Contax 60mm f/2.8 S Makro Planar T* C/Y Mount Lens, Germany {67}

Zeiss-designed 60mm macro with T* coating, made in Germany.

The Contax 60mm f/2.8 S Makro Planar T* is a manual focus lens built in Germany to Zeiss optical specifications, sitting in the C/Y mount system that defined serious 35mm shooting through the 1980s and 1990s. The Makro designation means it goes well beyond what a standard lens can do at close range, giving photographers true macro capability without a separate dedicated tube or adapter. T* anti-reflective coating controls flare and contrast in a way that remains distinctive even measured against modern optics, it's a Zeiss house trait that shows up in real shooting situations, particularly against backlit subjects or in mixed interior light.

The 60mm focal length sits at an useful middle ground: long enough to give working distance for small subjects, wide enough that it doubles naturally as a portrait or documentary lens when you step back. At f/2.8, it's a competent available-light performer for a macro-class optic. The 67mm filter thread is standard enough that ring filters, polarizers, and step-up adapters are easy to find. Paired with a C/Y-to-mirrorless adapter, this lens works on Sony E, Fuji X, Leica L, and Nikon Z bodies, and the focus-to-infinity distance is retained on all of them. Decades of German manufacturing behind a lens that costs a fraction of what comparable modern glass asks for.

Who It's For

Close-up photographers who want genuine macro reach with a lens that earns its reputation on optical merit alone will find the Makro Planar a strong working tool. Portrait shooters drawn to the C/Y system for its Zeiss rendering can use this lens at longer subject distances as a short telephoto. Film photographers shooting Contax or Yashica bodies get a native-mount match with no adapter required. Mirrorless shooters adapting legacy glass get the T* coating and German build quality in a focal length that works across macro, portrait, and general shooting.

Key Features

• 60mm focal length with f/2.8 maximum aperture
• Makro-capable for true macro close-range performance
• T* anti-reflective coating for flare and contrast control
• Manual focus design with C/Y mount system
• Made in Germany to Zeiss optical specifications
• 67mm filter thread with standard accessory compatibility

FAQ

What's the minimum focus distance on this 60mm?

Not specified in available documentation. Contact KEH directly for this measurement - it's critical for macro work and varies by production year.

Does this lens work on mirrorless cameras?

Yes, with a C/Y-to-mirrorless adapter. The focus-to-infinity distance is retained on Sony E, Fuji X, Leica L, and Nikon Z bodies.

How does T* coating actually affect image quality?

T* reduces internal reflections and flare, controlling contrast and color cast particularly in backlit or mixed interior light. It's distinctive enough to notice in real shooting against modern coatings.

Is 60mm too short for serious macro work?

It's a compromise lens - long enough to give working distance for small subjects and wide enough to function as a portrait or documentary lens when you step back. It's not a 100mm true macro, but the Makro designation means it delivers legitimate close-range capability without additional tubes or adapters.

What's the optical design - Zeiss or Contax?

Built to Zeiss optical specifications and made in Germany, sitting in the C/Y mount system that defined serious 35mm work through the 1980s and 1990s.

Can I use standard filters with the 67mm thread?

Yes. The 67mm filter thread is standard enough that ring filters, polarizers, and step-up adapters are readily available.