp, but the f2 "Tokyo" just seemed a little smoother wide open and the newer lens sharper it has more of an edge. (see below)

http://modelmayhm-6.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/090330/18/49d1747e5b7e4.jpg (http://www.modelmayhem.com/pic.php?pid=10345522&group_id=&ua=)

this is the 57' HC f2 also wide open with Fuji Chrome 100 asa slide/crossprocessed.

The SC f1.4/50 is a lens that I really never found a place for it in my work, I had a "minty" 1953 era lens, but I have since sold it, I used it too for crossprocessing work also in the past......

http://modelmayhm-8.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/080707/16/48727908d954b.jpg (http://www.modelmayhem.com/pic.php?pid=7150970&group_id=&ua=)

This was with the SC f1.4/50 wide open (notice the Nikkor Glow) with Kodak 100 asa slide/crossprocessed.
The Nikkor Glow was something that I just could`nt control with this lens, I also had many flare problems, though the glass was MINT, I had crazy spooky looking flare/stray light/ghosting issues, even after using the factory and aftermarket lens hoods.

Well, I`m getting away from the original question, and I`m sorry Crossprocessing really IS`NT the best way to show off these two lenses attitudes and what they can do, It`s just the place I`ve found them to work best for me etc.

I really didn`t "bond" with my 53' Nikkor SC and I didn`t learn till right before I sold it that you can control the "Nikkor Glow" by, opening up all the way to f1.4 and then backing off just a 1/16 of an inch so that edge/glow comes off.

I have a 1950 SC F1.4/50 #5005 series "Tokyo" lens which is another animal from the normal SC, the look that lens gives is more like a true Sonnar and the overall apperance at f1.4 is creamier and smoother, with well maybe at loss for the later SC lenses sharpness.

The HC f2/50 is for some reason for me a more compassionate lens, I use it mostly for crossprocessing now, but it`s also at home for Black and White work, I think, well my opinion is the f2 is more a universal lens than the f1.4 is even stopped down, the lens seems more flexible and has less "Glow" then the SC has.

It`s really a matter of personal taste, some people swoon over the SC, I just think I`d grab my HC f2/50 or my Canon f1.5/50 to set up for serious work before I put the SC f1.4 back on....

Tom

wlewisiii

05-27-2009, 22:01

Hmm. It's interesting to look at your work, most times. Obviously you are a big fan of the Sonnar, yet I wonder...

Have you ever tried a nice early Canon/Serenar 50/1.8? I get the feeling looking at your work sometimes that while you might like Leica bodies more, you seem far happier with the Canon/Zeiss school of lenses than with the Leica/Nikon school. Obviously this is only from a pretty small smaple of your work, but, none-the-less...

I do wonder if it's the specific lens signature or the lens family signature that catches your eye? Nothing wrong either way, just curious how you're looking at things as it may illuminate how I look at things...

William

P. Lynn Miller

05-27-2009, 22:07

"Master Of The Sonnar"

Sorry to let the air out of your balloon... but I was actually referring the Mr. Sweeney, who knows more about vintage 50mm lenses than anyone else I know, particularly when it comes the mechanics and optics of Sonnar lenses.

kermaier

05-27-2009, 22:08

The HC f2/50 is for some reason for me a more compassionate lens, I use it mostly for crossprocessing now, but it`s also at home for Black and White work, I think, well my opinion is the f2 is more a universal lens than the f1.4 is even stopped down, the lens seems more flexible and has less "Glow" then the SC has.

It`s really a matter of personal taste, some people swoon over the SC, I just think I`d grab my HC f2/50 or my Canon f1.5/50 to set up for serious work before I put the SC f1.4 back on....

Tom

The HC 50/2 is pretty nice for color too :)

http://kermaier.smugmug.com/photos/454811587_mkhiJ-XL.jpg
Nikkor-S.C 50/2 LTM at about f/2.8 (or maybe a bit wider -- hard to be sure with no click-stops on the aperture ring) on an Epson R-D1s at ISO 400.

I find that my Japan SC 50/1.4 is pretty soft at f/1.4, but sharpens up nicely atf/2 and smaller. I guess I need to do a direct comparison and decide whether I should keep both Nikkors (acute Too Many 50's Syndrome). Like you say, the Canon 50/1.5 is more of the go-to Sonnar. :)

::Ari

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 22:17

Have you ever tried a nice early Canon/Serenar 50/1.8?

William

Here you go William, more crossprocessed work, this time with a 55' Canon IIF2 and it`s factory f1.8/50 Kodak 100 asa slide/crossprocessed

http://modelmayhm-3.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/070910/09/46e5544fec17e.jpg (http://www.modelmayhem.com/pic.php?pid=3989583&group_id=&ua=)

http://modelmayhm-3.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/070911/08/46e69ea750806.jpg (http://www.modelmayhem.com/pic.php?pid=4034178&group_id=&ua=)

http://modelmayhm-3.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/070911/08/46e69c3b2c6af.jpg (http://www.modelmayhem.com/pic.php?pid=4023374&group_id=&ua=)

http://modelmayhm-3.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/070911/08/46e69d981a204.jpg (http://www.modelmayhem.com/pic.php?pid=4034135&group_id=&ua=)

http://modelmayhm-3.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/070911/08/46e69e4c24e83.jpg (http://www.modelmayhem.com/pic.php?pid=4034169&group_id=&ua=)

Wow! These are golden oldies ~ made all the way back in 2007!

It was the FIRST time I ever used the Canon IIF2 body, so I was`nt really used to the rangefinder.....

I really have a large pallet of Fast 50mm lenses, I guess I grab what I feel at the moment, though the soft/sexier styles I grab a Sonnar based lens and for the edgier stuff I grab the Nikkor or a Leica (Summitar) ~ also I do use my Leitz Xenon and Summarit in the softer/sexier styles as well.

I do prefer the Leica IIIC over everything when shooting, ohh and my Leica M6 gets just as much attention, so it`s putting everything on those two cameras that I base my 35mm film work around. ;)

Tom

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 22:19

Sorry to let the air out of your balloon... but I was actually referring the Mr. Sweeney, who knows more about vintage 50mm lenses than anyone else I know, particularly when it comes the mechanics and optics of Sonnar lenses.

Ahhh ok, that`s a relief, now I don`t have to stress about how good or bad I shoot .....;)

Yes, Brian is genius with these lenses, I`m so stoked about my lens I can`t wait!!!!!

Tom

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 22:25

The HC 50/2 is pretty nice for color too :)

http://kermaier.smugmug.com/photos/454811587_mkhiJ-XL.jpg
Nikkor-S.C 50/2 LTM at about f/2.8 (or maybe a bit wider -- hard to be sure with no click-stops on the aperture ring) on an Epson R-D1s at ISO 400.

I find that my Japan SC 50/1.4 is pretty soft at f/1.4, but sharpens up nicely atf/2 and smaller. I guess I need to do a direct comparison and decide whether I should keep both Nikkors (acute Too Many 50's Syndrome). Like you say, the Canon 50/1.5 is more of the go-to Sonnar. :)

::Ari
Beautiful portrait, the girls hair color is just so REAL looking!
(Yes, I almost bought a RD-1 the other day, but I held myself back for the moment!!!!!) :rolleyes:

Yes, the HC f2 renders such wonderful colors, that`s why I use it for my crossprocessing now (I also pull out my 1992 f2/50 Summicron M as well to do crossies, the works all done between those two lenses now) :)

Tom

P. Lynn Miller

05-27-2009, 22:28

I do prefer the Leica IIIC over everything when shooting,

This is a curious statement... care to elaborate?

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 22:35

This is a curious statement... care to elaborate?

I have Leica IIIC K syndrome, it`s a very rare, but contagious disease.......;) ~ I try to keep it under control while I also have Sonnarnits too, that`s equally contagious! :D

Tom

wlewisiii

05-27-2009, 22:50

Ah, but Tom, a IVSb matches the 50/1.5 Serenar far more closely than any Leica would. The two will provide the best match to what you're looking for ... :eek:

William

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 22:54

Ah, but Tom, a IVSb matches the 50/1.5 Serenar far more closely than any Leica would. The two will provide the best match to what you're looking for ... :eek:

William

Well, I have a Canon IIF2 which I think is the same as a IVSB or IVSB2 it just has different speeds etc. ~ The VF is the same......

What I don`t like about the Canon is the finder`s ok to fine focus with but NOT to compose, (I don`t like having to keep setting the VF back and forth) ~ I need a 50mm BL finder, and I have`nt been able to find a Canon one???? Then that would make the IIF2 near perfect to work with, I already LOVE the Canon "Pop Up" spool, I use one in all the IIIC`s I work with......:D

Tom

P. Lynn Miller

05-27-2009, 22:58

I have Leica IIIC K syndrome, it`s a very rare, but contagious disease.......;) ~ I try to keep it under control while I also have Sonnarnits too, that`s equally contagious! :D

Tom

Seriously, other than obvious infatuation... why?

I understand why you have 'Sonnarnits' as I am quite enamoured with the Sonnar signature myself.

There must be something about the Leica IIIC that really, really appeals to you...

LeicaTom

05-27-2009, 23:05

Seriously, other than obvious infatuation... why?

I understand why you have 'Sonnarnits' as I am quite enamoured with the Sonnar signature myself.

There must be something about the Leica IIIC that really, really appeals to you...

