I believe these lenses were first designed as rangefinder lenses and later added other mounts, but that doesn't matter. Let's look at how they perform against each other. Please note that this is a very UNSCIENTIFIC test. No tripod, no cable release. All pictures were shot handheld with the optional viewfinder on the NEX-5N. So, take everything with a pinch of salt.
Industar 50mm f3.5 on the left, CZJ Tessar 5cm f3.5 on the right.
Getting Close Wide Open
The Industar 50mm f3.5 has a minimum focus distance of 0.65m, while the CZJ 5cm f3.5 has 0.7m. So close we can ignore the difference. Not a lens for close-ups for sure.
The pictures below are processed identically, and shown at 100% crop. You can see the colour is slightly warmer and more intense on the Industar. I think it's a tiny bit sharper too.
Bokeh - Who has the the prettier picture?
Before the test, I assume the bokeh would be similar to both lenses, since they share the same design and have circular apertures. I think they are pretty close, but you be the judge.
CZJ 5cm f3.5 @ f3.5
Industar 50mm f3.5 @ f3.5
Sharpness - Who Wins?
Most people's main criteria when looking for a lens, but there is more to a lens than just sharpness. In any case, the Industar seems like the sharper one at the same aperture, just by a hair, but noticeable.
Carl Zeiss Jena 5cm f3.5 @ f8. Click for 100% crop.
Industar 50mm f3.5 @ f8. Click for 100% crop.
No doubt the Carl Zeiss Jena is better build and feels nicer in the hand and is focuses smoother. But, both lenses are so close image quality.
I have that Industar lens, it came with my Zenit. It looks ridiculous on a NEX or any other camera for that matter, including the Zenit. Even the adapter is much bigger. But the images it takes are surprisingly good. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, the Industar 50/3.5 is very small. It's hard to gauge the size in the first picture without reference. It's one of the smallest lens I have.
DeleteI dont get it, the industar just a tiny bit sharper? I find it a lot (flower picture) @ wide open and only see this from my HTC with 800x480 slcd screen.
ReplyDeleteStrange fact I see back in tests comparing 'same' lenses, always noticable sharpness difference, but reviewer says its just a tiny bit.. no offense intended of course, but I'm just a amateur in comparison with you and those others (really, just started with nex and also got my first manual lens m42 pentacon 135mm f2.8 for 20,- )
These two lenses are of the same design so there shouldn't be too much differences. Copy variance also plays a role. It's always good to test everything yourself to make sure.
DeleteIs focus to infinity on nex a problem for industar 50 f3.5/50? or would it need customization?
ReplyDeleteThere is no problem focusing to infinity on the NEX. I don't find lens having infinity focus problems on the NEX unless the adapter is defective.
DeleteSome of the guy who talk about this problem seems to be using the adaptor from ebay, that cost only a few $. Did you use only original Sony Nex Adaptor?
DeleteI got my industar 50 lens today for my Nex, but still have to wait for the adaptor. By just placing the lens in front of the sensor without adaptor, I can't seems to be able to focus on anything at all. I tried to look through the lens with my eye, and I can only focus on no further than a few centimeter. I wonder if there is something wrong!
ReplyDeleteThat's because you hold the lens too close to the camera. Try to move the lens back and forth until you see clearly further away. Also the focus position of the lens may also play a part. Just wait for the adapter to arrive, and I am sure it will be fine.
DeleteI finally got my adaptor, and the lens couldn't focus. If I unscrew the lens and move it about 2 cm away from the adaptor, it focus. Is there anything I can do to adjust the lens?
DeleteI think you have got a wrong adapter. What does it look like?
DeleteThis is what I bought. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/181012823639?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
DeleteIf you have the M42 version of the lens, this is the wrong adapter and you shouldn't even be able to mount the lens on the adapter, as the M42 mount is larger than the L39.
DeleteDid you check out the ebay link? it has of photo of it and it is described as "Lecia M39 L39 lens adapter to Sony NEX-5 NEX-3". It fixs the lens and the mount perfectly, the only problem is the focus.
DeleteIf the focus is off by 2 cm, I am pretty sure the lens is M42, as to why it has an L39 mount, I am not sure. you may want to check if the lens mount has an adapter ring on it it (M42->L39). May be post a picture of the lens.
DeleteYou can find the detail photos here. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/160926849877?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
DeleteWell, I am stumped. I would contact the seller and asked for more information on the lens. Sorry not being able to help you.
Deletenp. I don't know if the lens can be adjusted to suit the camera.
DeleteA bit late... but early Industar have M39 mount (not L39). So, you need to use adapter M39 to M42, and mount it on M42. Ring M39 to M42 are very cheap (that's a little ring). Remember than Industar were made for Zenit...and earlier Zenit (E) were in 39mm mount, but still SLR. That's why distance between the lens and the sensor/film (forgot how it is called in english...) is like the M42, but in 39mm screw mount.
DeleteMost of earlier soviet cam also used this mount (Helios 44; Helios 40, Tair 11 ; jupiter 11, Jupiter 6... all in silver early version).
About this Industar, nice article! You should test an early Industar 50 (silver M39), with red P, soviet lenses from 50's to middle 60's are supposed to be from better quality.
Hello, This blog post is several years old, however...
ReplyDeleteI recently bought a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 5cm f3.5, and it has no front lens cap. What is the diameter so I can buy one. What would you recommend man?
Regards