Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135/3,5 MC for M42 {} (E-P1, iso200, 1/60s, f3,5 @ min focus distance ~3') {} (E-P1, iso200, 1/125s, f3,5 @ 20')
A few from the Cotswold Wildlife Park {} {} {} {} {} {} No PP. All these were taken on apeture priority, ƒ3.5, Auto ISO (200-640), using an E-P1 and manual focus on the LCD. While this did result in a few misses, it was not an impossible situation. Had the subjects been moving rapidly it would have been impractical, but as it was, it was a relaxed photographic expereince, with time to frame, and focus. Telephoto is not my usual "thing", so this lens rarely gets used, and had almost been earmarked for sale - I now doubt that I will part with it; any softness is my fault, this lens really bites. Colour reproduction is excellent, fur and plumage look full and natural. Perhaps due to the relatively simple sonnar formula. A great lens.
I picked up one of these recently for very little, and I think there are few lenses that offer better value: All hand-held on a GM1: Minor processing on these two: {} {} Just a resize - unsharpened and handheld {} And just for a bit of fun - 100% crop from the RAW file - unsharpened handheld shot - not bad detail for a lens that's around 30 years old and based on a pre WWII design... I suspect used on a tripod with more care to focusing it would be better still: {}
I assume M42 adapters are all the same length to ensure focus at infinity - it's roughly 1" deep - don't forget the GM1 is a very small camera. The lens itself is quite compact for a 135, but quite weighty 15oz ish. The lens was produced for decades so there are plenty of versions floating around. The later MC denoted ons have the best micro-contrast, but the older ones are still good performers.
