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Archive 2021FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
p.1 #1FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
Hello everyone, here's my review of the new Carl Zeiss Contax G Planar 35mm f/2 FUNLEADER conversion to Leica M.
This is my first review here so I am not used to the technicalities of posting, please forgive me if I readjust things after I post.
FUNLEADER Contax G35 to Leica M Conversions
(affiliate link)
I have included the 7artisans 35mm f/1.4 M and the Voigtlander VM 40mm f/1.2, the only lenses in the 35mm zone I own.
Disclaimers:
1. none of the lens makers / converters have been involved in these tests and I have personally purchased all 3 lenses, none of them have been provided.
2. all opinions expressed here are my own and, just like with anything in life (especially photography equipment!), you may have a different one.
A few bullet points about the tests:
- done on my Leica M-P typ 240
- done on a tripod with a 2 second timer to hopefully dampen most vibrations
- no filters or hoods were used and lenses were extremely clean
- captured at M-P's base ISO: 200 (with the exception of a few frames captured at 1.2 and 1.4 because 1/4000 was too slow to keep equal exposures so I set the ISO to PULL 100)
- exposure was manual and the exposure time was adjusted accordingly with every aperture change (generally 2/3 stop) in order to hopefully maintain an even exposure between the samples
- white balance was on AUTO
- all focus was EXTREMELY CAREFULLY done using LIVE VIEW at f/2 for each lens, using both the focus peaking and my own eyes to make sure I get the best possible focus
- focus was redone with every lens change
- the 40mm was repositioned so that the main subject filled roughly the same size in the photos (as much as possible, the infinity tests obviously show the difference in focal length)
- most tests were taken all all apertures but since this ended up requiring so much work I only included up to f/8, to be honest I don't think anything past that is relevant
- all samples processed in Capture 1 PRO with the default output sharpening for screen (any image processor will apply some sort of sharpening from DNG to JPG)
- I am sharing a Google Drive folder with all DNGs, JPGs, comparisons and misc images, all full size. Please check them out and use them for free, a credit would be nice if you end up posting them.
PART 1 / 5
A morsel of history: if you're reading this you most likely know what this lens is, otherwise this info can be easily found online.
The G35/2 is supposed to be the "lesser performer" of the Contax G suite, the internet is funny like that, some person deemed it once as not being as stellar as the G45/2 (which is whispered to be one of the best lenses in 35mm photography history) and the internet has taken that and transformed it into "not a good lens" kind of rumour. I am here to prove otherwise.
Here's a G35 / G45 specs comparison:
This 35 together with the Hologon 16mm are the only ones I do not own in G mount. I have shot all the other ones (21/2.8, 28/2.8, 45/2, 90/2.8) on my Contax G2 and adapted on my Sony A7R3 with a cheap Ulata adapter. They are sharp, very sharp wide open. And so light.
Build quality: without further ado, I think FUNLEADER and Mr. Ding have done an amazing job here: the conversion is incredible, so tiny and lovely, with a great weight and feel. The focus action is nice and smooth and the little focus tab suits the lens. The black paint version is really beautiful, I have always been a black paint / lacquer fan, hence my M-P. This version will get patina with use (unless you're Lenny Kravitz and give it a good rub to look well used). The "gold" version has lovely sharp black engravings and a black focus tab. The focus tabs are really nice, placed at the perfect position where, when pointed straight downwards, the lenses focus at 4 feet / 1.2 meters. I also purchased a "gold" helicoid as I am planning to do a conversion myself. The "gold" helicoid feels like brass and it's a bit of a fingerprint magnet.
The helicoid has "MR. DING" engraved on the mount. Pretty cool. I did a bit of digging and "Mr. Ding" is their master craftsman, maybe having been part of MGR Production. They are also behind the Bresson Viewfinder magnifier, which I happen to have on my M-P and love.
I would love to find out more about Mr. Ding, if anyone has info please do share.
The weight of the helicoid is 206g / 7.26oz and the whole lens is 266g / 9.38g
The lens did have a plastic ring glued on the front, on top of the original Carl Zeiss from markings, but I removed it easily and left no marks. Sorry Mr. Ding, I prefer the original Carl Zeiss engravings.
The original lens hood of the G35 / G45 fits nicely, but I have the champagne version and I personally don't think it works with either the black or the gold version. I might spray paint it with a glossy enamel.
Honestly, it looks amazing on the M-P. It is a gem of a little lens and a great performer.
Customer service: excellent, very responsive, I had quite a few questions for them and they replied very quickly.
Packing: excellent, pragmatic, not fancy.
Shipping: wowsers, the lens was in my hand in Vancouver BC Canada in 6 days, dayum!
