@Mescalamba: I think the 135 actually has a smoother bokeh given the focal length and the general ZA look. I am testing the ZA 50/1.4 right now, and I have to save that lens has a much smoother bokeh compared to the Contax 55/1.2 shooting at the same scene. It's funny how a lot of people on Dyxum think the bokeh of that ZA is on the harsh side...
And that is a nice classic film look. What did you use to get the effect?
Yea from what I saw I would say ZA 50/1.4 has very nice bokeh. Especially for Zeiss lens.
For film-like pics Im using Alien Skin Exposure 4 plugin for PhotoShop. Very nice piece of software, but to get best results it takes some learning. Software itself is simple, but preparation of file for it is a bit tricky. Recently they released new v5. Not sure how much better it is.
Im using it only sometimes, cause I like Fuji S5 colors, especially for flowers (I have non-altered variant on Tumblr http://mescalamba.tumblr.com/image/54420116613 ). But I think its really useful for portraits, street shots and maybe landscapes, when one prefer stylization or just nice colors.
Otherwise that flower pic was I think Kodachrome 64 with +1 push. Better for portraits than flowers but it seemed nice.
Its quite dependant on basic colors from camera, so better colors camera has, better colors it gives. Which means your A99 should be better than my Fuji S5. And if someone used A900 with completely neutral color profile, it should give best results possible. In theory.
Nalahm....great shot above. I've been perusing the old contax N thread and your images. Seems your the person to talk to about N lenses! I just purchased a used(basically brand new) unconverted N50, and getting ready to send it to Bo Ming. Do you still have yours? How would you rate it next to other 50's? The 85 seems incredible!!
Thanks,
Gregg
Thanks you Gregg I love carl zeiss lenses I love AF contax N then my view would be bias.
Yes , I still use mines N50 N85 N100 N400 N24-85 and N70-200
I rate N50 at 8/10 due to slower AF and must be aware of double line bokeh in some situation at widest open that we need soft effect filter to smooth bokeh. I use tiffen Black Diffusion-FX 2 on the front of N50 most of time.
regards
Nalahm, nice shot with the N85. Need to shoot some with mine.
N50 is same optical formula as C/Y and ZE/ZF but has cooler contax colors/WB. I was able to program the firmware in my Conurus converted N50 to be very accurate AF both up close, at 15 ft and infinity. The Conurus AF firmware has more adjustment knobs than normal Canikon AF microadjust. It is a nice walkaround and travel lens. AF might not be fast enough for fast moving kids, but is ok for slower moving stuff.
Thank you Nalahm and Wayne. Looking forward to using it once I send it and get it back. there is a guy selling one on the B&S forum for $1400. That seems a little pricey, but I"m not too sure where they stand as far as holding value, etc....
Gregg
A few shots taken with my newly acquired F4/80-200 MMJ. Fantastic lens! But, having shot 2.8/70-200's with IS, it makes me want it on the C/Y!!
Thanks for looking,
Gregg
Gio was playing with color markers. He likes to stick them up his nose!!
Gregg, there is the Contax N 70-200 which I have and like. It is 3.5 instead of 2.8 but is lighter and has nice Zeiss colors and microcontrast. If I recall the MTF's are better than than the 80-200.
Hi Wayne!
I've looked at that lens, too. There are several for sale on eBay, and I've thought about getting one. Is it internal focus? I do like the fact that the C/Y 80-200 f4 is constant(f4), and is very small and light. I'm not fully sold on it, yet, but it was relatively easy on the pocketbook!! Once I send my N50 to Bo Ming(and get it back), I might consider another N...we'll see. I've contemplated the N85, too, but I have a Sigma 85 that is dead sharp WO, with great bokeh, so I'm not sure if I want to rid myself of it!! I've heard you rant and rave on your N85! Is it really that good?? But I digress!
Thank you for the info...I appreciate it!
Gregg
Quite interesting is that it seems to have very similar drawing style to ZA 135/1.8.
