* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Contax 45mm F/2.8 Tessar T* MM C/Y Mount Lens {49}
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$438.00
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Contax 45mm f/2.8 Tessar T*: Carl Zeiss glass for C/Y shooters
The Tessar design has been a benchmark for compact, high-resolving optics for over a century, and Contax's 45mm f/2.8 T* version brings Zeiss's multi-coating to the C/Y mount system. The T* coating cuts flare and ghosting in ways that matter when you're shooting toward window light or in mixed artificial environments. At f/2.8, this focal length sits right between a normal 50mm and a wide 40mm, giving you a field of view that reads as natural without the mild compression a 50mm introduces.
The MM (MultiMode) aperture coupling means this lens works with the full program and aperture-priority modes on MM-compatible Contax bodies, not just manual and aperture-priority. Manual focus is smooth and deliberate, the way Zeiss-era glass tends to be. The 49mm filter thread keeps front accessories small and affordable.
For adapters shooting C/Y glass on Sony E, Leica M, or Fuji X bodies, this lens represents a legitimate way into Zeiss optics without the weight or filter diameter of larger primes. The price of admission for T* coatings and Tessar resolving character at this size is hard to argue with.
Who It's For
Rangefinder-style street photographers will find the 45mm field of view sits naturally for candid work, wide enough to include context but tighter than a 35mm. Film shooters running Contax RTS or Aria bodies get the full MM coupling and metering integration the system was designed for. Mirrorless adapters chasing Zeiss rendering on modern sensors can use this with a C/Y adapter on Sony E or Fuji X mounts, keeping the overall kit compact thanks to the 49mm filter thread. Travel photographers who want a light, single-prime kit benefit from the Tessar design's balance of small size and optical resolve.
Key Features
- Tessar T* optical design with multi-coated glass
- 45mm focal length, f/2.8 maximum aperture
- Contax/Yashica (C/Y) mount with MM aperture coupling
- Manual focus with smooth, deliberate action
- 49mm filter thread for compact accessory compatibility
FAQ
- What does the MM (MultiMode) designation mean for compatibility?
- MM coupling allows this lens to work with program and aperture-priority exposure modes on MM-compatible Contax bodies, not just manual and aperture-priority like older C/Y glass.
- How does the 45mm focal length compare to a standard 50mm?
- The 45mm reads as natural without the mild compression a 50mm introduces, sitting between a true normal lens and a wider perspective.
- What's the practical benefit of T* coating on this lens?
- T* multi-coating cuts flare and ghosting in mixed lighting and backlit situations, which matters when you're shooting toward window light or under artificial light sources.
- Is this lens viable for adaptation to modern camera systems?
- Yes. The compact 49mm filter thread and Zeiss optical character make it a legitimate entry into T* glass for adapters shooting on Sony E, Leica M, or Fuji X bodies.
- What kind of manual focus experience should I expect?
- The focus action is smooth and deliberate, typical of Zeiss-era glass from this period.
- How small is the filter thread compared to other Tessar designs?
- The 49mm thread keeps front accessories small and affordable relative to larger Zeiss primes of similar aperture.
- What optical formula does this lens use?
- The Tessar design, which has been a resolving benchmark for compact optics for over a century.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 45mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Contax/Yashica (C/Y) |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
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 | 49mm |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Contax MM |
| Lens Type | Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 45mm |
| Min Focal Length | 45mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
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.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
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.
Excellent
Excellent
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.
Bargain
Bargain
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.
Ugly
Ugly
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.