PART 2 / 5: colour, focal length, sharpness close and mid distance
Two notes about colour and focal length:
- colour - the G35/2 renders the most accurate and neutral colours, next is the VM 40/1.2, while the 7artisans 35/1.4 M renders quite warm
- focal length - the G35/2 is a little wider than the 7artisans 35/1.4 M, I wonder what their real focal lengths are. Please do share if you happen to know.
Sharpness: the G35/2 is very sharp wide open, it nearly matches the VM 40/1.2 at f2, actually honestly we are splitting hairs between the G35/2 and VM 40/1.2. Keep in mind that the VM starts at 1.2, so from a lens design pov it has a lot of room to be sharp at f2. It's quite a feat how consistent the G35/2 is all the way up to the widest apertures. The G35/2 is sharper than the 7artisans 35/1.4 M at every aperture. I was surprised as well. In all honestly, I really love the 7artisans lens, it has a really nice 3d pop and the built is absolutely amazing.
Check out these 100%s of this starling at f2! I used live view, there's no way to nail that in the viewfinder patch, I also took a bunch of shots and these were the best 4, maybe out of 12 or so.
100%
full images for context
I have done a few test sessions but not included all here (so much to process and compare), so here are a few. Before every comparison chart you will see a half size G35/2 image at f2, for no reason really other than to show you what the whole scene looked like.
Session 1 close:
Session 1 mid distance:
Session 4 close:
Session 4 mid distance:
Session 5 close:
Session 6 close:
PART 3 / 5: sharpness at infinity
Session 3 infinity (center and corner):
Session 7 infinity (center and corner):
PART 4 / 5: bokeh and conclusion
Session 1 mid distance:
Session 2 mid distance:
Session 6 close:
Vignetting: yea a bit, but nothing out of the ordinary at large apertures. See for yourself.
Focus shift: I did not test for it, but from my walks it seems to be fine.
CONCLUSION:
The Carl Zeiss Contax G 35mm f/2 is a gem. Coming from great heritage, it is now encased in an amazing conversion from FUNLEADER for our Leicas. The G35/2 is an honest lens, you won't find clinical sharpness here, but since you're reading this you're probably not looking for that, but for the resurrection of a highly underrated Carl Zeiss optic. The G35/2 renders the world gently with neutral colour rendition, pleasant bokeh and a sprinkle of pop. The tiny form has a great weight and feel and it simply looks incredible on a Leica. The black paint version is shiny and will brass while the "gold" version has lovely sharp black engravings (bit of a fingerprint magnet though). I honestly look at my camera sitting on my desk now and hear the whispers: "take me out and make photographs". Well done FUNLEADER and Mr. Ding, hat's off to you.
Just like the original little piece of history it now protects and focuses, the FUNLEADER conversion will also be remembered as a gem amongst the connoisseurs.
FUNLEADER Contax G35 to Leica M Conversions
(affiliate link)
I hope you enjoy the test results, please let me know if you have any thoughts, suggestions and questions.
Here is the Google Drive folder:
[url]https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-mgIUEIScjebkdNY-GAouTlJE3FTCrDy[/url]
I am leaving you with a bunch of samples, enjoy.
PART 5 / 5 samples
All the following samples are just snaps from my walks and I barely spent a minute on some of them in C1
f2
f5.6
f8
f2
f2
f2
f5.6
f5.6
f2
f2
f2
f2
f2
f2
f2
f2
f2
f2
f2
f4 (i think)
f2
f2
Cheers!
Edited on Jan 19, 2021 at 06:57 PM · View previous versions
This is my first review here so I am not used to the technicalities of posting, please forgive me if I readjust things after I post.
FUNLEADER Contax G35 to Leica M Conversions
(affiliate link)
 |
||
| https://i.imgur.com/LDCwjgN.jpeg | ||
|
I have included the 7artisans 35mm f/1.4 M and the Voigtlander VM 40mm f/1.2, the only lenses in the 35mm zone I own.
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/0UoKdEg.jpg | ||
|
Disclaimers:
1. none of the lens makers / converters have been involved in these tests and I have personally purchased all 3 lenses, none of them have been provided.
2. all opinions expressed here are my own and, just like with anything in life (especially photography equipment!), you may have a different one.
