I have an opportunity to buy the above lens from a friend. I also have a Fotodiox adapter (very inexpensive, if I end up buying the 15mm lens I'll get a better adapter). I've never used a non-Canon lens on a Canon camera before and I have a couple questions.
First and most importantly, if I try the lens and adapter on my 1Ds Mark III is there any reasonable possibility of damaging the camera or the lens?
Second, I have a Canon 17-40 f4L lens. Ignoring the obvious difference between 15mm and 17mm, am I likely to see better (or worse) image quality with the Zeiss/CY lens than with the Canon 17-40?
Third, I've read of others having problems with focusing when using different Zeiss C/Y lenses on Canon cameras, often the 5D Mark II. Has anyone here mounted this particular lens on a 1Ds Mark III and if so could you tell me whether you encountered a focusing problem (or any other problem for that matter).
The images I've seen on the web look pretty average - it's one of the lesser common Contax lenses - I researched long ago and couldn't find enough to convince further pursuit, especially with the price - I'm pretty sure it has a few quirks - probably mirror conflict on the 5 series - high price, limited user market, it will be hard(er) to resell - now days there are quite a few good sub 16mm lenses - for about the same price or less you may want to look at the Nikon 14-24 w/adapter or the Rokinon 14mm.
