Contax / Nikon RF lens compatibility?

[SimonPJ]

I know the best way for me to answer this question is just to do my own tests, but I'm sure several of you here have the answers already.

Practically speaking, how does Contax / Nikon lens compatibility work out at 50mm and shorter?

Is it possible to use the 35mm and shorter lenses without any focusing problems, no matter what aperture or distance?

And given that Nikon didn't produce Contax-specific versions of the 50mm lenses, are they really fully compatible? Or do you run into problems close up at wider apertures?

Thanks,

Simon.

 

[NIKON KIU]

check out.....

check out.....

....this thread:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16940
Stephen Gandy also explains it pretty well here:
http://www.cameraquest.com/NRF-Contax.htm
Cheers,
Kiu


PS

Or do you run into problems close up at wider apertures?

YES YOU DO!!!

 

[SimonPJ]

Thanks Kiu.

I guess I won't try interchanging Nikon and Contax 50's and bodies.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The Contax lens will focus at 37" when the Nikon RF indicates 36". The DOF at F2 covers the error. Rule of thumb, focus on the nose to catch the face.

Or change the shims on the camera or lens. I moved the lens mount out 0.5mm on the Nikon S2 to use the Contax lenses.

 

[VinceC]

The error is very noticeable up close and wide open with a 50mm lens. I've never been happy with my 1.5 sonnar on Nikon bodies. With 35mm, the depth of field more than covers it, even at f/1.8.

 

[NIKON KIU]

Nice purchase

Nice purchase

Hi Simon,
Nice 10.5cm you got out of Ebay, what are you going to use it on?
I think you got a real good deal. 😎
Kiu

 

[SimonPJ]

10.5cm f2.5

10.5cm f2.5

Yes Kiu, I was surprised to get it at that price. The one I have at the moment is a bit rough. I've been looking for another one for a while, but prices have held up pretty well for this lens, and I haven't felt like paying top price when I already have one.

I'll be using it on an SP, and on the S2 that I bought from the same seller - also not a bad price at $419 with chrome 50/1.4 (though it does have a bit of a ding on one end of the baseplate.)

Anyway, I'm not counting my chickens - I'll know whether it's a good one when I have it in my hand!

Simon.

 

[ch1]

The error is very noticeable up close and wide open with a 50mm lens. I've never been happy with my 1.5 sonnar on Nikon bodies. With 35mm, the depth of field more than covers it, even at f/1.8.

Vince,

Thanks for this info. Having just acquired a Contax w/50mm 1.5 I was curious about this. Fortunately, sounds like the Nikkor 3.5cm and CV 25mm will work on both.