Carl Zeiss Skoparex 35mm 3.4
Carl Zeiss Skoparex 35mm 3.4 was manufactured in West Germany by Carl Zeiss (Oberkochen). This wide-angle lens was manufactured mainly for the Zeiss Ikon Icarex range of cameras which were manufactured under different brand names (Icarex 35, Zeiss Ikon SL 706, Voigtländer VSL, Rolleiflex SL 35) from 1964 to 1979. The Skoparex shares the same build heritage as the Carl Zeiss Distagon 4/25, the Carl Zeiss Ultron 50mm 1.8, the 135mm Super-Dynarex and the Tele-Tessar (4/135 and 4/200).
The Carl Zeiss Skoparex 35mm 3.4 wide-angle lens
The build quality of this lens is outstanding as you would expect from an all metal Zeiss lens. The all metal construction really feels solid and makes the lens quiet heavy for its’ very compact size.
The image quality of this lens is outstanding. The results are always super sharp, even when shot wide open. This lens always offers cracking, bright colours.
Unlike the Carl Zeiss Flektogon 35mm f2.4 lens manufactured in east Germany, the Skoparex lens has “only” a minimum aperture of f3.4. If you are primarily interested in available light photography and the bokeh I would recommend you try to get the Carl Zeiss Flektogon 35mm f2.4 lens. Another difference compared to the Flektogon lens, is that the aperture is set completely smoothly without any clicks. Although the Skoparex is smaller than the Flektogon, it is also heavier. If you prefer to save a bit of cash you might also want to have a look at the 28mm Takumar lens.
PROs:
- build quality is excellent
- sharp, even when shot wide open
- focusing range of only 30cm
- superb colours
CONs:
- as far as I know there are not protective filters available
- this is only a minor drawback but due to the all metal construction this lens gets very cold when you use it in cold conditions – once back inside it stays cold for a long time resulting in condensation
Carl Zeiss Skoparex 35mm 3.4 Versions
The Carl Zeiss Skoparex lens was manufactured by Carl Zeiss from West Germany. As such the standard Skoparex lens uses a Bayonet Mount (BM). The lenses with a BM were manufactured for the Carl Zeiss Icarex camera (often regarded as the last German made SLR). These lenses tend to be cheaper than the M42 mount lenses.
Only later models have a M42 mount (Carl Zeiss West Germany was at first reluctant to use the “East German” M42 mount but with the success of the Praktica and Pentax cameras they did not have a choice). M42 mount lenses were sold with the Carl Zeiss Icarex TM (Thread Mount) and SL706 cameras. Lenses with a M42 mount are more expensive.
- Mounts available:
- Made in west Germany
- Lens elements: 6
- minimum focusing distance: 30cm
Carl Zeiss Skoparex 35mm 3.4 Video
Here is a short example video shot using a full frame Canon – aperture test
Here is a short example video shot using a full frame Canon at f5
