conurus

[John Black]

I've got a 50 sitting here and waiting for conversion also.

[MomoInu]

another 50mm in waiting...

[jjlphoto]

Or else we'll get the Sigma!

[MCTuomey]

also looking forward to the N50 conversion ...

[lam]

let's go grap all N lens before they up the price.

[Tom Berkowski]

I learned about conurus conversions through some online forums. On the topic of 50 1.4, I've been craving a good 50 option, and I'd like your opinion.

Like others, I didn't like the Canon 50 1.4, which focused slowly & poorly. I rented the Canon 50 1.2, and it was better but still had some focus issues unbecoming a US$ 1400 lens.

So now my questions:
- What do you think converted N focus speed & accuracy would be like compared to Canon lenses? I know the 50 1.4 conversion isn't out yet, but maybe others are familiar with the focus speed from Contax use or from similar N lenses that are already converted compared to their Canon 50 lens.
- I read on this forum that there may be mirror issues with the 5D (which is my digital Canon body.) How seriously do you think this should be taken?
- Is cost something to consider? Both cost of getting & converting the lens and future resale value? I believe L lenses hold their value well. How about future value of converted lenses. (I see that N resale values are presently high, but does anyone have a point of view about the future?)
- When do you speculate Zeiss 50 1.4 conversion will be available? My plan (before finding out about N conversion) was to live with the imperfections and get a Canon 50 1.2 when winter rebates come around. I just feel I need a faster normal lens.

Thanks for your opinions.

[conurus]

Recently, we developed some proprietary tools to evaluate focusing accuracy, and this new technology is first applied to critically evaluate the N 50/1.4. It is highly unlikely that you would find any accuracy issues.

However, there is an AF hunting problem from 0.45m to 0.5m for some high contrast subjects, and we recommend using manual focus near the closest focusing distance.

We have only one built at this point, for prototyping, and so far it has worked very well in field tests.

I do not have any Canon lenses to compare, but one round trip hunt takes 3 seconds. (Infinity to closest and back to infinity again on a 1Ds.)

[rachmaninov_73]

Hello

Regarding the N 50mm f/1.4 ....
For me, there is only one really issue with this lens converted. I'd like to discuss the much talked possible incompatibility between this lens and the 5D body, which is, ironically, one of most widely used by photographers (I guess).

Do you think is there any way to fix it? I don't know if is yet in the shops the 5D MkII, but anyway it will be soon...May the new model have this bit of extra clearance?

It would be a dreamy combo, 5D + N50

[conurus]

Frankly, it is more a liability issue than an actual incompatibility. We apply a yardstick which is probably considered too stringent by photographers regularly adapting manual focus lenses to Canon, but it is more prudent for us to state very clearly to you that the rear element protrudes so therefore try at your own risk.

We will additionally warn that mirror clearance problems can be hard to detect because the mirror could still swing on even if it touches something. The path of the mirror is flexible to a certain extent. Listening carefully to the mirror noise is a more reliable way of telling whether the mirror has hit something or not.

The Planar 50/1.4 is the only lens we issue a warning about. None of the others have protruding elements at all or in the case of 24-85 protrudes by a negligible amount.

In short and in plain English, if you have an adventurous spirit, the P50/1.4 will most likely just work with the 5D or 5D mk II, but don't sue us if it doesn't, because we do not officially support that combination.

[Tom Berkowski]

Thanks for the warning. Is 50 conversion anticipated to start near the same time as other conversions, or is it far down the road? I am hoping to buy a 50 soon.

Also, does anyone know the cost of mirror repair on a 5D body?

[conurus]

Sorry for the delay but in the best case scenario we are looking at a late-March 2009 delivery for the P50/1.4 conversion.

[Andi]

[Tom Berkowski]

Does anyone have links to sample Planar 50 1.4 images? Obviously would be done with Contax since converted lens not yet available.

I've looked at Pixel-Peeper, but I believe I'm only seeing the Zeiss manual focus lenses for Nikon, Canon, etc. Is that the same lens design as the Contax N Planar (without AF)?

http://www.pixel-peeper.com/lenses/?lens=11006

[Char]

Received my 50mm N today, no problem on 5D.