Back in the 90's, I studied photography and my camera was a Yashica FX-D mounted with a Carl Zeiss Planar 1.4 / 50 T* that I had bought at a flee market for $30. I still use this lens to this day .
Darn it! I had a whole Contax system with a number of bodies and some great lenses, and sold all of it off when my son was born. Now you have me fondly remembering the images made with those lenses. I found myself searching eBay at the end just to see what prices are today. Honestly, they are not bad, since apparently almost everyone has been incapable of manually focusing a lens for about a decade. I can well remember growing up as a teen reading Herbert Kessler's SLR column in Popular Photography which led off each month with a picture of him looking through the viewfinder of a Contax RTS and vowing to myself that someday I'd have one. Once I got my first one, I found out that it was one of the nicest cameras nobody had ever heard of, except for some pros I knew who considered them too fragile for photojournalist work. They turned out to be right. I started thinking wistfully about the "Zeiss look" that I have only gotten with Contax and Hasselblad in the past, and how they made my Nikon images look a bit pale by comparison. It was almost like you could walk into a photo taken with Zeiss glass. But then I looked at a bookshelf full of the pro-level Nikon film SLR's I've used starting in 1972, and taken all over the world under some very harsh conditions, and realized that every one of them, from my original F through my F5 all still work just like they did when they were new, and the youngest one is 20 years old. All my Nikkor lenses still work too. Then I thought back to how many of those lovely Contax bodies died on me, an RTS, an RTS II, a couple of 167 MT's and a host of others, except for perhaps the little 139, which I always suspect was a re-badged Yashica. I thought about how much money I spent getting those cameras fixed, and how hard it was to find anyone who would work on them, probably impossible now. Reality set in and I came to the conclusion that for the stuff I do, and how I use a camera, it was more important to have a camera that would always get the shot, even if I couldn't "walk into it". Maybe now that Contax bodies are so cheap, and photography is now just my hobby, I'll buy a few of the bodies and just consider them disposable. After all, it is the Zeiss glass that is special. So I hope your RTS hangs in there for you. They are great while they last. And by the way, I totally agree with you on the 35-70. It used to be my favorite street lens. Saw a clean one just now for $300, and it is all I can do not to buy it. Cheers!
That's awesome Tom, thanks for sharing your experience. Very interesting to hear from someone who has put the Contax system to work over the years. Certainly different than just using one for a hobby. Thanks for watching!
Hello Hello ! I have just acquired this lens and I admit that your video has encouraged me well :) And personally and without exaggerating ... I have never seen this on my Canon EOS R6 in video. And yet I have a lot of good optics but here this lens puts an end (I am already nostaligic) to a frantic search for good Contax Zeiss optics ... Thank you from the bottom of my heart on the part of Belgium.
Just spent $400 getting a high quality 35-70, very excited. This was after months of researching what lenses I do and don't like, then stumbling on the contax yashica zeiss t* line and deciding this was the kit I wanted. I think this lens will eliminate the need for a 35mm distagon, and focal lengths up to 70 besides a 50mm. Still need to research the telephoto range of zooms and which one I like. I think I can maybe step away from my computer and stop researching for a bit and actually go take photos now!
Kyle thanks for this great recommendation I bought this lens thanks to you and now is one of the best lenses I owe. I also have the Canon 24-70 f2.8 mkII and I found it plain in comparison to this CZ Zoom. The 3d pop of the zeiss and microcontrast is pure magic.
I bought my Contax 137MA in 1982 or '83 and included the 50mm f1.4 and the 35mm f2.8. The 137 MA and these lenses made images that were incredible. Unfortunately, the body was caught in an unbelievable rainstorm on an Alaska trip and it died about 12 years later. Both lenses need a CLA but the images from this Zeiss glass is incredible. I think I'm going to get another body and get my CLA work done after watching this video and add the zoom you've mentioned. Great video!
I believe the 28-70 was actually made by a third part manufacturer and isn't regarded as being that good. The 28-85 is great, just really big. I like the 35-70 the best out of the bunch, just wish it were a bit wider, and that the front element didn't rotate when focusing!
Very cool vid and info related to this lens! I have this lens too as well as 50,1.4, 85,1.4 and 135 2.8. I do find it's not as sharp as the rest of mine. I do encourage you to use the macro its very cool!
I looked it up on the internet and the general thought is that the 35-70 is outstanding, the 28-70 is nothing special, but an ok lens. I am still in doubt what to get though, the 28-70 has a Rotary zoom and focus contrary to the push pull from the 35-70. Its ease of use versus image quality.
Can these be outfitted for digital? I see a CY adapter to FX on ebay, but not positive that CY covers all these Contax lenses made for the RTS system. (Man, I used to have a lot of Contax gear, even the 2 1/4 camera and it's amazing lenses. It's a catastastroke that the N series of lenses have never been able to mount on digital.
Are you a salesman? If not you are missing the call as you just sold me this lens, I mean, not you but the lucky guy I bought it from on eBay... 😂 Thank you for sharing and thank you for the advise!
Subscribed!! Where did you get that magazine? I'm planning to start a Contax Zeiss set, probably starting from the 35-70 and the 50/85 1.4 (portrait use) Thoughts? Excited to see more content related to Contax lenses :DD
It was a lucky find in a thrift store! All three of those lenses that you listed are great options. You can't really go wrong. If you find you don't use one much or don't like a specific one, they all hold their value really well.
Count your lucky stars it's push/pull. If it wasn't, the demand would be at least double and so too would be the price! I'd love to use this lens for video, but push/pull doesn't play nice with focus gears.. such a shame.
