Anyone using a Carl Zeiss Cp.2 lens on their AF101

Sparky874

Well-known member
Hello all. I am looking into the option of picking up a Carl Zeiss CP.2 for a very good price. I currently have a selection of lenses but though the Zeiss CP.2 50mm would be a great companion to my much loved and used Voightlander 25mm. I only have the funds for one CP.2 lens for the moment, but feel the 50mm (with the AF101 mount) would be a nice choice. Is anyone out there using a CP.2 lens with the 101's and how are you getting on with them? I have read amazing things about the lenses performance, and would love to think the extra money paid off in picture quality. Certainly the build and operational benefits look amazing - and it is a lens which I am sure would hold its value. Let me know what you think.
Thanks again in advance, Sparky
 
I've got a complete set of ZF.1's and CP.1's that I use with my AF100. For the CP's you're paying for the build quality and operational benefits. There is practically no difference in imaging quality between the ZF's and the CP's.
 
That's very interesting, thanks Barry. The deal was a very good one on CP.2, but I might be better off buying a couple of ZF's. Hope you're keeping well. Sparky
 
Hey fella, where's that CP2 coming from? If you're not getting it then I'm interested - I've got a ZF 50mm f2 available as well if you're interested. Hope the fishing's good!
 
You mentioned owning a variety of lenses so maybe this isn't an issue, but be aware ZFs focus the opposite direction of the Nokton, & cine lenses. I have a box of Nikkors that sit unused for this specific reason.

A reversing follow focus can remedy this, but I don't always use one.
 
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i was sorta in the same boat, could only afford one prime. I got a RPZ 17-50 after many good reviews on it. I am still waiting for it to arrive, so I will know when it comes how good the money was spent. I will be using it as a variable prime until i can afford a good prime kit. even then, i think i would keep it cause it is handy most times to just take one lens out for the day. an option that may suit you.
 
I would wonder more about the operational differences every time you switch from a PL back to still lenses. There's something to be said for having everything work the same (even if they don't work quite as well as a proper cine lens).
 
Hey fella, where's that CP2 coming from? If you're not getting it then I'm interested - I've got a ZF 50mm f2 available as well if you're interested. Hope the fishing's good!

Hi Tom, how are you keeping? Bought the lens this morning, with the 4/3 mount on it - perfect! A little expensive, and wasn't really needed - but it was such a good deal on it - and I guess it is one lens if looked after well, will hold its value. Not doing the fishing show anymore if that's what you meant! You probably made a cool comment that's gone straight over my head! Sparky
 
Is there anyway to put a ZF.2 lens on a PL Mount camera? Obviously it would need to be a EF or F Mount to PL adapter; but do they even exist?
 
andrew, head over to the RED forums, there is a possible solution by a company called allstar. I do not know anything about the product, but saw it in passing. I was looking into this sort of thing before i went to PL lenses, but Matt at duclos gave me a great in depth response, which basically meant the nikons cannot be converted to PL, or if they were to somehow, the price would not be worth it. there is a lot of calculations to be considered which is why i dont think such a conversion exists. as with these adapters, the price may not be worth it if you have many lenses. either way, check it out, i switched my kit to PL and am happy i did.

http://reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?31890-Allstar-still-camera-lense-to-PL-style-mount
 
I'm using a set of CP.1 Zeiss lenses and I'll tell you, I love them for narrative work. MUCH better than anything I've used. BUT, if I was going run and gun/documentary handheld, I would prefer a smaller lens. Also, Having such a long focus throw is great in a situation that is predictable, but when you're trying to catch focus on someone moving around, say for a basketball game, you'd want a short throw, and a smaller lens for handholding. Just my 2 cents.....
 
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