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Zeiss Contax GL Optics
Zeiss Contax GL Optics
1 / 7
- Zeiss Contax 21mm T2.9
- Zeiss Contax 28mm T2.1
- Zeiss Contax 35mm T1.5
- Zeiss Contax 50mm T1.5
- Zeiss Contax 85mm T1.5
- Zeiss Contax 100mm T2.1
- Zeiss Contax 135mm T2.1
Zeiss Contax GL Optics
Prime - Spherical - Full Frame
product details
Zeiss Contax lenses use elements originally designed by Carl Zeiss in the late 1970s and 1980s. Part of the Zeiss C/Y mount line, they offered optical quality that rivaled Leica R glass. With a reputation for unique micro-contrast, strong color transmission, and subtle character, they became highly prized for their cinematic rendering. That led to rehousings by companies like GL Optics, which adapted them into durable, cine-standard housings. Today, rehoused Zeiss Contax lenses deliver the pedigree of Zeiss optical design with the modern functionality โ sharp yet organic, neutral yet full of vintage character, and versatile across formats. In a typical rehoused seven lens set, focal lengths are 21mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm. Some sets include an 18mm, 60mm Macro, or a 200mm telephoto lens. Available for rental or sub-rental at Cine Visuals.
| Focal Length | |
| T-Stop | |
| Type | |
| Format | |
| Front Diameter | |
| Lens Mount | |
| Metadata | |
| Iris Blades | |
| Image Circle |
| Era / Generation | |
| Contrast & Tonal Character | |
| Sharpness & Resolution | |
| Focus FallโOff / Transition | |
| Iris & Bokeh Quality | |
| Flare & Highlight Behavior | |
| Handling & Ergonomics | |
| Build & Modifications | |
| Cinematic Heritage & Credits |
*Refer to Technical Specifications table. Not the same for all focal lengths.
Technical Specs Table
T-Stop
Type
Format
Front Diameter
Lens Mount
Metadata
Close Focus (ft)
Close Focus (m)
Weight (lbs)
Weight (kg)
Length (in)
Length (mm)
Iris Blades
Image Circle
Front Filter
Rear Filter
Horizontal Angle of View (Full Frame)
Horizontal Angle of View (S35)
Focus Rotation
T2.9
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
9"
0.23 m
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
T2.1
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
10"
0.25 m
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
T1.5
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
11"
0.28 m
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
T1.5
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
1'6"
0.46 m
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
T1.5
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
3'
0.91 m
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
T2.1
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
2'4"
0.71 m
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
T2.1
Spherical
Full Frame LF/VV
110 mm
PL
โ
4'9"
1.45 m
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
330ยฐ
Zeiss Contax GL Optics
Image Fidelity & Focus
Contax Zeiss lenses are renowned for their high micro-contrast โ the ability to separate fine tonal transitions, which imbues images with a sense of depth. Sharpness is excellent in the center at wide open, with gentle falloff toward the edges. Stopped down, these lenses become extremely sharp across the frame, rivaling modern cine glass while retaining character. They deliver a neutral, yet slightly warm color tone with faithful reproduction of skin and natural tones. Focus falloff is smooth and organic. Coatings minimize veiling glare while preserving vivid color. The lenses have a natural, filmic roll-off between in-focus and out-of-focus areas that is ideal for narrative storytelling.
Handling & Adaptability
GL Optics rehousings transform these compact still lenses into true cinema tools. They feature matched 110mm fronts, uniform gearing, and extended 270ยฐ focus throws, ideal for precise follow focus. Weights vary between 1.2 and 1.6kg depending on focal length, striking a balance between sturdiness and portability. The housings are made from durable aluminum with internal focusing mechanics that prevent breathing.
Flare & Bokeh
Depending on the focal length, flare can be expressive, producing classic rainbow streaks or warm veils when pointed at strong light sources. Chromatic aberration is well controlled considering their vintage, though visible wide open on the 35mm and 85mm, contributing to their vintage charm. Out-of-focus areas are creamy and painterly, with the fast 1.4 lenses producing beautifully shallow depth of field. The 28mm f/2 โHollywoodโ in particular is famed for its unique bokeh and cinematic rendering.
Image Circle
Originally designed for 35mm film stills, the Contax Zeiss lenses easily cover full-frame sensors, and many focal lengths cover VistaVision/large format digital cinema sensors.
Cinematic Heritage
The original Zeiss Contax line was introduced in 1975, when Zeiss partnered with Yashica/Contax to bring high-end optics to their SLR camera system. Many designs were directly derived from the legendary Zeiss cine lenses of the 1960s-70s. Decades later, as vintage glass became prized for digital cinematography, GL Optics began rehousing these lenses.
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