Rank: New Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 12/29/2009
Posts: 1
Points: 3
Location: Hong Kong
|
Interesting site which show how to modify your 5D camera. http://www.16-9.net/5d_mirrorshave/
5D MarkII Distagon 35mm f1.4 AEG Summilux-R 50mm
|
Rank: Administration
Groups: Administration
Joined: 1/31/2008
Posts: 193
Points: 676
Location: Dallas, Texas
|
Shaving the Canon 5D's mirror is quite do-able, but the process is evasive. If somebody wants to undo the process, a new mirror installed by Canon is ~$200 USD. Used Canon 5D's are ~$1200 USD depending on condition, etc. For alittle bit more money, the Canon 1-series has much fewer clearance issues than the 5D and 5D Mark II. Used 1Ds' are ~$1000 and used 1Ds Mark II's are ~$1900. Personally, I'd pick the Canon 1Ds Mark II. It's an excellent camera, meters better than a 5D, has weather sealing, 100% viewfinder, larger viewfinder, great auto focus - even in low light, and of course - more pixels. I used the 1Ds Mark II with a number of different Contax and Leica lenses.
Also, depending on which Contax optics one is aiming for, now there are the new Zeiss ZE lenses. These are updated versions of the Contax lenses - in a native Canon EOS mount with fully AUTOMATIC aperture, complete EXIF data, focus confirmation and ETTL-II compatibility. I own the 18 ZE, 21 ZE, 28/2 ZE and 50/2 Makro-Planar ZE. In the Contax line the 18mm Distagon and 28/2 Distagon are two known mirror bumpers. Today the solution is so easy, just buy the ZE versions. After buying the Contax lens, an EXIF enabled adapter, the Contax metal ring and metal hood, the price is difference isn't that much more for a new Zeiss lens with a two year factory warranty.
On the Leica side there is a company called Leitax who is offering a new adapter solution. I'm not sure if their adapters will change any clearance issues, but their adapter solutions look to be of a better design than the stand "made-in-China" $20 Ebay adapter.
For those interested in the Zeiss ZE lenses, my first review (the 28/2 ZE) was published several weeks ago -
I hope to add another review each for month for the next couple of months. It takes awhile to write these things 
|
