Looking for a 35mm MF lens, is anyone using Flektogon 35 f2.4 ?

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Hi I've been looking for a 35mm lens for a while. I shoot the a7ii with Contax 28 2.8, 50 1.7 & 1.4, 85 2.8 & 135 2.8 and a couple of Canon lenses, and a Leica Summicron R 50.

 

I want to keep the focus twist the same. What I understand (& happy to be advised otherwise) is: Canon, Minolta, Olympus, Zeiss Contax and Leica R lenses all focus from infinity to mfd by rotating the focus ring in same direction (clockwise) when viewed from behind the camera. Nikon and Pentax lenses like Takuma, focus via rotation in the reverse direction.

 

I also want to keep the lens size down, so not really looking at the CY 35 1.4, besides it costs...a lot...even more than a lens I think would suit - the Summicron R 35 f2, great size, lots of character ~ $1000+ for a v2 in good nick.

 

reviews on the CY 35 2.8 or Leica R Elmarit 35 2.8 seem to leave me with mixed feelings.

 

So the field narrows and I came across a few good reviews on the Flektogon 35 2.4 and am hoping some of you will share your thoughts and experiences. A good one seems to go for $250+, well made, with some suggesting quality control can be mixed, however it gets great write ups re it's close focus 0.2m, but maybe not so good at longer focal distances? Anything else to add, love to hear it...good and bad....I think I'd like this lens, other options most welcomed.

[nomad]

The Zeiss C/Y 35mm f 2.8 is far better, flare control in particular and can be found for reasonable prices.

 

Where did you read anything bad about it?

[WeaselX100]

So the field narrows and I came across a few good reviews on the Flektogon 35 2.4 and am hoping some of you will share your thoughts and experiences. A good one seems to go for $250+, well made, with some suggesting quality control can be mixed, however it gets great write ups re it's close focus 0.2m, but maybe not so good at longer focal distances? Anything else to add, love to hear it...good and bad....I think I'd like this lens, other options most welcomed.

 

 

I did few testshots with the Flek 35/2.4, which I think is not bad. Don't remember the stops I used, but none at F/2.4... and none above F/8.

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/83635770@N02/24723155022/in/datetaken-public/  and following, e.g. https://www.flickr.com/photos/83635770@N02/24814523376/in/datetaken-public/

 

I think it is a very nice small lens, AR coating is for my taste ok, flare is ok, much better as the old silver Flektogons 35/2.8..., I think comparable to Minolta lenses.

I got mine for about 130€.

 

However, mechanics is not the best, they are not very reliable. I have two, one with broken aperture stop (always open), same with Flek 20/2.8... the old fleks are better build (e.g. the excellent 20mmF/4 or 25mmF/4), but coating was worse.

 

Although I like this lens, I am still looking for alternatives. I tried few and I am still looking for "my" favorite 35, maybe the Flek, but I am waiting for better weather for the next photo excursion ...

 

So far I tried:

 

Minolta MC 35/1.8

Flek 35/2.4

Minolta MD 35-70 @ 35

Takumar 35/2.0 (forget about this lens...)

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Thanks, Nomad, it's not that I have heard anything bad about the CY 35 2.8, it just doesn't seem to get the same glowing comments of some of the other CY lineup, and if I'm honest about it, I don't "need" a 35, given the 28 and 50, but do want a lens that I'll gel with, and that will compliment what I've got in terms of character. The 35 2.8, is a fallback, it's the right size and quality, I know what to expect from that lens. There are a couple of newer lenses like the Voigtlander 35 Ultron or Nokton or the Tamron 35 1.7 that I'd also like to see and handle, but i do like the older builds.

 

Thanks WeaselX100, appreciate the input, nice shots by the way, lovely colours, so it does perform at more than just close ups...The CY 35-70 is another one that grabs my attention every now and then, but I am hoping to try to keep it around the f2 mark, which is kind of why I've also been watching some auctions on your namesake, the X100 recently. I had owned the original X100 and I'd end up spending much the same money on say a used x100t as some of the lenses that I've been looking at. But your shots do show that the Flektogon is (obviously) very capable.