Well, yes, I have mostly ALL "Kugellager" series issues, they advance more smoothly then normal Leica IIIC`s or IIIF`s do, I have always liked the two small windows next to each other for focusing and composing (works real fast) and I just never did get widely into M Leica`s, I used a M3 years ago and it was nice, but I just always enjoyed using the LTM`s more, the size and how light they are compared to other cameras.

I also really enjoy my M6 which now 3/4 of the time has the Canon f1.2/50 on it, while it`s welll balanced and another perfect combo.

I`m hoping that the Grey "user" IIIC K I have and this CZJ Sonnar, will also make a great working pair, only time will tell :)

Tom

P. Lynn Miller

05-27-2009, 23:41

I must admit, that I had the chance to play with a Leica III, probably a C or F, and it was very hard to give it back the owner. Hard to explain, but the feeling was like hefting a vintage Stanley Bed-Rock hand plane, or working the action of a '02 Marlin 1894, or wearing my vintage Rolex Explorer, I just had this unjustifiable 'I want one' feeling.... hard to explain, even harder to justify.

But so far, I have managed to avoid further contact with Leica LTM's and thus avoided buying more cameras I truly do not need.

I know nothing about the 'Kugellager' series, dare I ask or as ignorance bliss?

raid

05-28-2009, 08:13

Hans,

If you can find a authentic CZJ Sonnar f1.5/50 lens in either LTM or Contax mount if you shoot vintage Contax, it`s a signature you don`t forget easy, real creamy bokeh and a 3D effect, especially when shooting portraits etc.

The other lenses that also hit close to home are the Canon f1.5/50 and the Nikkor HC f2/50 both in LTM and both have the unforgettable Sonnar signature :D

Tom

I am glad that I have the lenses you have mentioned above, Tom!
The Sonnar signature is acquired [good] taste, just like choosing your favorite type of coffee beans ... yummy.

januaryman

05-28-2009, 08:38

I think the 1938 uncoated CZJ 50/1.5 LTM conversion lens (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3337286805_00c651b399.jpg) Brian cobbled together for me is my favorite lens, maybe tied for first place with my Canon 35/2.0 - I have the Zeiss still mounted on my M4 as seen in my avatar, have not taken it off since I shot my first roll with it. I used to think a black paint camera needed a black lens, but this combo not only looks great together but works great together. Can't wait to get back to shooting with it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3355/3336361696_c8c68739af.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/januaryman/sets/72157614868096691/)

raid

05-28-2009, 08:45

When I got from Brian my Zeiss Jena 5cm 1.5 uncoated Sonnar in LTM, it dominated all other lenses for about a month or so. What a thrill it is to use such a lens. My Zeiss Jena 5cm 2.0 LTM is also a great lens for sure. You can't go wrong with either lens.

I got the Canon 50 1.5, but I am still using the Zeiss.

wjlapier

05-28-2009, 09:39

LeicaTom

05-28-2009, 12:24

I'm glad I read this thread, and appreciate all the photos. I too have a Sweeney Opton Sonnar shimmed for Nikon S ( and Amedeo's adapter ), and the Nikkor HC. The Opton was a mess he brought back to life--I'm confident he can do the same for your new lens. But since I bought the DR 'cron I've been using it on my M3 and shelved the other two lenses. Time to take these out and have another "look" at the sonnar signature of my photos.

Thanx again for the photos. The cross processing is interesting. Might have to try that too. Any thoughts on cross processing velvia--too much in my freezer? And can most 1 hr labs do this?

Heya Bill!

That Nikkor "Tokyo" HC I sold you a long time ago, that was also a Brian Sweeney "magic" lens, I regret selling that one.....the other HC I have is a 57' one and it`s MINT as new on a equally as new Tower 35, the camera sees almost no service and the HC I use on the Crossprocessing, along with my 92' Summicron and also sometimes I use a Xenon or the Summarit as well, all 4 shoot CP really nice.

aH, an Opton Sonnar with a adapter to LTM, I`d like to see some shots with that as well, I bet that lens shoots nice :)

Velvia 100? ~ do you have any to sell? ~ the middle photo of the girl on the steps is Fujichrome, leaves a really kool green/blue tone on the pics, I like it BETTER than Kodak for doing CP!

Hmmm 1hr labs, well, the key is to find someone who will just develop it and that`s it, many labs whine and cry and say it`s going to ruin the chemistry (which is bulls*it) ~ I mean if you run like 15 rolls through at the same time, it might spike the chemicals, but just one or two rolls through won`t do anything........

Best is to also SCAN it yourself, or know the person burning off your CD can adjust for getting good scans, I have a gal here who knows my stuff well, just have to develop it behind the managers back, cuz she has a fit everytime a roll goes through, I also take back my film canister, so there`s no evidence. ;)

Tom

LeicaTom

05-28-2009, 12:34

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3355/3336361696_c8c68739af.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/januaryman/sets/72157614868096691/)

Yes, I think the pre-war Sonnar f1.5 is also a lens that I would also consider in a "hack" again, while all the samples I`ve seen from the lenses that Brian has built, are simply wonderful performers!

Tom

john neal

05-29-2009, 00:16

LeicaTom

05-29-2009, 01:17

Well, that didn`t take long! :D ~ Thanks Mike :)

I have a 1949/50 era Leitz New York case with the LONG SNOOT to fit the IIIC K Grey and the Sonnar into, now all I need is a strong, soild N.O.S. or like new Brown Leica Strap, that will go all the way around the case and adjust with that little belt loop......

Does anyone out there have a strap they could sell me????

Thanks

Tom

Mr_Flibble

05-29-2009, 03:32

Well goshdarn, I think I've contracted some kind of bug too now.
Sonnaritis sounds pretty bad.

wjlapier

05-29-2009, 08:10

Hmm, that's interesting - I have been talking to Brian about conversions and he explained the tricks of the trade to me (thanks Brian!). I have converted a 1935 f2 uncoated CZ Sonnar and await the first test roll eagerly. Of more direct relevance to your mail, I have an Opton T f1.5 that I'm trying to convert. This will not fit easily into any of the Russian focus mounts, and I don't have any "surplus" Leica mounts to cannibalise. I think I'm going to have to machine out a spare Canon 1.8 mount that I have - it's about 1mm too small in diameter for the optic unit, but good in other respects (like the diameter of the surround for the aperture ring being within 0.5mm on the diameter, as is).

I have a lathe, and the work is fairly straightforward, and I would be interested to see some of your results to give me the impetus to get on and do it.

When my M3 gets back I'll run a roll through it with the Opton and share my results--Tom, the Amedeo adapter is for M.

Funny thing though--I didn't buy the lens to use on my M3. I had the Nikkor HC at the time and was using it on the M3. The price was so low, and I knew the condition of the lens before I bought it, I figured I could play with it on my Panny G1. But this thread and the pics have got me curious what it can produce. Brian optimized the lens for close focus wide open--could be fun!

LeicaFoReVer

05-29-2009, 09:47

Great deal, I have been looking for this combo too :( unfortunately now I had other priorities and I have 4 bodies and until I get rid of some of them I wont buy contax...

But I want to know where I can CLA those contax bodies and zeiss lenses? Is Youxing dealing with them?

Thanks,

dexdog

05-29-2009, 10:03

But I want to know where I can CLA those contax bodies and zeiss lenses? Is Youxing dealing with them?

Thanks,

Several folks on RFF have had Eddy Smolov from NYC do work on Contax cameras and lenses, and have been pleased with the service and turn-around time. Henry Scherer is very good, but has a 2 year waiting list.

LeicaFoReVer

05-29-2009, 10:44

Several folks on RFF have had Eddy Smolov from NYC do work on Contax cameras and lenses, and have been pleased with the service and turn-around time. Henry Scherer is very good, but has a 2 year waiting list.

Can I get the contact info for Eddy please?

dexdog

05-29-2009, 10:53

Can I get the contact info for Eddy please?

This is from a google search

123camerarepair@gmail.com

planetjoe

05-29-2009, 10:59

LeicaTom

05-29-2009, 12:11

Hopefully I`ll have my combo, 45' IIIC K Grey and the 43' Sonnar "married" by the end of next week, or that weekend, I`m really excited about using them, and then also post photos here A.S.A.P. :D

Tom

Brian Sweeney

05-29-2009, 14:36

This is with Jim's uncoated 5cm f1.5 Sonnar converted to LTM. Optimized for close-up and wide-open.

http://www.ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=16&pictureid=115

But it did not give any trouble with distance shots. The Sonnar focus shift works in its favor.

http://www.ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=16&pictureid=111

raid

05-29-2009, 14:38

Beautiful, Brian.

How is my Sonnar relative to Jim's Sonnar?

Brian Sweeney

05-29-2009, 14:41

This is with an Early J-3 in LTM. Wide-open, of course.

http://camwk.com/picture.php?albumid=21&pictureid=267

The Glass in this J-3 is German.

Brian Sweeney

05-29-2009, 14:42

Beautiful, Brian.

How is my Sonnar relative to Jim's Sonnar?

Raid: His Sonnar is the best that I have ever seen. Our's are close...

It cured his lust for a Canon 50/1.5.

raid

05-29-2009, 14:55

Raid: His Sonnar is the best that I have ever seen. Our's are close...

It cured his lust for a Canon 50/1.5.

