Carl Zeiss T* ZK mounts (Distagon, Planar, Makro-Planar)

HopelessTogger · 06-11-2016, 02:04 AM

Originally posted by Rich M

My guess is ALL the ZK's perform very well

I just wish I had invested (years ago) in more of the three that I have.

A NatGeo tog once told me, Leica and Zeiss make the finest lenses.

When you consider the price/quality of Zeiss, they're actually a bargain.

**NZ_Ross** · 06-11-2016, 02:19 AM

Originally posted by Rich M

My guess is ALL the ZK's perform very well

I just wish I had invested (years ago) in more of the three that I have.

I think we all have that wish, given some of the prices they fetch now, and how difficult it is becoming to find some of them...

HopelessTogger · 06-11-2016, 02:24 AM

Originally posted by NZ_Ross

I think we all have that wish, given some of the prices they fetch now, and how difficult it is becoming to find some of them...

Fear not. Leitax conversion cometh!

**NZ_Ross** · 06-11-2016, 02:31 AM

Originally posted by HopelessTogger

Fear not. Leitax conversion cometh!

I am looking forward to hearing how that goes. If it works well, I will probably look at converting the 21/2.8 and the 135/2 myself

HopelessTogger · 06-11-2016, 02:41 AM

Originally posted by NZ_Ross

I am looking forward to hearing how that goes. If it works well, I will probably look at converting the 21/2.8 and the 135/2 myself

I'm definitely up for the 2/135 APO.

Chris Mak · 06-11-2016, 02:47 AM

Originally posted by HopelessTogger

Fear not. Leitax conversion cometh!

Is it sort of a package, that you can order and do it yourself? Or do you have to send the lens in, and have it returned with k-mount?
I would have the 21/2.8 converted, it was impossible to find one second hand before, now that the K1 is here it is as likely to find one as it is that the earth stops turning and moves backwards to try and fool the K1 astrotracer...

Chris

HopelessTogger · 06-11-2016, 03:13 AM

Originally posted by Chris Mak

Is it sort of a package, that you can order and do it yourself? Or do you have to send the lens in, and have it returned with k-mount?
I would have the 21/2.8 converted, it was impossible to find one second hand before, now that the K1 is here it is as likely to find one as it is that the earth stops turning and moves backwards to try and fool the K1 astrotracer...

Chris

Not sure. David told me he's working on it. Lloyd Chambers said he has a conversion kit from Leitax already (prototype I guess) and he's going to converted his non-Milvus to K-mount. So I guess it's a kit. However, David did say the 2/135 APO needs additional machining of the lens barrel, so I can only deduce that it's a lens specific case-by-case basis.

Chris Mak · 06-11-2016, 03:59 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by HopelessTogger

Not sure. David told me he's working on it. Lloyd Chambers said he has a conversion kit from Leitax already (prototype I guess) and he's going to converted his non-Milvus to K-mount. So I guess it's a kit. However, David did say the 2/135 APO needs additional machining of the lens barrel, so I can only deduce that it's a lens specific case-by-case basis.

Thanks, I'll keep an eye open then..

Chris

Rich M · 06-11-2016, 11:29 AM

Originally posted by NZ_Ross

I am looking forward to hearing how that goes. If it works well, I will probably look at converting the 21/2.8 and the 135/2 myself

Definitely the 21/2.8 for me........I had in in the ZE mount (back when I shot Canon) and it rocked......PLUS have you seen the photos Tas is shooting......GORGEOUS!!!!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/25114742@N07/27480727502/

**NZ_Ross** · 06-11-2016, 01:40 PM

Originally posted by Rich M

Definitely the 21/2.8 for me........I had in in the ZE mount (back when I shot Canon) and it rocked......PLUS have you seen the photos Tas is shooting......GORGEOUS!!!!

I have seen those images, but it was good to look again - stunning Tas. Thanks. The 21/2.8 is definitely an extremely good lens.

The plan is K-1, pixel shift, 21/2.8.....something for me to look forward to

HopelessTogger · 06-11-2016, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by NZ_Ross

I have seen those images, but it was good to look again - stunning Tas. Thanks. The 21/2.8 is definitely an extremely good lens.

