Carl Zeiss Jena 4cm F1.4, 1920s Serial Numner

[BrianS]

This lens was "Barter" for some repair work done on some Leica mount lenses. There is very little information on it on the Internet. The SN seems to place it in the 1920s, the image circle suggests that is was made for the 18x24 movie format. I held it up to a u43 camera, makes a good image. The glass was "opaque" when received, but it cleaned up nicely. I would be interested in any information that you might have about it.

The lens,

Carl zeiss Jena 4cm F1.4 Biotar by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

SN stamped on rear module, like my other CZJ lenses.

Carl zeiss Jena 4cm F1.4 Biotar by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

In the barrel,

Carl zeiss Jena 4cm F1.4 Biotar by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

Barrel in the sleeve,

Carl zeiss Jena 4cm F1.4 Biotar by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

Lens help up to the Micro-Nikkor, glass is "like Waterford Crystal".

Carl zeiss Jena 4cm F1.4 Biotar by fiftyonepointsix, on Flickr

[BrianS]

I found one example of this lens in the guide here, from a Westlicht auction.

I put mine up on Ebay-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221539365900

after testing on a u43 camera. I also read on ZICG that the lens "almost" covers 24x36. If it does not sell, I will convert it myself. reading "Thiele", it seems like the 4cm f1.4 Biotar is the first F1.4 lens made by Zeiss. I hope someone in the Movie industry goes after this one, would be something to use a lens made for silent movies to be used in a modern film. I use a lot of 1930s lenses on my Leica digitals.

[diser]

Interesting, while Kadlubek's guide lists several Biotars 4cm, none of them are f/1.4

[BrianS]

This one is rare- ordered in 1927, the batch of 50 was finished in 1930. It is in Thiele, and appears to be the first F1.4 lens by Zeiss, and probably the first F1.4 lens made.

It did not sell, my starting price was $1000 less than one went for on Westlicht. I am going to keep it, even my Wife told me I should keep it as it is unique. I used it with a u43 camera, holding the barrel against an LTM adapter and unscrewing it from the inner sleeve for focus. The pictures were beautiful.

I bought a Leica Thread Mount Bellows for $30. The mouth is wide enough to inset this lens into it. I plan on using the bellows for a focus mount, that way the lens can be used in it's current state- with barrel and sleeve intact. I will use it on a mirrorless camera, and report back.