[ACG]

It's a shame that the focus direction is so important to you as i would recommend the pentax k 35 f 3.5

 

If you would buy new, then you will really like the zeiss loxia 35 f 2.

 

I received mine only 2 days ago and i am really impressed.

 

And.... its focus direction is the one that you prefer!

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Thanks ACG, enjoy the loxia.

The focus twist consistency thing would do my head in, sure it's ok if you only take the one lens out, but if you're switching lenses, it's just something I don't need. My loss.

[nomad]

I fully understand the focus direction issue – it drives you mad when doing moving images.

[WeaselX100]

Thanks, Nomad, it's not that I have heard anything bad about the CY 35 2.8, it just doesn't seem to get the same glowing comments of some of the other CY lineup, and if I'm honest about it, I don't "need" a 35, given the 28 and 50, but do want a lens that I'll gel with, and that will compliment what I've got in terms of character. The 35 2.8, is a fallback, it's the right size and quality, I know what to expect from that lens. There are a couple of newer lenses like the Voigtlander 35 Ultron or Nokton or the Tamron 35 1.7 that I'd also like to see and handle, but i do like the older builds.

 

Thanks WeaselX100, appreciate the input, nice shots by the way, lovely colours, so it does perform at more than just close ups...The CY 35-70 is another one that grabs my attention every now and then, but I am hoping to try to keep it around the f2 mark, which is kind of why I've also been watching some auctions on your namesake, the X100 recently. I had owned the original X100 and I'd end up spending much the same money on say a used x100t as some of the lenses that I've been looking at. But your shots do show that the Flektogon is (obviously) very capable.

 

 

I selected X100 in my nickname because this camera brought me back to photography (after my analogue Nikon FE2), finally a camera which I still like to use ... although I like the noise of the sony, I wish the sony would be as silent as the X100 :-).

 

I think the MD 35-70 is just great and start to like it most. Off course, not F/2...

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The Flektogon has become somewhat of a GAS item for me, I'm curious about its performance which intrigues me from images I've seen online, but before I drop my cash, does anyone know of any concerns re the "electric" version of the Flektogon and my A7ii. I'd hate to do anything stupid by mounting this on my A7ii and electrically shorting something...? I've just ordered a couple of M42 adapters, no AF confirm on either of them, I shoot such primes, MF only, in Manual mode, so I can't foresee any issues re electrical contact, but just checking...

 

I understand the electric version, with the MC marking in red is the later variant, and that the latest lenses have the shorter lens numbers, odd, but that's what I've read. Tell me if you know otherwise.

 

I haven't yet committed to either variant yet, there doesn't seem to be a lot of cash difference b/w electric, auto, MC either red or not if the lens is in good nick. I gather that lens to lens quality control and handling / wear and tear over the years will be more of a differentiator in terms of overall performance. Again if you have experience with this lens type, let me know if I'm off the mark with anything I've said here.

[WeaselX100]

The Flektogon has become somewhat of a GAS item for me, I'm curious about its performance which intrigues me from images I've seen online, but before I drop my cash, does anyone know of any concerns re the "electric" version of the Flektogon and my A7ii. I'd hate to do anything stupid by mounting this on my A7ii and electrically shorting something...? I've just ordered a couple of M42 adapters, no AF confirm on either of them, I shoot such primes, MF only, in Manual mode, so I can't foresee any issues re electrical contact, but just checking...

 

I understand the electric version, with the MC marking in red is the later variant, and that the latest lenses have the shorter lens numbers, odd, but that's what I've read. Tell me if you know otherwise.

 

I haven't yet committed to either variant yet, there doesn't seem to be a lot of cash difference b/w electric, auto, MC either red or not if the lens is in good nick. I gather that lens to lens quality control and handling / wear and tear over the years will be more of a differentiator in terms of overall performance. Again if you have experience with this lens type, let me know if I'm off the mark with anything I've said here.

 

 

I have an E version and a non E Version. They have both a red MC label. The E version distinguishes by the label 'electric' and the contact pins at the rear side.

