p.1 #1 · FS: Carl Zeiss Biotar 75mm f/1.5 M42 mount T* 75/1.5 CZJ
For Sale - A rare Carl Zeiss Biotar, 75mm f/1.5 lens. This lens is legendary, has a very unique bokeh signature (swirly bokeh), and is not often seen in the M42 mount, especially with the T coating (the precursor to the Zeiss T* coating). It produces unique images, it's very sharp when stopped down to F2 or more (and really quite sharp at f/1.5 too), has a fantastic 10 blade aperture for smooth bokeh at all f-stops.
Condition-wise, it's in perfect functional shape. Glass and optics are in fine shape, no scratches, haze, fungus or other flaws. The front coating has a few rub marks just in the coating, which is to be expected on a 50-yr old lens, and which have NO effect on images at all. There's a few insignificant pieces of dust, but these are part and parcel of the biotar experience, and don't affect image quality.
The lens is made of polished aluminum, thus very reflective, and flash pictures exaggerate every spec of dust or minor surface imperfection on the barrel. It looks much better in person than pics might indicate.
For examples from this type of lens, check out some of the albums here:
Particularly check out the galleries for the later-model 75/1.5 biotar.
I don't really want to part with it, but I find I am not using it as much as I should and it would be better off with someone who will appreciate it more.
I'll include a brand-new M42->EOS adapter if desired. The lens also comes with it's own nice brown leather case, and front and rear caps.
p.1 #2 · FS: Carl Zeiss Biotar 75mm f/1.5 M42 mount T* 75/1.5 CZJ
i HAVE this lens (it was my grandfather's) and it is REDICULOUSLY awesome. SO incredible, I use it ALL the time. (mine happens to be in an exacta mount, for which I found a converter with AF confirm on ebay for $75). NO PERSON will ever regret owning this lens.
p.1 #8 · FS: Carl Zeiss Biotar 75mm f/1.5 M42 mount T* 75/1.5 CZJ
the Helios is a much lesser quality russian copy of the biotar design, yes. But not nearly as good (e.g. not as sharp, not as well built, etc.). Definitely they share the swirly bokeh though.
p.1 #9 · FS: Carl Zeiss Biotar 75mm f/1.5 M42 mount T* 75/1.5 CZJ
Ed Sawyer wrote:
the Helios is a much lesser quality russian copy of the biotar design, yes. But not nearly as good (e.g. not as sharp, not as well built, etc.). Definitely they share the swirly bokeh though.
-Ed
oh ok i had no idea that the biotar was the original... i really liked the helios so this thing has to be amazing...
... i think this one is my range rather than the summicron R 90/2.0