Great video. I have the Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 40mm-80mm 3.5/4.5 which is my favorite lens. The lens was purchased through an estate sale via eBay. I purchased it from an online estate seller that purchased it from an estate sale just a few miles from here. In short, the lens changed hands 3 times, but never left the metropolitan area. I primarily use it with my Fujifilm X-T2 with great results.
The Contax 35-70mm is truly a 'variable prime' and I love mine. If fact, nearly every video on my Channel is shot with Contax on Sony S35 using a C/Y > E-Mount Speed Booster but my all time favourite Contax? The stunning Distagon 21mm f/2.8 super wide! With a 90 degree AoV, it's the lens that 'sees what your eye sees'!
@@dpixvid tough nailing focus with a fully manual full frame lens (the Speed Booster optics restore the FF field of view on S35/APSC as well as the shallow focus) but when you do, it is sublime.
@@CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K the only thing I noticed was blowing the highlights when you pivoted 180 towards the sun, don't know what would help other than an ND filter, but that would change your normal exposure? Maybe a polarizer might help - the detail and resolution was amazing! What camera?
@@CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K not trying to be critical, just thinking how I would approach? Oigawa part 1 3:39 for example.., ND filter... polarizer for sky??? ...also Fall 4K with an ND you could pull back the detail in the skys... Still love the vids!
I've been using this lens for years with an adapter on a Canon 5D2 and Sony A7R2...everything you say about it is spot-on. As a landscape shooter, my only complaint is that its very difficult to use a polarizer due to the rotating barrel when focusing...takes two hands, one to hold the barrel and the other to adjust the filter.
Great video, thanks for sharing! Some of my favourite lenses ever were the Contax Zeiss lenses when I bought my first film camera, the Contax RTS 2. The 100mm f/2 is probably the best portrait lens I have ever owned, just perfect for portraiture in every respect. The 35-70 appears to be another winner among Zeiss beauties and I just may have to own this one too! I’m curious, do you adapt these to your digital camera for video, and if so, what combination and adapters are you using?
The 100mm f/2 is one that I've always wanted to get my hands on! As for digital, yes, I use all the Contax lenses for my video work on the A7RII, using a Metabones C/Y to E Speedbooster, and then shooting in crop mode. Cheers.
I've come back to this video a few times over the years for both, the presentation AND the photography. Yet somehow I haven't pulled the trigger on getting my own 35-70! I'm curious if the zoom/focal length stays in place if you're pointing the camera downward? Or more specifically, does it stay in place even when your hands are off the barrel? I'm shooting videos of myself painting so I guess this is the last piece of the puzzle to figure out before purchasing. Thanks so much for any help!
I problably have watched this video 10 times, love it! About a year ago I started photography with the Yashica FX-3 and I am looking for a better lens. I mostly take photos on trips and during travel and I am considering to buy the 45mm f2.8 because of its small size. Do you think that is a good buy or should I consider the 50mm 1.7?
Hey man! Thanks for the video, I recently picked this up online! I was wondering because the front lens barrel rotates will variable ND filters work with it? Thanks a bunch!
fantastic work! would be a good lens for street as well as a few portraits here and there! my constructive criticism: as an avid photographer, i would like to see your stills for a bit longer! i find myself pausing the video to get an idea of the lens youre demoing. thanks!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed. It’s a really versatile lens and I could see it being good for street. And thanks for the CC, much appreciated. I’ll make sure to keep that in mind for future vids! 🙏
Are the contax zoom lenses a pain to use on a sony digital body? Do you have to change settings inside the camera every time you change the focal length?
Not a pain to use at all. As for the settings, if you're using stabilization, then yes, you have to change the focal length setting, but other than that, no.
wow this is creepy to find! I got into photography a bit over a year ago with the sony a7 and now sony a7r2, and my friend who has been helping me throughout immediately told me to go for contax lenses and the 35-70 is one of the one's I own, and it does indeed produce amazing results. I also have the contax 28 f/2 "hollywood" and my all time favorite the contax 100-300 which can be arguably just as good or even better than some brand new lenses that are in the $2000+ range. I absolutely love my 100-300 and all contax lenses are great. please do more videos on the lenses! great stuff!!
thanks for replying! I watched all your videos and they're all great! definitely enjoyed the different film exposing tests. Any chance you'll go over other contax lenses? I also haven't seem a good video done about the RTS 3 and so I don't know which RTS would be beneficial to get if I went into 35mm film to pair up with my contax lenses. There are a lot of Contax cameras and I'm not sure which would be the best. Thanks again! - Grant
QUESTION! Do you have the Zeiss lenses that are made in Japan or in Germany? I am deciding on weather its worth getting the German made ones over the Japanese in terms of image quality. Any thoughts? Thank you!
Hey Darin, there is no optical or physical quality difference between those made in Germany or Japan. They were built to the same specs, with the same materials. There are two different versions of lenses though. Those labelled either AE (AEJ or AEG), or MM (MMJ or MMG). The MM versions are the more recent of the two, and are said to have a updated coatings. Also, I think two of the MM lenses had slight redesigns. I think the 25mm was one of them. I bought all MM lenses, to keep my set consistent. MM lenses are usually a bit more expensive as well. For the most part though, I don’t think you can go wrong with any version. Enjoy the Yashica!!
I am curious. I currently use canon eos 1n delta 400 and extar 100. Kyle What are your thoughts about CZ 50 1.7 for shoting abstract art? I shot strange shapes, lines and repeating patterns.
