Zeiss Biometar Lenses

N

nsoltz

Veteran
Has anyone had any direct experience with classic Zeiss Jena Biometar glass? An eBay vendor has Biometar glass in 80, 120 and 180 mm remounted to PL mount for some very reasonable prices.

I just know from the general historical perspective that this is East German glass made into the 1960's, the more recent lenses being MC (the 80's that this vendor has are MC). Many were in Praktika mounts for those great old medium format cameras.

Again, I know the historical data but have never shot with them.

Ned Soltz
 
I have ZERO experience with them, but I am in the market for a nice lens in the 200mm range myself. Funny I found a 200mm F2.8 Canon FD lens modified to Nikon but not sure I want to mix up all my glass like that.
 
That's a pretty good price. Would you consider a Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 for slightly more? That's the other lens I've been debating against 200mm. Would be nice to have the zoom range.
 
Star, take a look at the Nikkor/Century 200/f2. I own one and it's BRILLIANTLY AWESOME! (it's in another stratosphere compared to 70-200, 80-200, etc.).
(I suppose you could go with the even newer 200/f2 if you have a mount)

Tack-sharp, full additional stop, and a dreamy/awesome bokeh due to the 16-blade iris (if my count is right--it had so many I had trouble counting).
I always announce to my team, when getting that lens out, "Let the magic begin..." :kali:
 
I've never had a fixed length lens that was that long, only zooms.

Since framing the picture with a fixed length lens is dependent on the placement of the camera, doesn't it sometimes become troublesome trying to find the spot to place the camera to get the framing that you want? (I can imagine backing up into traffic or a fence being in the way and that sort of thing, which has actually happened even with a zoom.)
 
Bill those are interesting tests, thanks for sharing.

Yes I need to expand the longer focal lengths of my lens set, and could really stand to acquire both a 135mm & 200mm. I would love F2 versions of these, but for way less money I can just as well get a 80-200 F2.8 and as Duke mentioned not get stuck having to be at very specific camera placements.

I wonder if I should be looking at a RED zoom and call it a day.
 
Star,

I'd go the Nikon route. Definitely sharper, better contrast and flare suppression.
However, better mechanics on the RPZ.
Neither is parfocal in my experience.
 
Duke M. said:
...I can imagine backing up into traffic...
Click to expand...

What you've never been hit by cars trying to get your shot?

:D

bill totolo said:
Star,

I'd go the Nikon route. Definitely sharper, better contrast and flare suppression.
However, better mechanics on the RPZ.
Neither is parfocal in my experience.
Click to expand...

I saw some really nice Nikon 135mm F2 for sale recently. I have everything up to 105mm already but really want a 135 and 200 and don't want to settle for F2.8.
 
Since I started the thread, I'll jump back in. I need an interview lens in the 80-85mm range and was pondering either the classic Biometar from that eBay seller in Kiev or waiting for the Rokinon cine. Sometimes there is just something to old classic glass..

Bill, in the light of your use and Vimeo test shoot, what's your opinion?

Thanks

Ned
 
Ned sorry for the hijack, but one question for you; would your entire set be Biometar or would you be mixing glass, and if so would you have any concerns mixing them?
 
I have own the first Nikon auto focus 80-200mm f2,8 push pull for like 20 years. It shows a lot of dust inside and still extremely sharp at f2,8.
 
I have specific interview projects in mind for whatever 80-85mm prime I would settle upon. So I would use only one lens just with dollying and shifting camera position. Since the project involves life stories of older adults, I'm looking for a warm, vintage look. In the Nikon mount side, I have a Sigma 50-150, which is the lens that Red rehoused for their 50-150. Pretty sharp and delivers nice image.

Ned
 
I am using 85mm F1.4 (nikon) and I was so lucky to pick it up for around $500. It is battered, weathered and looks like @#^% on the outside, but what a beautiful lens indeed. Probably my favourite from my whole set and most used.

Well best of luck on your purchase and project, be sure to post some frames.
 
If you want soft and warm, I'd use Schneider classic-softs to control the sharpness. Then warm it up by dimming/gelling the lighting and the color temp in camera.

If budget were no issue I'd say rent some Zeiss super speeds or Cooke S4's.
 
Thanks, Bill. I was not impressed from the Vimeo clips but wanted your verification. Budget on project depends upon what I can raise (familiar story).

Appreciate your help!

Ned
 
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