What made Jim's lens the best?
I mean, is it the glass being clean or is it the sharpness or ... ?

Good for you, Jim.

wlewisiii

05-29-2009, 14:56

I can certainly sympathize with him. My J3 keeps me quite happy, though I do use the 50/2 uncoated & 50/2.8 uncoated far more frequently as I love the ergonomics of collapsible lenses. Right now I need to get a working Kiev again...

William

januaryman

05-29-2009, 15:06

Raid: His Sonnar is the best that I have ever seen. Our's are close...

It cured his lust for a Canon 50/1.5.

If my left eye hadn't blown a gasket I'd be out with it and my Leica M4 or Bessa every day! I like just looking at it, now. And yes, my need for a Canon 50/1.5 has disappeared completely. If you're thinking of asking for it back Brian, you can have it only if my other eye goes. Then it wouldn't do me much good! ;)

januaryman

05-29-2009, 15:08

What made Jim's lens the best?
I mean, is it the glass being clean or is it the sharpness or ... ?

Good for you, Jim.

Thanks, my friend.

LeicaTom

05-29-2009, 19:53

Brian,

You should have a Fed Ex package on your doorstep on Monday, I can`t wait to see how my Sonnar comes out "crosses fingers" :)

Tom

Brian Sweeney

05-29-2009, 20:00

I'll get some shots of it down to you.

I've taken some real disaster cases from a friend of mine that deals with equipment.

http://www.ziforums.com/showthread.php?t=224

This lens had severe fungus internally- most of it cleaned up. At F4, it was quite sharp.

http://www.ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=114&pictureid=1019
F1.5 was pretty good:

http://www.ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=114&pictureid=1020

Yours looks a lot better than this one did.

LeicaTom

05-29-2009, 20:06

http://www.ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=114&pictureid=1019
F1.5 was pretty good:

http://www.ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=114&pictureid=1020

Yours looks a lot better than this one did.

Wow!

Yeah if I can get that type of performace out of mine, I`ll be MORE than satisfied :)

Thanks

Tom

Bingley

05-29-2009, 20:20

Bingley

05-29-2009, 20:22

LeicaTom

05-29-2009, 22:13

Youxin Ye only works on Leica, I believe.

Someone`s posted Eddy Smolov's information at the top of this page, he is supposed to be the Contax repairman?

I have bought some great equipment off of him, but I was`nt too satisfied with his "so-called" CLA on a Leica IIIC body I once owned, maybe his rebatt is better with Contax? , I don`t like WORKING with them personally, and all my LTM Leica repairs and CLA`s have gone to Youxin Ye, he`s one of the BEST on the east coast, and his prices are still reasonable, he is currently this weekend working on the second IIC K Grey paint I`ve sent to him and the cameras all come back working like new.......! :D

Tom

raid

05-30-2009, 14:41

Eddy Smolov's info:

123camerarepair@gmail.com
(347)922-7275

He's in Brooklyn, NY. He's currently working on my Kiev 4, and says I should have it back next week. That will be three weeks total, and that's supposedly a long time for him. He came well-recommended.

Hopefully I'll be able to report back when it returns.

Cheers,
--joe.

Eddy is a great guy.
Mention my name to him, and he will treat you like family.

Tom: Every repair person can sometimes "be human" and it can happen that you need to ask for a re-do. Even DAG gets such cases.

LeicaTom

05-30-2009, 21:15

Tom: Every repair person can sometimes "be human" and it can happen that you need to ask for a re-do. Even DAG gets such cases.

Well, as I`ve said the gear he sold me was GREAT, (conditionwise) just the Leica IIIC K "non stamp" I bought he said WAS CLA`d and when I had it taken apart it had TON`S of old AXLE GREASE inside it :(
(that`s not what I call a CORRECT CLA!)

I sent it to Youxin and he fixed it right up, after that experience I just NEVER would ask him to repair another Leica for me, I can trust Youxin with $4,000+ Leica IIIC K`s, maybe Eddy`s line is better with Contax`s????

I have a 1938 Contax with the original f2/50 a "bring back" along with the soldiers Rolleiflex Automat (1939) and then my 43' IIIC K Grey, manybe one day I`ll get the Contax fixed by him if he`s really all that great with them, but for now it`s a "show" camera that`s more then likely NEVER going to be used anyway......

Tom

LeicaTom

05-30-2009, 21:20

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/2165392604_5d590c14c2_o.jpg

Yes, That`s why I LOVE the Sonnar!!!!!

I just received a letter from Jim Lager today, he too said that the 45' IIIC K and the 43' CZJ f1.5 Sonnar T will be a really great performing combo, hopefully the two will be "married" by next weekend.....

Tom

januaryman

06-02-2009, 05:01

This thread is a hoot! Just finally read through it. Some GREAT shots above!!! :)

Tom -- Congrats to you on your most successful acquisition. I'm sure a spell at Spa Sweeney will do your lens a world of good!

Brian -- This thread is further proof that you are a god. :D

Jim -- How's the eye doing? Best wishes for a speedy recovery! (you're not left eye dominant, are you??).

Tom (again) -- Agree w/ your comment about what sonnar lenses are good for...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/2165392604_5d590c14c2_o.jpg

Great shot indeed. was this shot wide open? That nice softness in the background is very appealing, smoother than the Planars I have more of.

As for the eye, 2nd operation in under my belt and I'm healing. Uncertain how successful this will have been until a week or two clears things up. I need to start trying to shoot right eyed - not an easy transition for me, as I confessed in my thread/poll, called "right or left" or something like that.

jmkelly

06-02-2009, 07:56

Eddy resurrected a lump of dead Contax II for me a while back. It is a project camera, nearly complete - I will post pics when it's all done. I finally shot a roll with it the other day and the speeds are a stop slow - the body has been in many pieces and shipped all over the country - so it may go back to Eddy, or maybe I will just rate the film a stop faster :).

Youxin has been my go-to guy for Barnack repair, and has never disappointed. I'm hoping to get another project body back from him before he takes a vacation at the end of this week.

raid

06-02-2009, 08:15

It is good that there are many good repair people available to us. Just choose the person you are comfortable with.

capitalK

06-02-2009, 09:14

I only have 2 lenses right now... a ZM 35mm Biogon and a 1970's J-3 that was shimmed by Brian by the previous owner. I will admit that I haven't used the J-3 much since buying it because I like the 35mm focal length so much but this thread is making me think I need to shoot with the J-3 some more. It's funny, because I prefer the way the J-3 draws a scene.

That begs the question: is there anything in 35mm that will give me a similar look?

LeicaTom

06-02-2009, 12:09

In getting back to the ORIGINAL subject of this thread, here`s news back from my lens, Brian thinks it`s going to be a good example, it has some wipe marks on the front element, and some internal haze, but he thinks that this will clean up and it will be similiar to another "wartime" lens that he owns.

I`m patiently awaiting photos, and I hope that it will be ready soon for it`s pairing up with the 1945 Leica IIIC K Grey, which is on it`s way from Youxin Ye right now, it should be here tomorrow! :D

Tom

Bingley

06-02-2009, 22:26

Tom -- That's good news indeed on the lens!

Tom & Jim -- Thanks for your comments on the photo; yes, it was shot wide open (Canon 50/1.5, but you probably knew that).

Jim -- Like you, I'm left-eye dominant. I can't imagine learning to shoot w/ my right eye, so you have my sympathies if that's the ultimate outcome. But I hope your left eye heals up so you can back to shooting w/ it.

LeicaTom

06-04-2009, 14:03

Yeppers!

Just got off the phone with Brian about the lens and it looks 100% German inside, so the whole #272xxxx sequence of numbers on that list I have must be correct
*(THANKS TO WILLIAM IN THE UK)*
...............and the evilbay description had it sounding like a parts lens, when in fact it really isn`t as bad at all, seems to have the typical coating marks that so many "wartime" CZJ lenses do have, so I`m happy about this and Brian`s putting his magic into this one, I will have a lens that I`m sure I`ll be using quite alot in the up coming weeks, more about it when it get`s back :)

Tom

raid

06-04-2009, 14:17

wjlapier

06-05-2009, 06:26

Hi Tom,
Here is a shot from the Zeiss Opton Sonnar at f/1.5. I'm more than happy with this lens' performance.

http://webpages.charter.net/wjlapier/Optonafter3.jpg

The negative was dustier than usual :confused:

Bill

LeicaTom

06-06-2009, 00:22

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/koolgirliestuff/czjdon5MASTER4NET.jpg?t=1244272422

Here`s a "teaser" photo of my 43' lens taken by Brian as he put the lens back together, she cleaned up rather nicely I`d say :D ~ is`nt she a Beauty!

Everything inside matched and was German, so I`m satisfied that I have a real LTM CZJ lens from 1943.

Brian`s going to do some further film tests on her and then after that she`s on her way home, first going to try her on one of my Chrome 45' IIIC K`s as the freshly finished Grey 45' IIIC K has developed some unforseen viewfinder issues that Youxin has to clear up for me when he get`s back from vacation, (so that camera`s in-op till then/ it`s a real shame I was really looking forward to using it, but it looks like it needs further adjusting and repairs).

As soon as I have the lens back I`ll try to get some sample shots posted here as soon as I have some models booked......

Stay Tuned!

Tom

Mr_Flibble

06-06-2009, 01:18

Except or your Viewfinder problem it sounds like good news all the way! I'm quite interested to see what you can do with this lens.