I just bought this contax 35-70 lens for my Yashica fx-3 super 2000. For some reason the light meter in the Yashica will not not adjust for changing apertures when I turn the aperture dial on the contax 35-70 lens. It only reads accurately wide open at 3.4 and doesn’t adjust when I stop down the aperture. I also have a 50mm Yashica lens that came with the fx-3 and the light meter in the camera adjusts appropriately when I change aperture on that lens but not the contax 35-70. Does anyone know why this might be happening with the Zeiss 35-70? Thanks
Check the length of the connectors sticking out of the back of the 2 lenses and see if the one on the contax zoom is noticeably shorter sometimes people cut down the length of the connector for mirror clearance on Canon digital cameras.
The 24-85 is a newer lens, and not the original C/Y mount. I don't know too much about it. the CY 28-85 is supposedly a great performer. Only downside is that it's quite large but probably worth it.
Hi there, I'm considering to buy this lens for wedding video shoots, what do you think about that? Can it be reliable? I need your honest opinion, thanks
The only downside for video is that the barely rotates when you focus. So if you use something like a variable ND or matte box, that can be an issue. Other than that, it’s a good one.
Hi again Kyle, just keep watching your content man! One question about this lens: would you use it for documentary style video? I'm used to focusing manually, but I'm wondering if the push & pull style would make it difficult to use (follow focus, matte box, just focusing by hand). It's definitely cheaper than a modern 24-70 lens though... Thanks and greetings from Spain!
The 35-70 is one of my favourite lenses for video, but the downsides are what you mentioned. The push/pull and the fact that the front rotates when you focus make it a no-go for matte boxes and vari nds. So for that reason, I never use it for doc/run and gun work. But I do use it all the time for product stuff, b-roll, etc.
@@KyleMcDougall wonderful, thank you for the input man. Just pulled the trigger on one from ebay and im very excited! Looking forward to seeing more from you! :)
I just stumbled upon your channel and I have to say it’s some of the best out there, the level of production of the videos, the quality, the music and the way you show the cameras and lenses is absolutely prime, the photos you take are amazing and best of all you give us your own personal opinion and why you like it or recommend it to us. I greatly appreciate the work and research that goes into every video and I truly believe you can be a huge reference for things photography as well as equipment here on UA-cam because there really aren’t as many like you man. Keep it up, you just gained a subscriber 👌👌👌
From first hand experience the Contax 35/1.4 is really the best 35/1.4 out there. If you like to have some "pop" or what people call the "Zeiss 3D-look", that is one of the best primes you can buy to achieve that. You will never regret getting one and you will probably never sell it!
just bought a canon AE-1 program and own a sony a7ii, i have always wanted a 35mm but never got around to buying it and mostly shoot on 50mm f1.8's, so i think thiss will be the perfect lens for me, now im just waiting for it and some adapters to arrive, amazing video, keep it up.
Enjoyed the review. I have a Contax g1 and have been wanting to try out some of the Contax/Yashica C/Y manual focus lenses to use on my G1. I had heard that the 35-70 varrio sonar was the worst lens in the G system so hearing that the C/Y version is good from your perspective makes me want to give this version a try.
Hey Kyle, love your content! I pulled the trigger on a “near mint” one and it arrived super wobbly and loose above the aperture ring. I looked it up and apparently the “zeiss wobble” is a common issue due to the design flaw of the Teflon rollers wearing out. Costs $200 to get fixed. I’m returning and ordered another one, but I’m pretty weary now about my investment. Seems inevitable the wobble will return at some point.
Beginner questions: In your opinion, Do you think I would see the benefits of this lens if self scanning on an Epson v600 + Silverfast + negative lab pro ?… Is this more for the people making higher res scans/making large prints? Or will I still benefit from the color replication, contrast and maybe sharpness?
Contax Yashica zoom lenses are of course good in terms of image quality. However, the ergo of lenses aren't that great. I find nothing good with the one-touch push-pull zooming and focusing incorporation.
amazing! looking to 'up' my game to contax for my sony mirrorless. using m42 now but just wana have a change. found ur video while searching and boy!!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Just one question: Are you in love with the sort of washed-out color theme you can see in old catalogs and advertisement that has been popular in some places? The sort of muted color tones of a couple of decade-old prints? All the pictures you display and the entire video itself is very muted in color, maybe that is your style, but it surely doesn't portrait the qualities of the lens very well or perhaps that is the proper representation of the lens?
@@KyleMcDougall Right; I'll confess, I'm a Minolta fan and I love the deep and intense colors of Minolta Rokkor and Konica Hexanon lenses. But hey; each to his own, right?
hej kyle, your way of making film, inspire me! thanks! (i am an assistant director for documentary film) and i would like to know all of the zeiss contax lenses you have? and which you would like to have.. lovely greetings from austria - - P.S: and your beard is awesome too!
Thank you!! Glad you're enjoying the content. I have the 25 2.8, 35 1.4, 35-70, 50 1.4, 85 1.4, 135 2.8, 80-200 4. I'm happy with those, the only other one I may pick up in the future is the 28mm f2. Cheers.
Hi Kyle. Just found your channel today and loving it! Really like the exposure tests you did. I'm keen to do a similar test with models and see how it effects skin tones. Is the Zeiss 50mm Planar .ZF pretty much the same as the Contax 50mm 1.4 just for Nikon?
Thanks Sean! Glad you’re enjoying the content. I’m not 100% sure, but I have heard that the ZE/ZF line of Zeiss lenses we’re based off of the Contax CY lenses. I would assume that there are a number of similarities.
As others are saying, looking forward to watch your channel grow. The quality you put into these videos is apparent and I'm sure everyone watching, including myself appreciate it greatly man! Keep up the awesome work :)
Try disabling electronic first curtain shutter when shooting at 1/1000 and faster shutter speeds. It produces a shadow on top of the frame with adapted lenses in some cases.
