Nikon d300 + Zeiss Planar 1.4... hmm

[BillBingham2]

Would you recommend doing it with the camera upside down to keep the shims in place?

B2 (;->

 

[kjoosten]

100% agree with Gavin's assessment. I've been using the 50mm ZF on my D200 for more than a year now, and it's my favorite prime. His bokeh assessment is correct - stopping down to f/2 or f/2.8 make it a beaut.

 

[gavinlg]

After I installed a Katzeye screen in my D200, I compared the accuracy of the green focus light to the Katzeye using a Zeiss ZF 85/1.4. I got ok results at f2-f2.8 with the green light, but it didn't cut it at f1.4. The Katzeye, on the other hand, was a revelation!



If you like manual focusing, I really recommend getting one. I got the standard non-brite treated screen and it works great. I like it so much I sold my 18-200mm and now use my D200 almost exclusively with MF lenses.

I'd love to just use MF lenses... Must be like digital heaven! I think I'm going to go ahead with a katz eye screen next week with the optibright treatment as per your recommendation!

 

[jonmanjiro]

Would you recommend doing it with the camera upside down to keep the shims in place?

B2 (;->

When taking the screen out I had the camera laying on its back (two hands free), but when positioning the shims and inserting the new screen I held the grip with my left hand and had the camera upside down at an angle of about 45 degrees (only one hand free). Really helps to have everything you need laid out and ready to go before you start.

 

[jonmanjiro]

I'd love to just use MF lenses... Must be like digital heaven! I think I'm going to go ahead with a katz eye screen next week with the optibright treatment as per your recommendation!

I went for the non optibright screen because I figured it would have more focusing "bite" than the brighter version, but I've also heard good things about the optibrite version. I don't think you can go wrong with either version. The service from Katzeye was first rate as well. Highly recommended.

 

[lns]

Katzeye is only for DSLRs, correct? I ordered a Maxwell screen for my Rollei, and Bill Maxwell, who is a heck of a nice guy, said he makes focusing screens for Nikon film cameras too. Either way, I'm trying to figure out which Zeiss ZF lens to buy before the prices go up.

 

[Avotius]

You guys are killing me, not only do I have a father hinting at me that I should have a nikon not a canon, I am in the process of a major digital overhaul and nikon keeps popping back into my head. Dang it all. It doesnt help that zeiss makes lenses in nikon mount.....but it does help that I dont like modern dslr bodies. Give me a FM3 with the meaningful guts from a D3 any day over the D3 itself.

 

[kipkeston]

Well, I love the film RF but if I were to get a digital camera today, it'd be the D300 and the ZF 35/2

 

[mllanos1111]

I'm using a D300 with a Distagon 35/2 and a 50 1.4 Planar and it's amazing.
The 35/2 is my favorite lens so far that I've owned and I've own many.

 

[Parkes Owen]

100% agree with Gavin's assessment. I've been using the 50mm ZF on my D200 for more than a year now, and it's my favorite prime. His bokeh assessment is correct - stopping down to f/2 or f/2.8 make it a beaut.

QUOTE]I`ve been using this same set up for the same time and totally agree, the zf lenses are fantastic and I would love to own the 25/2.8 zf!

 

[grainhound]

I know it is not the same as digital, but I haven't made a "serious" digital shot in over a year...
Makro Planar 100/2 ZF at f 4.0 handheld, Agfa Scala@400

Just happened on this thread, which has caused me to consider digital, though I can't afford it. However, mfogiel, I have a few rolls of 200 ISO Scala in my freezer for some shots in warmer weather, & I would love to know how you developed yours. Don't mean to hijack a digital SLR thread with a film question, but that look is excellent.