jmkelly
rangefinder user
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
fallor ergo sum
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.....
All shots on Fuji 400HR in my M4 + LTM to M adapter. For an uncoated lens, I think this performs quite well.....
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januaryman
"Flim? You want flim?"
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.
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.
john neal
fallor ergo sum
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
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
john neal
fallor ergo sum
Well, my 1937 f1.5 has arrived from Italy - good condition overall, including the glass. It has brass construction with brass spacers, uncoated glass and a little oil on the blades. There is definite haze inside, so a full clean and rebuild is called for, as well as conversion to ltm - now where did I put that lens spanner?
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raid
Dad Photographer
Congrats, John. My CZJ 1.5 is from 1938, I think. Brian did a great job converting it to LTM and optimizing it optically.
john neal
fallor ergo sum
I have completed the Z f1.5 to LTM 
Note that the aperture ring needs to be moved back a little - I used a Russky grub screw during the trial fit, and it broke :bang: it will have to stay like that until I get through a test roll.
Although this lens has obviously been apart before (lots of little nicks around the securing rings, the internal surfaces of all the glass was covered in a horrible gunge (gassed-out lube?). Also, I couldn't even use the Jupiter stand-off ring, two fairly thin spacers being enough to achieve collimation.
Anyway, it's crystal clear now, and just waiting for the rain to stop!
Note that the aperture ring needs to be moved back a little - I used a Russky grub screw during the trial fit, and it broke :bang: it will have to stay like that until I get through a test roll.
Although this lens has obviously been apart before (lots of little nicks around the securing rings, the internal surfaces of all the glass was covered in a horrible gunge (gassed-out lube?). Also, I couldn't even use the Jupiter stand-off ring, two fairly thin spacers being enough to achieve collimation.
Anyway, it's crystal clear now, and just waiting for the rain to stop!
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john neal
fallor ergo sum
Here, for comparison, is my 1943 CZ "T" in LTM
Note the poor finish on the metalwork - I wonder if it went to sea? Also the speckling on the coating, which does not seem to affect results at all. This is one of my favourite LTM lenses at the moment.
I'm trying to decide whether to clean it up, or just leave it as it is....
Note the poor finish on the metalwork - I wonder if it went to sea? Also the speckling on the coating, which does not seem to affect results at all. This is one of my favourite LTM lenses at the moment.
I'm trying to decide whether to clean it up, or just leave it as it is....
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DrLeoB
Shoot a IIIc "K" !!!
Me, too...
Me, too...
John, I just completed the exact same conversion and it works great on my G1. I had to shim the optical body to get infinity focus but other than this had no issues with the conversion. Used a Jupiter black LTM focus mount and moved the corresponding black aperture ring, too. TINY screws!!!
Me, too...
John, I just completed the exact same conversion and it works great on my G1. I had to shim the optical body to get infinity focus but other than this had no issues with the conversion. Used a Jupiter black LTM focus mount and moved the corresponding black aperture ring, too. TINY screws!!!
The conversion looks great! And set screws are in the mail. With a Customs declaration...
I cleaned up my "ugly" 285 Wartime lens. I used Silver Polish, and an ultrasonic cleaner. Some of these lenses saw a rough life. I have one that is THREE lenses away from yours, 2725030. It lead an easy life!
I cleaned up my "ugly" 285 Wartime lens. I used Silver Polish, and an ultrasonic cleaner. Some of these lenses saw a rough life. I have one that is THREE lenses away from yours, 2725030. It lead an easy life!
john neal
fallor ergo sum
Finally, for tonight, here is the CZ f2 that I converted to LTM
Note the screws in the aperture ring are not finally fixed yet - I need to get out yet another Russky screw that broke :bang:
Although uncoated and only f2, this is a really good performer, my other favourite LTM lens at the moment
No pics of the conversions, as you can find those elsewhere, courtesy of Brian Sweeney, who has been an inspiration and tireless source of invaluable information. Sorry for pestering you so much, Brian
Note the screws in the aperture ring are not finally fixed yet - I need to get out yet another Russky screw that broke :bang:
Although uncoated and only f2, this is a really good performer, my other favourite LTM lens at the moment
No pics of the conversions, as you can find those elsewhere, courtesy of Brian Sweeney, who has been an inspiration and tireless source of invaluable information. Sorry for pestering you so much, Brian
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john neal
fallor ergo sum
Thanks again, Brian, I couldn't have done it without you.
Now, where can I find a Wollensack to convert, like the one in the classifieds?
john neal
fallor ergo sum
Dr Leo,
A black conversion is definitely on my list of things to do - probably a f2 to start, as black J8's seem to be more plentiful. If I see a black J3, I will pounce!
DrLeoB
Shoot a IIIc "K" !!!
john neal
fallor ergo sum
Leo,
That looks great!
Definitely my next project - so many projects, so little cash :angel:
That looks great!
Definitely my next project - so many projects, so little cash :angel:
DrLeoB
Shoot a IIIc "K" !!!
John,
Thanks for the comment.... The cash pool is definitely the rate limiting resource for me, too.
Thanks for the comment.... The cash pool is definitely the rate limiting resource for me, too.
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
That'll be mine, John. I got mine off ebay, look for a Perfex Deluxe rangefinder. There were Wollensak lenses on them, and the 50/2.8 surfaces from time to time.
Mine still hasn't sold. It's an okay lens, but it could be so much better if I was anything as good as you guys. For instance, the aperture on my lens is quite oily, an earlier example I had was so oily the blades gave in. They are pivoting around REALLY small studs, the lens was a goner when they gave in.
I'd love to have a Wollensak in a decent mount, mine is close focussing a bit as well.
CBOTA (completely back on topic again): My newly-acquired Carl Zeiss Jena 50/1.5 from 1943 will be in the mail shortly, I hope Dutch customs are taking a nap when it checks in...
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johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
That Canon 50/1.5 went for less than GBP 200...
john neal
fallor ergo sum
Johan,
Thanks for the info - unfortunately, I am unemployed at the moment, my last two conversions were purchased while I had a job, and completed now I have some time to myself.
I think Brian sometimes takes commissions for conversions, and does an excellent job.
I would have liked that Canon, but even £200 is out of question at the moment, sadly. I might just be able to sweet talk my wife regarding a Perfex at $9.95 though, and I have a Leitz focus mount that might just do the job. If not there is a Canon one kicking around somewhere, from a failed attempt to covert a Zeiss Opton.
Good luck with your wartime lans - I was lucky and found mine in the UK. I believe the same source still has a Russian Built lens with Zeiss glass and beauty ring - too rich for me at the moment though...
Thanks for the info - unfortunately, I am unemployed at the moment, my last two conversions were purchased while I had a job, and completed now I have some time to myself.
I think Brian sometimes takes commissions for conversions, and does an excellent job.
I would have liked that Canon, but even £200 is out of question at the moment, sadly. I might just be able to sweet talk my wife regarding a Perfex at $9.95 though, and I have a Leitz focus mount that might just do the job. If not there is a Canon one kicking around somewhere, from a failed attempt to covert a Zeiss Opton.
Good luck with your wartime lans - I was lucky and found mine in the UK. I believe the same source still has a Russian Built lens with Zeiss glass and beauty ring - too rich for me at the moment though...
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M
M like Leica M6
Guest
What is actually the ideal aftermarket hood for this lens? A vented 40.5mm?