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Manual Focus Lenses

Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed forum threads packed with images.

Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed forum threads packed with images.

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Carl Zeiss Jena Olympic Sonnar 180mm f/2.8 Lens Review

09/09/2006
The legendary ‘Olympic’ Sonnar designed for Olympics game in 1936 Berlin.In shortly OUTSTANDING quality.

Lens


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Fact Sheet


Vendor name
Carl Zeiss Jena
Type
Sonnar "Olympic"
Product year
1936-1951

Focal Min(mm)
180
Focal Max(mm)
180
Focus Min(cm)
N/A

Aperture Max
2.8
Aperture Min.
22
Barrel length(mm)
N/A

Elements In Group
5 in 4 groups
Diaphragm action
pre-set
Weight (g)
1365

Filter Size (mm)
86
Push on diameter (mm)
N/A
Angular field
N/A

4 Comments

  1. I have the late MC version of the 2.8/180mm CZJ Sonnar. It is a wonderful lens. Great for portraits. I have an adapter to use it on a m42 35mm camera. I use it on my 35mm camera for sports. It is one of the sharpest lenses I own. The results are very fine.

    I recommend the lens and give it five stars.
    Dale

    The lens I have is the very latest model of the CJZ 180 sonnar: all black MC with the switch on back. It is in immaculate condition.

    Simply put, it is one of the finest lenses I have ever owned. It is mechanically excellent, and images from it are beautiful. The price is incredibly low. The bokeh is beautiful, the image is very sharp, and the lens is fast. What more could you ask for? Perhaps a little less weight, but you can’t have everything.

    Arvin

    I’ve got to jump in and join those who are gushing about their Sonnars! I’ve been using my zebra sonnar to shoot mostly glamor and fashion photos of my favorite model (my wife), in various locales.

    When the camera is held steady, the images are as sharp as I’ve seen anywhere. The bokeh is very pleasing as well. The downside is, of course the weight of the lens, but I think that if I could only bring two lenses for my K60 or K88cm, I’d bring the 80mm Arsat and the 180 Sonar.

    Great lens!!!!!

    Guy Clark

    I STILL HAVE TO FIND A LENS THAT WILL SURPASS THE QUALITY OF IMAGES PRODUCED WITH MC Sonnar 180/2.8 LENS IN any MF SYSTEM.

    Best regards to Rick and all former and future voters/users of Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f2.8 MC!

    -Dr. Adam R. Bujak

    I have two pieces Olympic Sonnar both are produce OUTSTANDING quality pictures, I love them very much works so perfect on Nikon D50 body. Not too heavy, but sure need to keep the lens in hand. Generally any Sonnar variant get very positive feedback from users.

  2. i have an old lens from my dad late 50’s and us it for sports photos (football/basketball) love it both on film and on DSLR. i keep it in my bag at least 75% of the time. on draw back is it weight.

  3. Just got one of these legendary lenses. It has a M42 adapter on it for Practica. I’m having hard time replacing that adapter with the Nikon one, not really sure if I’m doing it right. Sure, the lens has never been used without the adapter for the last maybe 25-30 years. It has a small screw on the adapter ring right beneath the aperture reset button and nothing else in sigth to prevent removing it. Don’t want to ruin the lens by forcing the adapter out.

    Any idea how to do this correct?

    1. It is a Pentacon Six adapter need to rotate about 1 cm an pull out. I don’t remember for direction.

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