I have an identical model, but silver, and I am blown away by how smoothly it operates and by how well-built it is. The small size definitely takes a little time to get used to (it is the definition of compact). One of my favorites and I don't expect I'll ever part with it.
I own the Biotar with an Exkata mount and the M42 red diamond version as well as several Helios lenses and I must say that the Exkata mount version is very sharp. It has such a unique look that the photos instantly stand out. A top 10 lens for sure.
Great review as usual. I bought the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f2 last year, 17 blade version. I was surprised with the size. It's a good lens over all and great pieces of history
I love my Exakta version. My friend cleaned up some minor haze and it is so lovely. Colors are decent, but in black and white for street photography it really has a special magic.
Hello, I have 1956 Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 2/58, MFD=0.5m, 12 blades, spring loaded apreture preselection silver, Exakta mount and I like it very, very much! I have two Helioses 2/58 also: 44, 12 blades, black, M42 mount, and 44M-4, 6 blades, black, M42 mount. Both my Helioses are really great lenses but I prefer my Biotar. I use them all with film cameras ❗ Regards 😁
I love my copy which came on a Contax S, and shooting the two together is an immersive experience. I also use it on a Praktica MTL 3 which is a lot quicker to use. I've not tried it with colour film yet, but my monochrome results are very pleasing. My only reservation is that at 58mm it's more like a short telephoto, and I prefer 45-50 mm as a standard lens.
Thank you for another very interesting and entertaining video. I have one of these lenses and really enjoy the size, build and feel of this lense -- the mesmerizing 17 aperture blade movement stands out -- and enjoy the color rendition of the lens, at least outside of bright sunlight, and other renderings. As for an upcoming video, I would be interested to hear about your feelings about what I perceive to be your three digital cameras, the K-1, a Sony A7 of some time, and the Sony a6600 (I believe), if you're so inclined. Thanks again!
Beautiful video, Simon. Loved the purple/white plant photo at 11:06. I do not yet have a Biotar, but videos like these keep me lusting after one of these iconic pieces of film era history. Keep up the great work!
You're reading my mind with this review. I've recently been shopping for this lens after seeing the same amazing photo by Adolfo Rozenfeld. He and I have messaged about it a few times. Thank you for such a nice review...I've come to love your critiques. Cheers!
My 1959 Biotar seems to be a different thing all together, it's the silver design with the spring preset aperture. Much sharper and more pronounced swirl, rather similar results to my kmz 44-2.
I've been after one of these for a while, but alas my budget can't justify it. I have the Helios 44-2 of course, so I don't NEED this, but I do still lust over the thing.
How does this compare with later CZJ Biotars, in your opinion? I have a later Exakta mount version, and find it to be quite lovely, and consistently preferable to my Helios, especially in matters of contrast and color saturation. It doesn't have the nice brass lens body, compact size, or the 17 blades, but it's a gem to use (especially at Christmas, with so many scenes with background lights. As for the long MFD, 0.9m is actually quite typical for other 50s of that lens's time, as most were made for the still dominant Leica Barnack, or Contax systems, none of which had any shorter MFD without using some sort of reflex extension. A 0.9m MFD, for your vintage, would therefore be entirely typical.
Many thanks for this and your feedback on the MFD. I've not tried the later CZJ Biotar's - I need too...or more accurately, I'd like to! The main "thing" that's stopping me is my Exakta mount Pancolar 50mm f2, a lens that I suspect is not as sharp as the Biotar, but it has lovely dreamy bokeh.
Many thanks. No I've not tried the Industar personally, but I've been on photography groups where people have used the lens, shared images and they've enjoyed using it. Very cute size, a good performer apparently (sharp stopped down), and not too expensive.
Thankyou for an excellent review Simon, judging by some of the comments, it does seem as if Exakta versions of a particular optic, seem to be, in some way, superior?.
I hope not! (:-) Because I recently lost out on an on-line bid for a very early Exakta camera with a Biotar 58mm f2. I wanted to find out for myself what the earliest Exakta version is like, and I bid what I thought would be a reasonable (and winning) amount. But lost by a lot! Win some...lose some...
@@Simonsutak I think one has to accept that Exakta prices are rising, and that this trend is going to continue, now that there are apparently some good adaptors available to use Exakta lenses on digital cameras. I do not own a digital camera, but I am pleased that Exaktas are, at last, getting the recognition they deserve.
I have heard this same story about the Russians stealing designs and equipment. When it comes to optical designs the patents were voided as war reparations and thus anyone could make lenses with German optical formulas. The Japanese made copies as well and probably others. When it comes to the equipment, East Germany joined the Soviet Union and that's where the Jena factory was located. It the equipment was stolen or just became part of the Soviet Union is unclear.
Another fantastic video. I love shooting with vintage glass. The character they have makes taking photos so much more interesting.
I have an identical model, but silver, and I am blown away by how smoothly it operates and by how well-built it is. The small size definitely takes a little time to get used to (it is the definition of compact). One of my favorites and I don't expect I'll ever part with it.
Same to me.
I own the Biotar with an Exkata mount and the M42 red diamond version as well as several Helios lenses and I must say that the Exkata mount version is very sharp. It has such a unique look that the photos instantly stand out. A top 10 lens for sure.
Great review as usual. I bought the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f2 last year, 17 blade version. I was surprised with the size. It's a good lens over all and great pieces of history
I love my Exakta version. My friend cleaned up some minor haze and it is so lovely. Colors are decent, but in black and white for street photography it really has a special magic.
I 2nd this. That Exkata version is special.
Quite simply a knowledgeable and entertaining review. Thank you.
