ISCO-GOTTINGEN ISCONAR 100mm f/4

[Ian R]

I just thought I'd share some photos I took this morning with the very early 1960's Isco lens. To me, this type of lens gets me out there. Not heavy, offers creativity, makes me think. Plus they are inexpensive! I picked up this lens from the charity shop for £40. Quite a bit, but cheaper than most protect filters!

First photo is of the lens, and the others are from this morning used on my Df.

Its an M42 lens and after a service and calibration of the focus it was ready to go. No other tools than a small screwdriver needed!

Just thought I'd share this as I am really enjoying what I am getting. Its inspiring me in a way that the Sigma Art 50mm never even hinted at - that was just like photocopying reality, not what I was wanting to see. Now I have the Z6 I will be definitely exploring this avenue and am already working on adapting some similar lenses.

[Birna Rørslett]

I clearly understand your enthusiasm

[John Geerts]

Beautifull results, Ian.

[Fons Baerken]

Beautifull results, Ian.

I agree.

[Ian R]

Thank you for the comments and input.

Everyone is different of course, but this is the sort if lens that gets me out and seeing photos and enjoying the moment. I have bought quite a few lenses on the strength of the online reviews and resolution charts. Those are the ones I use the least.

[Akira]

Ian, you've got a nice tool!  These images prove that you were inspired.

[Ian R]

Thanks Akira. Yes, I was very inspired and forgot my appetite.

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Congrats, very nice lens it is (I have it too...)

[rosko]

Nice pictures indeed !

Good looking lens made with metal, and it seems to be in nice condition. I like the pattern of the rings.

I am now on the same step to find out about quality of M42 lens.

Hovever, I don't get infinity with M42 lens when I use the M42/Nikon F adapter ring on my Df. Perhaps the M42/Z6 adapter allows it ? It has just to be shorter than the FTZ adapter in order to comply with M42 registration distance.

So far, I got the Zeiss biotar 58mm f/2, plus Hugo Meyer optics 100mm and 35mm (lydith) which I use on the Sony nex 5.

Good luck !

[Hugh_3170]

M42 to Nikon Z adapters are now available on Ebay and the like.  They should provide infinity focus without modifying the lens.

[Ian R]

Thanks for the comments.

Concerning adapters, with this lens and a simple F-M42 ring, I can focus out to around 20 feet. With the Z-M42 I can focus to infinity. The Pico Z adaptor I purchased has a flange distance 0.10 mm undersized. I added a shim.

Ultimately the Z range will allow more flexibility with focusing, but the electronic viewfinder does not show some of the subtle optical effects such as the sun grazing the front element and lowering contrast etc.

[John Geerts]

There are a number of M42 lenses which can reach infinite focus with a very slim F-M42 adapter, especially if the focal length is longer than 85mm.

The 135/4 Carl Zeiss Jena Triotar is an example.

[Frank Fremerey]

Congrats, very nice lens it is (I have it too...)

by now I think the list of lenses you do not own is shorter that the other ;-)

[Frank Fremerey]

very clean look, nice bokeh. I am more into the dramatic rendering department. For clean looks I use my current advanced E & G Nikkors.

Thank you for sharing

[Hugh_3170]

Yes John you are right.  Oddly enough I have an M42 copy of that lens and got it to reach infinity on an F-mount camera.  I am afraid that IQ wise, my copy of the lens is somewhat average.  A pity as it looks quite splendid in its aluminium skin.

There are a number of M42 lenses which can reach infinite focus with a very slim F-M42 adapter, especially if the focal length is longer than 85mm.

The 135/4 Carl Zeiss Jena Triotar is an example.