What cameras, methods are there for using Sonnar 85mm f2?

[Vickko]

What cameras, methods are there for using a classic Sonnar 85mm f2, if I sell my Contax IIa body?

I can think of, using a Contax to Leica adapter, on a Leica M body.

On a Nikon RF body, the lens will fit, but the focus isn't going to be right, and DOF is too narrow to compensate. Is that correct?

Is the lens good enough to warrant keeping?

...Vick

 

[jgran]

That lens is totally worth keeping, a bit heavy, but worth it. Adapters are available to use it on Leica M bodies for film and the m4/3 bodies for digital. I am sure others will add comments on how nice a lens you have.
cheers

 

[Elmar Lang]

What's wrong with the Contax IIa? I'd rather use it, instead of adapting the excellent Sonnar to another camera.

Another choice is to look for a perfectly working Kiev RF camera, where the Sonnar can be used with success and satisfaction.

Best wishes,

E.L.

 

[JeffL]

A Bessa R2C will work too.

 

[Vickko]

Thanks all.

Nothing wrong with the camera, but I find it ergonomically "behind the times" compared to a Leica M. At least the IIa focusing and framing is in the same view, but I don't like the fiddly spool that always falls out, and the squinty eyepiece. Not fond of the knob film advance either.

I've also been ruthlessly culling the herd, due to changing tastes, and vicious case of GAS.


regards
Vick

 

[JeffL]

Thanks all.

Nothing wrong with the camera, but I find it ergonomically "behind the times" compared to a Leica M. At least the IIa focusing and framing is in the same view, but I don't like the fiddly spool that always falls out, and the squinty eyepiece. Not fond of the knob film advance either.

I've also been ruthlessly culling the herd, due to changing tastes, and vicious case of GAS.


regards
Vick

Then definitely look at the Voigtlander Bessa R2C - Contax RF mount, built in meter, adjustable frame-lines, lever film wind and a normal film take up spool.
Jeff

 

[Sonnar Brian]

It will not work accurately on a Nikon until you stop fown to F4 or so.

A Contax to M-Mount adapter is the best bet, or the Bessa R2C. The latter is an expensive way to keep the lens going.

Keep the Contax IIa for when you want to use this lens. Use a Nikkor 8.5cm F2 for a Leica or S-Mount for a Sonnar portrait lens on a camera with a better finder.

 

[Mongo Park]

Vickko, until very recently I thought the same as you do about the Contax IIa (squinty viewfinder, winder etc). Have an M2 and M6 TTL as well as Amedeo's adapter for using my Contax lens on the Leica. However, after a trundle about with the camera for street photography in Soho, London, for a couple of days, I'd recommend that you keep the body. There's nothing adequate to replace it, especially with the Zeiss Opton Sonnar. Don't have the 85 lens you have - don't go that long with rangefinders (35 and 50 is all). I note from this thread and others though that it is a lens worth keeping.

 

[Vickko]

Hmmm. The camera does look nice on the shelf. But, when I get GAS attacks, and the vulture in me is hovering for liquidation candidates, .....

 

[Vickko]

I tested my Amadeo Contax to Leica adapter with the 85/2 Sonnar yesterday.

It works fine!!!

So, no need to keep the IIa

Wides can go on the Nikon RF cameras.

50 and 85 can go with the adapter on any M.

I'm happy.

Vick

 

[ferider]

Does Amadeo make adapters that bring up 90mm framelines ?

 

[Vickko]

Oh, I don't know. He does his own work, so I anticipate he can do one as a special for you.

Vick

 

[Elmar Lang]

What's wrong with the Contax feel?...

This type of cameras (ok, vintage cameras), is not slow or uncomfortable, also compared to Leicas.

Never forget that some of R. Capa's finest action pictures were taken with a Contax.

Dmitry Baltermants also used a Contax and, later, Kievs.

Well... I'm a Contax (Kiev) fan, so, no wonder that I am a 24/7 supporter of that system...

Best wishes,

Elmar Lang

 

[mob81]

I too want to sell my minty iiia but paypal doesn’t support transferring money to Saudi!
I have to sent it to KEH or similar!!!

After buying Amedeo’s Adapter I can use my lenses with my Leica M bodies and with M4/3.