Re: Contax G vs. Leica M

[pgs@pa.dec.com (Patrick Sobalvarro)]

   Date: Thu, 31 Jul 1997 11:14:02 -0400
   From: Marc James Small <msmall@roanoke.infi.net>

   $85 for ANY 1.5/50 LTM CZJ Sonnar is a steal -- these guys usually sell in
   the $300 or more range in E condition, $500 in E+.  Christie's just
   auctioned a couple in 'Condition 4' for 200 to 300 pounds, about $340 to
   $420.  AND DID YOU SEND ME THE SERIAL NUMBER?  Harumph!

Lens says: T Carl Zeiss Jena Nr. 2744913   Sonnar1 : 1,5  f = 5cm

I just got it today, or I would have told you the serial number
earlier.  When I said that it was in poor shape, I meant it: this is
the lens that Thompson Photo Products advertised for a month or so for
$85 and didn't get any takers because 1/4 of the filter ring is cut
away because it was dented.  To their credit, the cutter did not
butcher the lens (the cutting was clearly done with the front cell out
of the barrel), and the focus and diaphragm operate very smoothly.
The lens is coated.  The coating is yellowish.  The rear coating has
lots of light cleaning marks; the front is pretty clean.  The glass
has four or five visible blebs in it -- as many as my Summarit has.

I'd be interested in knowing the year of manufacture.  I'd also be
interested in knowing whether the lens shares any barrel construction
with a Contax RF Sonnar.  I've recently seen one of these with badly
damaged glass for sale for $45, and if the portion of barrel that
holds the filter ring is the same, I would be interested in buying the
basket case for parts.

- -Patrick