News

Contax Introduces Carl Zeiss M Distagon T* 55mm f3.5 lens for Contax 645

New Lens is Light and Compact Enough for All Types of Photography

SOMERSET, NJ -- February 24, 2002 -- Kyocera Optics, Inc. is pleased to announce the introduction of the new Carl Zeiss M Distagon T* 55mm f3.5 lens for the Contax 645 system. This M Distagon T* 55mm f3.5 lens is light and compact and incorporates the Dual Focus Mechanism. The latest optical and eco-glass technologies were used to develop this lens, resulting in unsurpassed contrast and color reproduction, the hallmark of Carl Zeiss T* lenses. In addition, the new 55mm f3.5 takes full advantage of Carl Zeiss's improved internal baffling system technology to control stray light, increasing contrast and image quality.

The new Carl Zeiss M Distagon T* 55mm f3.5 lens was designed to meet the needs of professional photographers who need a moderate wide-angle lens solution. The lens is approximately equivalent to a 35mm lens (in 35mm format) and allows for greater flexibility when space is limited and working distances do not allow the use of a longer focal-length lens. The Carl Zeiss M Distagon T* 55mm f3.5 will be extremely useful to the wedding industry as it has a slightly wider field and can be used as an alternative to the Carl Zeiss M Planar T* 80mm f2.0 lens as a prime lens.

This new lens is the perfect focal-length solution between the Carl Zeiss 80mm f2.0 and the Carl Zeiss 45mm f2.8 lenses. In addition, the Carl Zeiss M Distagon T* 55mm f3.5 lens is the excellent selection for general, wedding and environmental photography.

The approximate street price for the Carl Zeiss M Distagon T* 55mm f3.5 will be $1,475.00.

About Contax
Contax North America, a division of Kyocera Optics, Inc., markets a complete line of high-end photographic equipment including 35mm manual and auto focus SLR's, medium format SLR's, rangefinders and sophisticated lens/shutter and zoom cameras. The company also maintains the exclusive license to distribute world renowned Carl Zeiss T* lenses for 35mm, 645 and Advanced Photo System cameras.

Lens Specifications

Lens construction:
7 elements, 7 groups

Focal range (mm):
55 mm

Image size (mm):
56 x 41.5mm

Angular field:
64.7 degrees

Mount:
CONTAX 645 mount

Focal Adjustment:
Auto, manual (Dual Focus Mechanism)

Aperture Control:
Auto

Apertures:
3.5 - 5.6 - 8 - 11 - 16 - 22 - 32

Minimum focus (m):
0.45 m

Filter:
Filter 72 mm screw-in type

Hood:
GB-72 bayonet-type (Optional accessory)

Dimensions (mm), Weight (g):
81 mm (diameter) X 75 mm (length)

Weight (g):
525 grams

Standard Accessories:
Lens Cap, Rear Cap, Case

*Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

CONTACT:
Michael Zorek
HWH Public Relations
PHONE: (212) 355-5049 Ext. 121
EMAIL: michaelz@hwhpr.com