I just picked up a Contax / Carl Zeiss 50mm f1.7 which I want to use on a Canon 5DII as well as an MK III from time to time.

My first questions is will this lens adapt to the 5DII without any modifications to the mirror. If you look at http://www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Contax_db.html they rate the compatablity as iffy.

Is there any particular adapter brand or type that is recommended or will the generic ones on Ebay work?

Is this a good lens or just a so-so lens?

Thanks for your help
Morrie

Worked for me on my 5D2 & 1D3 just fine. And it is a pretty good lens.

+ 1 what helimat said on a 5D2

Lens is fantastic. Can't answer your other question though. This is the type of 50 that really shines stopped down, great for landscapes but it seriously ain't too shabby wide open either (being known for its wide open sharpness). Sits at a nice compromise between great IQ and size.

Fantastic, and it works on my 5D. I have a fotodiox adapter.

+1 for Fotodiox... Although some of my favourite Contax lenses are about to get Leitaxed.

The potential issue is a small fin that can protrude beyond the adapter. Some lenses have the fin (mine did). Others do not. Fin can be snipped off.

Jim

My 5D seems to hang the mirror on every single iffy lens out there
This one is no exception... not that it ever stopped me though
I just unscrew a little to release the mirror and carry on.

hi Spyro ,
does it mean u unscrew the mirror?


gruss
reinhard

Mine also hangs on 5D2 occasionally. It's so minimal, I just need to change the aperture and the mirror will be free again.

I cut the fin off mine and i never had a problem with the 5D

rsrsrs wrote:
hi Spyro ,
does it mean u unscrew the mirror?


gruss
reinhard
I believe he means that he presses the mount release and turns the whole lens/adapter combo to free the mirror.

While I'm here, no problems with my 50/1.7 on a fotodiox adapter on my 1DIII.

^^yes, that
sometimes not even that, some lenses hang the mirror only when focused to infinity and all it takes to release it is to focus closer.

When a mirror hangs does it cause any damage to the camera?
Morrie

MorrieC wrote:
When a mirror hangs does it cause any damage to the camera?
Morrie

It shouldn't. I have had the mirror on my 5D2 get caught quite a few times, there is no damage so far.

I agree with Mat. I've had my 5D and 1DsIII mirros hang on some lenses (which I don't especially like), and it hasn't caused any issues. OTOH, water does cause issues for a 5D.

I do believe there is some spring loaded system that permits the mirror to hit a minor obstruction and cause no damage.

Great info. Your have put my mind at ease.
thanks
Morrie

It depends on how big the obstruction is. I know someone who ruined his 5Dmk2's mirror with a Rollei lens, where I believe the mirror must have struck the rear of the lens when going up. With the Contax lenses are known to cause mirror problems, the 5D's mirror usually only hangs when going down, after the exposure, which isn't really harmful.

Also some 5D's had the mirror glue problem that the glue came undone after prolonged periods in humid environments, so I imagine that hanging the mirror wouldn't help with this specific problem.

Having said that, over the years I have slapped my 5D's mirror silly on an assortment of lenses of all makes and sizes and it's still going strong, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.