Zeiss LTM 50/1.5 Sonnar

I have 1, c.1942-43, & it shoots just like my other (Contax mount) Sonnars. For examples, you can check out my Elvis impersonator pix post of a few weeks ago. Build quality is definitely a step-down from the pre-WWII Sonnars; perhaps even a bit lower than the post-WII E. German lenses, although the light weight makes it a good match w/a TM Leica body.

rover said:
Anyone shooting with one of these little guys?
Click to expand...
 
Rover, I think Oleg had an early Sonnar Krasnogorsk (ZK) ltm 50/1.5 a while ago for 125 bucks, according to the common agreement, that's almost an original Sonnar, and also the father of the excellent Jupiter-8.
 
rover said:
#141 Oscar?

http://www.okvintagecamera.com/lens.php
Click to expand...
I think it is, rover. I'm really excited by the photo of that lens because its the first lens I've seen that's identical to my J-8. In particular, the aperture ring has no ridged grip on it - it is perfectly smooth. If you look carefully at the picture you will see it.

My Jupiter-8 is the only J-8 I've seen (and I have seen a lot ;) ) with this smooth aperture ring, but mine was made in 1959 - this lens was made in 1950 by the serial nr. Yet mine seems to be somehow related to this lens... Maybe I should send an email to Oleg and ask him?

Attached is a pic of my lens that clearly shows the aperture ring.
 
Last edited:
Rover, if that was the Zeiss lens in LTM it would be at about what, ~$400 or so? I have the Zeiss-Opton 5cm f1.5, and it produces beautiful pictures. The "bokeh" (Sorry Joe) is "creamier" than the Nikkor 5cm F1.4 that copied it. I use it on a Nikon S2 for that 1x viewfinder. For that $135 (shipped), why not give it a try? That is a bit more than the J3, but the build quality of the earlier lenses is supposed to be higher. You can always resell it; cheaper than renting.
 
Wormtongue, crying BUY!

:)

Sorry, Brian, I'm kidding of course, and you are absolutely right. What's nice about our hobby is that much of the history of it is so easily available to us now at such silly-low prices (relative to their new prices, and our buying power).

This is such fun!

Now, gotta get me that Leica. Or CV C mount camera. Or...
 
Yup Rover, that one. It has been there for a while, and I've been always tempted about it, so you're better grabbing it before my next payday :D

Just kidding :p I'm not going for it but would be happy to see it in the RFF family.

JD, you're right, if one considers the target users of this stuff back then, and that they are our 'affordable' hobby now, well, you get the point.
 
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.
 
My camera and an SF 20 flash will more or less use up the funds I raised with all my sales. I may be looking for a good deal on a lens. We shall see.
 
Are you-all thinking the optical quality of the ZK ltm 50/1.5 would be comparable to the Zeiss version?!

Hmmmm . . . with an adapter, it'd work on an R2, wouldn't it . . . ?

Of course I have to wonder how it would compare to a Summarit as well . . .

But first, I need to contemplate how many angels can dance on a pixel.

:D /ScottGee1
 
Scott, checking Princelle 2nd ed. yesterday, literally he says all Sonnar Krasnogorsk lenses are of Zeiss origin, talk to Oleg as you want to be sure that the lens would focus properly on a real Leica mount camera and check condition as well, probably you'll get a return guarantee if it doesn't focus properly, or you can even ask him to check it. You would be only risking shipping costs. That said, I think the mount is the not-so-nice aluminium instead of brass, but the glass should still be first class.
 
Oleg's response

Oleg's response

I asked Oleg about using this lens on my R2. Here is his response:

"It's a Zonnar Krasnogorsky - lens produced in USSR after WWII
using german parts for Sonnars...
Also ZK 50/1.5 is a predecessor of Jupiter-3.
Note, it's a not user lens - it's collectible at first... Very rare
lens... Common price for such lens unreasonable high compared other
soviet lenses, but those lens have a problem - removed "ears" on
aperture ring...
So if you are collector of Zeiss or Russian cameras - those lens very
interesting... But if you want user lens - not a good choice... For
taking pictures try to find Russian Jupiter-3 lens..."

Thus spake Oleg. Apparently he thinks the J-3 is optically identical?

Thanks!/ScottGee1
 
The Jupiter-3 is probably Optically Identical to this one; BUT its problem has always been about quality control. I have seen it written "if you get a good Jupiter-3, never let go of it". The "consensus" is that the earlier lenses had better quality control. If that is true, the 1950 lens at $125 should be a great shooter. Is Oleg is saying this one is damaged, and collectible only? If it is on good shape, $125 is a low price for a fast lens PROVIDED that it is a good shooter. On the focus, if it is a bit off you can always use a ring shim fastened to the RF coupling.
 
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."
 
Somebody better buy this lens... With all of this attention, it will not be there for long.

At $125, its a bargain. The Zeiss Sonnar is a great lens, and produces beautiful pictures. this is probably as close as you will get to a Sonnar in LTM without paying at least 3x as much.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom