luvcameras
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- Jan 11, 2005
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For Sale - the highly sought after Zeiss Biotar 58mm f/2 lens. Its a bokeh monster that focuses close (.5 m). This is the later and desired "Pre-Set" model with Quality 1 Marking (which was an "excellence quality rating" and these lenses were reserved for export. It also has the red Diamond marking signifying lens coating. The lens takes 49mm filters and of course its in the ever popular M42 mount for easy adapting to most cameras systems
I also discovered this lens has two name rings! One on top of the other. The original ring had the "Q1" quality marking and was engraved "Carl Zeiss Jena" and "Biotar" but those words were grinded away as was know to have happened on some items during the period of transition for Zeiss post war. The top ring, now marked "C.Z. Jena" has the red diamond engraving also signifying this was made and sold as a top quality lens... see picture and great information on the 58mm Biotar lenses here:
I have had many of these over the years, and this one, while not perfect, is about the best condition I have seen. Glass is watery clear and clean. No haze no fungus, no separation. A couple of thin, small and whispy cleaning marks, otherwise surfaces are very nice. Focus is easy and the aperture is smooth - no oil on blades. Very minimal dust. Like I said, its great glass for this lens. The barrel shows little use - clean. I would grade a 9- overall. I tested the lens (mainly to show its bokeh) on my Canon digital camera.... Resolution is very good even wide open, although contrast is on the lower side....but the bokeh fun!! at 5.6 to f 11 this is a really sharp lens...but f/2-f/4 its great for portraits and up close work... $ 289 plus shipping.
I also discovered this lens has two name rings! One on top of the other. The original ring had the "Q1" quality marking and was engraved "Carl Zeiss Jena" and "Biotar" but those words were grinded away as was know to have happened on some items during the period of transition for Zeiss post war. The top ring, now marked "C.Z. Jena" has the red diamond engraving also signifying this was made and sold as a top quality lens... see picture and great information on the 58mm Biotar lenses here:
Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 - Lens Review
A review of the Carl Zeiss Jena 48mm F/2 Biotar lens. A classic lens with amazing bokeh, rich history, and amazing images.
I have had many of these over the years, and this one, while not perfect, is about the best condition I have seen. Glass is watery clear and clean. No haze no fungus, no separation. A couple of thin, small and whispy cleaning marks, otherwise surfaces are very nice. Focus is easy and the aperture is smooth - no oil on blades. Very minimal dust. Like I said, its great glass for this lens. The barrel shows little use - clean. I would grade a 9- overall. I tested the lens (mainly to show its bokeh) on my Canon digital camera.... Resolution is very good even wide open, although contrast is on the lower side....but the bokeh fun!! at 5.6 to f 11 this is a really sharp lens...but f/2-f/4 its great for portraits and up close work... $ 289 plus shipping.