A few bullet points about the tests:
- done on my Leica M-P typ 240
- done on a tripod with a 2 second timer to hopefully dampen most vibrations
- no filters or hoods were used and lenses were extremely clean
- captured at M-P's base ISO: 200 (with the exception of a few frames captured at 1.2 and 1.4 because 1/4000 was too slow to keep equal exposures so I set the ISO to PULL 100)
- exposure was manual and the exposure time was adjusted accordingly with every aperture change (generally 2/3 stop) in order to hopefully maintain an even exposure between the samples
- white balance was on AUTO
- all focus was EXTREMELY CAREFULLY done using LIVE VIEW at f/2 for each lens, using both the focus peaking and my own eyes to make sure I get the best possible focus
- focus was redone with every lens change
- the 40mm was repositioned so that the main subject filled roughly the same size in the photos (as much as possible, the infinity tests obviously show the difference in focal length)
- most tests were taken all all apertures but since this ended up requiring so much work I only included up to f/8, to be honest I don't think anything past that is relevant
- all samples processed in Capture 1 PRO with the default output sharpening for screen (any image processor will apply some sort of sharpening from DNG to JPG)
- I am sharing a Google Drive folder with all DNGs, JPGs, comparisons and misc images, all full size. Please check them out and use them for free, a credit would be nice if you end up posting them.
PART 1 / 5
A morsel of history: if you're reading this you most likely know what this lens is, otherwise this info can be easily found online.
The G35/2 is supposed to be the "lesser performer" of the Contax G suite, the internet is funny like that, some person deemed it once as not being as stellar as the G45/2 (which is whispered to be one of the best lenses in 35mm photography history) and the internet has taken that and transformed it into "not a good lens" kind of rumour. I am here to prove otherwise.
Here's a G35 / G45 specs comparison:
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/xXjFw0f.jpg | ||
|
This 35 together with the Hologon 16mm are the only ones I do not own in G mount. I have shot all the other ones (21/2.8, 28/2.8, 45/2, 90/2.8) on my Contax G2 and adapted on my Sony A7R3 with a cheap Ulata adapter. They are sharp, very sharp wide open. And so light.
Build quality: without further ado, I think FUNLEADER and Mr. Ding have done an amazing job here: the conversion is incredible, so tiny and lovely, with a great weight and feel. The focus action is nice and smooth and the little focus tab suits the lens. The black paint version is really beautiful, I have always been a black paint / lacquer fan, hence my M-P. This version will get patina with use (unless you're Lenny Kravitz and give it a good rub to look well used). The "gold" version has lovely sharp black engravings and a black focus tab. The focus tabs are really nice, placed at the perfect position where, when pointed straight downwards, the lenses focus at 4 feet / 1.2 meters. I also purchased a "gold" helicoid as I am planning to do a conversion myself. The "gold" helicoid feels like brass and it's a bit of a fingerprint magnet.
The helicoid has "MR. DING" engraved on the mount. Pretty cool. I did a bit of digging and "Mr. Ding" is their master craftsman, maybe having been part of MGR Production. They are also behind the Bresson Viewfinder magnifier, which I happen to have on my M-P and love.
I would love to find out more about Mr. Ding, if anyone has info please do share.
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/LBqQbfH.jpg | ||
|
The weight of the helicoid is 206g / 7.26oz and the whole lens is 266g / 9.38g
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/MOrCxVK.jpg | ||
|
The lens did have a plastic ring glued on the front, on top of the original Carl Zeiss from markings, but I removed it easily and left no marks. Sorry Mr. Ding, I prefer the original Carl Zeiss engravings.
The original lens hood of the G35 / G45 fits nicely, but I have the champagne version and I personally don't think it works with either the black or the gold version. I might spray paint it with a glossy enamel.
Honestly, it looks amazing on the M-P. It is a gem of a little lens and a great performer.
Customer service: excellent, very responsive, I had quite a few questions for them and they replied very quickly.
Packing: excellent, pragmatic, not fancy.
Shipping: wowsers, the lens was in my hand in Vancouver BC Canada in 6 days, dayum!
PART 2 / 5: colour, focal length, sharpness close and mid distance
Two notes about colour and focal length:
- colour - the G35/2 renders the most accurate and neutral colours, next is the VM 40/1.2, while the 7artisans 35/1.4 M renders quite warm
- focal length - the G35/2 is a little wider than the 7artisans 35/1.4 M, I wonder what their real focal lengths are. Please do share if you happen to know.
Sharpness: the G35/2 is very sharp wide open, it nearly matches the VM 40/1.2 at f2, actually honestly we are splitting hairs between the G35/2 and VM 40/1.2. Keep in mind that the VM starts at 1.2, so from a lens design pov it has a lot of room to be sharp at f2. It's quite a feat how consistent the G35/2 is all the way up to the widest apertures. The G35/2 is sharper than the 7artisans 35/1.4 M at every aperture. I was surprised as well. In all honestly, I really love the 7artisans lens, it has a really nice 3d pop and the built is absolutely amazing.
Check out these 100%s of this starling at f2! I used live view, there's no way to nail that in the viewfinder patch, I also took a bunch of shots and these were the best 4, maybe out of 12 or so.
