35mm Biogon or 35mm Skopar?

[fbf]

cv 35 skopar is an incredible lens. Super sharp with great contrast

 

[Crazy Fedya]

Crazy Fedya, You will love the Nikkor 35 on the Contax. The incompatibility between Nikkor and Contax only applies north of 50mm.

Do you think it is better than Biogon ( I am looking for classic look in my images)?
Right now my options are Biogon for $430, Nikkor for $250 and Skopar for $450(I think). I lean towards Biogon, because it is Zeiss, that will go with my Sonnars and such.How is Nikkor compare to Biogon?Is Biogon worth twice as much image-wise?

 

[Vics]

My Nikkor pairs nicely with my Summicron DR 50, but I have no experience with the Biogon. I think that if you bought the Nikkor for $250, and didn't like it, you could sell it for a profit. I've seen them advertised for a good deal more. I think it's a very nice lens. Others may disagree.

 

[Vics]

In the interest of full disclosure, I will say that I use the 35mm focal length for "walking around" photography and very rarely use it wider open that 2.8. Having said that, I don't remember noticing the focusing error ever. Also, like all "vintage" lenses, it's a bit flare prone into the light. I've been saving up for one of Tom A's excellent replica shades for it. I may be saving for some time.

 

[aoresteen]

I use a Voigtlander SC 25mm with my Contax IIa and I'm very happy with it. If I needed a 35mm I would get the Voigtlander now while Cameraquest has them.

 

[alex.bene]

Biogon 2.8/35 is an exelent lens. Sharpnes is sufficient to print on 60x50 paper (Ilford FB/Devere point light). Great front/back out of focuse image. Much better than my KMZ 56 J-12. No flare. I use it on my Contax IIa.

Front/back focuse test ect

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5102506007/in/set-72157625211333488/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5114676633/in/set-72157625211333488/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5104936237/in/set-72157625211333488/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5105099062/in/set-72157625211333488/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5105458658/in/set-72157625211333488/

Voigtlander prominent Nokton 50/1.5 at 2.8 on Contax IIa
http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5106912440/in/set-72157625211333488/

 

[xayraa33]

The J12 is not a Biogon copy though, it's a copy of the 35mm Biotar

No, you are wrong, the Jupiter 12 IS a Biogon copy.

http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/jupiter12/

 

[Crazy Fedya]

Like always, I am very happy I asked RFF's users about there opinion on this matter. Thank you, gentlemen, for your participation. I think, I will try Biogon and Nikkor. Later, when I get some more cash, I will consider CV lenses. At the present time, I am looking for older look in my photos, but who knows, what will happen later?
Right now, I am also considering getting a TLR. I am thinking about getting either Ikoflex with Novar or Tessar, or Rolleicord with Triotar or Tessar, but this is topic of a different thread.

 

[Crazy Fedya]

Biogon 2.8/35 is an exelent lens. Sharpnes is sufficient to print on 60x50 paper (Ilford FB/Devere point light). Great front/back out of focuse image. Much better than my KMZ 56 J-12. No flare. I use it on my Contax IIa.

Front/back focuse test ect

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5102506007/in/set-72157625211333488/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5114676633/in/set-72157625211333488/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5104936237/in/set-72157625211333488/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5105099062/in/set-72157625211333488/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5105099062/in/set-72157625211333488/

Voigtlander prominent Nokton 50/1.5 at 2.8 on Contax IIa
http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5106912440/in/set-72157625211333488/

Wonderful photos, especially third one.

 

[Crazy Fedya]

jonmanjiro and Vics:
It looks like Nikkor is another way to go for me. Thank you for the technical input.

 

[alex.bene]

Thanks, Fedya. Well you see what you will miss without original Biogon. I mean #3 🙄

ps All mentioned lenses are exelent. Old lenses gives this great retro look. 3D image. Zeiss is one of the best with no doubts.

 

[Crazy Fedya]

That's the look I love for my images to have.

 

[Crazy Fedya]

Just won 35mm f/2.8 Biogon Opton on Ebay. Needs a little work with aperture ring and grease overload. Can't wait for it to get to me.
Very excited.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...1&si=dJh5xOleuixo4oJ1mnjzaJupoc0%3D&viewitem=

 

[alex.bene]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/axenov_valery/5393908522/in/set-72157625920081834/

Congratulations! You should wash it up. (Not recommended may be harmful to your health) 🙄
Contax IIa Biogon 2.8/35 f5.6-1/2 Rollei Retro 100 (push 250ed in Rodinal)

 

[Crazy Fedya]

I think I will get Moni to do it.

 

[Vics]

Congratulations, Crazy Fedya! Good choice, judging from Alex.bene's photos ( Which were all great, BTW!)
Also, if you look for a Rolleicord, go for the Tessar rather than the Triotar.

 

[Crazy Fedya]

Actually, I bought Zeiss Ikoflex Ib with 75mm f/3.5 Novar lens.

 

[Crazy Fedya]

Biogon came in today. No caps, no case, some oil inside on the glass. Seller will issue $40 refund., bringing total price to $228.10. I think it is still a good price on 35mm Biogon Opton, even if it costs me $100 to clean it.

 

[johnwood]

That's actually a very good deal. I hope it works out, as that is about my favorite lens in the cabinet...

 

[Crazy Fedya]

Also, I was able to pick up 35mm f/2.5 W-Nikkor C. I shot some film with both lenses, and now I will see which one I like better.