Anyone have Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 (M42)

*hinman* · 12-15-2008, 07:28 PM

I bought this lens from Chemaxj as a alternative to try out as a interim replacement for Pentax FA 31mm f/1.8 limited. While it is not as fast as my Lady Queen, or Pentax FA 35mm f/2.0, its close focus capability on this lens is quite outstanding. I test it out today preparing it for trading up to Pentax FA 35mm f/2.0. I want to gather your opinions and knowledge about this lens especially on its magnification ratio. Here are my initial impressions:

Lens is well built like other Czj lens, likely made in Germany like other DDR lenses
Its close focus is quite outstanding when I try it. It should be very close to 1:2
minimum focusing distance is shorter than 0.2 meter
In M42 mount with a large lens base, can be easily converted to K mount if needed
MF on this lens is outstanding with a large focus throw
Bokeh seems decent in the few test shots that I have done
Filter size is 49mm and it makes it ideal to share in filter and close up diopter
Though lens barrel is metal, there is bigger amount of plastic in the front element

Portraits on the Lens

MFD is shorter than 0.2 meters

The lens is not big, very compact, but nothing can beat the size of
my recent purchase of M pancake in 40mm
Pentax M 40mm f/2.8
in the right hand side

Lens base is big to cover K pin
for K mount conversion if desired

Thanks,
Hin

*hinman* · 12-15-2008, 07:35 PM

Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 (m42)

#1
Product shot in using close-up
Hin's Lens Porn on
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5

Click on the image to view it in a larger size

#2
close up with lunch plate

#3
wide open in f/2.4

Click on the image to view it in a larger size

*k100d* · 12-15-2008, 07:51 PM

lens seems rather big for a 35mm ~2.8

*hinman* · 12-15-2008, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by k100d

lens seems rather big for a 35mm ~2.8

Perhaps, the comparison picture next to the Pentax M 40mm f/2.8 make it relatively big. It is not small but not that big either, its size is similar to FA 50 f/1.4, may be a bit taller than the FA 50 f/1.4.

Thanks,
Hin

lbam · 12-15-2008, 08:34 PM

I have a copy in screw mount...
I don't use it hardly ever as it's aperture blades are still stuck despite cleaning.. I need to take it apart again and add some appropriate ( ? ) grease, then it will be fine...

Here's a review : Carl Zeiss Jena MC Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 (M42) Lens Review - Digital SLR Lens and Camera Reviews

Oh, if you visit the above site, don't forget to add one vote on the home page for more reviews of Pentax K mount, and maybe the site will start doing some much needed (for them) Pentax classics ;-)

....

*wallyb* · 12-15-2008, 09:01 PM

Yes I have one, I posted a picture in the off-brand lens thread. It's the M42 version. It's the best lens in that focal range I've ever used, for any system.

ddhytz · 12-16-2008, 01:51 AM

I also have one, a very good lens.

This was taken wide open

This was posted here Zeiss M42 club?

andrei46 · 12-16-2008, 05:34 AM

Yes, Hinman! I have the same model since 1979. Amazing lens! You're right: good for close ups. I use it also with a close up lens. Keep it!
Look at these!

(larger size in my gallery)

Regards!

richard64 · 12-16-2008, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by hinman

Here are my initial impressions:

I've had a copy for about half a year now. My copy is pretty battered, it looks like it was well used because there's quite a bit of paint loss, and it looks like someone cross threaded the filter ring because the threads are completely mangled. To get round this I knocked the glass out of an old 49mm filter and then screwed this into the filter ring, so now I have a usable thread. The focusing on mine is a bit stiff at close focus, so I've opened it up and re-greased it. That helps, but I suspect that the stiffness is due to the barrel being slightly dented. However, the optics are great (no scratches or any other nasties) and the diaphragm works fine. I've also drilled a hole in the rear plate of the lens for the K100D locking pin, so it now means that the still focusing does not result in me unscrewing the lens!

The close focus is very good with this lens, but it is also good for wider views too. I particularly like how this lens handles green. The bokeh is also very nice as you can see from the chamomile in the images below.

Click on the image to view it in a larger size

Richard

Indianadinos · 12-16-2008, 03:16 PM

Hi Hinman,

I bought mine almost two years ago, when they were really cheap ...

I mostly agree with your impressions, this is a really nice lens (i really like the way its bokeh is rendered), it was my preferred 35mm until i got an SMC Takumar 35/2 ... The only point i have with it is that sometimes i would like a little less contrast (although this is quickly fixed when developing the raw files) ...

Best regards

*hinman* · 12-16-2008, 03:34 PM

Thank you for all the valuable inputs. Those pictures with close up on flowers are outstanding. I found a thread in dprview with some wonderful pictures from another Pentaxians who has a funny title noting a DA 35mm macro killer. I think this lens if found in a good condition can satisfy the need of a 35mm while filling in the shoe of a 1:2 close up really well. It is not as fast as the FA 35mm f/2.0 but f/2.4 is plenty for daytime shooting needs and it can cover indoor to some degree.

Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35/2.4: DA 35 macro killer?: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

After selling out my Lady Queen with 31mm limited, I am hanging onto this lens for comfort. One kool thing about this lens is on the bokeh, contrasty color and I agree on the NICE bokeh color with the greens. And my lens hood, filter, closeup diopter, polarizer that I use on 49mm filter size on my FA 50 f/1.4 and others can be shared easily with this lens.

Thanks again,
Hin

MattKamineko · 02-13-2009, 06:20 AM

I too have this lens. (MC FLEKTOGON 2.4/35 CARL ZEISS JENA DDR 8769) It was part of a manual lens motherlode I was given as a gift.

Unfortunately, the aperture is stuck wide open, like lbam's lens. Am I likely to be able to fix this problem myself or is it a job for the shop? (and is it worth it)

*farfisa* · 02-13-2009, 07:08 AM

Hin--this is like some tragic love story.

Stop trying to replace your Lady Queen. See if she'll take you back!

axl · 02-13-2009, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by farfisa

hin--this is like some tragic love story.

Stop trying to replace your lady queen. See if she'll take you back! :d

:d :d :d
1234

Sieg247 · 02-13-2009, 08:28 AM

I have this lens too. Its a nice lens with gentle color and good DOF. Its a gift from my father and i will never sell it to others. I'm using it with K100D. This lens is good for Close up, Landscape even indoor purposes on a crop body.

Here are some images i took with it :