I have a couple of vintage Jena lenses and I’m constantly amazed at how sharp they are
Hello, I have 1956 Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 2/58, MFD=0.5m, 12 blades, spring loaded apreture preselection silver, Exakta mount and I like it very, very much! I have two Helioses 2/58 also: 44, 12 blades, black, M42 mount, and 44M-4, 6 blades, black, M42 mount. Both my Helioses are really great lenses but I prefer my Biotar. I use them all with film cameras ❗
Regards 😁
Many thanks for this feedback on your experiences with the Exakta mount version.
That was lovely to see a video of how that lens works in motion! Thank you Simon. Another amazing video
Many thanks!
Thanks for such a great review, some beautiful shots in there! This lens is magic, I hope to own one some day!
I love my copy which came on a Contax S, and shooting the two together is an immersive experience. I also use it on a Praktica MTL 3 which is a lot quicker to use. I've not tried it with colour film yet, but my monochrome results are very pleasing. My only reservation is that at 58mm it's more like a short telephoto, and I prefer 45-50 mm as a standard lens.
Thank you for another very interesting and entertaining video. I have one of these lenses and really enjoy the size, build and feel of this lense -- the mesmerizing 17 aperture blade movement stands out -- and enjoy the color rendition of the lens, at least outside of bright sunlight, and other renderings. As for an upcoming video, I would be interested to hear about your feelings about what I perceive to be your three digital cameras, the K-1, a Sony A7 of some time, and the Sony a6600 (I believe), if you're so inclined. Thanks again!
Beautiful video, Simon. Loved the purple/white plant photo at 11:06. I do not yet have a Biotar, but videos like these keep me lusting after one of these iconic pieces of film era history. Keep up the great work!
Hi! It's so good to hear from you. Hope all is well.
Great review as usual. Thank you.
Great roundup of this Zeiss-Gem. Furthermore to mention is the brass body of your version. Later ones are all aluminum.
Have the chrome early Helios M42 , Love that lens.
You're reading my mind with this review. I've recently been shopping for this lens after seeing the same amazing photo by Adolfo Rozenfeld. He and I have messaged about it a few times. Thank you for such a nice review...I've come to love your critiques. Cheers!
I've got an early #000 Helios f/22 which I'm using to try to achieve his contrast work. What are your thoughts on the comparison of these two?
Many thanks for your sharing!
Thanks for this!
My 1959 Biotar seems to be a different thing all together, it's the silver design with the spring preset aperture. Much sharper and more pronounced swirl, rather similar results to my kmz 44-2.
Simon! Did you hear Meyer Optik Gorlitz revived the lens? They just made a Biotar 58mm II F1.5
Thank you - I'll take a look.
I've been after one of these for a while, but alas my budget can't justify it. I have the Helios 44-2 of course, so I don't NEED this, but I do still lust over the thing.
I've bought two of these lenses in the last year. I paid $90 for the Exkata version and $20 for the M42 version.
@@steven1811 That's a steal. Where did you find them for such price?
@@terrylyn I found it at an estate sale. The camera was beat to hell, but the lens was in excellent condition.
Ñaama, ñaaama! Well done, I'll see what I can do to obtain this :)
How does this compare with later CZJ Biotars, in your opinion? I have a later Exakta mount version, and find it to be quite lovely, and consistently preferable to my Helios, especially in matters of contrast and color saturation. It doesn't have the nice brass lens body, compact size, or the 17 blades, but it's a gem to use (especially at Christmas, with so many scenes with background lights. As for the long MFD, 0.9m is actually quite typical for other 50s of that lens's time, as most were made for the still dominant Leica Barnack, or Contax systems, none of which had any shorter MFD without using some sort of reflex extension. A 0.9m MFD, for your vintage, would therefore be entirely typical.
Many thanks for this and your feedback on the MFD. I've not tried the later CZJ Biotar's - I need too...or more accurately, I'd like to! The main "thing" that's stopping me is my Exakta mount Pancolar 50mm f2, a lens that I suspect is not as sharp as the Biotar, but it has lovely dreamy bokeh.
i have a 8 blade version and i like it because it's sharper than my Helios 44 copy.
Simon have you tried the industar 50-2? what are your thoughts about it?
Love your videos
Many thanks. No I've not tried the Industar personally, but I've been on photography groups where people have used the lens, shared images and they've enjoyed using it. Very cute size, a good performer apparently (sharp stopped down), and not too expensive.
Thankyou for an excellent review Simon, judging by some of the comments, it does seem as if Exakta versions of a particular optic, seem to be, in some way, superior?.
I hope not! (:-) Because I recently lost out on an on-line bid for a very early Exakta camera with a Biotar 58mm f2. I wanted to find out for myself what the earliest Exakta version is like, and I bid what I thought would be a reasonable (and winning) amount. But lost by a lot! Win some...lose some...
@@Simonsutak I think one has to accept that Exakta prices are rising, and that this trend is going to continue, now that there are apparently some good adaptors available to use Exakta lenses on digital cameras. I do not own a digital camera, but I am pleased that Exaktas are, at last, getting the recognition they deserve.
wonder if the later pancolars swirl to a greater degree than the biotar. my 50/2 pancolar swirls a lot!
I don't know, but my 50/2 Pancolar (Exakta mount) swirls a lot too!
Does your Helios 44 have bubbles?
I've just looked at my early silver 44, and no, there are no noticeable bubbles..
@@Simonsutak I have a few
I have 44-2 and 44-M also no bubbles.
I'll keep my 13 blade 44, as far as I can see the Biotar isn't worth the extra 💰
I have heard this same story about the Russians stealing designs and equipment. When it comes to optical designs the patents were voided as war reparations and thus anyone could make lenses with German optical formulas. The Japanese made copies as well and probably others. When it comes to the equipment, East Germany joined the Soviet Union and that's where the Jena factory was located. It the equipment was stolen or just became part of the Soviet Union is unclear.
Not Russians, but Soviets