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Contax 135mm f/2.8 Sonnar T* MM C/Y Mount Lens {55}

Model #218578
  • $253.00

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New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
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$253.00
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Contax 135mm f/2.8 Sonnar T*: Zeiss glass in C/Y mount.

The 135mm focal length has a long history as a portrait and short telephoto workhorse, and Contax's f/2.8 Sonnar T* is one of the more refined examples of that formula. Built on the Sonnar optical design and finished with Zeiss's T* multi-coating, this lens keeps flare and ghosting in check even when shooting toward strong light sources. The MM designation means the aperture ring supports aperture-priority compatibility with MM-era Contax bodies, making it a natural fit for shooters who want to use it as intended on film hardware.

On the adapter side, C/Y glass has found a wide second life on mirrorless systems where focus confirmation and live view make manual focusing at f/2.8 a practical workflow than a guessing game. The 55mm filter thread keeps it compatible with common filter sizes. For the money, this is a proven Zeiss design that rewards patient, deliberate shooting.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers drawn to the 135mm field of view and f/2.8 maximum aperture will find the Sonnar rendering character worth seeking out on either film or adapted digital bodies. Film shooters running MM-era Contax SLRs get full aperture-priority compatibility as the lens was designed to deliver. Mirrorless adapters working on Sony, Fujifilm, or other platforms with C/Y adapters can use the manual focus operation and T* coating to their advantage in controlled or studio settings. Street and documentary photographers who prefer a longer working distance and deliberate manual focus discipline will also find the 135mm an useful perspective.

Key Features

  • 135mm f/2.8 Sonnar T* optical design
  • Zeiss T* multi-coating reduces flare and ghosting
  • MM-compatible aperture ring for film body metering
  • Manual focus C/Y mount lens
  • 55mm filter thread
  • Refined portrait and short telephoto focal length

FAQ

What does the MM designation mean on this Contax lens?
MM stands for Multi-Mode, which means the aperture ring is compatible with aperture-priority metering on MM-era Contax bodies - you set the aperture on the lens and the camera meters accordingly.
Can I use this 135mm on a mirrorless camera?
Yes, with a C/Y-to-mirrorless adapter. Manual focus at f/2.8 becomes practical on mirrorless since you get focus confirmation and live view magnification.
What's the T* coating and why does it matter?
T* is Zeiss's multi-coating system that reduces flare and ghosting. On a 135mm, it's especially useful when shooting toward strong light sources like backlit situations.
Is this lens purely manual focus?
Yes, it's manual focus only - there's no autofocus.
What filter size does this lens take?
55mm. That's a common size, so you'll have no shortage of filter options.
How does the Sonnar design perform as a portrait lens?
The Sonnar is a classic portrait formula. At 135mm on 35mm film, you get a short telephoto that isolates your subject and the f/2.8 aperture gives you control over subject separation.
Is this lens weather-sealed?
The specs don't indicate weather sealing, so treat it as a standard unsealed design.
SpecificationValue
Focal Length135mm
Max Aperturef/2.8
MountContax/Yashica (C/Y)
Filter Thread55mm

This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.

Brand Name Contax
Filter Size 55mm
Focus Type Manual focus (only)
Lens Mount Contax MM
Lens Type Short Tele / Portrait
Max Focal Length 135mm
Min Focal Length 135mm