LeicaTom

06-13-2009, 01:53

Well, my 43' F1.5/50 CZJ Sonnar T should be here tomorrow or Monday :D

I adjusted the VF on my 45' IIIC K Grey and it`s already loaded with some 400 asa Black & White film and another 45' IIIC K Chrome camera is loaded with 100 asa color film, so I`ll be shooting some test shots shortly with these combos......I have a fetish swimming pool film/movie shoot with a production company on Sunday, I`m shooting Stills for them, so I hope the lens is here in the morning......

I have`nt seen any shoot samples from Brian, so I figure he has`nt gotten them back yet from developing yet????

Stay tuned I`ll have something posted here soon from this legendary WW2 Lens!!!! ;)

Tom

Brian Sweeney

06-13-2009, 07:09

Fuji still has the roll of film. The focus on the lens looked good out of the box. The mechanics of it were a mess. Only One of the set screws was in good shape.

Using it on the camera revealed that the tap for the set screw that holds the helical into the mount was too big,. This allowed play in it when using it on the camera. I used a little was of Jon Goodman's double-sided sticky tape in it to shore things up. I am a lens hacker.

LeicaTom

06-13-2009, 14:00

The Lens just came in the mail a few hours ago...........

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/koolgirliestuff/10.jpg?t=1244925375

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/koolgirliestuff/14.jpg?t=1244926495

Now the lens is mounted on my "user" 45' Leica IIIC K, sitting in a rare Leitz New York "Long Nose" case, quite a sharp looking combo :D

Brian did an amazing job on the lens, and despite the coating marks, the lens is crystal clear and the coating has a beautiful Bluish/Purple hue, I`m sure this will shoot outstanding looking work.

I might have a retro/fetish ~ artistic nude shoot coming up this Sunday? I`ll try to use the lens then.....stay tuned!

Tom

Brian Sweeney

06-13-2009, 14:47

I knew I should have flown the lens to Florida to test it.

raid

06-13-2009, 14:51

Brian,

I will carry your suitcase for you as your assistant!

Mr_Flibble

06-13-2009, 14:59

Ghah....my Sunday pales in comparison. Shooting pictures of my friends playing in a beach volleyball tournament. Life is so unfair :D

LeicaTom

06-14-2009, 01:16

Ghah....my Sunday pales in comparison. Shooting pictures of my friends playing in a beach volleyball tournament. Life is so unfair :D

Yeah, two lingerie/art nude models in a swimming pool, it`s hard work, but someone`s GOT to do it........:)

Tom

Brian Sweeney

06-18-2009, 17:38

Well, we'll just have to wait for Tom's up close-up and wide open focus tests.

I'll post the ones that I used to check the lens.

Wide-Open at F1.5 on the Canon P
Nailed the focus on this one!

http://camwk.com/picture.php?albumid=57&pictureid=589

There was a reason that it was sold for parts only.

http://camwk.com/picture.php?albumid=57&pictureid=603

The solidified grease gummed things up fairly bad. Nothing that Ronsonol and a few minutes in the ultrasonic cleaner could not cure.

And the ultrasound and Silver Polish really got the tarnish off of the lens.

http://camwk.com/picture.php?albumid=57&pictureid=600

Dr. Tongues House of 3-D Focus tests...

http://camwk.com/picture.php?albumid=57&pictureid=592

john neal

06-18-2009, 22:45

Well, we'll just have to wait for Tom's up close-up and wide open focus tests.

Hmm, a sure-fire recipe for camera shake?

hans voralberg

06-19-2009, 00:00

Ultra-sonic cleaner, what is that Brian, sounds very extreme for cleaning a lens !! Can I buy one lol

Mael

06-19-2009, 00:57

Someone has sent me exactly the same lens for repair/cleaning. The internal component were absolutely identical. But I'm not convinced it is a true Zeiss lens. I think original Zeiss Sonnar in LTM, has a brass internal mount, and external aluminium rings. A french collector showed me one time an expertised authentic Sonnar LTM, and it was slightly different from yours and from the one I repaired. To me, your sample looks like very much early russian ZK lens for Fed/Zorki from 1949-1950. What gave me reasons to doubt with my sample was the lens and components were oxydized and showed wear, but the front engraved ring seemed just leaving the factory.

Early ZK have brass internal mount too from 1947-1948 (S/N000001 to approx. S/N 000700)

See this, copyright DVDtechcameras

http://www.dvdtechcameras.com/cameras/leica/41/1.jpg

http://www.dvdtechcameras.com/cameras/leica/41/2.jpg

Late ZK lenses has aluminium internal mount, like this one (S/N 000700 until Jupiter name appears and aperture ears disappeared)

http://www.dvdtechcameras.com/cameras/leica/42/1.jpg

http://www.dvdtechcameras.com/cameras/leica/42/2.jpg

I think every Sonnar LTM lens with aluminium internal mount must be considered a fake.

Anyway, it seems a very good performer, and this is what's important.;)

Mael

06-19-2009, 02:03

LeicaTom

06-19-2009, 02:47

Another thing is that true Zeiss Jena lens, according to the collector I just called, has no ears on aperture ring, aperture depth of field engravings do not have a comma separator but instead a point. The more I see pictures from this lens, the more it reminds me russian engravings.

Sorry to tell you this, but the "no ears" rule on the LTM lenses is BS!!!!

My lens #272xxxx is 100% authentic, and comes from a special run of LTM lenses for the German Army delivered on Jan. 29th 1943.

I have seen other lenses that were "captured" US Army "bring back" lenses from WW2 and they are identical to mine, some of them even had their serial numbers written in documents in the US Army soldiers "bring back" paperwork,
(From May/June/July 1945 ~ way before any Russian restposten lenses were ever even made at Jena or in Russia!) ~ some of these documented were even in the #272xxxx series!

I`m sure that Brian will also back up the lens as well, it`s most surely NOT RUSSIAN, and is an original German Zeiss product, made before 1944!

Tom

Mael

06-19-2009, 03:04

LeicaTom

06-19-2009, 03:12

Perhaps, I am no ear's expert ! Archived S/N are one thing, but fakes another. The one I repaired was S/N 2724613. (BTW it has been stolen during french post shipping, if you see it some day...). I had the opportunity to compare it to the internal ZK LTM components I had and they were absolutely identical. S/N from the zeiss lens was reported on the internal barrel, but that is no proof, because engraving is easy to do.

Anyway, I do not want to offense you, just to share informations.

Maybe there were real Zeiss lens variations during manufacturing. The only thing I meant is that some russian early lenses shares absolutely the same internal and external construction, and that is surprising.

Yes, understand pretty much EVERYTHING was crazy at Jena in 1942/43 many different variations exist from the "wartime" lenses, Brian has written about them over at the Zeiss forums.

I have pretty much always concentrated on the history of the 1943 issued CZJ Sonnar T`s, while that what I always wanted to own, to go with one of my IIIC K Grey`s.
(true, it`s sitting on my 1945 IIIC K now, while I don`t use my 43' K, it is the "show"camera of my collection, and the Sonnar will be used not shelved :))

The mixing up of brass and aluminum parts was widespread at CZ by 1943, many supplier`s had started to be bombed out by the RAF and USAAF, and as to what I have read that early 1943 issue was one of the last major issues to the German Army to contain LTM lenses, there were some small shipments in 1943 and one or two in 1944 and that was it, just as with Leica as well, early to mid 1944 was the end of issued military production, and hundreds if not thousands of lenses and cameras laid dormant and in storage as deadstock/partially assembled until the Allies arrived in April/May 1945.

Tom

PS: #2724613 ~ was also part of that Jan. 29th 1943 shipment ~ accordng to records, that`s a shame it was stolen :(

Brian Sweeney

06-19-2009, 04:38

>Another thing is that true Zeiss Jena lens, according to the collector I just called, has no
>ears on aperture ring, aperture depth of field engravings do not have a comma separator
>but instead a point. The more I see pictures from this lens, the more it reminds me russian
> engravings.

That information is wrong if he is referring to a Wartime Zeiss Lens in LTM. Your collector friend might be confusing a post-war CZJ 5cm F1.5 in LTM with a Wartime CZJ SOnnar in LTM I've seen photo's of the post-war lens in LTM, and it fits his description.

I've taken apart early J-3's with ears, and the optics barrel is different.

I've taken apart pre-war Contax mount lenses, wartime Contax mount lenses, Wartime Arriflex mount lenses, and wartime LTM lenses, and post-war Russian "copies".

http://ziforums.com/showthread.php?t=120

http://ziforums.com/showthread.php?t=143

http://ziforums.com/showthread.php?t=224

Brian Sweeney

06-19-2009, 06:21

Oh- and the ultrasonic cleaner was $30 in Ebay, shipped. Works quite well. Fill with water, drop in the metal parts. My wife had me clean her gold and platinum rings with it as well.

CLE-RF

06-19-2009, 08:37

So, what do I recognise a wartime CZJ Sonnar lens by? Any characteristic they surely possess? Anything they certainly do not possess?

I'd like to own and shoot a lens like that one day, but the one I sold in the past might have been one to start with? That one had a black front rim, capital 'M' for meters and comma-separated aperture digits. No aperture ears, 1939 serial number. Might have been real after all? Sold it off for the price of a well-kept Jupiter-3... :(

Brian Sweeney

06-19-2009, 11:03

It would have a small "m" for meters if it was a genuine wartime lens.