100%
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/nSlYZek.jpg | ||
|
full images for context
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/2adIJ8y.jpg | ||
|
I have done a few test sessions but not included all here (so much to process and compare), so here are a few. Before every comparison chart you will see a half size G35/2 image at f2, for no reason really other than to show you what the whole scene looked like.
Session 1 close:
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/5dPo2Ed.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/d77Mlrb.jpg | ||
|
Session 1 mid distance:
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/TaK8Fqt.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/cQyH31f.jpg | ||
|
Session 4 close:
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/CwUeiFu.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/Ij9Yte3.jpg | ||
|
Session 4 mid distance:
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/pOkJmbK.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/7UBJg9G.jpg | ||
|
Session 5 close:
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/zO1ThlH.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/6QpRh5F.jpg | ||
|
Session 6 close:
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/hUvyOhx.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/EYpFaJ3.jpg | ||
|
PART 3 / 5: sharpness at infinity
Session 3 infinity (center and corner):
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/RHgP9SM.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/UTOdekm.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/9bEkojq.jpg | ||
|
Session 7 infinity (center and corner):
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/4omwXWP.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/KjloyO9.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/KtB6y1N.jpg | ||
|
PART 4 / 5: bokeh and conclusion
Session 1 mid distance:
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/TaK8Fqt.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/9kBCpBw.jpg | ||
|
Session 2 mid distance:
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/cUTApuZ.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/ob1Byvy.jpg | ||
|
Session 6 close:
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/hUvyOhx.jpg | ||
|
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/wprA1v9.jpg | ||
|
Vignetting: yea a bit, but nothing out of the ordinary at large apertures. See for yourself.
Focus shift: I did not test for it, but from my walks it seems to be fine.
CONCLUSION:
The Carl Zeiss Contax G 35mm f/2 is a gem. Coming from great heritage, it is now encased in an amazing conversion from FUNLEADER for our Leicas. The G35/2 is an honest lens, you won't find clinical sharpness here, but since you're reading this you're probably not looking for that, but for the resurrection of a highly underrated Carl Zeiss optic. The G35/2 renders the world gently with neutral colour rendition, pleasant bokeh and a sprinkle of pop. The tiny form has a great weight and feel and it simply looks incredible on a Leica. The black paint version is shiny and will brass while the "gold" version has lovely sharp black engravings (bit of a fingerprint magnet though). I honestly look at my camera sitting on my desk now and hear the whispers: "take me out and make photographs". Well done FUNLEADER and Mr. Ding, hat's off to you.
Just like the original little piece of history it now protects and focuses, the FUNLEADER conversion will also be remembered as a gem amongst the connoisseurs.
FUNLEADER Contax G35 to Leica M Conversions
(affiliate link)
I hope you enjoy the test results, please let me know if you have any thoughts, suggestions and questions.
Here is the Google Drive folder:
[url]https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-mgIUEIScjebkdNY-GAouTlJE3FTCrDy[/url]
I am leaving you with a bunch of samples, enjoy.
PART 5 / 5 samples
All the following samples are just snaps from my walks and I barely spent a minute on some of them in C1
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/sfsqzzU.jpg | ||
|
f5.6
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/bZzcosU.jpg | ||
|
f8
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/nteROvz.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/lkvteUP.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/uOb1mHc.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/D9CPI5g.jpg | ||
|
f5.6
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/iEC0Qc2.jpg | ||
|
f5.6
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/broaiJs.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/Xpbirva.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/XsWyQov.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/rL9EfXX.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/wV1xJTO.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/oXy6Lps.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/NvcO9wU.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/mvhaUBi.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/Ks5Q3XG.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/63lpFJC.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/B1zf0g1.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/2pArEqi.jpg | ||
|
f4 (i think)
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/Qq40q07.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/erGhDy6.jpg | ||
|
f2
|
||
| https://i.imgur.com/2JyoM7P.jpg | ||
|
Cheers!
Edited on Jan 19, 2021 at 06:57 PM · View previous versions
Jan 11, 2021 at 05:18 PM
p.1 #2FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
What a comprehensive, professional, and informative review—hard to believe it's your first. Well done! And starting a new thread for it was definitely the right thing to do. Despite my reservations concerning focusing tabs, I'm now hoping that FUNLEADER follow up with a Contax G45 conversion kit.
Jan 11, 2021 at 06:35 PM
p.1 #3FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
Wow, thanks Genji! I think I've been waiting for a great conversion for so long that I got really exited and went to town with it, haha
G45, I think they will
G45, I think they will
Jan 11, 2021 at 08:25 PM
p.1 #4FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
A couple of quibbles:
1. The thread crashes while scrolling down (iPad) presumably from the huge images.
2. They take the Zeiss logo, , T* etc. away from the original lens. It is no longer a Zeiss?
Other than that, I agree with Genji. A long read with a ton of work put in!
