4:45 regarding the focus throw. It is indeed long, but this is mostly due to its close focusing. Going from infinity to 1m/3ft is a very short throw, on par with other slr lenses with short throws. I'm just saying this because when I bought the Flektogon I was inattentive to this fact, and got excited by people saying that it had a long focus throw, when in practice the focus throw (on distances that are not close ups) is very short and narrow.
For anyone interested in the name: Carl Zeiss is the name of the founder, and Jena is the city. Pronounce it with a long "e" and you're spot on. From what google tells me this is the guy who invented the microscope, and the company is the same that is todays global leader in anything to do with optics and much more. I found 2 intact lenses stuffed in a cupboard today, and after this vid i ordered an adapter straightaway. Lets see what these gems can do
Yes, this is a great lens. It works well on several of my cameras. The one CZJ lens that I would like to have is the Pancolar 80mm F1.8. It gets great reviews everywhere. But they cost between $900 to $1600 on eBay. I just have not had the extra money to buy one.
Although the focus marking on the Flektogon 35/2.4 only goes to 0.2(m), the close focus does go lower than that to about 0.15m. The prices now are crazy though - my 2nd set of the CZJ Flektogon 35/2.4 & Sonnar 135/3.5 only cost me about US$300 total including shipping & tax to Asia 5 years back. Both lens came with the leather sling pouches too.
Funny thing about this is the number of lens manufacturers that copied this retrofocus design. Zeiss Contax 35mm f2.8 Distagon, Schneider-Kreuznach 35mm f2.8 Curatgon, Chinon "tappered" 35mm f2.8, etc. It wasn't always East copying from the West.
I have a full set of these and I'm about to shoot a music video with them. In my testing I have found that if you close them down just a hair to where you start to see the aperture blades, you instatnly gain quite a bit of center sharpness. My are de-clicked. Not sure in what increments they close down when clicked but maybe you are able to achieve the same thing.
@@jonwaldman94 I didn't even know that was a thing. I guess I'm going down a rabbit hole. I mainly want to know if it has lag. Wow. That would really be helpful if it's solid!
If you dig the Flek you'll LOVE the Soviet Mir 1, which is an improvement on the Flektogon design and an arguably better lens. It was so good it was part of the Soviet presentation that won the Grand Prix at the Brussels World Fair in 1958.
@@dy0 I think so too. I have both the Mir and the Flek, and the MIR doesn't even come close to the flek 2.4 in performance. It's not even better than the flek 2.8.
@@cosmashono7665 could you say more about this? Considering the MIR and this one. Curious about specifics for why you believe this lens is better than the Mir.
@@brodie_hart_filmmaker Both lenses are good. Just that the poster above kinda over exaggerated it. The Mir has its characteristics, it’s more vintagy (if I may use the word). Somewhat in line with the Helios 44 series. As a matter of fact, I think it really compliments the Helios. The Flek 35mm 2.4 on the other hand, has its own uniqueness. It’s sharper from edge to edge, has a wonderful minimum focus distance. Delivers wonderful bokeh (less distracting bokeh than the MIR). Flares way way less than the MIR. I think it comes down to individual taste. For me, I think the MIR is overhyped (personal opinion). As a matter of fact, I got it because of the hype to test it out. I collect vintage lenses. And the only instance I bring out the MIR, is when I’m also shooting with the Helios 44. Other than that, I will pick my Flek anytime. And that lens goes well with the Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50 1.8.
@@cosmashono7665 of all the research I’ve done, your comment has been the most helpful! I own the Helios and love it. I truly do think it makes images more cinematic straight from camera. Do you feel like there’s a stark difference in the f2 from the Helios to the slower 2.8 of the mir? I’m a little concerned it won’t give as much bokeh as the Helios since it’s a stop slower.
4:45 regarding the focus throw. It is indeed long, but this is mostly due to its close focusing. Going from infinity to 1m/3ft is a very short throw, on par with other slr lenses with short throws. I'm just saying this because when I bought the Flektogon I was inattentive to this fact, and got excited by people saying that it had a long focus throw, when in practice the focus throw (on distances that are not close ups) is very short and narrow.
This lens was actually passed on to me from my great-grandfather and absolutely love it!
That rules!
Always find it funny that forgetting the ball on reassembly is now called de-clicking and costs an extra fee 😂
Footage is so clean! Interesting to hear about the history. Great breakdown 🔥
Thanks!!
For anyone interested in the name:
Carl Zeiss is the name of the founder, and Jena is the city. Pronounce it with a long "e" and you're spot on.
From what google tells me this is the guy who invented the microscope, and the company is the same that is todays global leader in anything to do with optics and much more.
I found 2 intact lenses stuffed in a cupboard today, and after this vid i ordered an adapter straightaway. Lets see what these gems can do
Yes, this is a great lens. It works well on several of my cameras. The one CZJ lens that I would like to have is the Pancolar 80mm F1.8. It gets great reviews everywhere. But they cost between $900 to $1600 on eBay. I just have not had the extra money to buy one.
