Comparison
Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 vs Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S
The Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 is a 35mm f/2.4 M42 lens made 1975-1990, valued at $130 to $380 used. The Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S is a 35mm f/1.4 Nikon F (AI-S) lens made 1976-2020s, valued at $350 to $900 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 | Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.4 | f/1.4 |
| Native mount | M42 | Nikon F (AI-S) |
| Production years | 1975-1990 | 1976-2020s |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, retrofocus wide angle | 9 elements / 7 groups, retrofocus wide angle |
| Typical used value | $210 | $550 |
| Value range | $130 to $380 | $350 to $900 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFT |
What actually differs
- The Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S is 1.6 stops faster: f/1.4 against f/2.4.
- The Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 is cheaper. Typical used value is $210 against $550, a gap of $340 (roughly 2.6x). Ranges: $130 to $380 versus $350 to $900.
- Both are 35mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 is the older design; production began around 1975 against 1976 for the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S (1975-1990 versus 1976-2020s).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Nikon F (AI-S), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 5 groups for the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4, 9 elements in 7 groups for the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S.
Which one to buy
Choose the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 for the $340 lower typical price. Choose the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S for the 1.6 stops of extra speed. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.