Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f2.8 (Part 1)

like a child with a new toy! I mounted my new lens to the (m42-to-AMount) adapter and is about to embarge on a journey involving a fifty years old lens.  The glass is a Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon in such a perfect condition that is is practically impossible to judge its age. It is masterly restored by Maziar Moarefi, and stands like a jewel with its bright chrome barrel (if you are interested in how then I think the best advice is “dont” this lens seems really complex and not a place to start). There is a luxury aura to it, which is making it painfully obvious that this is a gem that should be treasured for the next many years. The build quality of this piece of glass simply puts it in a league of it own. All metal and every moving part feels great. The aperture ring moves freely, and due to the brillant state of my edition it has very little resistance to it.

This version is known to have a really pleasing bokeh, I am ecstatic to see if I can produce some of the same results i see on the web with my edition. After all who does not love a very creamy, delicious bokeh. The accurate colour rendition of this lens, which many has come to know as the Carl Zeiss colour, should excel in the way that they should come out perfectly ‘real’ and gorgeous in an understated way. At the same time the contrast is known to be excellent.

Mechanically, this lens has a 9 aperture blades, which is preferable to the newer edition with only 6 blades. The blades are rounded and are superior to all, while allows the blade to resemble something that is closer to a perfect circle, giving the more perfect bokeh. The aperture goes from f/16 to f/2.8, smoothly, and without click stops. I guess that is something I need to get use to, as I am unconsciously counting the stops in order to know where in the aperture range I am. The focus is amazing, I tried it yesterday, very long walk on the dial, allowing for very accurate focus. The near limit allows this lens to be sharp from 0,36m (1,2ft) to Infinit.

It is difficult to describe the great experience this lens gives on my camera. There is little doubt that this is an absolutely stunning lens.  I hope you will follow my adventure with this lens…

Take me to Part Two

.. a few shoots from my garden…