This is being listed again after an enthusiastic potential buyer who offered me more than I was asking if I held it for 3 months backed out. Nice one.

Here's the original thread: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/750452

Up for sale is a Contax N17-35/2.8 lens with hood and filter. This lens has not been converted to EF mount yet. I've been planning to have this lens converted by Conurus but have had a change of heart.

Rated Condition: 94%, conservatively

What's included: lens, original caps, original lens pouch, original GB-103 metal hood, original boxes, brand new in box Contax 95mm P-Filter, Lens Data brochure. I believe the only things missing are some papers (quality control certificate, warranty card, etc.).

External cosmetics: Almost new. This is what lenses look like after they’ve been used only a handful of times. The barrel has no nicks, no marks, no scratches. There is some superficial wear where the hood slides onto the bayonet, and the mount shows some slight wear from being mounted. The hood shows some wear: there are some rubs marks on the inside matte finish, and there is one ding/mark the size of a largish pin prick on the top rim. The front cap is scuffed, probably from rubbing along the inside of a camera bag.

Glass: Front and rear elements are scratch free. Lens coatings are perfect and appear to be untouched (bonus!). There is a tiny amount of superficial, environmental dust on both elements. The only way to avoid this type of dust is to never use a lens.

Mechanics: Fully functional as tested on a Contax N1 camera. Aperture stops down perfectly. AF is perfect. The aperture control ring clicks confidently with no play. The zoom and focus rings are perfectly damped.

Price: $1800, fees and shipping included. PayPal is fine. Canadians willing to do EMT get a $50 discount.

Shipping is by Global EMS (called USPS Express Mail International in the US), which is fully trackable online door-to-door and takes 4-5 business days to most major destinations. I will ship the lens directly to Conurus for conversion if that’s what you’d like me to do.

Will consider trade for Leica-R 80-200/4 in similar condition plus cash.

More pics of the lens available upon request. (Sorry about the sensor dust! )

Would you be willing to sell the hood seperately?

Sorry, I'm going to keep the package together.

Is there any way to put a simple "dumb" EOS mount on this lens? I don't need or want auto focus at all.

No ....
Here's Why, Read Down.

http://en.conurus.com/faq.html

John, thanks for explaining and providing the link.

Timescapes, in a nutshell the aperture is stopped down electronically, just like a Canon lens.

steven, good luck with the sale. nice price for the starting point to a dream conversion. i don't suppose there's any lens you'd consider in trade other than the leica ...

Mike, it's good to hear from you. Right now, I think I'm just looking for either the Leica 80-200 or to sell the lens.

StevenPA wrote:
John, thanks for explaining and providing the link.

Timescapes, in a nutshell the aperture is stopped down electronically, just like a Canon lens.

Maybe a dummy mount could be made, similar to the 16-9.net Nikon G>EOS adapter? It uses a lever to move the iris manually.

It would be nice is that were possible, but unfortunately it's not. The aperture is controlled electronically, and there is no mechanical linkage. It really is exactly the same as a Canon lens in that regard.

I was asked a good question by email about being on the wait list at Conurus, and no, I'm not on the wait list.

That is a mighty good looking lens.....
drool......!!

Paul Yi wrote:
That is a mighty good looking lens.....
drool......!!

Yup, Paul, it's yummy. I am lucky enough to have had mine converted; works wonderfully, just like any other Canon AF lens. Only better! The hood can be hard to find.

Thanks for the support, guys.

Since he doesn't have it converted yet, people can check out what my same version can do here:

http://gallery.me.com/ord4#100474

There is one that demonstrates the corner sharpness of the bayou picture (100% crop).
The one taken in Galatoire's restaurant is wide open (natural light, ISO 1600 with noise reduction and color desaturation in PP, so some detail is lacking), in case anyone is interested. Check out the bokeh there.
And the one on the swing set was taken trying to get some near-far distortion for fun (shot wide open for faster shutter speed).

Thanks for the support, Richard.

I'm seriously thinking of getting this lens in the future.
I think its characteristics outweighs the lower price of Canon 16-35 II.

For those considering this lens... Taken with a converted copy. Bump for Stephen and a very clean lens!
The Contax has that look...

I am in need of a backup 17-35 myself, but I do not need the hood. If anyone wants just the hood, can we all work out a split?

cyberstudio wrote:
I am in need of a backup 17-35 myself, but I do not need the hood. If anyone wants just the hood, can we all work out a split?

It's Mr. Conurus himself! Hi, Bo-Ming. You're lens conversions are fantastic. But with so many waiting for their lenses to be converted, is it fair to jump the line?

The hood is hard item to find. I'm using a GB-101 on mine.

Steve,
I'll Buy The Hood Directly Or From Bo-Ming....
Which Ever Is Easiest .....

John R

It looks like we have a sale in the works. Great! And I think we can trust the buyer even without feedback.

I don't mind selling the lens and hood separately if the lens sells first.

Bo-Ming and John, PMs are on the way!

(Also, Andrew, thanks for taking the time to post that beautiful picture!)

PM's Sent To Bo-Ming & Steven ......

Holler!

John R

Rats, I would have bought the hood too... Put me in line if John changes his mind.

The lens has sold and will ship shortly. Thanks!

The lens has been shipped.

Many thanks to the buyer and to everyone who has offered support in my FS threads.