1. The thread crashes while scrolling down (iPad) presumably from the huge images.
2. They take the Zeiss logo, , T* etc. away from the original lens. It is no longer a Zeiss?
Other than that, I agree with Genji. A long read with a ton of work put in!
Jan 12, 2021 at 04:19 AM
p.1 #5FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
Perfectly fine on both my iPads.
Jan 12, 2021 at 06:20 AM
p.1 #6FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
realVivek wrote:
A couple of quibbles:
1. The thread crashes while scrolling down (iPad) presumably from the huge images.
2. They take the Zeiss logo, , T* etc. away from the original lens. It is no longer a Zeiss?
Other than that, I agree with Genji. A long read with a ton of work put in!
Hi friend.
1. I know.. they are fairly large, but I did test on my side on my Android phone as well and it seems to load well, I'm sorry it's not working for you, I will pm you a couple of other forums I posted this on, maybe those will work better for you. EDIT: apparently I am "not allowed to send private messages to other members. (Post count too low...". See if you can give it a search, not sure if I'm allowed to post links from other forums here, I don't want to be disrespectful to this forum.
2. Ah yes. Those front new markings are actually a high quality sticker that I decided to remove myself, it came off without any marks, so now I have the original "Carl Zeiss Planar 2/35 T* #######" engravings exposed
A couple of quibbles:
1. The thread crashes while scrolling down (iPad) presumably from the huge images.
2. They take the Zeiss logo, , T* etc. away from the original lens. It is no longer a Zeiss?
Other than that, I agree with Genji. A long read with a ton of work put in!
Hi friend.
1. I know.. they are fairly large, but I did test on my side on my Android phone as well and it seems to load well, I'm sorry it's not working for you, I will pm you a couple of other forums I posted this on, maybe those will work better for you. EDIT: apparently I am "not allowed to send private messages to other members. (Post count too low...". See if you can give it a search, not sure if I'm allowed to post links from other forums here, I don't want to be disrespectful to this forum.
2. Ah yes. Those front new markings are actually a high quality sticker that I decided to remove myself, it came off without any marks, so now I have the original "Carl Zeiss Planar 2/35 T* #######" engravings exposed
Jan 12, 2021 at 11:53 AM
p.1 #7FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
This thread is awesome. I had to contact Funleader to ask then if a G45 is on the works and they did confirm that the conversion kit should be available inn March! Can't wait to order one 
Jan 26, 2021 at 04:02 AM
p.1 #8FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
pptmstr wrote:
Hello everyone, here's my review of the new Carl Zeiss Contax G Planar 35mm f/2 FUNLEADER conversion to Leica M.
This is my first review here so I am not used to the technicalities of posting, please forgive me if I readjust things after I post.
WOW!! What a way to begin your first review! Thank you for the article and lovely samples as well.
Your article has exalted the humble CG 35 and honestly at that with the images and callouts shared.
I have been having a great time with the CG family(21,28,45 & 90) adapted on my Nikon z6 but will admit the internet has scared me from even trying out the 35 G.
A PCX helped me with sharpness concerns on the 21 & 28 CG.
Look forward to more of your articles/reviews/images!
-lestor
Feb 06, 2021 at 02:22 PM
p.1 #9FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
What adapter are you using to the Z? I used to have a black trio of these, regretfully sold them but GAS has been flaring up...
lsds wrote:
This is my first review here so I am not used to the technicalities of posting, please forgive me if I readjust things after I post.WOW!! What a way to begin your first review! Thank you for the article and lovely samples as well.
Your article has exalted the humble CG 35 and honestly at that with the images and callouts shared.
I have been having a great time with the CG family(21,28,45 & 90) adapted on my Nikon z6 but will admit the internet has scared me from even trying out the 35 G.
A PCX helped me with sharpness concerns on the 21 & 28 CG.
Look forward to more of your articles/reviews/images!
-lestor
lsds wrote:
pptmstr wrote
Hello everyone, here's my review of the new Carl Zeiss Contax G Planar 35mm f/2 FUNLEADER conversion to Leica M.This is my first review here so I am not used to the technicalities of posting, please forgive me if I readjust things after I post.
Your article has exalted the humble CG 35 and honestly at that with the images and callouts shared.
I have been having a great time with the CG family(21,28,45 & 90) adapted on my Nikon z6 but will admit the internet has scared me from even trying out the 35 G.
A PCX helped me with sharpness concerns on the 21 & 28 CG.
Look forward to more of your articles/reviews/images!
