CONTAX 35mm F2.8 DISTAGON
Adapter and fit feedback
www.pebbleplace.com/Personal/Contax_db.html

This thread is for ongoing discussions and experiences regarding the 35mm F2.8 Distagon on the Canon dSLRs such as the 40D, 1D Mark III, 1Ds Mark III, Digital Rebels and all other Canon dSLRs. If adding an entry about a lens & adapter, please include:

1) Whether the lens is a AE or MM
2) Whether the lens is made in Germany or Japan
3) Which adapter you are using
4) If the lens works properly at its minimum focus distance and at infinity

NOTE - THIS THREAD IS FOR THE F2.8 VERSION - NOT THE F1.4 OR F2.8 PC.

One user's comments (FM Thread) ---

Quote:

My Distagon 35/2.8 was IFFY on my 5D. It would hang up the mirror on its downward return to shooting position. A partial rotation of the lens in dismount direction would free the mirror, and it would then drop fully down on its own. I trimmed the aperture lever shield tab last week, and now there is no interference at all.

Note to everyone else - James is using the "Pro" version of the Fotodiox adapter, not the general or consumer grade. When buying off of Ebay, make sure you're buying the "Pro" version.

Thanks James

My happypagehk AF-confirm adapter seems to work just fine on the 35/2.8 Distagon with the 5D. No mirror issues, infinity focus, etc. So far, so good.

One problem, though...this is my first Contax lens to use on the 5D. I just received a 35-70 Vario-Sonnar MM and want to try the same adapter with it but can't seem to remove it from the Distagon. Any trick to getting these adapters off without causing any damage to the lens?

UPDATE: I managed to swap the happypagehk adapter from the 35/2.8 Distagon to the 35-70VS/3.4 MM and can confirm that this adapter works just fine with the 35-70. Infinity focus is right on the money, and no mirror issues to contend with (at least with my 5D). Naturally, YMMV.

Yes, the lens was bought used...came with the two caps, 67/86 ring, hood, and original box. Looks like it was very well cared for. As far as macro goes, I did give it a try...everything there seems a-ok too. I'm just amazed at how sharp it is across the frame. I may compare it to my Canon 28-70L to see how it fares. So far, I'm more than pleased with it.

tested a 35mm/2.8 Distagon AE (Japan) with a Fotodiox Pro Adapter on a 5DmkII

for one, the adapter tension spring doesn't lock and with a bit more effort I can twist the lens off the mount...i could've received a poorly manufactured variant.

two, the aperture lever just barely catches the mirror after a shot....which disables the aperture ring of the lens. i'm almost certain that if I take a file to it the problem will resolve itself.

what's the best practice in performing this? what do you use to cover the lens? thanks.

btw, I have a 50/1.4 arriving next week to test.