The plan is K-1, pixel shift, 21/2.8.....something for me to look forward to

Apart from the 2.8/25, 2/28, 2/35 and 1.4/85 I can't find any of the others for love nor money.

**NZ_Ross** · 06-11-2016, 01:56 PM

Originally posted by HopelessTogger

Apart from the 2.8/25, 2/28, 2/35 and 1.4/85 I can't find any of the others for love nor money.

That is about right. I have been watching and tracking prices for about 3 years. 50/1.4's come up for sale about twice a year - the last one a week ago went for silly money. 50 Makro about once a year, 100 Makro about once every 2 years, and I have yet to see a 21/2.8 for sale. The 135/2 wasn't ever made in K mount, so the Leitax conversion will be very welcome.

Personally I have chosen the Voigtlander 58/1.4 over the Zeiss 50/1.4 and the Voigtlander 90/3.5 APO over the Zeiss 85/1.4 - but that is more for what I want to use them for - predominantly landscape photography. The Voigtlanders are still a bit more available than the Zeiss lenses, and cost a little bit less too. They were made in the same factory, and work the same as the Zeiss lenses - that is 'A' with transfer of some EXIF data.

HopelessTogger · 06-11-2016, 02:04 PM

Originally posted by NZ_Ross

That is about right. I have been watching and tracking prices for about 3 years. 50/1.4's come up for sale about twice a year - the last one a week ago went for silly money. 50 Makro about once a year, 100 Makro about once every 2 years, and I have yet to see a 21/2.8 for sale. The 135/2 wasn't ever made in K mount, so the Leitax conversion will be very welcome.

Personally I have chosen the Voigtlander 58/1.4 over the Zeiss 50/1.4 and the Voigtlander 90/3.5 APO over the Zeiss 85/1.4 - but that is more for what I want to use them for - predominantly landscape photography. The Voigtlanders are still a bit more available than the Zeiss lenses, and cost a little bit less too. They were made in the same factory, and work the same as the Zeiss lenses - that is 'A' with transfer of some EXIF data.

The 2/135 APO in Leitax conversion will be my last lens for at least ten years (this is official).

Got so much gear now, a lot of it's going to the kids.

The next toy is is either a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin or a Triumph Bonneville T120. Probably the latter.

**mwilky55** · 06-11-2016, 02:13 PM

Originally posted by HopelessTogger

Not sure. David told me he's working on it. Lloyd Chambers said he has a conversion kit from Leitax already (prototype I guess) and he's going to converted his non-Milvus to K-mount. So I guess it's a kit. However, David did say the 2/135 APO needs additional machining of the lens barrel, so I can only deduce that it's a lens specific case-by-case basis.

Leica & Pentax & Nikon | Leitax

Ross and Togger,
You are hopefully familiar with this link/info on Leitax. It looks like you can order a kit and DIY. I'm looking at some of the Zeiss Contax lenses (135 and 50). I have a note into the Leitax folks....I had not seen any reference to them that was less than four years old.

Have either of you actually converted a Zeiss to a K mount, and how'd it go?
Thanks,
Michael

PS. Remember you Ross. Hope you are well..

HopelessTogger · 06-11-2016, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by mwilky55

Leica & Pentax & Nikon | Leitax

Ross and Togger,
You are hopefully familiar with this link/info on Leitax. It looks like you can order a kit and DIY. I'm looking at some of the Zeiss Contax lenses (135 and 50). I have a note into the Leitax folks....I had not seen any reference to them that was less than four years old.

Have either of you actually converted a Zeiss to a K mount, and how'd it go?
Thanks,
Michael

PS. Remember you Ross. Hope you are well..

It's a special David's working on we're waiting for. Especially the legendary 2/135 APO, needs a bit more work than just a conversion mount.

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06-11-2016, 02:04 AM	#271
HopelessTogger Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Roi-et, Thailand Posts: 773	Originally posted by Rich M My guess is ALL the ZK's perform very well I just wish I had invested (years ago) in more of the three that I have. A NatGeo tog once told me, Leica and Zeiss make the finest lenses. When you consider the price/quality of Zeiss, they're actually a bargain.