On a real one: the only way to know for sure is to take it apart and look at the inner serial numbers. The SN on the lens ring matches a stamped number on the read module. There are set screws underneath the aperture ring holding the name plate in place, and a set screw holding the rear module in. The helical has matching numbers on its three sections.

My later German LTM Sonnar has a black nose, the earlier one has a chrome nose.

And to really confuse things, I modify Contax mount Sonnars to LTM by using a J-3 and J-8 focus mount for the F1.5 and F2 lenses, respectively.

xayraa33

06-19-2009, 11:25

Brian, those wartime Sonnar focus pic tests look no different than your Sweeneyfied J-3 test pics.

Brian Sweeney

06-19-2009, 12:07

My 1953 J-3 uses German Glass. The 1950's J-3's are 1st rate lenses. After that, they varied from lens to lens.

Test of many J-3's, from the best I've owned to one that I ended up using for parts. Even though it was mint.
http://ziforums.com/album.php?albumid=97

Brian Sweeney

06-19-2009, 16:40

I've put this shot up before- it is with my wartime CZJ 5cm F1.5 "T" Sonnar in LTM, wide-open on the Canon P.

http://ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=90&pictureid=736

http://ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=90&pictureid=728

The album is here:

http://ziforums.com/album.php?albumid=90

This particular lens has perfect glass. I spent about 6 hours rebuilding it. When received, the optics were loose and "bouncing around" in the fixture. It has the edge on my best J-3.

CLE-RF

06-22-2009, 04:32

Tom,

I'm looking forward to seeing the shots you took yesterday using the Sonnar :)

LeicaTom

06-23-2009, 01:16

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/koolgirliestuff/6.jpg?t=1245744143

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/koolgirliestuff/Evan18.jpg?t=1245744319

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/koolgirliestuff/Evan23.jpg?t=1245744404

Well, as this was a slight change from what I normally shoot, I was called out to take some still shots which were "behind the scenes" for a Horror Movie being filmed here in Florida.

All the color shoots were shot wide open at f1.5 and on Kodak Gold 100 asa

This next shot is a 18+ one

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/koolgirliestuff/11.jpg?t=1245744479

Shot with Kodak 400 asa C-41 at something like f5.6

I was very happy with the colors the lens gives, that experimental coating made up for the military worked out well in color films.

Seems that this time the photos are a little soft, I blame that on my finder......

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/koolgirliestuff/14.jpg?t=1244926495

......on the 1945 IIIC K Grey that just came back from CLA, it needs to be readjusted and this lens should also be optimized to this body, while I do believe this is where it`s going to stay.
(I do really like this combo, it looks great and feels great in that ELNYC "Long Nose" case!)

The Black and White photos I was`nt really all that impressed with, harsh conditions at the pool and violent sun, without any help from filters, didn`t help the outcome, but then again I`m very very hard on myself and the work I do, nothing seems to be perfect these days.......

I did also use a 1950`s era Kenko screw in vented hood on the front of the Sonnar throughout these photos.
*I will more than likely use my Canon f1.5/50 for all the Black and White work I shoot at f1.5 from now on.......and leave the Sonnar T to shoot the things that are always in color? ~ Let`s see what happens...I`m still not acustomed to this lens as of yet.* ;)

I hope that I can have a BETTER shoot this week with some "controlled" lighting conditions, more suitable for my Retro styles.

Tom

CLE-RF

06-23-2009, 02:07

Harsh light, I'll say!

Terrific shots Tom, the color ones are impressive! And, on the B&W shot, it at least emphasizes all the relevant parts of the model, right?:D

Seems I'll be forced to hook my 1953 Jupiter lens up to my 1935 Leica III (and get nowhere close to those shots of yours:p).

I think its terrific there are customers who go for this distinctive look of your work, instead of the modern-glass, beefed-up, DSLR-shot campaigns.

As you can see from my signature, I've put the IIIc up for grabs. Really appreciate the effort you put into getting the camera and lens sorted out and felt this should be said here, out loud!
I've shot it and although I like it a lot, I keep grabbing the M's. It's too nice a camera to have it sitting on a shelf, so it's up for trade/sale.

Really looking forward to seeing more shots from that session, as well as next weeks under controlled lighting!

Mr_Flibble

06-25-2009, 19:06

These color photos are great Tom,
Self-criticism is a good thing, though I find the black/white image quite appealing, and not just because it features a nude lady ;)

Darn, I need to load up one of my Leicas and get out there and shoot! I've been using mainly SLRs and TLRs these last few weeks, I have to get back to my rangefinders!
My next job will be at the 1934 London Melbourne Race event at the Aviodrome next week here in the Netherlands.

All these wonderful toys you tempt us with. A Sonnar is out of the question for me at the moment, though a Russian copy would be in the realm of possibility.

Johan, a Dutch marked IIIc would make nice addition to the collection, unfortunately I have nothing to barther with...and the holiday money is already planned to be spent on other collectibles (Wartime Signal Corps BD-71 Field Telephone center and a Colt M1911A1 pistol).

Chris101

06-25-2009, 20:36

Harsh light, I'll say! ...I thought vamps would disintegrate in the sun.

Brian Sweeney

06-27-2009, 15:53

> A Sonnar is out of the question for me at the moment, though a Russian copy would be in the realm of possibility.

This is with a 1953 KMZ J-3. It required a CLA, including repositioning the helical in the mount for correct focus.

http://camwk.com/picture.php?albumid=65&pictureid=719

Wide-Open at F1.5 on the Bessa R2, closest focus.

The early J-3's were the best, in my opinion. The images from a good one are hard to tell from a German Sonnar.

raid

06-27-2009, 16:00

I have a 1956 J-3. It is right now on my IIa.

Brian Sweeney

06-27-2009, 16:07

Someday I'll have to do a Sonnar and J-3 shoot-out. I have a few of each... Five F1.5 Sonnars and three LTM J-3's. And a J-3 for the Contax and one for the Nikon, CZO F1.5 for the Contax and one dedicated to an Amedeo LTM adapter...

LeicaTom

07-11-2009, 05:20

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/koolgirliestuff/PennyGirdleboundGirl7.jpg?t=1248205498

Here`s a new sample photo, taken with my 43' CZJ Sonnar T f1.5/50 on my Leica M6 ~ Shot around f1.5 at 250/Sec on Kodak Gold 100 with minimal retouching.....and the beautiful model is my new Make Up Artist and Model Penny London :)

The roll in my M6 came out fine, but I think that the off-kilter RF focus prob I have with it HAS to be fixed, while the roll was slightly soft, I really like the color renditions the CZJ coating gives each photo, the lens does flare though due to it`s worn coating, I`m using a Kenko screw on Hood but I still have to be careful with side lighting....I have to get "used" to this lens, with some more shooting I`ll be comparing it with my Canon f1.5/50, it might be just an "indoor" lens depending on how it handles with the flare in outdoor sunlight?

I`m putting the lens back on my May 45' IIIC K Grey and Shooting Penny again on this Sunday.....stay tuned!

Enjoy!

Tom

john neal

07-21-2009, 12:25

LeicaTom

07-21-2009, 12:41

Well, I finally managed to pick one up too :)

I'm impressed with the results from the lens as it arrived - dirty and in need of a CLA (hopefully Brian will be able to oblige - it's only a few numbers from the one he featured in his rebuild post). Here are a couple of shots from the test roll - my twin granddaughters. Fuji 400 HR at somewhere between f1.5 and f2 using my non-stamped IIIc K.

These two are my new best friends Jasmine and Jessica :D

Very Nice John!!!!!!

I didn`t know you had found one....ohh didn`t a dealer have one I think you said, ahh yes, that`s right, hahahahhah!!!! So much going on I had forgotten about this one.

Really great shooter as-is the photos are beautiful, I really think these were made to shoot color film and that at f2 they seem to be at their zenith.

Well, there`s at least 3 people in the world now who are still shooting with a Leica IIIC K and a "wartime" f1.5/50 Sonnar T
But, I still think that our little club you can still count on only two hands though, an exclusive club for this amazingly good working combo! :D

Happy Shooting!

Tom

john neal

07-22-2009, 05:12

Thanks Tom,

I think it's a keeper, but it is very dirty with lots of oil on the blades :( I wonder if someone oiled it to make sure it kept well? The coating on the front element has lots of "speckles", but I gather that is fairly standard for these lenses, and does not detract from performance.

I want to try it with Tri-X or XP2 to see how it performs in B&W, but I'm quite happy with the results in colour. Once I have it finished, I may team the grey K restoration with this lens, now that will be a great combo!

Mr_Flibble

07-22-2009, 09:57

I want an LTM Sonnar now! :( Anyone know where to find one? Doesn't have to be wartime....Doesn't need to be 100% either.

*sigh* gonna have to get a Russian one I guess... it will be the red-headed stepchild in my collection.....

JustPlainBill

07-22-2009, 11:28

Tom,
My congratulations on aquiring your wartime CZ Sonnar in LTM and having Brian Sweeny bring it back to usefulness for you. I look forward to seeing many of the pictures you'll take with it. I have a 50mm f1.4 Nikkor in Leica screwmount which I bought used in1967. Should use it more often.
JustPlainBill

CLE-RF

07-22-2009, 13:42

I picked up this lens (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260386480264&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1123) tonight. Seller states it is a 1960-1970s lens, but serial starts with 58, so probably German glass, right Brian?