 

From other Carl Zeiss Jena lenses I also have E-versions. I had no problems so far to use them on any adapter, beside that the E versions have small pins which get into mechanical contact with the adaptor and not the flange itself. Some adaptors have screws at the flange side, which might cause problems with the pins, but it never happened to me. I use cheap adaptors for below 15€ without any problems so far.

 

The electric function whatever it was is of no function with adapters. It is reported that the E versions are mechanically less reliable than the previous non E versions. I disassembled some of the lenses and there is lots of plastics in the E-Versions (from one Flek 20/2.8 I removed it without loss of function). However, the broken stop of my 35' Fleks is in the non E version ... they both are quite similar. So I guess the mechanical build quality of all Fleks 35/2.4 might be similar.

 

Some M42-Adaptors come with a plain washer beyond the thread which can be removed. This washer is only necessary if you have a lens without a switch for mechanical use - it presses the stop pin on the backside of the lens. Both my 35' Fleks have a switch for mechanical use, so pressing the stop pin is not necessary and the fleks work also without the washer. 

 

I you have the intention to buy more M42 lenses, you may consider a helicoid adapter. For the Flek 35 it is maybe not necessary, but I find it nevertheless very helpful. 'little bit more expensive, but than you have your macro rings always with you...

 

(sorry for my bad english ...)

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Thanks for all that, v much appreciate it. So I should have no concerns which version, electric doesn't come into it, I didn't think so. I'm actually looking at a couple of lenses on eBay at the moment neither of which are electric.

 

I Haven't ever ventured into helicoid adapters...Is this the sort you're referring to? Sorry if my questions seem ignorant, but I've never even done macro with tubes, I own a canon 100L, a hang over from my canon days, I find it pretty good for macro work and stills, but the manual focus throw is pretty ordinary which I guess is what a focussing helicoid on a proper MF lens is about. Is this the sort of thing...?

 

https://www.fotodioxpro.com/fotodiox-pro-lens-mount-adapter-m42-lens-macro-focusing-helicoid-16mm-to-30mm-for-carl-zeiss-pentax.html

 

As I understand it then, for my setup, a Sony a7ii with Metabones IV EF adapter onto which all my lenses currently adapt, all my lenses have hard mounted EF adapters (eg Leitax) so canon EF is my common mount and the Metabones adapter is very solid on my body.

 

I mount eg my Flektogon onto the helicoid adapter which would mount onto my M42 to EF adapter onto my Metabones on the body, this would provide an additional adjustable standoff between 16&30 mm, Like infinitely adjustable macro tubes. I get that this might not be necessary for the Flektogon with its already close focus distance. And I'm sure I could drop out an adapter in there if I went direct to Sony e mount rather than mount via the Metabones.

[Trad]

Found these on a Japanese website:   http://pakira3.sakura.ne.jp/wp/?p=499

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Perhaps any Japanese fluent members can look over the site and elaborate if/as necessary on the article.

 

 

 

[WeaselX100]

Thanks for all that, v much appreciate it. So I should have no concerns which version, electric doesn't come into it, I didn't think so. I'm actually looking at a couple of lenses on eBay at the moment neither of which are electric.

 

I Haven't ever ventured into helicoid adapters...Is this the sort you're referring to? Sorry if my questions seem ignorant, but I've never even done macro with tubes, I own a canon 100L, a hang over from my canon days, I find it pretty good for macro work and stills, but the manual focus throw is pretty ordinary which I guess is what a focussing helicoid on a proper MF lens is about. Is this the sort of thing...?

 

https://www.fotodioxpro.com/fotodiox-pro-lens-mount-adapter-m42-lens-macro-focusing-helicoid-16mm-to-30mm-for-carl-zeiss-pentax.html

 

As I understand it then, for my setup, a Sony a7ii with Metabones IV EF adapter onto which all my lenses currently adapt, all my lenses have hard mounted EF adapters (eg Leitax) so canon EF is my common mount and the Metabones adapter is very solid on my body.

 

I mount eg my Flektogon onto the helicoid adapter which would mount onto my M42 to EF adapter onto my Metabones on the body, this would provide an additional adjustable standoff between 16&30 mm, Like infinitely adjustable macro tubes. I get that this might not be necessary for the Flektogon with its already close focus distance. And I'm sure I could drop out an adapter in there if I went direct to Sony e mount rather than mount via the Metabones.

