Zeiss LTM 50/1.5 Sonnar

[furcafe]

If you don't care about perfect cosmetics, which are rarely an issue w/these lenses anyway, & don't want to deal w/Soviet quality control issues, it is possible to get the CZJ 50/1.5 Sonnars in LTM for significant less than $400 on the 'bay (@ least I did), more like $250-300. The focus mounts may be stiff & the alloy barrels haven't aged well, but the optics usually hold up as the Zeiss coatings were tough, not like Leitz, & the pre-war & wartime glass seem to have fewer separation issues than some of their post-WWII W. German descendants.

Rover, if that was the Zeiss lens in LTM it would be at about what, ~$400 or so?

 

[rover]

Furcafe, I see the one on ebay now (actually there are a couple but one looks to be genuine, you know the one 🙂) In addition to the serial number and shape of the lens barrel, what do you look for to verify that one is infact a Zeiss lens and not a J3 with a Zeiss filter ring?

 

[scottgee1]

So Oleg is of the 'It's too nice to use" school? Reminds me a bit of some former in-laws . . . they have a boat, but rarely use it because "gas costs too much". 🙄

I just sent a note to Oleg asking for clarification with an offer to buy it IF it's clean and working well and will work correctly with my R2.

Will keep you-all posted and thanks for your insights!/ScottGee1

Having spoken at some length with Oleg before, I'd interpret this as "this is a very rare lens and would be more valuable as a collector- it's very nice and shouldn't be subject to normal wear and tear."

 

[jdos2]

That's my interpretation of him- if he has a piece of gear he really likes, he's a bit protective of it, and that's what it sounds to me.

I asked him for a Sputnik once, and we had a good conversation about it. For $100, I'd have a fully flocked and adjusted stereo camera... Well, not today.

I'm glad Oleg is over there, filtering out the garbage!

 

[scottgee1]

While we were talking about it, someone else bought it!

Sheesh!/ScottGee1

 

[rover]

No way! It wasn't me.

I don't know though about that "It's too good" theory. Really now, it is a $125 lens. True it may be collectible and worth $125 even if it won't work on a standard LTM camera, but come on now, too good to use? Should I put my Summicron on a shelf?

 

[taffer]

Me neither !

Fun though, I went to a collection store here in BCN to see if they could help me check something on my recently acquired Canon 7, the gentleman there helped me a lot but just before leaving he told me 'you know, these kind of cameras are collection pieces, they are not meant to be used now'.

With all respect, I couldn't disagree more with him.

 

[furcafe]

There's no way to be sure short of showing it to an expert, as I certainly don't have the expertise to make that assessment. I can only compare the pix w/what I've seen in my books & w/the (IMHO) genuine 1 I already have. Re: fakes, my feeling is that if someone w/the skills has enough time & energy to fake something, then you really can't stop them from fooling even the experts, @ some of the time (I'm thinking of all the counterfeit Vermeers & Rembrandts, etc. that were purchased by major museums). Serial #s, engraving fonts, component shapes, etc. are just clues & have to be considered in their totality. I just bid w/the risk kof forgery in mind!

Furcafe, I see the one on ebay now (actually there are a couple but one looks to be genuine, you know the one 🙂) In addition to the serial number and shape of the lens barrel, what do you look for to verify that one is infact a Zeiss lens and not a J3 with a Zeiss filter ring?

 

[peter_n]

That email from Oleg to Scott actually answered the question I had about my J-8 - the lack of "ears" on the aperture ring is apparently a drawback. Actually I have to say that I kind of like it... 🙂

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I did not buy the lens; but you can be sure that someone reading this thread did.

Cameras and lenses are meant to be used. My Canon 7 gets a lot of film shot through it, as does the M3/M2, and SP/S3. Some cameras are way up there in price, but a $125 Sonnar should get used.

 

[peter_n]

While we were talking about it, someone else bought it!

Sheesh!/ScottGee1

Wasn't me either! 😱

 

[scottgee1]

I did not buy the lens; but you can be sure that someone reading this thread did.

Cameras and lenses are meant to be used. My Canon 7 gets a lot of film shot through it, as does the M3/M2, and SP/S3. Some cameras are way up there in price, but a $125 Sonnar should get used.

Yeah, c'mon, 'fess up!! 😉

I quite agree that the gear is made to be used (except for that commemorative stuff . . . ) but the collectors obviously disagree and drive up prices on the rest of us. 😡

That said, I suspect Oleg's perspective on this is very different than mine. That $125 lens was one of the most expensive he offers.

Ah well!/ScottGee1

 

[jdos2]

Not me (No LTM stuff anyway, though I'm sorta, and slowly looking for an M3...)

I DO have a CZJ 50mm in Contax mount (coated, chrome!) Which is nice. Needs to go to Henry for a good cleaning.

 

[jdos2]

JD, I see the problem here. YOU NEED A LEICA TO GO ON VACATION!

I live what I scream. Yesterday I fell into a Nikon M (with a Sonnar, no Less) at its 1950 price. I am so happy Ebay raised its prices and drove that seller off. First Nikon RF that I've seen at an Antique Mall in years.

You, sir, are a PROFIT.