-lestor
Feb 06, 2021 at 08:20 PM
p.1 #10FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
lsds wrote:
WOW!! What a way to begin your first review! Thank you for the article and lovely samples as well.
Your article has exalted the humble CG 35 and honestly at that with the images and callouts shared.
I have been having a great time with the CG family(21,28,45 & 90) adapted on my Nikon z6 but will admit the internet has scared me from even trying out the 35 G.
A PCX helped me with sharpness concerns on the 21 & 28 CG.
Look forward to more of your articles/reviews/images!
-lestor
Thanks for the nice words
True, the internet can be mean.. Sadly I find some photographic equipment online communities a bit toxic sometimes, so I always encourage people to form their own thoughts and as much as possible to try gear before spreading misinformation.
I would love to hear more about the PCXs for G21 and G28, I have been wanting to look into this for a while now. Any tips on where and what to get? I shoot those on an A7R3.
WOW!! What a way to begin your first review! Thank you for the article and lovely samples as well.
Your article has exalted the humble CG 35 and honestly at that with the images and callouts shared.
I have been having a great time with the CG family(21,28,45 & 90) adapted on my Nikon z6 but will admit the internet has scared me from even trying out the 35 G.
A PCX helped me with sharpness concerns on the 21 & 28 CG.
Look forward to more of your articles/reviews/images!
-lestor
Thanks for the nice words
True, the internet can be mean.. Sadly I find some photographic equipment online communities a bit toxic sometimes, so I always encourage people to form their own thoughts and as much as possible to try gear before spreading misinformation.
I would love to hear more about the PCXs for G21 and G28, I have been wanting to look into this for a while now. Any tips on where and what to get? I shoot those on an A7R3.
Feb 08, 2021 at 01:39 PM
p.1 #11FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
pptmstr wrote:
Your article has exalted the humble CG 35 and honestly at that with the images and callouts shared.
I have been having a great time with the CG family(21,28,45 & 90) adapted on my Nikon z6 but will admit the internet has scared me from even trying out the 35 G.
A PCX helped me with sharpness concerns on the 21 & 28 CG.
Look forward to more of your articles/reviews/images!
-lestorThanks for the nice words
True, the internet can be mean.. Sadly I find some photographic equipment online communities a bit toxic sometimes, so I always encourage people to form their own thoughts and as much as possible to try gear before spreading misinformation.
I would love to hear more about the PCXs for G21 and G28, I have been wanting to look into this for a while now. Any tips on where and what to get? I shoot those on an A7R3.
I really enjoy your review of the lens. I also got a copy of this lens last month and today I took it our for a walk in our local park. The built quality of the conversion house is really excellent and lens feels very solid. In term of optical performance, it doesn't have the biting sharpness and micro contrast of the G45. But it's sharp enough for an all purpose compact 35mm lens, very similar to size of Leica SummicronI-M 35mm lenses. I also like the color rendering of the Contax G lenses very much, particularly how they render blue color. I will definite purchase a G45/2 or any other G conversion lenses by FUNLEADER when they become available.
Edited on Jan 01, 2022 at 08:26 PM · View previous versions
lsds wrote
WOW!! What a way to begin your first review! Thank you for the article and lovely samples as well.Your article has exalted the humble CG 35 and honestly at that with the images and callouts shared.
I have been having a great time with the CG family(21,28,45 & 90) adapted on my Nikon z6 but will admit the internet has scared me from even trying out the 35 G.
A PCX helped me with sharpness concerns on the 21 & 28 CG.
Look forward to more of your articles/reviews/images!
-lestor
True, the internet can be mean.. Sadly I find some photographic equipment online communities a bit toxic sometimes, so I always encourage people to form their own thoughts and as much as possible to try gear before spreading misinformation.
I would love to hear more about the PCXs for G21 and G28, I have been wanting to look into this for a while now. Any tips on where and what to get? I shoot those on an A7R3.
I really enjoy your review of the lens. I also got a copy of this lens last month and today I took it our for a walk in our local park. The built quality of the conversion house is really excellent and lens feels very solid. In term of optical performance, it doesn't have the biting sharpness and micro contrast of the G45. But it's sharp enough for an all purpose compact 35mm lens, very similar to size of Leica SummicronI-M 35mm lenses. I also like the color rendering of the Contax G lenses very much, particularly how they render blue color. I will definite purchase a G45/2 or any other G conversion lenses by FUNLEADER when they become available.
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Edited on Jan 01, 2022 at 08:26 PM · View previous versions
Feb 08, 2021 at 05:38 PM
p.1 #12FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
Hi Mat- I actually have 3 mf adapters now to choose for the Z(tech art TA-GA3 & TZE never worked together unfortunately) : Fotodiox, my faithful Fotofox and a new Urth.