Anyway, it looks used, which I consider a good thing in this case, duds probably would not look used but far better.

Still have the wartime IIIc for sale, if it doesn't go I'll use this lens on that body, and load it with Kodacolor :) or possibly E100G and cross-process:rolleyes:. Or mount it on the one prewar FED-S that Yuri brought into Leica specs, that would be great:eek:!

Brian Sweeney

07-22-2009, 20:02

The 1950's J-3's have been the best in my experience. I think the switchover occurred a few years earlier. One of the best J-3's that I ever shot with was a '58 with the same logo on it.

raid

07-22-2009, 20:54

I have a 1956 J-3 with the same Logo. It seems to be sharp.

Here is a crop at f 2.0:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/J-31956.jpg

CLE-RF

07-23-2009, 03:04

I have a 1956 J-3 with the same Logo. It seems to be sharp.

Here is a crop at f 2.0:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/raidamin/J-31956.jpg

'It seems to be sharp' :eek::eek:

Raid, that is a brilliant shot, and considering its a crop, I'll say that lens is sharp for sure!

Brian, I wasn't aware I might have done that well! I'll be on the door mat for the next couple of weeks expecting the mailman! Hope mine matches up to your experience with that lens.

mynikonf2

07-23-2009, 05:15

What is the serial range of the 1950's, J-3's??

raid

07-23-2009, 05:32

'It seems to be sharp' :eek::eek:

Raid, that is a brilliant shot, and considering its a crop, I'll say that lens is sharp for sure!

Brian, I wasn't aware I might have done that well! I'll be on the door mat for the next couple of weeks expecting the mailman! Hope mine matches up to your experience with that lens.

Yes, I am quite happy with this J-3. It is maybe having German parts, but who knows for sure. I also have a 1953 J-8 which is sharp.

raid

07-23-2009, 09:17

What is the serial range of the 1950's, J-3's??

Mike,
The first two digits of the serial number give the year of production in the old FSU lenses. Newer FSU lenses may not follow such numbering system.
My lens is 56xxxx ..., so it was made in 1956.

When looking at J3 and J8 lenses on ebay, I always ask the seller for the serial number when the photos of the lens do not clearly show the serial number. The dealers often are surprised why I ask about the number. I think that sometimes they have a "generic" photo that they use for all J-3 or J-8 lenses sold by them.

mynikonf2

07-23-2009, 10:13

Thanks raid, now the hunt begins!

Mr_Flibble

07-23-2009, 12:21

Hah! Instant Gratification!

Just bought an J3 with a serial number starting with 57, it comes with a hood, a lens case and a lens caps. Looking forward to see what it can do with my Leicas and my R-D1.

On a different note, I should really stop browsing this forum, it's given me the worst case of GAS ;)

CLE-RF

07-23-2009, 12:58

... it comes with a hood, a lens case and a lens caps. ...

First, congrats on the lens! It would be nice to have a shoot out someday, some typical Dutch subjects like cheese or cows :D

Question: I found an ad for a Jupiter lens on that Dutch sales site (search for 'Jupiter') and it said the original hood was included, which was an aluminium hood, starting like a wide angle hood but then extending straight. Any case your hood is like this?

I'm a bit of a completist and would really like an original hood with my J-3 :o but have never found an actual original-hood-picture online yet...

If any of these re-enactments you tend to shoot is coming up again, I'd like to join you with my wartime rig, shooting slow film, if I may?:rolleyes:

Mr_Flibble

07-23-2009, 13:17

Hi Johan,

The hood that's supposed to come with my J3 starts as a rectangular wide-angle funnel and ends up round at the front of the lens (see here (http://hosting.westernbid.info/images/uploads/suvorov_s/5701372-001.jpg))

I'll send you a PM with some Events our group or some of us might be going to.

raid

07-23-2009, 19:39

You've got a genuine J-3. It is not a fake one.

mynikonf2

07-24-2009, 06:29

raid, tell me what you think about this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=320399592123

Brian Sweeney

07-24-2009, 06:34

It's on the high end of a J-3 for cost. My 1953 J-3 was under $100 with shipping. It did require a lot of work to set straight.

mynikonf2

07-24-2009, 08:15

Thanks Brian. What do you think of the condition of this lens?

raid

07-24-2009, 09:06

raid, tell me what you think about this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=320399592123

Mike,
It is a 1962 lens,and the price is not that great.
It looks very good cosmetically.
I would skip it and wait for a J-3 from 1953-1955.

mynikonf2

07-24-2009, 15:52

Thanks raid & Brian for your help.

mynikonf2

07-25-2009, 14:57

CLE-RF

07-25-2009, 15:22

Brian could this be converted to LTM?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Zeiss-SONNAR-5cm-F1-5-Contax-Rangefinder-Bayonet-fit_W0QQitemZ260447954419QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Pho tography_VintageCameras_SM?hash=item3ca3e865f3&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A10%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C29 4%3A50

Mike, beware of this seller, he regularly lists items with these overexposed shots so wear and tear on chrome doesn't show and is known to occasionally get shots and ads mixed up! Some time ago, he sold a FED 50mm f2.0 lens (dedicated lens for the FED-S) while it was listed as a 50mm f3.5, and contained shots of this lens as well. Even though this was pointed out to him, he never updated the listing.

Wear and tear to the chrome is of no concern if Brian would agree to converting this lens by installing it in a Jupiter lens barrel (he can do these conversions), but I feel you should request 'less bright' images from the seller to assess the coating scratches on the front element.

Brian Sweeney

07-25-2009, 19:57

Yes, the lens can be converted using a J-3 LTM focus mount. This is a coated lens, and has some hidden set screws. Mine had one with a set screw that was embedded into the mount. Dremel.

Brian

Brian could this be converted to LTM?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Zeiss-SONNAR-5cm-F1-5-Contax-Rangefinder-Bayonet-fit_W0QQitemZ260447954419QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Pho tography_VintageCameras_SM?hash=item3ca3e865f3&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A10%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C29 4%3A50

Mr_Flibble

08-07-2009, 06:56

Sweet! after 2 weeks my J-3 arrived at my door. Unfortunately nobody was around to sign for it. So today I picked it up at the post office.

I was rather eager to try it out, so I cheated and put it on my R-D1.

http://www.flibweb.nl/flibweb/cpg143/albums/userpics/10001/J3test01.jpg

http://www.flibweb.nl/flibweb/cpg143/albums/userpics/10001/J3test02.jpg

http://www.flibweb.nl/flibweb/cpg143/albums/userpics/10001/J3test04.jpg

Lovely glow! At last!

Rick,

p.s. Sorry for posting this in entirely the wrong section of the forum ....should this go in the Epson R-D1 section, or the FSU? ;)
p.p.s Johan, the hood that came with it is marked FED, so not original to the lens I would think.

endustry

08-10-2009, 10:28

I just got one, too!

Everything checks out down to the correct serial number. Bought it right here on RFF classifieds!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3808675884_fdb6223417_b.jpg

LeicaTom

08-10-2009, 15:30

I just got one, too!

Everything checks out down to the correct serial number. Bought it right here on RFF classifieds!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3808675884_fdb6223417_b.jpg

What`s the serial number on that one?????.......Gee I missed that one, it was here at RFF???

Write me off the board at winkermeister@aol.com

Tom

benmacphoto

08-10-2009, 15:35

I just got one, too!

Everything checks out down to the correct serial number. Bought it right here on RFF classifieds!

Yeah you were quick with that one. I saw it go up on the classifieds then the next thing I know you had sent a pm for it.

endustry

08-10-2009, 15:52

Yeah you were quick with that one. I saw it go up on the classifieds then the next thing I know you had sent a pm for it.

Funny thing is I was taking a nap and something woke me up. I reached over, turned on my laptop and loaded RFF and there it was.

CLE-RF

08-11-2009, 13:31

Funny thing is I was taking a nap and something woke me up. I reached over, turned on my laptop and loaded RFF and there it was.

That must have been the lenses' presence knocking on the top of your skull. None of us would have been happy with that lens, since it was your karma to own this all along, for sure!

Congrats!

Now show some shots, as yours certainly are legit in this thread:D

jarski

08-11-2009, 15:54

joining club of happy pre-war Sonnar users, on LTM :)

last summer I put 6 rolls of HP5+ through Leica II and Sonnar 50/f1.5 on it, on a motorbike tour in some European countries (Canon G9 was main camera, and film camera for experimenting and different "looks"). here's some recent scans, no post process other than resize.

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=72300&stc=1&d=1250031089

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=72301&stc=1&d=1250031089
(Peenemunde rocket museum)

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=72302&stc=1&d=1250031089
(Berlin)

jarski

08-11-2009, 15:58

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=72303&stc=1&d=1250031355
(Leica shop in Fasanen street, Berlin)

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=72304&stc=1&d=1250031355
(tourist crowds in Prague old town)

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=72305&stc=1&d=1250031355
(Auschwitz museum)

CLE-RF

08-11-2009, 16:17

Allright, I posted this in another thread today as well, but it fits in here too:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=72298&d=1250020738
Shot with 1958 Jupiter-3, so presumably a Post-Sonnar Jupiter. Still, the Russians had not yet forgotten how to build them, it seems.

