CZJ Sonnar 180mm f2.8 Portrait

CZ Jena Sonnar 180mm f2.8, a photo by MatthewOsbornePhotography_ on Flickr.

I was using the Nikon D800 for most of the studio shoot with model Alex so I dug out my Carl Zeiss Jena (“CZJ”) Sonnar 180mm f2.8 lens to have a play with.

I bought the Sonnar originally to use on my ARAX-CM medium format 6×6 film camera. Due to the larger medium format film sensor the Sonnar 180mm is the equalent of approximately 92mm f1.4 on a 35mm camera so it can give some really nice shallow DOF shots.

Here are a few film samples – http://www.flickr.com/photos/32681588@N03/sets/72157632402457388/

I know it is known to be a nice lens for film but it just cannot compete with the Nikkor 200mm f2 AI-s in terms of resolution wide open or stopped down on the D800. The result of this effect has given this D800 photo a more vintage look straight from camera which is quite nice.

I plan to do some more 120 film photography with it when I get chance.

In terms of shallow DOF medium format film camera lenses the Contax 645 CZ Planar 80mm f2 equates to 46mm f1.2 in 35mm sensor terms and the Mamiya RZ67 110mm f2.8 Sekor lens is equal to 52mm f1.3.

If anyone wants to sell me their Konica Hexanon 60mm f1.2 for my Leica M9 I would be very grateful!

MatthewOsbornePhotography.co.uk