Carl Zeiss 80mm F2.8 SL66 Mount Adapted to Pentax 67

The Pentax 67 system lacks a 35mm equivalent lens with large aperture. What, there is a 75AL? I’m too broke to have ever heard of it. So, I’ll have to adapt it myself. A Carl Zeiss 80mm F2.8 in Rollei SL66 mount is chosen. There is also a Rollei SLX version, but that one needs to modify the housing.

There are readily available adapter kits online, but they are not cheap, so I decided to DIY. Since there is no SL66-M65 adapter available, a 3D printed one is required. For the focus helicoid, I use a 13-24mm, which is a bit pricey, but it extends the longest while still focusing to infinity. As for the mount adapter, a 1.5mm thin one is suitable. There is a protruding edge on the rear of the lens that protects the glass, which will interfere with the mirror. Stupid I went in bold and milled it off directly. As pointed out recently by a fellow reader, this part can be removed by simply unscrewing 3 screws, no need to cause damage. After removing the protruding metal part, the mirror will not hit the rear element. Oh, and there is a positioning screw behind the mount of the lens, which shall be simply removed.

Mounted on the Pentax 67, this Zeiss lens looks handsome and is quite compact. The minimum focus distance is around 80cm. The lens fully covers 67 format with minimal vignetting. Resolution is excellent, with impressive sharpness within the focus area. Zeiss Planar is no slouch.

This focal length is perfect for taking photos across the table. A bright 2.8 aperture paired with beautiful bokeh, now I can take out my mammoth Pentax 67 to grab everyone’s attention in the restaurant.

In Conclusion

Pros
1. Affordable alternative to 75AL, total cost including lens and modification CNY3200 (US$450)
2. Sharp, beautiful bokeh
3. Fully Covers 67

Cons
1. The helicoid focus ring is narrow and slightly difficult to turn
2. Self-made adapter did not achieve 60cm closest focusing distance

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