Hey how much play do you get from that K&F Concept adapter? I’m thinking of getting one for my Contax Zeiss 35mm
what size did you get for the follow focus gear, I wanna buy one before my lens arrives :)
Although the focus marking on the Flektogon 35/2.4 only goes to 0.2(m), the close focus does go lower than that to about 0.15m.
The prices now are crazy though - my 2nd set of the CZJ Flektogon 35/2.4 & Sonnar 135/3.5 only cost me about US$300 total including shipping & tax to Asia 5 years back. Both lens came with the leather sling pouches too.
Love this! would be curious to see how they perform with a Lidar autofocus!
Thanks dude! Should test at some point
Super cool history and backstory! You should look into going to Germany to learn more about it. Maybe in august
Thanks bro! Thinking about it!
Hey, nice preview, may I ask? Do you shoot video wide open on this lens or, what is the usual Fstop you go with? thanks
Mixture between 2.4 - 5.6. I do like to shoot wide open a lot though :)
Funny thing about this is the number of lens manufacturers that copied this retrofocus design. Zeiss Contax 35mm f2.8 Distagon, Schneider-Kreuznach 35mm f2.8 Curatgon, Chinon "tappered" 35mm f2.8, etc. It wasn't always East copying from the West.
Oh wow, Didn't know that! The history behind vintage lenses is really fascinating
Very good video. I was thinking about buying it and found it helpful.
Thank you!
I have a full set of these and I'm about to shoot a music video with them. In my testing I have found that if you close them down just a hair to where you start to see the aperture blades, you instatnly gain quite a bit of center sharpness. My are de-clicked. Not sure in what increments they close down when clicked but maybe you are able to achieve the same thing.
Right on!!
the look that this lens give is very similar to the one in a horror movie. that green tint.
Great lens I love it, I have it almost welded, to the adapter that I use with the Bmpcc 4k
It's a great one!
CONTAX Zeiss were made in Japan by Yashica after Zeiss Oberkochen ceased almost completely producing 35 mm lenses in Germany.
On ebay they have zebra and silver versions. Do you know which one is better?
Buy MC version. Multi Coated one, not single coated zebra or silver
Prices are going up fast now.
Yup!
The Leica 35mm F2.* i got recently flares like that, it is interesting.
I've been meaning to test our Leica R's!
Is that a wireless follow focus you used at 4"07? What is that?
Yes. Tilta Nucleus M
@@jonwaldman94 I didn't even know that was a thing. I guess I'm going down a rabbit hole. I mainly want to know if it has lag. Wow. That would really be helpful if it's solid!
@@bloodswarms that one no. That’s a pretty industry standard FF system. I don’t own one. I was renting one for a shoot.
@@jonwaldman94 Thanks. Dig your channel! Subbed.
@@bloodswarms appreciate you!
It’s lens coverage for fullframe censor ?
Yup!
I Germany we pronounce: Jeeena och Caiss 🙂
wow! #carlzeissjenna FTW!!!
Hell yeah brother !
looks cool
Thanks ben!
Radioactive Thorium
the "e" in Jena is long like the "a" in Yale , not like jennifer.
FIRST!
First time I've ever had someone comment first too!!
It’s not jäna :)
If you dig the Flek you'll LOVE the Soviet Mir 1, which is an improvement on the Flektogon design and an arguably better lens. It was so good it was part of the Soviet presentation that won the Grand Prix at the Brussels World Fair in 1958.
Hi, you must be thinking about Flektogon 35 (actually 37) 2.8, this one is 2.4.
@@dy0 I think so too. I have both the Mir and the Flek, and the MIR doesn't even come close to the flek 2.4 in performance. It's not even better than the flek 2.8.
@@cosmashono7665 could you say more about this? Considering the MIR and this one. Curious about specifics for why you believe this lens is better than the Mir.
@@brodie_hart_filmmaker Both lenses are good. Just that the poster above kinda over exaggerated it. The Mir has its characteristics, it’s more vintagy (if I may use the word). Somewhat in line with the Helios 44 series. As a matter of fact, I think it really compliments the Helios. The Flek 35mm 2.4 on the other hand, has its own uniqueness. It’s sharper from edge to edge, has a wonderful minimum focus distance. Delivers wonderful bokeh (less distracting bokeh than the MIR). Flares way way less than the MIR. I think it comes down to individual taste. For me, I think the MIR is overhyped (personal opinion). As a matter of fact, I got it because of the hype to test it out. I collect vintage lenses. And the only instance I bring out the MIR, is when I’m also shooting with the Helios 44. Other than that, I will pick my Flek anytime. And that lens goes well with the Carl Zeiss Pancolar 50 1.8.
@@cosmashono7665 of all the research I’ve done, your comment has been the most helpful! I own the Helios and love it. I truly do think it makes images more cinematic straight from camera. Do you feel like there’s a stark difference in the f2 from the Helios to the slower 2.8 of the mir? I’m a little concerned it won’t give as much bokeh as the Helios since it’s a stop slower.