What are the classic lenses in Nikon/Contax mount

T

Terao

Kiloran
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First post in this forum but I've just got a good deal on an R2S and I'm wondering which lenses I should look out for. I have a couple of Leica-mount rangefinders and a decent spread of lenses in that mount and the R2S is coming with the Heliar f/3.5 50mm. I'm guessing that a wide-angle (something in the 21-28 or maybe 35mm range) is my most likely second lens purchase. No real requirement for a fast 50 although I could be tempted. I'd definitely like to get some Nikon glass as I was a Nikon SLR user for several years prior to getting in to rangefinders. Is there a decent online resource for rangefinder mount Nikons? Suggestions welcome, I'm mainly a photographer of places rather than people...
 
Nikon 35/1.8, 50/1.4, 85/2, 105/2.5
Zeiss Sonnar 50/1.5, 50/2, 85/2, postwar Biogon 35/2.8 (I'm not sure if that one will work on the R2s, though), and the CZ 50/1.5 and 85/2 might have focusing problems on the R2s vis-a-vis the R2c because of the Nikon vs. Contax mount difference issues.

From what I read, if you want to start hunting down collectibles, you might look for the 85/1.5, 50/1.1, 50/1.5, 21/4 and 25/4 as well. Or the Zeiss 21/4.5 or the 25/4 Topogon. Most of the latter are more interesting for their collectible aspect; if you want a 21 or a 25 to use, just get a newer and probably better Cosina lens, and a 85/1.5 will be hard to focus on the R2s. Some even rarer lenses are mentioned here on an on-and-off basis, but I doubt they're worth it.

Philipp
 
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you need to be aware of the incompatibilty of nikon and contax lenses. Cameraquest has a good explanation.

http://www.cameraquest.com/NRF-Contax.htm


Wide angles made by both nikon and zeiss will work on either camera, but lenses of 50mm and longer will not allow correct focusing. In addition, it is likely that the pre-WW2 35mm biogon and post-war copy made for the Kiev will not fit the nikon, given the degree to which the rear lens element extends into the camera.
 
Thanks both - I was aware of the whole focus issue thing (mainly from being a Cameraquest addict :) )

However, I assume that because I have a Nikon fit Bessa body a Nikon telephoto will be OK on it, whereas a Contax/Kiev will not? I really don't do that much tele at all but being a Nikonphile I'm very tempted to get the 8.5cm f/2 simply for its place in Nikon history. I'll end up shooting a few portraits with it no doubt...

I'm also interested to try some of these lenses on my M-mount bodies (I have an adapter on the way) so I'll be able to check just how bad the focus issues are...
 
Terao said:
Thanks both - I was aware of the whole focus issue thing (mainly from being a Cameraquest addict :) )

However, I assume that because I have a Nikon fit Bessa body a Nikon telephoto will be OK on it, whereas a Contax/Kiev will not? I really don't do that much tele at all but being a Nikonphile I'm very tempted to get the 8.5cm f/2 simply for its place in Nikon history. I'll end up shooting a few portraits with it no doubt...

I'm also interested to try some of these lenses on my M-mount bodies (I have an adapter on the way) so I'll be able to check just how bad the focus issues are...
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The contax telephotos will mount OK, but will not focus correctly using the R2S body. I have a couple of the 85/2 nikkors in Contax mount ( "C" engraved on focusing ring)- a great lens. I prefer the nikkor to the zeiss because the nikkor is somewhat more compact.
 
Terao said:
Thanks both - I was aware of the whole focus issue thing (mainly from being a Cameraquest addict :) )

......

I'm also interested to try some of these lenses on my M-mount bodies (I have an adapter on the way) so I'll be able to check just how bad the focus issues are...
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Hi,
You have an adapter than would enable you to mount Nikon RF mount lenses on a Leica M??

Where did you get that from?

Thanks,
Kiu
 
Kiu,

They come up from time to time on eBay. Seems that our friends in the People's Republic of China are manufacturing the Orion type adapters again. I'm waiting to see just how good mine is, being pessimistic I'm expecting it to be not great but who knows...

Here's the one I bought:

cladapterz06.jpg


cladapterexz09.jpg


Would be cool if it turned out to be a '50s original (I'd sell it and buy an M8 :D) but I doubt it...
 
A pic of a Contax I with black/nickel CZJ 85/2 lens, per request of Ash. Also, a side-by-side comparison of the relative sizes of the post-WW2 Zeiss-Opton 85/2 alloy lens and the Nikkor 85/2 (Contax mount) in chromed brass. These weight of these two lenses is pretty similar, but the Nikkor is almost petite by comparison to the Zeiss.
 
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Blimey, the body arrived this morning - less than a day to ship from the Isle of Man! Very nice indeed, different enough to my M-mount bodies to be interesting to use. I'm going to break the cardinal rule and shoot something important on its first outing - a wedding this afternoon. Also going to use a film I've never used before, and the shooting conditions are likely to be challenging. Rangefinder photography as an extreme sport :D

Of course it will only be a backup and I'm not principal photographer...
 
Good luck Tereo!! I used a Zorki as backup when I was being paid to do a wedding once.. :D
 
Well, it didn't get much use. As an usher I was far too busy with my official duties. Basically ended up using the R-D1 and 40mm Nokton virtually all the time (and nearly all the time at f/1.4 due to appalling light). Had an interesting time :D
But more importantly got some shots I am really, really pleased with :E
 
Terao said:
Kiu,

They come up from time to time on eBay. Seems that our friends in the People's Republic of China are manufacturing the Orion type adapters again. I'm waiting to see just how good mine is, being pessimistic I'm expecting it to be not great but who knows...
Click to expand...

A word on these adapters. I have one (not Orion, the more e-bay-findable no-name) and while my 50/1.5 Sonnar works with it, I have had no luck with wider lenses on an R-D1. In fact, use of a 28 C/V lens in Contax mount with the adapter, screwed up the alignment of the RF on my R-D1. Don't ask me how. DAG was able to put things right, but I would proceed with caution if using something other than a 50 with one of these adapters.

Ben Marks
 
I want one anyway...it would be neat to have. Please give me heads up if you see one for sale.

Thanks,
Kiu
 
Benjamin Marks said:
A word on these adapters. I have one (not Orion, the more e-bay-findable no-name) and while my 50/1.5 Sonnar works with it, I have had no luck with wider lenses on an R-D1. In fact, use of a 28 C/V lens in Contax mount with the adapter, screwed up the alignment of the RF on my R-D1. Don't ask me how. DAG was able to put things right, but I would proceed with caution if using something other than a 50 with one of these adapters.

Ben Marks
Click to expand...

Thanks Ben - I'll watch out for that. Will use it on my Bessa T to test before it goes near the R-D1 then...
 
NIKON KIU said:
I want one anyway...it would be neat to have. Please give me heads up if you see one for sale.

Thanks,
Kiu
Click to expand...

Kiu,

I think we are not supposed to link direct to everyone's least favourite auction site but if you search eBay worldwide for "Contax to Leica adapter" you will find what you need. Mostly coming out of Hong Kong so no doubt of Chinese origin...
 
And there is one guy registered in Venezuela selling them, too, on an on-and-off basis. They usually sell for between $170 and $250.

Philipp
 
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