This 80mm Biometar lens of Carl Zeiss Jena is my favorite lens. I can only use it on an old medium format camera, but the lens’ optical design amazes me every time I use it. Best painterly bokeh in my opinion. There is a 120mm version as well.
Thank you for the comment. The bokeh is really nice, and the lens is a great example of that "medium format look" we talk about and enjoy. As for the 120 mm, is it a very nice lens as well.
Thank you for sharing. I have a large lens collection, but I am new to the GFX System. The 80 and 120 are also favorites of mine. I love how they handle sh*tty light. Both have somehow the ability to transform that into something beautiful and tactile.
I still have several Zeiss Jena and Russian lenses and this makes me want to try them on a GFX. I have the Sonnar f2.8/180mm, the Flektogon f4/50, the Zodiak f3.8/30mm and the Kiev Volna f2.8/80mm.
Thank you for the comment. I really like using these vintage lenses on the GFX. It's a great way to get a look that is just a little different from the GF lenses. It's fun to experiment.
Hello Marshall! Thank you for your videos, especially about GFX series. Photography is just hobby for me. I have GFX 50R and love it very much, more than any other of my cameras. I've never used any original Fuji AF lenses, but used a lot of manual lenses 645 format, some 67 format snd 35mm format. Now I'm doing macro photography of some insects and use Mamiya 645 120mm f4 macro (also have Pentax 645 f4 macro) - this is an astonishing lens. Mamiya 645 80mm f1.9 is a great lens, 110mm f2.8 very good, but for portraits Takumar 67 105mm f2.4 is great for me. It was a surprise for me, but Helios 44M-4 installed very good without critical vignetting and produces magical pictures. Buy the way Sigma 40mm 1.4 Art EF installed with full sensor coverage. And a lot of other lenses :)
Thank you for the comment! The Mamiya lenses are amazing. I don't have access to any currently but I used them shooting film in the past. Your experience with the Helios 44 is super interesting. They are such unique lenses. I have a Sony EF mount art lens, I'll have to give it a try on the GFX. Thank you.
@@marshalljvanderhoofphoto Hi! After purchasing the Canon R5C, I started experimenting with vintage lenses when shooting stills and video. At first the Helios 44 did not impress me. There was something clearly wrong in the color reproduction, some kind of shroud, the swirling bokeh was puzzling. Then I saw that using a HOYA polarizing light filter partially removes these problems, the contrast becomes good, but at the same time the picture is much softer than with Canon lenses. Thus, I have been shooting a lot of natural wonders lately, mostly plants. The first time I saw the Helios 44 dismissing around with colours was when I photographed my car. Instead of black metallic, the photo was something dark purple. There is indeed such a tint in the paint if you shine a stadium spotlight on it) (black sapphire on Opel). When I use CPL filter, the paint in the photo becomes quite black, shadows and colors of the Helios 44 are quite faithful.
Hey Marshall, I was looking at a Contax 645 Zeiss lens but was hesitating on the price and then i watched your video advocating the Jena 80/120 and 180mm lenses. I'm SO glad I found you. Just bought the 120mm f2.8 and can't wait for it to arrive. Question for you. The ones I am buying are with the Pentacon Six mount. I am assuming that that's the only mount which was for medium format, is that right? I see a lot of Jena lenses for M42 or Exakta mount but I am asuming they won't cover the GFX sensor. (I'm shooting the GFX 50sii). Wondering if you can recommend any additional focal lengths in the Zeiss Jena range which might be interesting additions to the collection. Thank you!
Thank you for the comment and kind words. There were only a few focal lengths in the Jena Pentacon 6 mount. A 50mm, 65mm, 80mm, 120mm, 180, 300mm and a very rare 1000mm. The 65mm is a little rare because it was not produced as long as the other lenses. I have not personally used the 50mm or 65mm or the 1000mm, but have the others. The 300mm is a great lens, but it is heavy and I mean heavy. There is also a whole world of other lenses that were made for the Pentacon 6 mount as well that aren't CZ. Pentacon, Zeiv, Arax, Jupiter, and Meyer-Optik Görlitz to name a few. I've used a few of the Pentacon lenses with mixed results, but they are generally very affordable and fun to experiment with. For 35mm lenses, some cover the GFX sensor and some don't. I tend to stay away from using 35mm lenses on the GFX sensor, but I have experimented there, but only with lenses that I have. I've never gone out specifically to buy a vintage 35mm format lens for the Fuji. Some of my favorites have actually been to use Canon EF lenses adapted, but again some cover the image circle and some don't. Sounds like the making of a future video. Enjoy the 120mm lens, I really enjoy my copy. Hope this answers your questions.
Great video! Has some great info for sure! Just curious if you have tried the Contax Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 on a GFX camera. I have been thinking about this combo and would love to see someone try it out to see the results
Thank you for the kind words! I have not used the Contax Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 on the GFX camera, but it is a legendary lens. i have seen images with this lens on the GFX system and they are absolutely amazing shallow depth of field personality images. You have given me a reason to find an 85 and shoot some images with it.
