I am sure this is an ignorant questions, but what is the difference between Contax Zeiss lenses marked as T*MM and just T. I often see them listed as, for example, Planar T*MM as opposed to just Planar T, and the MM are always more expensive. So what is the difference, and does it matter to me if I am using them on an adapter for EOS?
MM lenses have an additional tab which is used on Contax cameras which offer Program (and IIRC Shutter Priority) modes. It's irrelevant to adapted use unless the lens was updated optically for the MM version, which some were.
No difference on coatings? T* and T* (MM) are the same?
If I put any C/Y-EOS adapter on (say) a Planar 50 1.7, won't I notice any difference image-wise?
The Contax CY lenses were made initially as "AE" (auto exposure), then "MM"(multi-mode) as technology advanced. There are a few lenses that stayed as AE throughout their production cycle. MM lenses have the smallest aperture labeled in green.
Some lenses had some minor lens calculations changed as they went from AE to MM, some lenses have slightly different rear elements as a result, so mirror clearance on Canon 5D cameras is something to be aware of. (The 5D mirror is longer than the 1Ds mirror.) http://www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Contax_db.html
MM lenses are still being serviced by Carl Zeiss in Germany, where-as most AE lenses are no longer being serviced there.
Actually my original question was prompted by the Planar 50 1.7 also--MM then stands for Multimode? So yes, I can see that there would be no difference in adapted use between the two T*MM and T versions (and T just means the coating, right? So both have the same coating I assume). So I guess then my question becomes whether anyone knows if the 1.7 50 was updated when they released the MM? Or can anyone recommend a reference where I can look that kind of thing up?
Some of the coatings did of course change as technology changed. (The T* designation is the coating.) I believe Zeiss began using the red T* designation in the early 1970's
The 50/1.7 began in 1975 as an AE lens and was made in Germany until 1994, the MM version was introduced in 1986, and made in Japan.
There is no "T" version. It is either an AE or MM.