All 3 have infinity focus and work perfectly with the 21,28, 45 & 90. I had to shim the 28 & 21 for infinity focus(very easy after you advised me as I remember) but after that no issues whatsoever.
The fotofox is the cheapest but still smoothest and quietest of the 3. Fotodiox is bulkier but sturdier. Urth is very similar to the fotofox and needs to break-in a little I guess(about a week old now).
AdaptedLenses wrote:
What adapter are you using to the Z? I used to have a black trio of these, regretfully sold them but GAS has been flaring up...
This is my first review here so I am not used to the technicalities of posting, please forgive me if I readjust things after I post.WOW!! What a way to begin your first review! Thank you for the article and lovely samples as well.
Your article has exalted the humble CG 35 and honestly at that with the images and callouts shared.
I have been having a great time with the CG family(21,28,45 & 90) adapted on my Nikon z6 but will admit the internet has scared me from even trying out the 35 G.
A PCX helped me with sharpness concerns on the 21 & 28 CG.
Look forward to more of your articles/reviews/images!
-lestor
All 3 have infinity focus and work perfectly with the 21,28, 45 & 90. I had to shim the 28 & 21 for infinity focus(very easy after you advised me as I remember) but after that no issues whatsoever.
The fotofox is the cheapest but still smoothest and quietest of the 3. Fotodiox is bulkier but sturdier. Urth is very similar to the fotofox and needs to break-in a little I guess(about a week old now).
AdaptedLenses wrote:
What adapter are you using to the Z? I used to have a black trio of these, regretfully sold them but GAS has been flaring up...
lsds wrote
pptmstr wrote
Hello everyone, here's my review of the new Carl Zeiss Contax G Planar 35mm f/2 FUNLEADER conversion to Leica M.This is my first review here so I am not used to the technicalities of posting, please forgive me if I readjust things after I post.
Your article has exalted the humble CG 35 and honestly at that with the images and callouts shared.
I have been having a great time with the CG family(21,28,45 & 90) adapted on my Nikon z6 but will admit the internet has scared me from even trying out the 35 G.
A PCX helped me with sharpness concerns on the 21 & 28 CG.
Look forward to more of your articles/reviews/images!
-lestor
Feb 09, 2021 at 05:48 PM
p.1 #13FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
pptmstr wrote:
Thanks for the nice words
True, the internet can be mean.. Sadly I find some photographic equipment online communities a bit toxic sometimes, so I always encourage people to form their own thoughts and as much as possible to try gear before spreading misinformation.
I would love to hear more about the PCXs for G21 and G28, I have been wanting to look into this for a while now. Any tips on where and what to get? I shoot those on an A7R3.
That’s great! I got the PCX from opto sigma in Europe who now appear to have a better stock of the 1500 filter(SLB-50-1500PM).
I assume with the A7R3 sensor you already have BSI so most flare and false color would already not be an issue. For the WA lenses(21 & 28), you will need a PCX for corner sharpness amd especially any landscape or architecture pictures. If you see infinity focus suffer with a PCX(I did) ,removing a shim or two on the lenses fixes that(straightforward & easy).
With an un-modified sensor(no Kolari mod), the Harukiko thread reported best results with the 1500 PCX reversed. I tried both the 2000 and the 1500 but got all round best results with the 1500.
I use the same filter for the 21 & 28 in 55mm(with a step down ring 55-46 mm for the 28).
PCX is held reversed(bulbous side towards lens) in a 55 Kenko UV filter and held in place with a 55-67 step up ring and a rubber ring/band-No vignettes with the 67 even when I mount a polariser or nd filter atop (filter needs to be thin though; else vignettes).
Hope that helps!
-lestor
Edited on Feb 09, 2021 at 06:26 PM · View previous versions
Thanks for the nice words
True, the internet can be mean.. Sadly I find some photographic equipment online communities a bit toxic sometimes, so I always encourage people to form their own thoughts and as much as possible to try gear before spreading misinformation.
I would love to hear more about the PCXs for G21 and G28, I have been wanting to look into this for a while now. Any tips on where and what to get? I shoot those on an A7R3.
That’s great! I got the PCX from opto sigma in Europe who now appear to have a better stock of the 1500 filter(SLB-50-1500PM).
I assume with the A7R3 sensor you already have BSI so most flare and false color would already not be an issue. For the WA lenses(21 & 28), you will need a PCX for corner sharpness amd especially any landscape or architecture pictures. If you see infinity focus suffer with a PCX(I did) ,removing a shim or two on the lenses fixes that(straightforward & easy).
With an un-modified sensor(no Kolari mod), the Harukiko thread reported best results with the 1500 PCX reversed. I tried both the 2000 and the 1500 but got all round best results with the 1500.