Do you have any other recommendations for Zeiss lenses to pick up other than the 35-70? Greatly considering picking up an RTS body as I haven't got a 35mm kit atm (I shoot a Fuji 6x9 mainly) but I've been rearing to get my hands on a nice 35mm. In theory is the 35-70 all I really need? Might be worth picking up a fast 50 too.
Honestly, you could probably get away with just the 35-70, but it is nice to always have a fast lens in your bag, and the 50mm 1.7 can be had for a decent price. The nice thing about most older lenses, and especially the Contax, is that they hold their value very well. If you buy something and decide you don’t like it, there’s a good chance you’ll get back what you paid for it.
@@KyleMcDougall Bought one... It is as sharp and nice as the 35-70mm. Main differences are that the macro function handles better in the 35-135mm (the plus side) but it also breathes like crazy (the bad side). But it doesn't bother me, I'm claiming poetic license! 😌👍🏻
Back in the 90's, I studied photography and my camera was a Yashica FX-D mounted with a Carl Zeiss Planar 1.4 / 50 T* that I had bought at a flee market for $30. I still use this lens to this day .
I own this lens and love it completely. As a videographer, it's like having a secret superpower. Great video, thanks.
Thanks! I agree, it's an amazing lens, and works really well for video as well.
Darn it! I had a whole Contax system with a number of bodies and some great lenses, and sold all of it off when my son was born. Now you have me fondly remembering the images made with those lenses. I found myself searching eBay at the end just to see what prices are today. Honestly, they are not bad, since apparently almost everyone has been incapable of manually focusing a lens for about a decade. I can well remember growing up as a teen reading Herbert Kessler's SLR column in Popular Photography which led off each month with a picture of him looking through the viewfinder of a Contax RTS and vowing to myself that someday I'd have one. Once I got my first one, I found out that it was one of the nicest cameras nobody had ever heard of, except for some pros I knew who considered them too fragile for photojournalist work. They turned out to be right.
I started thinking wistfully about the "Zeiss look" that I have only gotten with Contax and Hasselblad in the past, and how they made my Nikon images look a bit pale by comparison. It was almost like you could walk into a photo taken with Zeiss glass.
But then I looked at a bookshelf full of the pro-level Nikon film SLR's I've used starting in 1972, and taken all over the world under some very harsh conditions, and realized that every one of them, from my original F through my F5 all still work just like they did when they were new, and the youngest one is 20 years old. All my Nikkor lenses still work too.
Then I thought back to how many of those lovely Contax bodies died on me, an RTS, an RTS II, a couple of 167 MT's and a host of others, except for perhaps the little 139, which I always suspect was a re-badged Yashica. I thought about how much money I spent getting those cameras fixed, and how hard it was to find anyone who would work on them, probably impossible now. Reality set in and I came to the conclusion that for the stuff I do, and how I use a camera, it was more important to have a camera that would always get the shot, even if I couldn't "walk into it". Maybe now that Contax bodies are so cheap, and photography is now just my hobby, I'll buy a few of the bodies and just consider them disposable. After all, it is the Zeiss glass that is special.
So I hope your RTS hangs in there for you. They are great while they last. And by the way, I totally agree with you on the 35-70. It used to be my favorite street lens. Saw a clean one just now for $300, and it is all I can do not to buy it. Cheers!
That's awesome Tom, thanks for sharing your experience. Very interesting to hear from someone who has put the Contax system to work over the years. Certainly different than just using one for a hobby. Thanks for watching!
thanks for sharing!
Hello Hello ! I have just acquired this lens and I admit that your video has encouraged me well :) And personally and without exaggerating ... I have never seen this on my Canon EOS R6 in video. And yet I have a lot of good optics but here this lens puts an end (I am already nostaligic) to a frantic search for good Contax Zeiss optics ... Thank you from the bottom of my heart on the part of Belgium.
Glad you're enjoying it! Still my all time favourite!
So, are you using this lens on Canon R models? I mean on mirroless system? What adaptor are using, could you share that as well?
One of the loveliest lenses. I am a huge Zeiss fan and getting into the Milvus, Batis, and Touit series.
Just spent $400 getting a high quality 35-70, very excited. This was after months of researching what lenses I do and don't like, then stumbling on the contax yashica zeiss t* line and deciding this was the kit I wanted. I think this lens will eliminate the need for a 35mm distagon, and focal lengths up to 70 besides a 50mm. Still need to research the telephoto range of zooms and which one I like. I think I can maybe step away from my computer and stop researching for a bit and actually go take photos now!
Looks great! Is this the lens that you use for your macro close up shots of other cameras?
It is!
Crazy how good your quality of content already is! I am so excited to see you grow on YT!
Thanks so much! That means a lot! 🙏
Kyle McDougall No problem man! Just being honest...
I have a 24-85 N with EOS conversion. It’s my fav mid zoom of all. I know the 35-70 is a better optic, but I see at 28mm and it’s not push-pull.
Yeah, the push/pull takes some getting used to. I've never used the 24-85, but cool to hear you're happy with it.
Kyle thanks for this great recommendation I bought this lens thanks to you and now is one of the best lenses I owe. I also have the Canon 24-70 f2.8 mkII and I found it plain in comparison to this CZ Zoom.
The 3d pop of the zeiss and microcontrast is pure magic.
Glad you're enjoying it Stephano. Still one of my favourite and most used lenses.
thanks
I bought my Contax 137MA in 1982 or '83 and included the 50mm f1.4 and the 35mm f2.8. The 137 MA and these lenses made images that were incredible. Unfortunately, the body was caught in an unbelievable rainstorm on an Alaska trip and it died about 12 years later. Both lenses need a CLA but the images from this Zeiss glass is incredible. I think I'm going to get another body and get my CLA work done after watching this video and add the zoom you've mentioned. Great video!
