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Contax 135mm f/2 Planar T* C/Y Mount Lens {72}

Model #218575
  • $755.00

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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.
EX Excellent
Made in Germany
$755.00
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With Caps; Made in Germany
$590.00
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Contax 135mm f/2 Planar T*: Carl Zeiss glass at portrait distance.

The 135mm f/2 Planar T* sits in C/Y mount territory as one of the more sought-after focal lengths Contax produced under the Carl Zeiss name. At f/2, this is a fast 135mm in any era, giving portrait and event shooters real working room at wide apertures where subject separation becomes a function of physics than post-processing. The 72mm filter thread is worth noting for anyone building a filter system around this glass.

The Planar optical formula has a long reputation in this focal length range, and the T* coating designation reflects Zeiss's anti-reflection treatment applied across the glass elements. For photographers who shoot on C/Y mount bodies or who adapt vintage glass to modern systems, a 135mm f/2 in this lineage occupies a specific niche: fast enough for low-light work, long enough for compressed perspective on faces and figures. That combination is the reason this lens still commands attention decades after it was made.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers working in available light benefit directly from the f/2 maximum aperture, which gives meaningful subject separation at 135mm without flash. Documentary and event shooters who want a fast short telephoto for candid work at distance will find the focal length practical in tight spaces. Collectors and film shooters building around the C/Y mount ecosystem have clear use for a Zeiss-branded Planar in this range. Photographers adapting legacy glass to digital bodies get a 135mm f/2 with Zeiss optics at a fraction of what comparable modern alternatives cost new.

Key Features

  • 135mm focal length with f/2 maximum aperture
  • Contax/Yashica (C/Y) mount
  • Carl Zeiss Planar optical formula
  • T* anti-reflection multi-coating
  • 72mm filter thread

FAQ

What mount is this lens, and what bodies does it fit?
C/Y mount (Contax/Yashica). It pairs with any C/Y mount camera body. Photographers using modern systems can adapt it via third-party C/Y adapters.
Is 135mm f/2 fast enough for low-light portrait work?
Yes. An f/2 maximum aperture at 135mm gives you subject separation and shallow depth of field in available light without pushing ISO into problematic range.
What does the T* coating do?
T* is Zeiss's multi-coated anti-reflection treatment. It reduces internal reflections and improves contrast and color rendition across the visible spectrum.
What filter size does this lens take?
72mm. Standard size for premium vintage glass, so filters and accessories are straightforward to source.
How does 135mm perform for portraiture compared to 85mm?
135mm gives you working distance from your subject and more compressed facial perspective. You'll stand farther back while maintaining frame-filling composition-useful for event and editorial work where you need separation from the action.
Is this lens autofocus?
No information about autofocus capability is available in the specifications. Check compatibility with your specific C/Y mount body for focus mechanism details.
Why do photographers still seek out this lens decades after production?
The Planar optical formula at f/2 remains practical for portraiture and event work. Fast aperture, proven optics, and the 135mm focal length occupy a specific working niche that modern digital lenses at this focal length often don't replicate at comparable speeds.
SpecificationValue
Focal Length135mm
Max Aperturef/2
MountContax/Yashica (C/Y)
Filter Thread72mm

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 72mm
Focus Type Manual focus (only)
Lens Mount Contax AE
Lens Type Telephoto / Long
Max Focal Length 135mm
Min Focal Length 135mm