Best Contax MM lenses?

[jaredangle]

Which are the most well regarded lenses for the Contax MM system? I've got the itch for another 50mm that is sharper and slower than my Nikon for my non-journalism photos.

Their wides look nice too.

 

[JeffL]

D21mm 2.8 and the P100 2.0. Two to start.
I have the 100 and it is amazing IMO. I also have the D25mm, not that well regarded but I love mine. The D21 I don't have. I remember the price went crazy for these because they would mount on a Canon digi with an adapter. Many said it was the best of the best SLR wides.

 

[Roscoe]

I have a very nice copy of the Planar 50/1.7, although it's a later AE lens rather than the MM. I use it with a Canon 7D, and soon with a recently aquired 1N HS, so I can't say how it handles with Contax system, but the images are typical Zeiss T*... Some I just stare at because of the three dimensional detail and local contrast that just "pops". Some say the 1.7 is sharper than the 1.4, although the bokeh isn't quite as pleasing, but I'm plenty happy with it and you know what can be said about sharpness. And the 1.7 can usually be had for half the price of its larger brother. I'd love to pair it with a nice Contax body, but I can't bring myself to buy one when I love all my OM stuff so much. 🙂

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

I'm curious about Contax lenses, can anyone explain to the difference between the earlier and later MM lenses?

 

[Gary E]

I'm curious about Contax lenses, can anyone explain to the difference between the earlier and later MM lenses?

MM lenses (green F16 or F22) supposedly have lighter diaphragms for the Tv mode (shutter priority) on Contax bodies. They also have a cam notch around the mounting rim that activates a lever on the newer bodies that can use the MM lenses. It is also said that MM lenses are made in Japan with an exception of a few (35mm/1.4 comes to mind) that are made in Germany. The older AE lenses work on all bodies on Av (aperture priority) mode. I don't know if there were any differences to the lens coating; they all say T* on them as far as I know.

 

[Roscoe]

Just to clarify my post when I said "later AE", meaning a Japan made version, I think Kyocera under Zeiss license at this point, around 1983 or 84. The MM versions were introduced in 1985.

 

[jonmanjiro]

AFAIK lenses were made in Germany first (MMG) then Japan later Japan (MMJ) (also AEG and AEM). Did all lenses get made in Germany first and then later in Japan? Do the Made in Germany lenses command a higher price?

Thanks and apologies for hijacking the thread 😱

 

[fuwen]

Some of my experiences with Contax lenses:

http://www.fuwen.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=10&Itemid=112

However, personally I do not really bother about the versions: AEG, AEJ, MMG, MMJ. Nevertheless the MIG versions tend to fetch higher price (MMG, MMJ).

I also used 18/4, 35/2.8, 35/1.4, 28/2, 50/1.4, 85/1.4, 180/2.8 and 300/4 and are very happy with them. Just that I have not taken enough photos with them to write something. I also have the mutar II and III teleconvertors but rarely use them.

 

[JeffL]

AFAIK lenses were made in Germany first (MMG) then Japan later Japan (MMJ) (also AEG and AEM). Did all lenses get made in Germany first and then later in Japan? Do the Made in Germany lenses command a higher price?

I personally have not seen a 50mm lens that was made in Germany. I have seen 25's, 180's, 300's made in both countries. There is no difference in quality. If the Made in Germany lenses command a higher price, it's only because they say Made in Germany. Japanese manufacturers know their way around lenses.

 

[Rico]

AFAIK lenses were made in Germany first (MMG) then Japan later Japan (MMJ) (also AEG and AEM). Did all lenses get made in Germany first and then later in Japan? Do the Made in Germany lenses command a higher price?

The story of origin varies. Some CZ C/Y lens were always AEG (e.g. F-Distagon 16), some were always MMJ (Aposonnar 200/2), some were always Japan (D28/2.8 AEJ, MMJ). The Planar 100/2 was AEG, then MMG, and finally MMJ. The Sonnar 85/2.8 was AEG, then MMJ, and finally MMG! There's no premium for the latter because of the many made, but the P100 MMG is quite rare. Rarity is the key for collectors. 🙂 I have quite a few of these fine optics, and several Yashica ML lenses, too.

As for OP, be aware that C/Y is not easily supported by Nikon F mount; I use Canon DSLR and Contax SLR bodies for the purpose. Even then, some CZ C/Y lenses will marr the (FF) Canon mirror box, or catch the moving mirror. EF-S bodies are safe, but who wants to crop the CZ goodness? My quick recomendation is the D28/2.8, P50/1.4, and S100/3.5. Even nicer than the P50/1.4, but slower, is the Yashica 55/2.8 ML macro.

 

[jaredangle]

As for OP, be aware that C/Y is not easily supported by Nikon F mount; I use Canon DSLR and Contax SLR bodies for the purpose. Even then, some CZ C/Y lenses will marr the (FF) Canon mirror box, or catch the moving mirror. EF-S bodies are safe, but who wants to crop the CZ goodness? My quick recomendation is the D28/2.8, P50/1.4, and S100/3.5. Even nicer than the P50/1.4, but slower, is the Yashica 55/2.8 ML macro.

I'd be using it on a Contax film body.

 

[bwcolor]

OK, not an MM, but the 100mm Makro Planar is the best C/Y lens that I have and may even best my Leica 90mm f/2.0 APO Asph