Zeiss Ikon Contaflex III (1956 !) lens to NEX MOD

Still writing this article... keep connected

Price Paid 2017 -->  15 euros for the CONTAFLEX III - 15 euros per lens 35mm - 85mm - 115mm

First I would never have done this mode without inspiration, so here are they :

Leo Roos
https://www.flickr.com/photos/leo_roos/8678128297/in/photostream/

Emile
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ney001/7988594172/in/album-72157631095276026/

Chan
http://oldlens.1gb.hk/?p=800

Makino
https://spiral-m42.blogspot.fr/2016/08/

Why I decide to make this mod ?
Because lenses are very cheap, and I saw samples test before and I found them astomishing, see by yourself :
http://www.ecpz.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=21936
http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1185485
http://www.dchome.net/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=1110779%20T




Then because I could not found a step by step tutorial, only glimpse of informations.  
The problem, you found many lenses with element separation, this is not a big problem, this is purelly aesthetic, there is little to no impact on the final image.






This MOD is for Zeiss Ikon Contaflex III and IV, other model are possible but outer lens diameter are different so you will have to figure out how to do it.

Contaflex super I think vs contaflex III - Back view different diameter




Contaflex IV




The rear lens element is bond to the camera, we need to remove it.




Disassembling is easy, just unscrew all what you see



















The MOD



1. Lens
2. 55mm female - 52mm male
3. Helicoid  M52 female - M42 male 17-31mm focusing ring
4. Slim M42 to NEX



SHUTTER DISABLE
No need to open the lens there is a simple way to do it.
Just glue the shutter gear, cut it when it is permanently bond.






Turn the gear to activate the shutter, realease while holding it.
Once you ear the clic sound from the shutter, still hold the gear
go back a little, stop when you see the aperture blade (f8 is best) barely move.

Hold until it is bond. trust me, this is a permanent bond very very strong, I glue broken tripod with Penlock GTI, it is so so strong...

You can decide to cut the gear, or not, I didn't cut it, I may paint it in black.







Trim the inside thread of the 55mm part, you only need a blade cutter
it will perfectly match the outer diameter of the lens.





Then screw to Helicoid, adjust, triple check, cement, enjoy.



WHEW, Final assy Awesome, smooth focus, with that helicoid.


Sony A7 - Contaflex with Carl Zeiss Tessar 50mm 2.8













Carl Zeiss Tessar 50mm 2.8 - @ F11 






Carl Zeiss Tessar 50mm 2.8 - @ F4
Minimum focusing distance, around 28cm - 11"








MORE SAMPLE IMAGES WILL ARRIVED





SAMPLES SHOTS 35MM
 

Sony A7


What to say, for its age,this is not a stellar lens, but this is unique design, and it has it's own strenght, like unique color rendition.

For me it is a real pleasure to shoot with this lens.




SAMPLE 1 - f4








SAMPLE 2 - f4








SAMPLE 3












SAMPLE 4 - 640 ISO









SAMPLE 5

 

 




SAMPLE 6 - f2.8
 

 




SAMPLE 7 - Corners are poor, but who cares ? Maybe it is assembly issue















SAMPLE 8








SAMPLE 9









EXTRA SHOTS