Thanks! So many great options in the Contax world. Hope you find a camera you like and put the lenses you own back to work.
Fantastic lens. I've got mine 10 years ago and using it exclusively with Canon 5D classic ... marriage made in heaven.
Hey love this, what do you think about this 35-70 compared to the contax 28-85, or 28-70?
I believe the 28-70 was actually made by a third part manufacturer and isn't regarded as being that good. The 28-85 is great, just really big. I like the 35-70 the best out of the bunch, just wish it were a bit wider, and that the front element didn't rotate when focusing!
@@KyleMcDougallthank you!
Very cool vid and info related to this lens! I have this lens too as well as 50,1.4, 85,1.4 and 135 2.8. I do find it's not as sharp as the rest of mine. I do encourage you to use the macro its very cool!
Thanks! Yeah, the macro function is a really nice feature with this lens.
Dude your content is great, keep up the good work!
Thanks, Truman!
What about a 28-70 3.5-4.5 version? Is it any good? I mean its zeiss of course its good but how does it compare to this one?
I looked it up on the internet and the general thought is that the 35-70 is outstanding, the 28-70 is nothing special, but an ok lens. I am still in doubt what to get though, the 28-70 has a Rotary zoom and focus contrary to the push pull from the 35-70. Its ease of use versus image quality.
I haven’t heard great things about the 28-70. It’s apparently the weakest in the lineup.
Can these be outfitted for digital? I see a CY adapter to FX on ebay, but not positive that CY covers all these Contax lenses made for the RTS system. (Man, I used to have a lot of Contax gear, even the 2 1/4 camera and it's amazing lenses. It's a catastastroke that the N series of lenses have never been able to mount on digital.
Yes they can. The CY lenses, from both Yahica and Contax are great for digital use.
Are you a salesman? If not you are missing the call as you just sold me this lens, I mean, not you but the lucky guy I bought it from on eBay... 😂 Thank you for sharing and thank you for the advise!
Hah, thanks! Glad you found it useful. Enjoy the lens!
I use a Contax G1 with the Zeiss Planar 45mm f2 and the results look very similar to your examples, especially with Portra 400.
Great camera! One I've contemplated purchasing for a while now.
Subscribed!! Where did you get that magazine? I'm planning to start a Contax Zeiss set, probably starting from the 35-70 and the 50/85 1.4 (portrait use) Thoughts? Excited to see more content related to Contax lenses :DD
It was a lucky find in a thrift store! All three of those lenses that you listed are great options. You can't really go wrong. If you find you don't use one much or don't like a specific one, they all hold their value really well.
Hi Kyle,
Does this zoom suffer from lens creep like the 28-85? You have great quality videos.
I haven't had any issues with mine. The 28-85 is quite a bit larger.
I cannot agree more. Thanks for such a great video.
Thanks for watching.
Count your lucky stars it's push/pull. If it wasn't, the demand would be at least double and so too would be the price! I'd love to use this lens for video, but push/pull doesn't play nice with focus gears.. such a shame.
Yeah, that's honestly the only downside.
Great work Kyle and great review. Have you had any experience with the 28-70mm f3.5-4.5 ?
Thanks. I don't, but I've heard it's one of their 'worst' lenses. Apparently it was a 'kit' style lens.
Great video. I have the Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 40mm-80mm 3.5/4.5 which is my favorite lens. The lens was purchased through an estate sale via eBay. I purchased it from an online estate seller that purchased it from an estate sale just a few miles from here. In short, the lens changed hands 3 times, but never left the metropolitan area. I primarily use it with my Fujifilm X-T2 with great results.
Nice videos¡ I love contax lenses.. I will think about getting the 35-70
check this video I made if u have a minute ;)
ua-cam.com/video/oXOmumvkLEI/v-deo.html&t
Thank you!
Hi Kyle!
I love your work and have to ask, what camera do you use to record these videos! The colors and dynamic look great and love the editing!
Thank you. Most of these videos were shot with a Sony A7RII.
The Contax 35-70mm is truly a 'variable prime' and I love mine. If fact, nearly every video on my Channel is shot with Contax on Sony S35 using a C/Y > E-Mount Speed Booster but my all time favourite Contax? The stunning Distagon 21mm f/2.8 super wide! With a 90 degree AoV, it's the lens that 'sees what your eye sees'!
Watched some of your vids and resolution is stunning
@@dpixvid tough nailing focus with a fully manual full frame lens (the Speed Booster optics restore the FF field of view on S35/APSC as well as the shallow focus) but when you do, it is sublime.
@@CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K the only thing I noticed was blowing the highlights when you pivoted 180 towards the sun, don't know what would help other than an ND filter, but that would change your normal exposure? Maybe a polarizer might help - the detail and resolution was amazing! What camera?
@@dpixvid which video?
@@CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K not trying to be critical, just thinking how I would approach? Oigawa part 1 3:39 for example.., ND filter... polarizer for sky??? ...also Fall 4K with an ND you could pull back the detail in the skys... Still love the vids!
I've been using this lens for years with an adapter on a Canon 5D2 and Sony A7R2...everything you say about it is spot-on. As a landscape shooter, my only complaint is that its very difficult to use a polarizer due to the rotating barrel when focusing...takes two hands, one to hold the barrel and the other to adjust the filter.
Yeah, the rotating front element can be a bit of a pain. But overall, if that's the biggest negative we're not doing too bad.
