Contax 85mm f/1.4 (1975–≈2000)
A fast, full-frame prime lens for the Contax/Yashica SLR system, produced for over two decades.
Overview
The Carl Zeiss (C/Y) Planar 85 mm f/1.4 is a fast telephoto prime for the Contax/Yashica 35mm film SLR system. It was made from 1975 to approximately 2000 and built for low light and portrait work. It carries the Contax name, but Carl Zeiss made it, and it is considered among the finest glass available for the system. The design goes back to the 1960s. The first mass-produced version was developed for the Rollei SL35 mount, then adapted to Contax/Yashica.
Specifications
| Exact product name | Carl Zeiss (C/Y) Planar 85 mm f/1.4 |
| Manufacturer | Carl Zeiss |
| Product type | Lens |
| Production years | 1975–≈2000 |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 |
| Lens mount | Contax/Yashica |
| Length | 64.4 mm |
| Diameter | 71.1 mm |
Design
The design started in the 1960s and was later refined for the Contax/Yashica mount. The lens is known for a smooth focus throw and high build quality, typical of Zeiss lenses from this era. One example with a high serial number (81xxxxx) dates to 1998, so late production models were still being made near the end of the run.
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