I use the same filter for the 21 & 28 in 55mm(with a step down ring 55-46 mm for the 28).
PCX is held reversed(bulbous side towards lens) in a 55 Kenko UV filter and held in place with a 55-67 step up ring and a rubber ring/band-No vignettes with the 67 even when I mount a polariser or nd filter atop (filter needs to be thin though; else vignettes).
Hope that helps!
-lestor
Edited on Feb 09, 2021 at 06:26 PM · View previous versions
Feb 09, 2021 at 06:16 PM
p.1 #14FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
lacksative wrote:
This thread is awesome. I had to contact Funleader to ask then if a G45 is on the works and they did confirm that the conversion kit should be available inn March! Can't wait to order one
Well, that's good news. Hopefully you'll let us know in this thread when the G45 kit is actually available.
This thread is awesome. I had to contact Funleader to ask then if a G45 is on the works and they did confirm that the conversion kit should be available inn March! Can't wait to order one
Well, that's good news. Hopefully you'll let us know in this thread when the G45 kit is actually available.
Feb 09, 2021 at 06:17 PM
p.1 #15FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
genji wrote:
Well, that's good news. Hopefully you'll let us know in this thread when the G45 kit is actually available.
I sure will, I'm planning on a full review.
Well, that's good news. Hopefully you'll let us know in this thread when the G45 kit is actually available.
I sure will, I'm planning on a full review.
Feb 09, 2021 at 07:00 PM
p.1 #16FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
lsds wrote:
That’s great! I got the PCX from opto sigma in Europe who now appear to have a better stock of the 1500 filter(SLB-50-1500PM).
Thank you for the detailed explanation sir! I am trying to order one from them but they have this weird system where I send a request form first .. ? doesn't seem to be a store. Any tips there?
Indeed, A7R3 BSI original (non Kolari modified, although thinking about it). Cool, so initially one SLB-50-1500PM should do?
Does removing the shims involve removing the front plastic element > removing the optical block > removing shim(s) > putting it back together? That's what I did when I converted my (2nd) G35.
is the "Harukiko thread" here on FM?
That’s great! I got the PCX from opto sigma in Europe who now appear to have a better stock of the 1500 filter(SLB-50-1500PM).
Thank you for the detailed explanation sir! I am trying to order one from them but they have this weird system where I send a request form first .. ? doesn't seem to be a store. Any tips there?
Indeed, A7R3 BSI original (non Kolari modified, although thinking about it). Cool, so initially one SLB-50-1500PM should do?
Does removing the shims involve removing the front plastic element > removing the optical block > removing shim(s) > putting it back together? That's what I did when I converted my (2nd) G35.
is the "Harukiko thread" here on FM?
Feb 09, 2021 at 07:07 PM
p.1 #17FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
pptmstr wrote:
Thank you for the detailed explanation sir! I am trying to order one from them but they have this weird system where I send a request form first .. ? doesn't seem to be a store. Any tips there?
Indeed, A7R3 BSI original (non Kolari modified, although thinking about it). Cool, so initially one SLB-50-1500PM should do?
Does removing the shims involve removing the front plastic element > removing the optical block > removing shim(s) > putting it back together? That's what I did when I converted my (2nd) G35.
is the "Harukiko thread" here on FM?
As you are based in Canada, not sure on the shipping options from the Opto Sigma US site but the site shows in stock and a delivery time of 5-10 days. This is the lens you want:
(https://www.optosigma.com/us_en/plano-convex-lens-50mm-diameter-1500mm-focal-length-400-700nm-SLB-50-1500PM.html)
One PCX in a 55 mount and a step down (55-46) works on both CG WAs for me. The kolari mod affects the sensor and that has put me away from attempting it personally.
Haruhiko’s thread is on the forum as well along with other Contax g & A7 adapted threads/images in the Alternate forum.
Feb 10, 2021 at 06:46 PM
p.1 #18FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
thanks for your help, i ordered one.
Feb 10, 2021 at 07:53 PM
p.1 #19FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
I finally had some time to start this blog where I am planning to add more reviews:
https://theowlhollow.wordpress.com/
you can find even more samples of the G35/2 at the end of its review, have a looksy!
https://theowlhollow.wordpress.com/
you can find even more samples of the G35/2 at the end of its review, have a looksy!
Jun 26, 2021 at 11:35 PM
p.1 #20FUNLEADER Contax G35 F2 to Leica M Conversion review
Excellent review! Many thanks!
This thread loads and works perfectly on my iPad (Air 3rd gen.).
This thread loads and works perfectly on my iPad (Air 3rd gen.).
Jun 27, 2021 at 07:28 AM