Great video, thanks for sharing! Some of my favourite lenses ever were the Contax Zeiss lenses when I bought my first film camera, the Contax RTS 2. The 100mm f/2 is probably the best portrait lens I have ever owned, just perfect for portraiture in every respect. The 35-70 appears to be another winner among Zeiss beauties and I just may have to own this one too! I’m curious, do you adapt these to your digital camera for video, and if so, what combination and adapters are you using?
The 100mm f/2 is one that I've always wanted to get my hands on! As for digital, yes, I use all the Contax lenses for my video work on the A7RII, using a Metabones C/Y to E Speedbooster, and then shooting in crop mode. Cheers.
can u talk about all your contax lens ? i very love 25mm f2.8
I've come back to this video a few times over the years for both, the presentation AND the photography. Yet somehow I haven't pulled the trigger on getting my own 35-70! I'm curious if the zoom/focal length stays in place if you're pointing the camera downward? Or more specifically, does it stay in place even when your hands are off the barrel? I'm shooting videos of myself painting so I guess this is the last piece of the puzzle to figure out before purchasing. Thanks so much for any help!
I problably have watched this video 10 times, love it! About a year ago I started photography with the Yashica FX-3 and I am looking for a better lens. I mostly take photos on trips and during travel and I am considering to buy the 45mm f2.8 because of its small size. Do you think that is a good buy or should I consider the 50mm 1.7?
Depends if the faster aperture is important to you or not. The 45 is a great lens though.
Hey man! Thanks for the video, I recently picked this up online! I was wondering because the front lens barrel rotates will variable ND filters work with it? Thanks a bunch!
They will work, but there will be colour shift. I wouldn't recommend it for that.
@@KyleMcDougall Got it man! Thanks for replying :D ill probably get non variable ND's then
Wonder if it works on GFX?
Vignettes really bad (you can see the barrel), on the wide end.
fantastic work! would be a good lens for street as well as a few portraits here and there!
my constructive criticism: as an avid photographer, i would like to see your stills for a bit longer! i find myself pausing the video to get an idea of the lens youre demoing.
thanks!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed. It’s a really versatile lens and I could see it being good for street. And thanks for the CC, much appreciated. I’ll make sure to keep that in mind for future vids! 🙏
Love our videos. I am sure you know it but one camera you should checkout is the Rollei 35. This small body can take incredible photos.
Thanks for watching! Always have my eye out for one of those cameras.
Are the contax zoom lenses a pain to use on a sony digital body? Do you have to change settings inside the camera every time you change the focal length?
Not a pain to use at all. As for the settings, if you're using stabilization, then yes, you have to change the focal length setting, but other than that, no.
This lens lives on my A7RII, it’s the best! The macro capability is fantastic too.
where I can find this catalog? Thanks
Found this one at a thrift store.
wow this is creepy to find! I got into photography a bit over a year ago with the sony a7 and now sony a7r2, and my friend who has been helping me throughout immediately told me to go for contax lenses and the 35-70 is one of the one's I own, and it does indeed produce amazing results. I also have the contax 28 f/2 "hollywood" and my all time favorite the contax 100-300 which can be arguably just as good or even better than some brand new lenses that are in the $2000+ range. I absolutely love my 100-300 and all contax lenses are great. please do more videos on the lenses! great stuff!!
I’ve heard great things about the 100-300! Glad you enjoyed the vid.
thanks for replying! I watched all your videos and they're all great! definitely enjoyed the different film exposing tests. Any chance you'll go over other contax lenses? I also haven't seem a good video done about the RTS 3 and so I don't know which RTS would be beneficial to get if I went into 35mm film to pair up with my contax lenses. There are a lot of Contax cameras and I'm not sure which would be the best. Thanks again! - Grant
ive been thinking bout getting the 18 f4 ive seen some crazy stuff with that one. what do u think??? For Film
I owned one for a bit. Only used it for filmmaking. Really nice lens and a lot cheaper than the 21mm.
QUESTION! Do you have the Zeiss lenses that are made in Japan or in Germany? I am deciding on weather its worth getting the German made ones over the Japanese in terms of image quality. Any thoughts? Thank you!
BTW I bought the Yashica FX after watching your video and am getting Zeiss!
Hey Darin, there is no optical or physical quality difference between those made in Germany or Japan. They were built to the same specs, with the same materials. There are two different versions of lenses though. Those labelled either AE (AEJ or AEG), or MM (MMJ or MMG). The MM versions are the more recent of the two, and are said to have a updated coatings. Also, I think two of the MM lenses had slight redesigns. I think the 25mm was one of them. I bought all MM lenses, to keep my set consistent. MM lenses are usually a bit more expensive as well. For the most part though, I don’t think you can go wrong with any version. Enjoy the Yashica!!
I am curious. I currently use canon eos 1n delta 400 and extar 100. Kyle What are your thoughts about CZ 50 1.7 for shoting abstract art? I shot strange shapes, lines and repeating patterns.
The 50mm 1.7 is an excellent lens, especially for the price. I'm sure it'd be fine for what you need. You'd just have to find a way to mount it!
@@KyleMcDougall no worries, I got Eos mount for it. all good. shoots good photos. high contrast against lights
Can I please ask where the other contax episodes are to be found?
Awesome review Buddy! Just got a Carl Zeiss lens!
Nice!
I just bought this contax 35-70 lens for my Yashica fx-3 super 2000. For some reason the light meter in the Yashica will not not adjust for changing apertures when I turn the aperture dial on the contax 35-70 lens. It only reads accurately wide open at 3.4 and doesn’t adjust when I stop down the aperture. I also have a 50mm Yashica lens that came with the fx-3 and the light meter in the camera adjusts appropriately when I change aperture on that lens but not the contax 35-70. Does anyone know why this might be happening with the Zeiss 35-70? Thanks
Hmmmm, sorry, wish I could help you, but I've never run into that problem.