Next time when shooting with a background this distant, I will close up to 2.8. There's too many donuts in the rear for my liking.

LeicaTom

08-11-2009, 18:34

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/koolgirliestuff/96.jpg?t=1250019639

I`m posting another pic of "My Perfect Combo" the Lieutenant Colonel`s 1945 Leica IIIC K and the 1943 CZJ Sonnar T f1.5/50 which just got back today from CLA/adjustments from Youxin Ye. *thanks Youxin!*

The combo will be working overtime this week at a convention I`m working, with at least 10 models the whole weekend, so I can`t wait! :D

Hopefully I`ll have new work to post here shortly, mostly "indoor" stuff so I`ll see how this lens works inside now......

Enjoy!

Tom

Mr_Flibble

08-11-2009, 23:07

I'll be working with about 10 models too this next weekend....male models in 1940 Army uniforms, ha-ha.

As I will be rather limited to camera-bag-space I've not decided if I want to put the J-3 on my IIIc or my R-D1 for this occasion. I do need to test my IIIc now that it's been cleaned (I'm need to know if the low-shutter-speed-dial light leak is there or not)

Congratulations on acquiring yours, Johan.

And I'm interested to see your indoor photo's, Tom

LeicaTom

08-13-2009, 01:02

I'll be working with about 10 models too this next weekend....male models in 1940 Army uniforms, ha-ha.

I have to find out when the next WW2 reenactment show will be here in Fla.

The Korean War reenactment group I was going to join folded up b/c of the economy :( ~ Those vintage military unifroms are NOT cheap!

A Korean War Unit would best suit the gear I use everyday now, the post April 1945 Leica gear and the early 1950`s Nikkor and Canon lenses........

I`ll be shooting my 43' Sonnar hopefully indoors on Friday and Saturday nights, so that will be a real treat, with a 45' Leica IIIC K on a tripod, I`ll be sure to take a picture of the rig taking the pictures, with my digital camera!

Tom

Sonnar2

08-13-2009, 02:57

AFAIK Carl Zeiss Jena wartime Sonnars in LTM were produced in very small numbers (about a few hundreds to 2,000). Very few of them may have survived the war. Horse sense make it obvious to me that they aren't for sale for 100-200 bucks anywhere, but in particular not from Russian sources.

But what I've seen in ebay and photo forums in the last couple of years, Carl Zeiss Jena must have build 100,000s of them and each S/N in the production batch used at least 50x.

I wonder what's so bad about having a excellent maintenanced Russian lens, which, after all, is exactly the same lens design as the original. Except from the fact (what may be bad for some collectors) that it's cheap.

hans voralberg

08-13-2009, 03:03

Problem is, as Brian said, Russian lens vary so much in focusing accuracy.

Mr_Flibble

08-13-2009, 10:59

Quality control is definitely a worry when it comes to certain FSU items......I just tried to screw my J-3 on my IIIc and the threads go tight about 2mm before the base of the lens touches the body. I never bothered to check if FSU LTM lenses fit on Leica lenses.... Never had that with any of my other LTM lenses, so I didn't dare force anything any further, so I guess the J-3 will stay on my R-D1 a little longer :(

LeicaTom

08-13-2009, 11:30

What`s happened to my thread???????

All this talk about Russian stuff, tisk tisk......... hahahahhahaha!!!!!! *JK*

Let`s see more work from original "wartime"samples please!!!! ;)

I`m 100% sure mine`s original, it`s been apart and verified by Brian, I`d say that the BULK of surviving real "wartime" Sonnar`s are ALL IN THE USA! While the lens was very very popular with returning American GI`s who were ordering their Leica IIIC`s in Germany before coming back home, there`s a few hundred survivors out there for sure, I know of two more new one`s brought to my attention, both here and the UK, the lenses are out there, just many have`nt seen the light of day in many many years, and also to the trained eye you can spot the fakes, the Russian`s really are`nt sitting down and making so called Sonnar "fakes" they really are`nt fakes at all, just Jena restposten lenses built from good parts and some bad parts, I think the American`s ransacked Jena pretty well before the Russian`s took it over from them, the American Tech teams grabbed all they could away from the Russian`s in most cases, before they occupied their zones in July/August 1945.

The postwar lenses 1946/47 from what I hear are actually pretty good, their main problem is they were not built to work with Leica`s, but were made to work with Zorki`s and Fed`s which don`t have the same internal measurement`s as Leica`s do, thus resulting in the massive focusing problems. (which all can be fixed on the most part).

That`s all I`ve got to say about the Russian stuff, my quest now is for some Jena f2 Sonnar T glass which I really don`t think I`ll find in a real LTM mount, just make a HACK out of it and shoot, with this stuff it`s all about the Glass anyway really, the major problem I`ve seen with the T lenses is coating wear and damage, they didn`t stand the test of time very well, did they?

Happy Sonnar Shooting!

Tom

Sonnar2

08-13-2009, 12:21

What's all in the US are Russian made Sonnars, because the industry sold them there.

I wait till the moment 2 or more people finding together in the web having a wartime Sonnar lens with the same S/N of that famous wartime LTM Sonnar batch... it will happen sooner or later, even if some people try to avoid it by altering their pictures and hide their S/N (whilest asking others for theirs) :rolleyes:

I like Russian J-8 / J-3's as well for their photographing capabilities (when proper maintenance is applied) but I dislike them with Carl Zeiss Jena beauty rings. Someday a true J-3's in LTM cost more because so few are left... ;)

cheers...

Brian Sweeney

08-13-2009, 15:50

5cm F2 "T" Sonnar, wartime, converted to LTM using a chrome J-8 mount.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2768646335_87d7619598_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2769489730_9bb4a4a941_o.jpg

Something about the color rendition. Very much like a Nikkor 5cm F2, maybe warmer and less contrast.

Wide-open on the Canon P.

I have two German made F1.5 Sonnars that started out as LTM and three other F1.5 Sonnars that are NOW LTM, plus two F2 Sonnars that are converted to LTM. The mount is much different from a J-3. I have a 1949 J-3 coming in, and it will be fun to take apart. I'm looking to see where the changes in design popped up.

enasniearth

08-13-2009, 18:17

if you have examined the real thing you can spot the differances after that .
the postwar jena lenses have some obvious differences in appearance . i have had several wartime biogons in contax mount and the postwar variety . you are safer in buying a contax mount lens as a fake is not worth the top money that a leica screwmount one is .haveing said that i am sure fakes exist . in most cases the color of the lens coating is the differance --- most wartime production items had a light lavender coating --- both leitz and zeiss . there were earlier experimental coatings and i have not seen them in my experiance. at the time of production the wartime 50mm zeiss sonnar and 35mm zeiss biogon in t
coated form were the top of the game in the 1940's at this point the lenses that survived a world war are widely dispersed . many have been modified from thier original production form as the aluminum barrels in most cases just wore out . the optics are still high quality , however many have cleaning marks ( some quite bad ) and some haze . the aperature mechanisms were stopgap and not high quality thin brass or coated steel some appear to be synthetic material .
i have had some nice ones , recently i have sold the last and best of my zeiss .at times i am still looking.

LeicaTom

08-13-2009, 21:06

LeicaTom

08-14-2009, 00:31

I wait till the moment 2 or more people finding together in the web having a wartime Sonnar lens with the same S/N of that famous wartime LTM Sonnar batch... it will happen sooner or later, even if some people try to avoid it by altering their pictures and hide their S/N (whilest asking others for theirs) :rolleyes:

I`m not trying to avoid anything....I have always marked out all my gear`s end serial numbers in professional photos I post online, it`s for security reasons.

And even after my lens was torn down and all the internal numbers matched each other like the Contax lenses, I`m pretty satisfied that the lens IS from the era that I`ve said it`s from, not a "so-called" Russian fake or restposten lens, but an authentic, 1943 CZJ lens.

I`ve seen WW2 "BRINGBACK" CZJ gear and German Kriegsmarine CZJ gear that was also captured in 1945, and the lenses are looking one and the same, the lenses had offical documents from the US Army filled out in 1945, to go along with the Leica Equipment the GI was bringing back....and I`m pretty sure that a Czech, Russian or Polish counterfitter did`nt get to this gear being in the heart of the American midwest........

With the bulk of the WW2 generation passing away now there`s alot of 1940`s "wartime" era gear that`s entering the open market now, and the Internet just makes it so much faster to find and see.

I`ve seen so many rarities and types of equipment that many people haven`t seen in years show up in the past few months, (like the Kriegsmarine Leica IIIC I had that was one from four cameras issued) ~ it`s all like a treasure chest being opened, seeing the light of day after 64 years of being stuffed away someplace, a wonderful thing for collectors and photographers alike. :D

Enjoy!

Tom

endustry

08-14-2009, 14:17

Brian Sweeney

08-14-2009, 14:27

It looks good to my eyes!

These are great lenses, unique. I just cannot justify getting a modern one after liking these so much.

LeicaTom

08-15-2009, 00:12

Took my 1943 Sonnar around the block for a test roll. No masterpieces in here but I think the old girl has held up well. Shot on expired Kodak Gold 200 on my MP.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3820876297_814c6e9f10_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3821681618_53b10e51e8_o.jpg

Rock On! Rock On!

