Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y)
The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) is a 85mm f/1.4 manual-focus lens for the Contax/Yashica mount, made by Carl Zeiss from 1975-2005. It uses 6 elements / 5 groups, Planar Double Gauss, T* coating. Typical used value is $500 to $1,400, with most examples near $800, and it adapts to Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount with a plain mechanical adapter.
Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) specifications
Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) specifications
| Brand | Carl Zeiss |
|---|---|
| Model | Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) |
| Focal length | 85 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 |
| Native mount | Contax/Yashica |
| Production years | 1975-2005 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, Planar Double Gauss, T* coating |
| Adapts to | Sony EFuji XMFTCanon RFNikon ZL-mount |
Why collectors want it
A famous portrait lens with a three-dimensional rendering, creamy bokeh and the Zeiss color signature. It is heavy and sought after, so it commands strong prices. Early German AEG examples are the most desirable.
Mount and adapters for the Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y)
The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) has a native Contax/Yashica mount. Contax/Yashica (C/Y) is the 1975 bayonet with a 45.5mm register shared by Carl Zeiss T* lenses and Yashica ML lenses until 2005. Every mirrorless mount has a shorter register than 45.5mm, so a plain mechanical adapter puts the lens at its design distance and infinity focus is preserved. Plain adapter ring, no mechanism required. Zeiss and Yashica ML lenses share the mount and use the same adapter.
| Camera system | Adapter | Infinity focus | Frames like | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony E | Plain mechanical, 27.5mm | Yes | 85mm on full frame; 128mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Contax/Yashica to Sony E |
| Fuji X | Plain mechanical, 27.8mm | Yes | 128mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Contax/Yashica to Fuji X |
| MFT | Plain mechanical, 26.25mm | Yes | 170mm on Four Thirds (2x) | Contax/Yashica to MFT |
| Canon RF | Plain mechanical, 25.5mm | Yes | 85mm on full frame; 136mm on APS-C (1.6x) | Contax/Yashica to Canon RF |
| Nikon Z | Plain mechanical, 29.5mm | Yes | 85mm on full frame; 128mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Contax/Yashica to Nikon Z |
| L-mount | Plain mechanical, 25.5mm | Yes | 85mm on full frame; 128mm on APS-C (1.5x) | Contax/Yashica to L-mount |
Frequently asked
What mount is the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y)?
The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) has a native Contax/Yashica mount. Contax/Yashica (C/Y) is the 1975 bayonet with a 45.5mm register shared by Carl Zeiss T* lenses and Yashica ML lenses until 2005. With a plain mechanical adapter it fits Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount bodies and keeps infinity focus.
How much is the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) worth in 2026?
A used Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) typically sells for $500 to $1,400, with most clean working examples near $800. Basis: eBay sold listings, KEH and MPB, 2024-2025; German AEG samples at the high end. This is an estimate, not an appraisal; condition, variant, and service history move the number.
Does the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) work on Sony E, Fuji X, and MFT?
Yes. Contax/Yashica has a 45.5mm register and every mirrorless mount is shorter (16mm to 20mm), so a simple Contax/Yashica adapter reaches infinity with no optics. On a full-frame body the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) frames as a 85mm lens; on APS-C (1.5x) it frames like a 128mm, on Canon APS-C (1.6x) like a 136mm, and on Micro Four Thirds (2x) like a 170mm. Plain adapter ring, no mechanism required. Zeiss and Yashica ML lenses share the mount and use the same adapter.
When was the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) made?
Carl Zeiss made the Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) from 1975-2005. It launched the same year as the Contax/Yashica mount itself (1975).
What is the optical design of the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y)?
The Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y) uses 6 elements / 5 groups, Planar Double Gauss, T* coating. Double Gauss designs are near-symmetrical six- or seven-element formulas that support fast apertures with good correction; fast versions show glow from spherical aberration and swirl from mechanical vignetting wide open.
Which lenses are similar to the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y)?
Close alternatives in the same focal class are the Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 (85mm f/1.5, $90 to $350), the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. (85mm f/1.8, $100 to $340), and the KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 (85mm f/2, $90 to $320). The Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5, The Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C., and The KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 cost less on the used market.
Alternatives to the Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 (C/Y)
Lenses within 15mm of 85mm from other makers, ranked by how close they sit in focal length, aperture, and price.