Check the length of the connectors sticking out of the back of the 2 lenses and see if the one on the contax zoom is noticeably shorter sometimes people cut down the length of the connector for mirror clearance on Canon digital cameras.
Very nice Video. Subscribed Instant your Channel! One question: what do you think about the 28-70mm Contax Zeiss Vario-sonnar?
Thanks for watching and subscribing! I don't have any direct experience with the 28-70, but I've heard it's not one of their best lenses.
What about the 24-85mm? Or any other recommendation? I'm looking for a zoom lens like the 35-70mm for less money.
The 24-85 is a newer lens, and not the original C/Y mount. I don't know too much about it. the CY 28-85 is supposedly a great performer. Only downside is that it's quite large but probably worth it.
Hi there, I'm considering to buy this lens for wedding video shoots, what do you think about that? Can it be reliable?
I need your honest opinion, thanks
The only downside for video is that the barely rotates when you focus. So if you use something like a variable ND or matte box, that can be an issue. Other than that, it’s a good one.
Hi again Kyle, just keep watching your content man!
One question about this lens: would you use it for documentary style video? I'm used to focusing manually, but I'm wondering if the push & pull style would make it difficult to use (follow focus, matte box, just focusing by hand). It's definitely cheaper than a modern 24-70 lens though...
Thanks and greetings from Spain!
The 35-70 is one of my favourite lenses for video, but the downsides are what you mentioned. The push/pull and the fact that the front rotates when you focus make it a no-go for matte boxes and vari nds. So for that reason, I never use it for doc/run and gun work. But I do use it all the time for product stuff, b-roll, etc.
@@KyleMcDougall wonderful, thank you for the input man. Just pulled the trigger on one from ebay and im very excited!
Looking forward to seeing more from you! :)
I liked lens you filmed yourself in this video. What was it? I think something above 85mm?
I just stumbled upon your channel and I have to say it’s some of the best out there, the level of production of the videos, the quality, the music and the way you show the cameras and lenses is absolutely prime, the photos you take are amazing and best of all you give us your own personal opinion and why you like it or recommend it to us. I greatly appreciate the work and research that goes into every video and I truly believe you can be a huge reference for things photography as well as equipment here on UA-cam because there really aren’t as many like you man. Keep it up, you just gained a subscriber 👌👌👌
Aaron, thanks for taking the time to watch the vids and leave this note. Greatly appreciated. Comments like this are a huge motivator!!
does anyone know if there is this lens for nikon?
Built in Japan by Yashica with encouragement from Contax?
They had a partnership.
hey why is the f22 on this lens green?
Is this autofocus?
Please do more about the Contax lenses! I can't afford the 35mm 1.4 would love to hear more about it
I have a few ideas lined up for the future. More to come!
From first hand experience the Contax 35/1.4 is really the best 35/1.4 out there. If you like to have some "pop" or what people call the "Zeiss 3D-look", that is one of the best primes you can buy to achieve that. You will never regret getting one and you will probably never sell it!
Hello, thx for your Review. Did you have any experiences with the 35-135mm? Thx for your reply.
I don't, unfortunately.
Do you have any idea on how the 40-80mm does perform?
Not one that I've ever tested, but from the reviews I've read, it doesn't sound too special.
@@KyleMcDougall Thank you. That seems similar to what I was able to find out about it so far.
just bought a canon AE-1 program and own a sony a7ii, i have always wanted a 35mm but never got around to buying it and mostly shoot on 50mm f1.8's, so i think thiss will be the perfect lens for me, now im just waiting for it and some adapters to arrive, amazing video, keep it up.
Enjoyed the review. I have a Contax g1 and have been wanting to try out some of the Contax/Yashica C/Y manual focus lenses to use on my G1. I had heard that the 35-70 varrio sonar was the worst lens in the G system so hearing that the C/Y version is good from your perspective makes me want to give this version a try.
Love this lens!
Contax 35-70 3.4 vs Leica 35-70 3.5?
What film do you use in this vid?
I believe this was Fuji C200
Hi Kyle! Amazing work.
Where do you scan your negatives? They look really cool!
Great content! How do you make the transition at 4:10 ?
Hey Kyle, love your content! I pulled the trigger on a “near mint” one and it arrived super wobbly and loose above the aperture ring. I looked it up and apparently the “zeiss wobble” is a common issue due to the design flaw of the Teflon rollers wearing out. Costs $200 to get fixed. I’m returning and ordered another one, but I’m pretty weary now about my investment. Seems inevitable the wobble will return at some point.
Oh strange. Can't say I've ever had that issue with the few that I've come across. My personal copy has been completely fine.
Beginner questions: In your opinion, Do you think I would see the benefits of this lens if self scanning on an Epson v600 + Silverfast + negative lab pro ?… Is this more for the people making higher res scans/making large prints? Or will I still benefit from the color replication, contrast and maybe sharpness?
Cheers, Ritchie! Glad you could connect with this one.
Any thoughts on the Zeiss Distagon 1.4?
Excellent lens. Blooms a bit wide open, but sharpens up nicely at f2. Love the character of it.
@@KyleMcDougall But it is manual only, right?
Where can I get lens covers for contax lenses?
Contax Yashica zoom lenses are of course good in terms of image quality. However, the ergo of lenses aren't that great. I find nothing good with the one-touch push-pull zooming and focusing incorporation.
Every one is different. I don't mind it, but if I had a choice I was take a normal zoom style.
