Originally posted by Kupepe I was wondering if the MX is compatible with any good glass from Zeiss
G'day mate,
There's some good info posted already and as I have limited film SLR experience I will stick to info that I'm confident on. Please note I'm not affiliated with any of the links I attach.
As mentioned already, if you're heart is set on a Zeiss lens a ZK is the best option:
Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 35mm F2 ZK for Pentax in Box Full frame K-1 | eBay I have one of these and it's a great lens. The K-1 has seen their price go up and most are gone from the market so if you really want one of these set up an ebay search so you're notified of any that come up for sale. I'd also use the forums to see if anyone is considering selling their 35mm ZK and join the Zeiss lens club here:
Carl Zeiss T* ZK mounts (Distagon, Planar, Makro-Planar) - PentaxForums.com One of the guys who used to post their sold his 35mm last month, so it's a pity your timing is out.
A second contemporary Zeiss option is the same lens but in a ZS (M42) mount:
New Carl ZEISS DISTAGON T * 35mm f2 ZS (for M42 screw mount) COSINA Japan The limitations with this lens are likely to be the same as that mentioned for the Leica R though maybe someone can clarify that for you.
The third contemporary Zeiss lens option already mentioned above is the conversion of Nikon ZF/ZF2 mount to K mount using a Leitax converter. The Leitax page does identify that '...Pentax cameras will meter...' but I don't know if this has been tested on a camera like the MX or just digital cameras. Forum member Fenwoodian has lots of experience with these conversions and has years of film experience so I'd recommend dropping him a PM to introduce yourself and discuss it with him. If this is a viable option it opens up f1.4 and f2 lens choices including the latest Milvus series or if you're looking at not spending too much it provides access to many more classic series Zeiss like the ZK mentioned already.
A fourth option is to consider the Contax MM mount conversion through Leitax. I believe this is the lens suitable for conversion:
Contax Carl Zeiss Distagon 35mm f/2.8 T* MMJ Lens, for Contax Yashica C/Y Mount Going down this path is a cheaper 'Zeiss' option and you can confirm through Leitax before you purchase it whether this will convert using their mount. I'm unable to advise on what aperture controls you would or would not have on an MX so hopefully again someone can drop by and confirm that for you. Doing an ebay search for 'Contax 35mm MMJ lens' pops up over 30 lenses though some of these are the expensive 35mm 1.4 lenses.
Good luck with finding the right lens to get you back out on the streets.
Tas