06-11-2016, 02:19 AM	#272
NZ_Ross Kiwi Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Timaru Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,225	Originally posted by Rich M My guess is ALL the ZK's perform very well I just wish I had invested (years ago) in more of the three that I have. I think we all have that wish, given some of the prices they fetch now, and how difficult it is becoming to find some of them...

06-11-2016, 02:24 AM	#273
HopelessTogger Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Roi-et, Thailand Posts: 773	Originally posted by NZ_Ross I think we all have that wish, given some of the prices they fetch now, and how difficult it is becoming to find some of them... Fear not. Leitax conversion cometh!

06-11-2016, 02:31 AM	#274
NZ_Ross Kiwi Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Timaru Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,225	Originally posted by HopelessTogger Fear not. Leitax conversion cometh! I am looking forward to hearing how that goes. If it works well, I will probably look at converting the 21/2.8 and the 135/2 myself

06-11-2016, 02:41 AM	#275
HopelessTogger Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Roi-et, Thailand Posts: 773	Originally posted by NZ_Ross I am looking forward to hearing how that goes. If it works well, I will probably look at converting the 21/2.8 and the 135/2 myself I'm definitely up for the 2/135 APO.

06-11-2016, 02:47 AM	#276
Chris Mak Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 639	Originally posted by HopelessTogger Fear not. Leitax conversion cometh! Is it sort of a package, that you can order and do it yourself? Or do you have to send the lens in, and have it returned with k-mount? I would have the 21/2.8 converted, it was impossible to find one second hand before, now that the K1 is here it is as likely to find one as it is that the earth stops turning and moves backwards to try and fool the K1 astrotracer... Chris

06-11-2016, 03:13 AM	#277
HopelessTogger Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Roi-et, Thailand Posts: 773	Originally posted by Chris Mak Is it sort of a package, that you can order and do it yourself? Or do you have to send the lens in, and have it returned with k-mount? I would have the 21/2.8 converted, it was impossible to find one second hand before, now that the K1 is here it is as likely to find one as it is that the earth stops turning and moves backwards to try and fool the K1 astrotracer... Chris Not sure. David told me he's working on it. Lloyd Chambers said he has a conversion kit from Leitax already (prototype I guess) and he's going to converted his non-Milvus to K-mount. So I guess it's a kit. However, David did say the 2/135 APO needs additional machining of the lens barrel, so I can only deduce that it's a lens specific case-by-case basis.

06-11-2016, 03:59 AM - 1 Like	#278
Chris Mak Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2013 Photos: Albums Posts: 639	Originally posted by HopelessTogger Not sure. David told me he's working on it. Lloyd Chambers said he has a conversion kit from Leitax already (prototype I guess) and he's going to converted his non-Milvus to K-mount. So I guess it's a kit. However, David did say the 2/135 APO needs additional machining of the lens barrel, so I can only deduce that it's a lens specific case-by-case basis. Thanks, I'll keep an eye open then.. Chris

06-11-2016, 11:29 AM	#279
Rich M Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Hawaii Posts: 126	Originally posted by NZ_Ross I am looking forward to hearing how that goes. If it works well, I will probably look at converting the 21/2.8 and the 135/2 myself Definitely the 21/2.8 for me........I had in in the ZE mount (back when I shot Canon) and it rocked......PLUS have you seen the photos Tas is shooting......GORGEOUS!!!! https://www.flickr.com/photos/25114742@N07/27480727502/

06-11-2016, 01:40 PM	#280
NZ_Ross Kiwi Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Timaru Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,225	Originally posted by Rich M Definitely the 21/2.8 for me........I had in in the ZE mount (back when I shot Canon) and it rocked......PLUS have you seen the photos Tas is shooting......GORGEOUS!!!! I have seen those images, but it was good to look again - stunning Tas. Thanks. The 21/2.8 is definitely an extremely good lens. The plan is K-1, pixel shift, 21/2.8.....something for me to look forward to

06-11-2016, 01:46 PM	#281
HopelessTogger Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Roi-et, Thailand Posts: 773	Originally posted by NZ_Ross I have seen those images, but it was good to look again - stunning Tas. Thanks. The 21/2.8 is definitely an extremely good lens. The plan is K-1, pixel shift, 21/2.8.....something for me to look forward to Apart from the 2.8/25, 2/28, 2/35 and 1.4/85 I can't find any of the others for love nor money.

