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Jena was used to indicate the original East Germany factory. While I = haven't personal experience with Jena differentiated products, I have a = fairly strong bias against all products (not just photographic) made = behind the Iron Curtain. Nothing political, just an observation that =
 
Dave, What observation was that?

I have three medium format Zeiss Jena MC lenses for my Pentacon 6. They are great even without the T* coating, especially the 180mm f/2. Not as crisp as my C645 lenses, but very sharp with good contrast. I just got an adaptor for the these lenses so that I can use them in my C645 and ND.

Albert.
 
| Just my observation that the quality of manufactured goods coming out of Communist bloc countries post-WWII appeared to be generally poor. I am old enough (in my 60's) to have had first hand experience with a number of different products those same countries produced prior to Commmunist takeover. That general observation has always led me to avoid anything manufactured in that part of the world, be they light bulbs, pocket knives or photographic equipment. My prejudice may be totally unwarranted in the case of the Zeiss Jena lenses.
 
Dave, your observation is true. One has to pay attention to buy gears made from Communist bloc countries. For Jena glasses, always look for a reputable (eBay) sellers and late models with CLA always worth the extra bucks.

For those that are interested in Jena Zeiss gears. The Jena Zeiss lenses (that I have used) are very well built. Pretty much all metal, real glasses with MC, very smooth focusing and aperture ring, and come with a real leather case. You can hardly found any gear that well built in today's market for about $300 each. A cheap way to get into medium format. I have no experience with Jena 35mm lenses.

Saras, Jena does not have the same quality as a "modern" Carl Zeiss T* Lenses. But they are better than a lot of other lenses IMO.

Albert.
 
Hi Saras,
Sorry it's taken me so long to reply but we have been on holiday in the Algarve and have just got back. I haven't used the Ilford fast film for yonks and haven't tried the Kodak yet. If you do have a go with it, please could you let me know what you think since I haven't tried it.
I used to have an adapter for M42 to C/Y which I used on a Carl Zeiss Jena 135 f3.5. I sillily sold the lens and the adapter but I liked the lens and may look for another if the prices haven't gone up too much over the years. Mine was very cheap. It was a good contrasty lens and I think it had a built in lens hood. the only downside was that you had to remember to stop down after focusing to the taking apperture and it was only to easy to forget which could result in overexposure.
I expect that SRB (http://www.srbfilm.co.uk/index1.html) can provide an adapter if they are not available as standard from someone like Jessops.
Cheers,
John
 
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