Have you used the takumar 50 1.4? I have a vintage takumar set and now I'm thinking of going for the contax
I haven't, but I've heard great things about it.
can i adapt this to nikon f mount to use with my f3 ? looks like a rad lens
Not too sure about that. Unfortunately I don’t have much experience with Nikon.
amazing! looking to 'up' my game to contax for my sony mirrorless. using m42 now but just wana have a change. found ur video while searching and boy!!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
You'll love the Contax lenses on your Sony.
What camera was used to shoot this video? :)
What's that font that you have used in the video?
Just one question: Are you in love with the sort of washed-out color theme you can see in old catalogs and advertisement that has been popular in some places? The sort of muted color tones of a couple of decade-old prints?
All the pictures you display and the entire video itself is very muted in color, maybe that is your style, but it surely doesn't portrait the qualities of the lens very well or perhaps that is the proper representation of the lens?
Yep, at the time of this video that was my interest. My current work is similar as well.
@@KyleMcDougall Right; I'll confess, I'm a Minolta fan and I love the deep and intense colors of Minolta Rokkor and Konica Hexanon lenses.
But hey; each to his own, right?
For sure, that’s the beauty of this craft, we all have so many options and will inevitably find certain looks and styles that suit us best.
Were did you get the Contax lenses book ??
hej kyle, your way of making film, inspire me! thanks! (i am an assistant director for documentary film) and i would like to know all of the zeiss contax lenses you have? and which you would like to have.. lovely greetings from austria - - P.S: and your beard is awesome too!
Thank you!! Glad you're enjoying the content. I have the 25 2.8, 35 1.4, 35-70, 50 1.4, 85 1.4, 135 2.8, 80-200 4. I'm happy with those, the only other one I may pick up in the future is the 28mm f2. Cheers.
Do you mind me to ask you how this lens performs over 24-85 (AF, Contax N1)? I just do love 24mm and wish to have it. Thanks.
I actually don't have any experience with the 24-85, so I can't help you there.
Are these a constant f3.4 throughout the zoom range? Thanks.
You bet.
@@KyleMcDougall awesome thanks! This video motivated to get one as my first vintafe zeiss lens.
Hi Kyle. Just found your channel today and loving it! Really like the exposure tests you did. I'm keen to do a similar test with models and see how it effects skin tones.
Is the Zeiss 50mm Planar .ZF pretty much the same as the Contax 50mm 1.4 just for Nikon?
Thanks Sean! Glad you’re enjoying the content. I’m not 100% sure, but I have heard that the ZE/ZF line of Zeiss lenses we’re based off of the Contax CY lenses. I would assume that there are a number of similarities.
This lens canon be cine moded for video
Can I pair this lens with my sony a6000?
of course. just get ~$10 cy/nex (contax/yashika) adaptor on ali
I enjoy your style of editing..
Thanks! Glad you like the vids.
really enjoyed this video. i just discovered your channel but based on watching three vids, i am now an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.
Really appreciate it! Glad you're enjoying the vids.
Just got mine in 2024 for $250.
As others are saying, looking forward to watch your channel grow. The quality you put into these videos is apparent and I'm sure everyone watching, including myself appreciate it greatly man! Keep up the awesome work :)
Hey Sam, thank you! That means a lot, man. Glad you’re enjoying the vids!
how about 35mm mamiya 645?
Hey Kyle, great video! Thank you for making such content. One question - what film you used for these photos?
Thank you! For this I used Fuji Color 200.
Good lens👍
Hey,
Awesome channel man!
Once owned the 50mm f1.4
Should never have gotten rid of that one.
Thanks! Yeah, it's a great lens.
I use this on my Sony A7sII and it has massive vignetting wide open - is that normal?
Try disabling electronic first curtain shutter when shooting at 1/1000 and faster shutter speeds. It produces a shadow on top of the frame with adapted lenses in some cases.
I just got my yashica back. I’m gonna do my research on these lenses. Thanks for the video! Love your work.
Thanks!
Do you have any other recommendations for Zeiss lenses to pick up other than the 35-70? Greatly considering picking up an RTS body as I haven't got a 35mm kit atm (I shoot a Fuji 6x9 mainly) but I've been rearing to get my hands on a nice 35mm. In theory is the 35-70 all I really need? Might be worth picking up a fast 50 too.
Honestly, you could probably get away with just the 35-70, but it is nice to always have a fast lens in your bag, and the 50mm 1.7 can be had for a decent price. The nice thing about most older lenses, and especially the Contax, is that they hold their value very well. If you buy something and decide you don’t like it, there’s a good chance you’ll get back what you paid for it.
Appreciate you getting back to me! Just ordered an RTS body, hoping to acquire the lenses in the coming weeks! Thanks for your help
That's awesome. You'll have to let me know how you like it!
Minolta 35-70mm 3.5 is also very well regarded for the price.
I’ve heard good things about that lens, but don’t have any experience.
What mount does this lens have?
Contax C/Y.
By the way... Have you tried the Contax Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* 35-135mm by any chance?
I haven't tried it, but I've heard great things.
@@KyleMcDougall Bought one... It is as sharp and nice as the 35-70mm. Main differences are that the macro function handles better in the 35-135mm (the plus side) but it also breathes like crazy (the bad side). But it doesn't bother me, I'm claiming poetic license! 😌👍🏻
another great vid. question. where are you getting your film dev and scanned?
Thanks! At the moment, all of my developing and most scanning is done at The Find Lab. I do a bit of flat bed scanning myself.
does it work on a FULL FRAME caméra? do we need to crop?
Yes, since this was for Contax's 35mm film cameras, it will cover full frame.
Great vid 👍. Can I ask what camera and lens you used to shoot the video?
Thanks. This was shot with a Sony A7RII and Contax lenses.