Comments on: Why I recommend the ZF lenses for Canon DSLRs over the ZE

By: Tom Abray

Tom Abray — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:09:03 +0000

Hi. I just started using the ZFs on my 7D. I have a Novoflex adapter. The quality of the adapter seems good. However, on the 35mm f2 ZF.2 and 28mm f2 ZF.2, the adapter fits quite tightly and it is very (too) difficult to turn the aperture ring. Just a heads up.

The camera store has ordered me a new model of Novoflex made for Nikon G lenses to EOS mount, just to see if it has a hair more clearance. One possible benefit could be that these adapters, which are made for lenses with no manual aperture ring (but apparently work on non-G Canon mount lenses) have a little slider to control aperture. I’m pretty sure there are no clicks, just smooth transitioning as the aperture opens and closes. This could be the poor man’s alternative to “modding” the lens the way some are doing.

Final quick point (hope it’s not off-topic): for those who dream at nights about having a set of CP.2 Zeiss’s for your dslr but have never actually held one of those babies in your hand (I hadn’t until recently), they are surprisingly large compared to photo lenses and the focus throw (I think it’s called) is huge. I have to change my grip mid-turn. I don’t know about other people more talented than me, but I would not be able to focus those lenses myself while operating the camera. I think you really need a focus puller, so they’re not for every job.

By: Fabian

Fabian — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:43:40 +0000

Shamol, Philip, the answer to this question may be an obvious “no”, but can the ZF.2 lenses communicate with Canon cameras (AF confirmation) using an EF mount (like the ZE versions)? I would love to invest on a set of Duclos-modified ZF.2 lenses for cinema, but I’d also love to use the gorgeous Zeiss 35mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.2 for stills on my Canon DSLR (with AF confirmation), and dropping close to $1800 twice on a given lens makes me a bit nauseous (that is, a ZF.2 for cinema and a ZE for stills).

Thanks!

By: Guilherme

Guilherme — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:40:37 +0000

Hey Kook, do you have AF indicator with your Contax CY lenses? Is there any changes in the focus indicators with the use of an adapter and you have to account for that?

I’m thinking about Contax CY because of the kind of image they provide or Nikor lenses. New Zeiss glass if too much expensive for me…

By: Philip Bloom

Philip Bloom — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:09:06 +0000

i don’t know that lens…need to look it up!!

By: ronW

ronW — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 03:58:54 +0000

Philip,

What do you think of using the Zeiss ZK model lenses? Are they the same as the ZF(zf.2)? Would you suggest those to be cine modified for an AF100? I will be using the lenses exclusively for my AF100.
THANKS!!

By: Philip Bloom

Philip Bloom — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 06:52:32 +0000

i don’t have the focus confirmation one but it would be useful…

By: Juan

Juan — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:15:27 +0000

Hi Philip,

Question regarding the fotodiox adapter.

There are two options, both are pro, but one has a dandelion focus confirmation chip. What’s your take?

Thanks

By: Glenn Taylor

Glenn Taylor — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:24:46 +0000

I use a “Leitax” adapter to mount an old Leica lens on my Canon 550D, and will probably do the same later with a Zeiss ZF lens, after seeing Philip’s recommendation. The Leitax “adapter” bayonet mount screws into the original mount. Very solid. Seems like a good solution to me (except that you have to buy one for each lens to be adapted). I’m surprised no one has mentioned them.

By: william graydon

william graydon — Tue, 24 May 2011 23:38:29 +0000

Philip you mention that these lenses focus the opposite way of traditional cine lenses. Correct me if I am wrong. traditional without a follow focus when rotated to the right focuses closer objects and when rotated left focuses objects further away? So are the Zeiss ZF the opposite of this? Forgive me if this is silly. I appreciate your response.

By: Philip Bloom

Philip Bloom — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:14:42 +0000

Lecia R are AWESOME lenses!! They have lovely long rotation