For Sale Contax 135mm F4 Sonnar for Contax Rangefinder

[davela]

I am selling a 135mm F4 Sonnar for Contax rangefinders (or Kiev RF or Bessa R2C). This appears to be a coated post-war version of this lens. This lens, just like everything else from the Contax system, is superbly crafted.

The lens has clear evidence of separation on a pair of forward elements. There is also fungus evident on some lens surfaces, although I'd describe the level as fairly mild (thin fibers, but not that clustered). There are no scratches to note - or at least none that are serious. There does not appear to be haze. The iris blades are dry. The mechanics work perfectly. The cosmetic condition is acceptable, with some evident marks on the chrome which I have not tried to remove (I'm not sure they can be removed, but you can try!).

When I mount this lens on an SLR, the views are actually clear and sharp with no compelling evidence to the eye that the above defects would impact actual use. That is sort of amazing really, but not too surprising since as viewed against an illuminated background the overall glass aspect is fairly clear and the effects of the separation (internal reflection) apparently do not easily manifest themselves so obviously with on a slower lens like this. However I am selling the lens as is for conditional use, as a collectible, or for repair and I have priced it accordingly!

Sold as-is and as shown.

Price: $25 plus USPS Priority shipping

 

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[Mark Layne]

I am selling a 135mm F4 Sonnar for Contax rangefinders (or Kiev RF or Bessa R2C). This appears to be a coated post-war version of this lens. This lens, just like everything else from the Contax system, is superbly crafted.

The lens has clear evidence of separation on a pair of forward elements. There is also fungus evident on some lens surfaces, although I'd describe the level as fairly mild (thin fibers, but not that clustered). There are no scratches to note - or at least none that are serious. There does not appear to be haze. The iris blades are dry. The mechanics work perfectly. The cosmetic condition is acceptable, with some evident marks on the chrome which I have not tried to remove (I'm not sure they can be removed, but you can try!).

When I mount this lens on an SLR, the views are actually clear and sharp with no compelling evidence to the eye that the above defects would impact actual use. That is sort of amazing really, but not too surprising since as viewed against an illuminated background the overall glass aspect is fairly clear and the effects of the separation (internal reflection) apparently do not easily manifest themselves so obviously with on a slower lens like this. However I am selling the lens as is for conditional use, as a collectible, or for repair and I have priced it accordingly!

Sold as-is and as shown.

Price: $25 plus USPS Priority shipping

It is a Jena lens from time when they were using what parts they could gather up. It is a coated lens with no red T engraved on the ring. I have have one with a Red T on the ring but uncoated. Certainly worth the asking price though