 

 

 

There is an helicoid adapter directly to Sony E-Mount from e.g. Quenox (got it from amazon, also available at enjoyyourcamera.com). You can us it all time and not only for macro shots, since it allows focussing at infinity. You may not use it with the Metabones adapter. However, as mentioned, you might not need it for the Flek 35/2.4, since this is already quite good for close shots. 

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Well I bit the bullet on what I hope is a good copy of the Flektogon, it's a later variant like Type 6 in pic above, now the wait for the adapters and the lens to arrive from the UK. I'll update the post once it's in and add a couple of pics.

 

I can't remember agonising over a purchase as much as I did on this one, even though in the big scheme of things it's a relatively inexpensive purchase at just on £150. I know some of you may baulk at that price, but that's what the market is like for vintage glass at the moment. Supply and demand....

And I know some readers will shake their head and say why not this or that lens, but I read a recent thread somewhere that described my motive in terms of equivalence to high end audio, ie the digital vs analogue thing. as he put it -

 

"The digital source is cleaner, more crisp and sharp and more technically correct, but it can also be very unforgiving of the source, lacks warmth and intimacy and can be very hard on your ears; it can almost sound brittle. The analogue front end is warm and engaging, easier to listen to and has lots more intimacy, even though it's not quite as well refined or detailed and there is some smearing in the detail. Interesting to use language like that to describe music reproduction because these are pretty much exactly the same adjectives we use in photography." In this case he was comparing the a Zeiss Planar as the analogue source and the sony FE 55 as the digital source. I get that...

[WeaselX100]

Well I bit the bullet on what I hope is a good copy of the Flektogon, it's a later variant like Type 6 in pic above, now the wait for the adapters and the lens to arrive from the UK. I'll update the post once it's in and add a couple of pics.

 

I can't remember agonising over a purchase as much as I did on this one, even though in the big scheme of things it's a relatively inexpensive purchase at just on £150. I know some of you may baulk at that price, but that's what the market is like for vintage glass at the moment. Supply and demand....

And I know some readers will shake their head and say why not this or that lens, but I read a recent thread somewhere that described my motive in terms of equivalence to high end audio, ie the digital vs analogue thing. as he put it -

 

"The digital source is cleaner, more crisp and sharp and more technically correct, but it can also be very unforgiving of the source, lacks warmth and intimacy and can be very hard on your ears; it can almost sound brittle. The analogue front end is warm and engaging, easier to listen to and has lots more intimacy, even though it's not quite as well refined or detailed and there is some smearing in the detail. Interesting to use language like that to describe music reproduction because these are pretty much exactly the same adjectives we use in photography." In this case he was comparing the a Zeiss Planar as the analogue source and the sony FE 55 as the digital source. I get that...

 

 

congrats!

 

(I did some more shots with my Flek, I guess it is type 2 althought not the export version). 

 

Do your share your pictures somewhere (flickr?)?

 

To the analog - digital analogy : I think the flek 35/2.4 is already clean and good :-) - try an aluminium Flek 35/2.8 or a Meyer Optik Görlitz-Lens...

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I just found where I got that analogy - it was from a post by geetee1972 in Sony full frame lenses.

 

Im looking forward to see how the Flektogon goes, as I said some of the images I saw online really caught my eye. There sure are some interesting M42 mount lenses, although I have been very happy with my Contax lenses.

 

Good idea re a Flickr account I will look into setting one up and add it to my signature or something.

[Gilgenberg]

i have lots of 35mm but the flektogon is not my favorite, for APS-C it is o.k

 

but not for fullframe exept as macro lens

 

corners are very week

 

my best 35mm are :

CV Nokton 35mm 1.2,

Leica Summicron 35mm 8 elements,

Minolta MD 35mm 2.8

cannon 35mm f2

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Thanks, I grabbed a flek, great looking lens, didn't realise how small they are, but had to return it as the focus action was not smooth across the range. so the flek is not for me, really enjoying CY 50 1.7 for a lot of my shooting