For Sale FS: Post War Carl Zeiss Jena Biogon 3.5cm f/2.8

[Punkinhed7]

The dream of having a full Contax setup is seeming less like a reality as days go by, so it's time for someone else to enjoy this.

The lens is in good shape, with the rear element nearly perfect, and the front element with only a few light scratches. There is some dirt/grime around the edge of the front element that, because of how much the lens is recessed from the filter ring, I couldn't quite get to, and didn't want to cause any damage by attacking vigorously, but that looked easily removable with the right little tool.

I believe that this lens is the version with hard coating on both sides of the elements, as I cannot see the telltale annular region of the soft-coated lenses when using a magnifier. Additionally it looks like this lens hasn't been opened up, as the the notches on the lens bezel don't show any scratches. I don't have the caps

The diaphragm is free of oil/dirt and adjusts smoothly.
SN: 3317446

Asking $450 shipped (in the US--a bit more international).

Pics in a bit.

 

[btaylor]

Post War-- Does that mean it will fit the IIa/IIIa models?

 

[Punkinhed7]

some pictures:

http://imgur.com/a/6xi6g#tOtJC

 

[Punkinhed7]

I could be wrong on this, but I believe that the post-war Biogons made at the Jena factory do not fit the IIa/IIIa. I'm sure someone around here could confirm/deny this.

 

[davela]

Only the West German (marked Carl Zeiss or Carl Zeiss Opton) will fit the IIa and IIIa. They are all excellent lenses however.

 

[Jeff L]

I believe there was a 35mm lens made in post war Jena that fit the Contax IIa and IIIa. It was not called a Biogon, but some thing else like a Biotar or Biometar ????

 

[davela]

Yes correct, the Zeiss Jena Biometar was (I think) a post war optical design from the early 50's that was exported to the West. It was implemented as a 35mm F2.8 lens for Contax rangefinder. There are some Rolleiflexes that used Biometar taking lenses as well -- probably very collectible too.

 

[btaylor]

Thanks for the information. Looking at the pictures this looks like the early design that does not fit the IIa/IIIa.

 

[Punkinhed7]

does this price seem reasonable?

 

[Punkinhed7]

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