06-11-2016, 01:56 PM	#282
NZ_Ross Kiwi Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Timaru Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,225	Originally posted by HopelessTogger Apart from the 2.8/25, 2/28, 2/35 and 1.4/85 I can't find any of the others for love nor money. That is about right. I have been watching and tracking prices for about 3 years. 50/1.4's come up for sale about twice a year - the last one a week ago went for silly money. 50 Makro about once a year, 100 Makro about once every 2 years, and I have yet to see a 21/2.8 for sale. The 135/2 wasn't ever made in K mount, so the Leitax conversion will be very welcome. Personally I have chosen the Voigtlander 58/1.4 over the Zeiss 50/1.4 and the Voigtlander 90/3.5 APO over the Zeiss 85/1.4 - but that is more for what I want to use them for - predominantly landscape photography. The Voigtlanders are still a bit more available than the Zeiss lenses, and cost a little bit less too. They were made in the same factory, and work the same as the Zeiss lenses - that is 'A' with transfer of some EXIF data.

06-11-2016, 02:04 PM	#283
HopelessTogger Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Roi-et, Thailand Posts: 773	Originally posted by NZ_Ross That is about right. I have been watching and tracking prices for about 3 years. 50/1.4's come up for sale about twice a year - the last one a week ago went for silly money. 50 Makro about once a year, 100 Makro about once every 2 years, and I have yet to see a 21/2.8 for sale. The 135/2 wasn't ever made in K mount, so the Leitax conversion will be very welcome. Personally I have chosen the Voigtlander 58/1.4 over the Zeiss 50/1.4 and the Voigtlander 90/3.5 APO over the Zeiss 85/1.4 - but that is more for what I want to use them for - predominantly landscape photography. The Voigtlanders are still a bit more available than the Zeiss lenses, and cost a little bit less too. They were made in the same factory, and work the same as the Zeiss lenses - that is 'A' with transfer of some EXIF data. The 2/135 APO in Leitax conversion will be my last lens for at least ten years (this is official). Got so much gear now, a lot of it's going to the kids. The next toy is is either a Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin or a Triumph Bonneville T120. Probably the latter.

06-11-2016, 02:13 PM	#284
mwilky55 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Southeastern Connecticut Photos: Albums Posts: 816	Originally posted by HopelessTogger Not sure. David told me he's working on it. Lloyd Chambers said he has a conversion kit from Leitax already (prototype I guess) and he's going to converted his non-Milvus to K-mount. So I guess it's a kit. However, David did say the 2/135 APO needs additional machining of the lens barrel, so I can only deduce that it's a lens specific case-by-case basis. Leica & Pentax & Nikon \| Leitax Ross and Togger, You are hopefully familiar with this link/info on Leitax. It looks like you can order a kit and DIY. I'm looking at some of the Zeiss Contax lenses (135 and 50). I have a note into the Leitax folks....I had not seen any reference to them that was less than four years old. Have either of you actually converted a Zeiss to a K mount, and how'd it go? Thanks, Michael PS. Remember you Ross. Hope you are well..

06-11-2016, 02:19 PM	#285
HopelessTogger Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Roi-et, Thailand Posts: 773	Originally posted by mwilky55 Leica & Pentax & Nikon \| Leitax Ross and Togger, You are hopefully familiar with this link/info on Leitax. It looks like you can order a kit and DIY. I'm looking at some of the Zeiss Contax lenses (135 and 50). I have a note into the Leitax folks....I had not seen any reference to them that was less than four years old. Have either of you actually converted a Zeiss to a K mount, and how'd it go? Thanks, Michael PS. Remember you Ross. Hope you are well.. It's a special David's working on we're waiting for. Especially the legendary 2/135 APO, needs a bit more work than just a conversion mount.