G
Guest
Most of my photography today is done in Medium Format (Rollei and Linhof Panoramic). I used to owe a Leica M6 outfit with 35, 50 and 90 Summicron lenses but once I switched to Medium format I barely used the Leica anymore and eventually decided to sell it.
A couple months ago I came across a 159MM along with the 28 Distagon, 50 Planar and 135 Sonnar at my local Camera shop. It was a real bargain and I figure that at the worst scenario I would always be able to get the money back should I not like it. Well let me tell you that today that I am back using 35mm film in a serious way thanks to Contax and Carl Zeiss.
The feel of the 159 is very good, smooth and robust, yet it is small and lightweight very easy to use (even my wife takes pictures with it and I spare you details about my wife trying to take pictures of our kids and dogs with the M6) The 159 has a great 1/250 Flash synchro speed perfect for fill in flashes in broad daylight. It has several automatic modes which I rarely use - most of my shooting is done in AE or manual. Top speed is a fast 1/4000, it has an easy to use AE look and a very cool cable release on the back panel - trust me the cable will never get in your way when taking photos. The Zeiss lenses are all fantastic, well build, very sharp with great colors and also fabulous contrasts in b/w and
frankly I can’t tell any major differences between the Leica and C/Z lenses, well actually there is a quiet important one - the cost. My 35 Summicron weighted as much in my bank account as did all three CZ Lenses combined together!!
The 159 has it's shortcomings it does not work without batteries, has no spot meter and no Mirror look-up, but all those points are really no big issues for me as most of my 35mm shooting is done on negative film, I always carry a spare set of batteries in my bag and for close up photography my preferred choice is Medium format anyway.
The 159 balances well in my hand with either of the three lenses but my preferred combination is definitely the 50 Planar. This outfit is so easy to carry around and is extremely versatile. More than once now do I find myself strolling through the old town of Geneva, equipped with my 159 and C/Z 50 Planar, rediscovering my city and taking wonderful pictures.
According to Kyocera the 159MM was produced for a couple of years only, before it got replaced with the 167.
Anyway if you come across a 159MM, don’t hesitate this is a real gem and a bargain in the Contax SLR line up at that too.
A couple months ago I came across a 159MM along with the 28 Distagon, 50 Planar and 135 Sonnar at my local Camera shop. It was a real bargain and I figure that at the worst scenario I would always be able to get the money back should I not like it. Well let me tell you that today that I am back using 35mm film in a serious way thanks to Contax and Carl Zeiss.
The feel of the 159 is very good, smooth and robust, yet it is small and lightweight very easy to use (even my wife takes pictures with it and I spare you details about my wife trying to take pictures of our kids and dogs with the M6) The 159 has a great 1/250 Flash synchro speed perfect for fill in flashes in broad daylight. It has several automatic modes which I rarely use - most of my shooting is done in AE or manual. Top speed is a fast 1/4000, it has an easy to use AE look and a very cool cable release on the back panel - trust me the cable will never get in your way when taking photos. The Zeiss lenses are all fantastic, well build, very sharp with great colors and also fabulous contrasts in b/w and
frankly I can’t tell any major differences between the Leica and C/Z lenses, well actually there is a quiet important one - the cost. My 35 Summicron weighted as much in my bank account as did all three CZ Lenses combined together!!
The 159 has it's shortcomings it does not work without batteries, has no spot meter and no Mirror look-up, but all those points are really no big issues for me as most of my 35mm shooting is done on negative film, I always carry a spare set of batteries in my bag and for close up photography my preferred choice is Medium format anyway.
The 159 balances well in my hand with either of the three lenses but my preferred combination is definitely the 50 Planar. This outfit is so easy to carry around and is extremely versatile. More than once now do I find myself strolling through the old town of Geneva, equipped with my 159 and C/Z 50 Planar, rediscovering my city and taking wonderful pictures.
According to Kyocera the 159MM was produced for a couple of years only, before it got replaced with the 167.
Anyway if you come across a 159MM, don’t hesitate this is a real gem and a bargain in the Contax SLR line up at that too.