I havent bothered to yet but I do believe that a tiny amount of file work on some of the rear protrusions will allow the mirror to clear. I'd make sure to paint the filed bits black.
I think that $450 is still a great deal. My copy has never been without a filter and the glass is perfect. I feel fortunate to get this lens as I could have easily paid over $1000 for a copy like this. I can honestly say that the 35L has nothing on this baby, IMHO (other than AF of course). I am afraid this may be the start of the emptying of my wallet for more Zeiss glass... I can't explain it but I just like the rendering better than my L glass!?!
I am going to pick them all up. 25/2.8, 50/1.4, and 85/1.4. All are West German variants, and in ex++ condition. I am very excited to get them all, including the paperwork from Zeiss! I can't wait to try the 85 against my 85L Mk2. And I have heard the 25 is great as well. I don't know exactly what it is about these Zeiss lenses, but they produce images that are just more "real" to me, esp. on a full frame Canon.
Quick question guys... My new 35/1.4 C/Y seems to be schizophrenic about the aperture blades closing properly. If I tilt the lens down sometimes they close, sometimes they stick. I can see NO oil on either side? Does Zeiss still look at these for customers? The lens is usable as-is because it doesn't happen much and I am going to shoot wide open primarily. Also, what is the best adapter quality-wise? The fotodiox consumer adapter I bought is missing the stop screw, so it's going back to Amazon. I want an adapter that is well-built and not sloppy. Thanks again everyone.
Finally had a chance after work today to very quickly take a few snapshots with the 35. I got a EE-S screen and I must say the difference if MUCH more dramatic that I expected. I don't know how I used my alt lenses without this! If you are missing focus while using this screen, it is immediately evident in the finder. Best $35 I ever spent. I am getting a Kindai adapter with the hopes that it will be better than the junk Fotodiox comsumer adapter I have now. This is the first time I have had trouble with a Fotodiox adapter, the other 3 I have all perform great. Now for a few pictures...
I have 2 days off in a row and a short day this coming Sunday. I can't wait to take this thing out in the city and do some street portraits with it. It seems to make even a mundane scene look cooler than it really is.
Great portrait Anden! What aperture are you shooting these great environmental portraits at? They just turn out great... This rendering style is the reason I chose to get the Zeiss 35/1.4 over the 35L. Here are some more snaps from the 35...
Notice the bokeh in the last image. It takes on an onion-ring look. This is the first time I have seen this with my copy of the 35. I assume this is caused by the aspherical element? It's kind of neat and I think it looks similar to a skill saw blade. Can't wait to begin taking people pictures with this beauty.
Great shots as usual Anden. This lens is really great at 1.4, I mean it is completely sharp within the plane of focus. Have you any experience using it at infinity stopped down, or would I be better off getting a 35 or 28 2.8 C/Y for that type of shooting? I am interested in corner performance primarily.