If you liked the Biometar 80/2.8, look around for the USSR copy/counterpart from the Kiev 60 or Kiev 88 system of cameras - the Volna 80/2.8 (aka Arsat 80/2.8). It has a closer focusing distance and more punchy bokeh.
@@marshalljvanderhoofphoto it's a beast! Also both of those lenses can be tilted/swung/shifted on your GFX since they cover a much bigger image circle. a DIY flexible adapter could be an interesting experience opening a world of strange subject separation :)
@@KNURKonesur You are correct that the image circle on the lenses is much larger and they cover the sensor and then some. A DIY Tilt/Shift adapter could be amazing.
Excellent review. More photographers should be willing to explore the magic of vintages lenses on today's super-capable cameras. Does anyone know what adapter he used?
@@marshalljvanderhoofphoto Thank you so much for the information. Your review has helped convince me of the merits of both the camera and the vintage lenses, of which I have many, especially from the CZ Jena and Carl Zeiss Oberkochen range for Hasselblad. Since the Fuji has a focal plane shutter, I could use these vintage lenses on the camera without having to resort to the electronic shutter I'd be forced to use on a similar Hasselblad. Great review, Marshall, and thanks again!
@@Xingqiwu387 The focal plane shutter on the Fuji was one of my big determining factors to purchase the GFX camera over the Hasselblad. I do really like the Hasselbad but the flexibility to use the vintage lenses easily mad the Fuji more appealing.
I like your reviews. I'd like to offer some constructive criticism. Try to add variety to your words and avoid repetition. Particularly where you may feel the need to say 'lens', 'this lens', or 'content'. It feels like an essay being fluffed to meet a word count.
Vintage Lenses can be a great way to get a little bit different look with a modern camera. What's your favorite vintage lens?
Bokina
This 80mm Biometar lens of Carl Zeiss Jena is my favorite lens. I can only use it on an old medium format camera, but the lens’ optical design amazes me every time I use it. Best painterly bokeh in my opinion. There is a 120mm version as well.
Thank you for the comment. The bokeh is really nice, and the lens is a great example of that "medium format look" we talk about and enjoy. As for the 120 mm, is it a very nice lens as well.
Thank you for sharing. I have a large lens collection, but I am new to the GFX System. The 80 and 120 are also favorites of mine. I love how they handle sh*tty light. Both have somehow the ability to transform that into something beautiful and tactile.
Thank you for the comment. I adore the 8omm for low light, and it does really well with an IR filter on the GFX 50s. Super awesome vintage lenses.
I still have several Zeiss Jena and Russian lenses and this makes me want to try them on a GFX. I have the Sonnar f2.8/180mm, the Flektogon f4/50, the Zodiak f3.8/30mm and the Kiev Volna f2.8/80mm.
Thank you for the comment. I really like using these vintage lenses on the GFX. It's a great way to get a look that is just a little different from the GF lenses. It's fun to experiment.
This was awesome, Marshall! Made me want to go and get me one of these!
Thank you. Glad you found it inspirational.
@@marshalljvanderhoofphoto 🙌
Wich adapter did you use to mount the zeiss?
Thank you for the question. I use the Kipon adapter. It seats well and seems very well constructed.
Hasselblad 110mm f2 - just waiting for a 50s to be delivered before I can try the combo
Nice! Hasselblad is nice glass and that 110 is superb. Enjoy that adventure!
Hello Marshall! Thank you for your videos, especially about GFX series. Photography is just hobby for me. I have GFX 50R and love it very much, more than any other of my cameras. I've never used any original Fuji AF lenses, but used a lot of manual lenses 645 format, some 67 format snd 35mm format. Now I'm doing macro photography of some insects and use Mamiya 645 120mm f4 macro (also have Pentax 645 f4 macro) - this is an astonishing lens.
Mamiya 645 80mm f1.9 is a great lens, 110mm f2.8 very good, but for portraits Takumar 67 105mm f2.4 is great for me. It was a surprise for me, but Helios 44M-4 installed very good without critical vignetting and produces magical pictures. Buy the way Sigma 40mm 1.4 Art EF installed with full sensor coverage. And a lot of other lenses :)
Thank you for the comment! The Mamiya lenses are amazing. I don't have access to any currently but I used them shooting film in the past. Your experience with the Helios 44 is super interesting. They are such unique lenses. I have a Sony EF mount art lens, I'll have to give it a try on the GFX. Thank you.
