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Contax 50mm f/1.4 Lens

The Contax 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 lens designed for Contax/Yashica mount cameras. Used copies start from $399.99 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Contax 50mm f/1.4 Lens

Contax 50mm f/1.4 Lens

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Contax C/Y 50mm Planar f/1.4 T*

Condition: Good

Product Highlights

  • Vintage Contax/Yashica Mount
  • Fast f/1.4 Aperture
  • T* Coating for Reduced Flare
  • Compact and Lightweight Design

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Used Contax 50mm f/1.4 Listings on GearFocus

Contax C/Y 50mm Planar f/1.4 T*
Contax C/Y 50mm Planar f/1.4 T*

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$399.99

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Lens Overview — Contax 50mm f/1.4

The Contax 50mm f/1.4 is a manual focus prime lens built for the Contax/Yashica mount system, covering a full-frame image circle. With a maximum aperture of f/1.4, it offers strong light-gathering capability that suits a wide range of shooting conditions and creative applications. As a standard 50mm prime, it delivers a focal length widely regarded as natural and versatile, making it a practical choice for portraits, street photography, and everyday creative work.

The lens is manual focus only, meaning it rewards photographers who are comfortable with precise focus control and deliberate shooting technique. At 290g, it strikes a reasonable balance between build substance and portability, making it easy to carry for extended periods. The 55mm filter thread size is a common diameter, ensuring compatibility with a broad selection of filters available on the used and new market.

Designed for full-frame SLR cameras, it is natively compatible with Contax and Yashica mount bodies, though many photographers adapt it to modern mirrorless systems using widely available third-party adapters. No image stabilization is present, so steady handwork or a tripod is recommended in lower light situations at slower shutter speeds. For those drawn to the character and tactile experience of classic manual glass, this lens offers a compelling combination of a fast maximum aperture, a standard focal length, and a lightweight form factor within the Contax/Yashica ecosystem.

Key Features — Contax 50mm f/1.4

50mm f/1.4 Prime: A fast standard prime that suits portraits, street photography, and general everyday shooting on full-frame bodies.

Contax/Yashica Mount: Natively fits Contax and Yashica SLR bodies, and is widely adapted to modern mirrorless systems via third-party adapters.

Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full-frame image circle with no vignetting on 35mm film or full-frame digital sensors.

Manual Focus Only: Requires hands-on focus control, rewarding deliberate shooting technique and precise focus pulls.

Zeiss Optics: Designed by Carl Zeiss, the lens is known for its characteristic rendering, contrast, and sharpness across the frame.

290g Lightweight Build: At 290g, the lens is easy to carry for extended periods without adding significant weight to the kit.

Lens Specifications — Contax 50mm f/1.4

Contax 50mm f/1.4 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesPortrait, Street, Creative Effects
Lens TypePrime
FormatFull Frame
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length50mm
Maximum Aperturef/1.4
Camera SystemSLR
Lens MountContax/Yashica
AutofocusNo
Focus TypeManual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread55mm

Description — Contax 50mm f/1.4

The Contax 50mm f/1.4 is a manual focus prime lens designed for the Contax/Yashica mount system. It covers a full-frame image circle and offers a 50mm standard focal length, making it a well-rounded choice for a wide variety of photographic subjects. The f/1.4 maximum aperture is one of the lens's defining characteristics, allowing photographers to work with available light and achieve a shallower depth of field when desired.

Weighing just 290g, it is comfortable to carry and pairs naturally with a range of body sizes. The 55mm filter thread accommodates standard screw-in filters without the need for step-up rings. There is no image stabilization, so technique and adequate lighting remain important considerations.

As a prime lens with manual focus only, it appeals to photographers who prefer deliberate, hands-on control over their focusing process. It is classified as a standard focal length lens and is intended for SLR camera systems within the Contax/Yashica ecosystem.

Pros — Contax 50mm f/1.4

  • ✓Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture provides strong light-gathering capability
  • ✓Standard 50mm focal length on a full-frame format is highly versatile
  • ✓Lightweight at 290g, comfortable for extended shooting sessions

Cons — Contax 50mm f/1.4

  • ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support for any camera body
  • ✗No image stabilization, requiring steady technique in low light
  • ✗Contax/Yashica mount limits native body compatibility to older SLR systems

Videos — Contax 50mm f/1.4

Contax Zeiss 50mm 1.4 Why it's My Favorite Lens — AustinInSeoul

Resources & Downloads — Contax 50mm f/1.4

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Contax 50mm f/1.4

What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens is built for the Contax/Yashica mount. It is natively compatible with Contax and Yashica SLR bodies designed for that system.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
No. This lens is manual focus only. Photographers must focus by hand using the focus ring, regardless of which compatible body it is mounted on.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 55mm filter thread, which is a common size. Standard 55mm screw-in filters for UV protection, polarizing, or creative effects are widely available.
Does this lens cover full-frame sensors?+
Yes. The lens is specified as a full-frame format lens, meaning it is designed to cover a full-frame image circle without vignetting on compatible full-frame bodies.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 290g, making it a relatively lightweight option that is easy to handle during longer shooting sessions.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No. Image stabilization is listed as None in the specifications. Photographers should account for this when shooting in low light or at slower shutter speeds.

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