For sale is a Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 5cm F1.5 converted to Leica Thread Mount using a Jupiter-3 focus mount. This lens has a coated front element, the third that I’ve seen like this. The coating is “mottled”, looks uneven- but the pictures with the lens are beautiful. I’ve set the price accordingly, for “less than Perfect glass”. I’ve posted full-sized pictures from the M Monochrom and M8 on Flickr. The other surfaces have a nice “bloom”, some bubbles, normal for this vintage. 1962 ZOMZ chrome focus mount. Focus is well-damped and smooth. I disassembled, cleaned, and relubed the focus mount. The seller of the Sonnar sent it to DAG for cleaning, and he –as always- did a great job. The filter threads on this lens are “perfect”, I have had no problem using 40.5mm filters and step-up rings with it. Some of the old Sonnars are very “picky” (too tight) in that regard. If a filter ever gets stuck on a J-3 or converted Sonnar, hold lens by the aperture ring and try it, then use a rubber grip like a mouse pad or rubber band. The optics module is held in place with friction, and can unscrew. If that ever happens, just screw back in place aligning F1.5 with the index.
This lens is unusual in that the focal length is very close, slightly under, the Leica standard. I set the focus using my M Monochrom, focus at f1.5 is good across full range. At closest focus without a filter- best at F2, slight front-focus at F1.5. Leica advises that a deep-yellow/Orange filter will cause a slight shift backwards in focus- I’ve tried to compensate.
Cosmetically the aluminum mount is in EX condition, some marks in the aluminum as shown. Plastic front and rear caps included. You will need a Leica Thread Mount to M-Mount adapter to use on an M-Mount camera, adapter is not included. I do 2 or 3 of these conversions per year, usually on request. There are not many pre-war Sonnars in Leica mount.
Price: $470 shipped within the United States Priority Mail, $495 anywhere else via International Priority Mail. Paypal, Personal Check, Money Order. I reserve the right to hold shipment until check/MO clears. $15 discount for Paypal-Gift, check or MO. Return policy: returns must be made within 10 days, refund for the price of the item will be given after receipt. Postage cost are not refundable.
Wide-Open on the Leica M8.
1937 Sonnar converted to Leica Mount by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
1937 Sonnar converted to Leica Mount by fiftyonepointsix, on FlickrWide-Open on the M Monochrom, UV/IR filter left in place from using on the M8. I selected this shot for the harsh lighting.
1937 Sonnar on the M Monochrom by fiftyonepointsix, on FlickrFocus test at F1.5, F2, F2.8, and F4. Shows focus-Shift.
1937 Sonnar on the M Monochrom by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
1937 Sonnar on the M Monochrom by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
1937 Sonnar on the M Monochrom by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr
1937 Sonnar on the M Monochrom by fiftyonepointsix, on FlickrOne more wide-open, give an idea of how sharp this lens is at F1.5:
1937 Sonnar on the M Monochrom by fiftyonepointsix, on FlickrSee the Flickr pages to inspect full-sized images.
Lens is Sold.
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