Looking really good here, the lens shoots well :D

I still have to set up shoot with mine this weekend, I`ve got like 5 or 6 models left to shoot at the convention, I only used my Canon f1.2 tonight indoors, so I don`t have any IIICK/Sonnar T shots yet, but soon....soon!!!

Tom

CLE-RF

08-15-2009, 15:43

:eek:spectacular shots, Endustry!

That first one is as poppy as any modern lens, while the second one has the Sonnar look.

You've got yourself a winner, still convinced that lens and you belong together!

endustry

08-15-2009, 15:50

That little red flare spot in the lower left hand corner is something that concerns me. it appears in some shots but not in others. And in some shots it is much worse than it is here. The flowers were taken in shade so I dunno how it could be caused by solar-based flaring. One thing: I don't currently have my MP covered (I ripped off the cheap "sharkskin" crap and have a proper kit from cameraleather.com coming in the mail.) Is an uncovered MP light-proof?

PS: I just bought a vintage Walz 40.5 Skylight Filter (the one engraved with "For Sonnar") from B&H for $10. Will this help or hurt the issue of flaring?

jarski

08-15-2009, 23:47

That little red flare spot in the lower left hand corner is something that concerns me...

if you look carefully, both of the pics have it. upper one just not so obvious. looks to me a leak of some sort, but if this is MP, its even harder to understand :confused: did you change/take off the lens while film was in camera, and, does this happen with all lenses ?

endustry

08-16-2009, 11:10

The only change that has taken place with my MP since taking these photos was the removal of the covering. This is the only roll I've shot on this camera sans cover so I am going to shoot another test roll with this lens once my cameraleather.com kit arrives and I successfully apply it to the MP.

LeicaTom

08-17-2009, 00:57

The red spots are I think "flaring"......

That Walz "for Sonnar" filter was a great buy, I need one as well, and I think that might help a little with the crosslighting, but you DO need a hood, I use a Kenko Screw-On Hood on my 43' ~ I shot "indoor" pics all weekend long so I`m going to develop them in the next few days and see what my lens is doing.

I will also have a #279xxxx era lens to look at and shoot soon too, no clue what era it is or if`s it`s a modified J-3 or a original CZJ production?

Tom

john neal

08-26-2009, 00:00

OK Tom,

I promised some more shots from my wartime Sonnar - here's a couple from last weekend with my grandson. MP with Fuji 200

john neal

08-26-2009, 00:06

....and for comparison, a couple of my granddaughters taken 2 days later - same camera & film, but now with a 1971 J3

The colour cast is due to the overcast conditions and taking the shots under a carport

None of these have been manipulated, other than rotated to vertical. There may be a touch of camera shake on the last shot....

I think these two look like genuine 1970's pics - might be worth converting to B&W for the full effect

CLE-RF

08-26-2009, 00:28

Lovely shots John, I'm sure they'll look the seventies all over when converted to B&W.

I have shot my Jup-3 on the M8 and converted to B&W, I'll post one here (only one Tom :) )
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3808209552_c621e85cd0_o.jpg

I have a shoot planned September 5th and will certainly use the Jup-3, this time probably on Fomapan 100 or 200

john neal

08-26-2009, 23:50

Johan,

Great shot - like an ad shot from a copy of Life back in the glory days of B&W :)

LeicaTom

08-27-2009, 01:57

Great Shots again John!

Seems you have a really good example of a "wartime" Sonnar :)

I haven`t really had a chance to get crazy with mine yet.......I`ll see what I can do this week, it`s still sitting on my 45' IIIC K Grey, let`s see if I get a chance to use it tomorrow?

Tom

Brian Sweeney

08-28-2009, 19:32

Forgot this roll in a Canon P, shot this past Spring with the "mint-Glass" wartime Sonnar original LTM. As opposed to my converted lenses.

This lens is sharp.

Stopped down a bit:

http://ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=1273

http://ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=1276

Wide-Open at F1.5
http://ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=141&pictureid=1283

Fujicolor 200, in the Canon P. Exposure via Polaroid CDS meter that came with the Model 180.
Took 6 hours to rebuild this lens. The repairshop that did it before me forgot to tighten the inner retaining rings and the optics were loose. It's better now.

john neal

08-29-2009, 08:36

Brian,

Those are excellent!

BTW, I screwed up my courage and flood cleaned the blades on mine with good results. Not sure I'm up to tackling the helical though!

Brian Sweeney

08-29-2009, 10:11

On the Helical: be sure to scribe some marks BEFORE taking apart! It is easily misthreaded on re-assembly. The scribe marks will let you know when it is on correctly.

LeicaTom

09-15-2009, 20:46

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/koolgirliestuff/PrettyInThePark18.jpg

Here`s the latest sample from my lens, shot just a few hours ago, still sitting on my 1945 Leica IIIC K Grey and taken with the beautiful
Maia Mayhem on a nice sunny afternoon in the park.

Enjoy!

Tom

PS: I think my lens suffers from some focus shifting....the lens itself is pulling off some pretty clean images, but at f1.5 the focus seems to shift around in various photos????? Brian??? Anybody????

Brian Sweeney

09-16-2009, 02:56

I had a similar problem on the 2nd Wartime LTM Sonnar that i rebuilt. Their was too much play between the parts of the heilcal and the RF Cam was not rock-solid. I made a sleeve that sits inside the solid portion of the lens mount for the helical to keep steady. An "ultimate hack".

http://ziforums.com/showthread.php?t=143

I have better luck with my converted Sonnars using the J-3. The J-3 focus mount is more thought out than the Zeiss lens. Less to go wrong on it.

jmkelly

09-16-2009, 08:15

There are more of these wartime lenses in LTM around than traditional lore admits to. The 285xxxx+ lenses were assembled in December 1945, often out of sequence. These are not Russian lenses with faked trim rings - they are authentic Zeiss parts and glass elements that were assembled later, with hand-machined pieces used where necessary. Some of these made great images.

john neal

11-03-2009, 05:05

At the risk of diverting a little from the purpose of this thread, and to keep it alive until I shoot some more with my wartime f1.5 and post the results, here are a couple of shots from a 1935 f2 uncoated Sonnar that I have converted to LTM, following Brian's practice of moving the optic unit into a J8 and reshimming. I had to clean the rear element, and chose to replace the Zeiss aperture ring with the Russky one, as there was a yawning gap between it and the focus ring (I'll post a pic of the lens soon).

All shots on Fuji 400HR in my M4 + LTM to M adapter. For an uncoated lens, I think this performs quite well.....

PAN F

11-07-2009, 02:13

This is a great thread.

Brian,
I hope you don't mind but I use this one of your " SONNAR" photo's as my desktop screensaver.
I think its a superb photo.It gives me inspiration to go out and shoot some pic's every time I see it.
Which one of your Sonnars did you use?
Regards,

Brian Sweeney

11-07-2009, 05:11

I am honored! That tree is just outside the Garage, and Fall is it's time of year.

The picture is made with this Uncoated Carl Zeiss Sonnar 5cm F1.5, converted to Leica mount using a J-3 focus mount. This one was the 9th conversion that I've done.

http://ziforums.com/picture.php?albumid=147&pictureid=1325

http://ziforums.com/album.php?albumid=147

januaryman

11-09-2009, 09:48

Shooting everything that doesn't move and has leaves, and using the Jena, my Hexar AF, an SLR and Canon 50/14 FD -and the winner in color rendition is ... the Zeiss.

I was really not expecting that to be the case, but there you are. I'll load some shots if I remember when I get home. It was Brian's conversion to LTM lens that I bought earlier this year -- Aside from the J3 lens barrel being a bit loose at the aperture ring (changing my settings with my fumble fingers), I think this is one of the best lenses I have.

Brian Sweeney

11-09-2009, 12:15

The Aperture ring is original Zeiss. I transplant the entire optics fixture from the Contax mount lens to the Jupiter-3 focus mount. So the glass is in the original fixture, and the aperture mechanism is original. It also gives more weight to the lens, as the pre-war fixture is brass. The Zeiss and J-3 use grease under the aperture plate for friction, and it tended to get into the aperture blades. On a couple of lenses, I backed the set screw for the aperture ring out a little to create greaseless friction.

john neal

11-09-2009, 13:31

Brian,

Have you found that the f2.0 lenses tend to have a gap behind the aperture ring when converting with a J8?

Mine had about 3/16" gap - just too ugly to leave

CLE-RF

11-20-2009, 16:33

Have a look at this one (http://cgi.ebay.nl/Leica-IIIc-Red-Curtain-Zeiss-lens-WWII-Camera-Canon-RF_W0QQitemZ110458298990QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFilm_Ca meras?hash=item19b7d3e26e) but please, have a seat first :bang::eek::bang::eek:

ItsReallyDarren

11-20-2009, 17:00

Brian Sweeney

11-20-2009, 18:10

John- on the pre-war 5cm F2 to J-8 conversions, I use the Aperture ring from the Jupiter and put it on the Sonnar. The wartime 5cm f2 Sonnar was able to keep it's original ring.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2200/2319570488_87b5a63a02_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2642553444_1bec31a8e2_o.jpg

On the Leica in the auction- they should have sold it with a different lens. The Sonnar that is on it looks like a fake, or at least a custom job. It does not look like an original Zeiss LTM Sonnar. With the lens in doubt, I suspect some would have wondered if the camera had been faked. It certainly has the correct SN and Step on the rewind lever.