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Zeiss 25mm f2.8 Distagon discontinued

G

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In anticipation of the Contax sales days this week (June 6, 7 & 8), I called Adorama and B&H in New York to see if they had this manual focus lens in stock. They both said that it was discontinued! What does this mean? Is this an indicator that Contax/Kyocera is in the process of phasing out manual focus lenses and cameras? Is this happening with other lenses in the manual focus line? A couple of weeks ago someone on another camera user group reported that Contax was planning to phase out its manual camera and lens line -- have others heard this rumor?
 
Hi Dennis,

the only thing I heard is, that as long as there is enough demand for manual focus, the lenses and bodies will be also produced in the future. But there will be no new lens design or body for the manual focus system.

The future is and will be the N-system. If you look at it closely, Contax seems to have made already in the late 90s the decision to go for three new different camera-system all with one new lens mount. This is the Medium Format 645, The analog N1/Nx and the N-digital.

I could imagine that as soon as the demand drops more over the time for the manual focus system, one lens/body after the other is fading out. As long as there are still items in stock, you can buy it still new.

The market is not big enough for Contax, to offer a self-competing 135 system on the market. The ability of using manual focus also with the N-system is therefore excellent made.

Contax has so many choices for the consumer. More then 3x as i.e. Leica.

You can also have a look in the folder "which Contax system for your needs", to get a better comparison.

dirk
 
Can you tell me more about this Contax SALES this week (June 6-8 ?) Personally I am planning to get a T3, being convinced from reading the review in the June issue of Amateur Photography. Thanks !
 
happy.gif
It is easier to answer this in the specific folders in this Forum...

The sales from June 6-8 seems to be restricted to the US only. In Germany we have different dates with each Contax shop.

You can look in the "events" folder to get more detailed information or go to the Contax US webpage.

For a detailed review of the T3 you can have a look to my review in the Contax Camera folder.

Unfortunately, I have not read yet the article in AP, but even if it is positive for Contax, I would be always cautious with reviews and try to test the camera yourself before buying it...

See for this my comments of different tests of Contax N system.

Nevertheless I like my T3 a lot
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dirk
 
Bill,
Yes, Dirk is correct. The sales days were announced by Contax USA. Their website indicates the dealers who participate. As I understand it, some excellent dealers ship internationally but I'm not sure whether the costs of shipping and any import duties would offset the 10% savings. I can, however, recommend B & H Photo and Video in New York. They offer the best prices and the best service (they have an excellent website).
Dennis
 
Dirk,
Thanks for your comments regarding my original message. I am intrigued by your statement that
"The ability of using manual focus also with the N-system is therefore excellent made." I was not aware that the manual focus lenses could be used with the new Contax autofocus cameras. Would you explain this? Is a special adapter or are modifications to the manual focus lenses necessary? Thanks in advance for your response.
Dennis
 
Sorry, this was a misunderstanding. There is no possibility to connect the lenses of the old C/Y mount on the new N-mount.

What I meant with "using manual focus in an excellent way" was just the handling of the new N-lenses in the manual focus mode. With the dual focus mechanism, it is extremely comfortable to switch between AF and MF. Also the way how much you have to turn the N-lens and with how much effort to focus manually is designed perfectly.

You do not have this kind of wabbling feeling what you might have experienced with other AF brands while using it in manual focus mode. Just try it at your photo-store.

dirk
 
the news(or rumour) about the new RX model is a delight. it might mean another lease of life for manual contax cameras..for now..and maybe they cant deny that their existence was borne of that aging quality metals..new glass coating technology created those auto n-lenses, why not do it with manual? imagine new T** lenses..just a wish. btw, nice site dirk.
 
I think everybody hopes this, but in the moment I do see only announcements of discontinuation and not of new C/Y lenses
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the 25/2.8 and the 35-70 is running out. I do not mind for the 35-70, but the 25 is a very important lens for me.

Hopefully Zeiss is bringing the N24-85 also with a C/Y mount. This would be a homerun!

dirk
 
Dirk, I agree that a 24-85 CY mount would be terrific. Do you have any information about the possibility of such a lens?
 
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