Carl Zeiss f. Leica M Hologon 8/15mm 11003
Very late Carl Zeiss 15mm Hologon f/8 lens for Leica M from the last
batch, in near-mint condition with clean optics, complete with special
15mm finder, original center filter, both caps, Belgian customs
documents, French brochure and very rare, original maker's box with
matching serial number Oskar Barnack himself moved from Carl Zeiss to
Leitz Wetzlar in 1911, where he began the Leica Story. Twenty years
later, Zeiss announced their own 35 mm camera and became a direct
competitor in the photo market with the introduction of the CONTAX in
1932. Nevertheless, the relation of both companies was always
respectful. As a particular example of that, the few cases of direct
cooperation can be considered. Zeiss first announced the 15mm Hologon
f/8 as a lens fixed to the body of a modified Contarex camera. From 1972
Zeiss also manufactured it for Leitz in Leica M mount. In the Leitz
catalogue, it was offered as “Carl Zeiss Hologon for Leica M” until
1975. The Hologon is a lens with a 110° angle of coverage, and almost no
distortion, it did show slight vignette, compensated with a special
center filter. A large bright-line finder was part of the Hologon outfit
as well. The lens was produced in very small numbers only; today, it is
very hard to find a complete set in such good condition.
Vienna
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