@@marshalljvanderhoofphoto Hi! After purchasing the Canon R5C, I started experimenting with vintage lenses when shooting stills and video. At first the Helios 44 did not impress me. There was something clearly wrong in the color reproduction, some kind of shroud, the swirling bokeh was puzzling. Then I saw that using a HOYA polarizing light filter partially removes these problems, the contrast becomes good, but at the same time the picture is much softer than with Canon lenses. Thus, I have been shooting a lot of natural wonders lately, mostly plants. The first time I saw the Helios 44 dismissing around with colours was when I photographed my car. Instead of black metallic, the photo was something dark purple. There is indeed such a tint in the paint if you shine a stadium spotlight on it) (black sapphire on Opel). When I use CPL filter, the paint in the photo becomes quite black, shadows and colors of the Helios 44 are quite faithful.
@@Male_Code Thank you for the information!
Hey Marshall, I was looking at a Contax 645 Zeiss lens but was hesitating on the price and then i watched your video advocating the Jena 80/120 and 180mm lenses. I'm SO glad I found you. Just bought the 120mm f2.8 and can't wait for it to arrive. Question for you. The ones I am buying are with the Pentacon Six mount. I am assuming that that's the only mount which was for medium format, is that right? I see a lot of Jena lenses for M42 or Exakta mount but I am asuming they won't cover the GFX sensor. (I'm shooting the GFX 50sii). Wondering if you can recommend any additional focal lengths in the Zeiss Jena range which might be interesting additions to the collection. Thank you!
Thank you for the comment and kind words. There were only a few focal lengths in the Jena Pentacon 6 mount. A 50mm, 65mm, 80mm, 120mm, 180, 300mm and a very rare 1000mm. The 65mm is a little rare because it was not produced as long as the other lenses. I have not personally used the 50mm or 65mm or the 1000mm, but have the others. The 300mm is a great lens, but it is heavy and I mean heavy.
There is also a whole world of other lenses that were made for the Pentacon 6 mount as well that aren't CZ. Pentacon, Zeiv, Arax, Jupiter, and Meyer-Optik Görlitz to name a few. I've used a few of the Pentacon lenses with mixed results, but they are generally very affordable and fun to experiment with.
For 35mm lenses, some cover the GFX sensor and some don't. I tend to stay away from using 35mm lenses on the GFX sensor, but I have experimented there, but only with lenses that I have. I've never gone out specifically to buy a vintage 35mm format lens for the Fuji. Some of my favorites have actually been to use Canon EF lenses adapted, but again some cover the image circle and some don't. Sounds like the making of a future video.
Enjoy the 120mm lens, I really enjoy my copy. Hope this answers your questions.
Great video! Has some great info for sure! Just curious if you have tried the Contax Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 on a GFX camera. I have been thinking about this combo and would love to see someone try it out to see the results
Thank you for the kind words! I have not used the Contax Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 on the GFX camera, but it is a legendary lens. i have seen images with this lens on the GFX system and they are absolutely amazing shallow depth of field personality images. You have given me a reason to find an 85 and shoot some images with it.
If you liked the Biometar 80/2.8, look around for the USSR copy/counterpart from the Kiev 60 or Kiev 88 system of cameras - the Volna 80/2.8 (aka Arsat 80/2.8). It has a closer focusing distance and more punchy bokeh.
Thank you for the tip. I have looked at that lens in the past, but never had the chance to shoot images with it. Sounds like I will have to try it.
@@marshalljvanderhoofphoto it's a beast! Also both of those lenses can be tilted/swung/shifted on your GFX since they cover a much bigger image circle. a DIY flexible adapter could be an interesting experience opening a world of strange subject separation :)
@@KNURKonesur You are correct that the image circle on the lenses is much larger and they cover the sensor and then some. A DIY Tilt/Shift adapter could be amazing.
Excellent review. More photographers should be willing to explore the magic of vintages lenses on today's super-capable cameras. Does anyone know what adapter he used?
Thank you for the kind words. I use a Kipon adapter, but there are a few companies that make adapters for this mount.
@@marshalljvanderhoofphoto Thank you so much for the information. Your review has helped convince me of the merits of both the camera and the vintage lenses, of which I have many, especially from the CZ Jena and Carl Zeiss Oberkochen range for Hasselblad. Since the Fuji has a focal plane shutter, I could use these vintage lenses on the camera without having to resort to the electronic shutter I'd be forced to use on a similar Hasselblad. Great review, Marshall, and thanks again!
@@Xingqiwu387 The focal plane shutter on the Fuji was one of my big determining factors to purchase the GFX camera over the Hasselblad. I do really like the Hasselbad but the flexibility to use the vintage lenses easily mad the Fuji more appealing.
@@marshalljvanderhoofphoto I'm now completely on board with your final decision. The Fuji it is for me as well :)
I like your reviews.
I'd like to offer some constructive criticism.
Try to add variety to your words and avoid repetition.
Particularly where you may feel the need to say 'lens', 'this lens', or 'content'.
It feels like an essay being fluffed to meet a word count.
Thank you for the comment and constructive criticism.