Introduction
This instruction manual provides detailed guidance for the proper use and care of your Carl Zeiss Tele Tessar 4/300 telephoto prime lens. Designed for Contax and Yashica camera systems, this 300mm f/4 lens offers exceptional optical performance for long-distance photography. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your lens.
Figure 1: Front view of the Carl Zeiss Tele Tessar 4/300 lens, showcasing its robust build and large front element.
Setup
1. Attaching the Lens to Your Camera
- Ensure both the camera body and the lens mount are clean and free of dust.
- Align the red dot on the lens mount with the corresponding red dot on your Contax or Yashica camera body's mount.
- Gently insert the lens into the camera mount.
- Rotate the lens clockwise (when viewed from the front) until it clicks into place, indicating it is securely locked.
Figure 2: Rear view of the lens, highlighting the Contax/Yashica mount for attachment to compatible camera bodies.
2. Attaching Lens Accessories
- Lens Hood: If provided, align the lens hood with the front of the lens and twist until it locks securely. The hood helps to prevent flare and protect the front element.
- Lens Caps: Always use the front and rear lens caps when the lens is not in use to protect the optical elements from dust and scratches.
- Filters: This lens typically accepts 82mm filters. Carefully screw the filter onto the front filter thread of the lens.
Figure 3: The Tele Tessar 4/300 lens shown with its protective front and rear caps, and an 82mm filter.
Operating the Lens
1. Focusing
The Carl Zeiss Tele Tessar 4/300 is a manual focus lens. To achieve sharp images:
- Look through your camera's viewfinder or use Live View on your camera's LCD screen.
- Rotate the large ribbed focus ring on the lens barrel until your subject appears sharp. The distance scale on the lens indicates the approximate focus distance.
- For critical focus, especially at wider apertures, utilize your camera's focus aids such as split-prism or microprism screens, or focus peaking if available.
Figure 4: Side profile of the lens, illustrating the textured focus ring and aperture ring with marked f-stops.
2. Setting Aperture
The lens features a manual aperture ring.
- Rotate the aperture ring to select your desired f-stop (e.g., f/4, f/5.6, f/8, etc.).
- Aperture controls the amount of light entering the lens and the depth of field in your image. A smaller f-number (e.g., f/4) means a wider aperture, allowing more light and shallower depth of field. A larger f-number (e.g., f/22) means a narrower aperture, allowing less light and greater depth of field.
3. Using with Camera
When using this manual lens, set your camera to manual exposure mode (M) or aperture-priority mode (Av/A) if supported by your camera body and adapter. You will need to adjust shutter speed and ISO manually or allow the camera to set the shutter speed based on your chosen aperture.
Maintenance
1. Cleaning the Lens
- Lens Elements: Use a soft lens brush or a blower to remove loose dust particles. For smudges or fingerprints, apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution to a clean microfiber cloth and gently wipe the lens surface in a circular motion from the center outwards. Never apply cleaning solution directly to the lens.
- Lens Barrel: Wipe the lens barrel with a clean, dry, soft cloth. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry cloth.
2. Storage
- Always attach both front and rear lens caps when storing the lens.
- Store the lens in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- If storing for extended periods, consider using a dehumidifying cabinet or silica gel packets to prevent mold growth.
3. Handling Precautions
- Avoid dropping or subjecting the lens to strong impacts, as this can damage the optical elements or mechanical components.
- Do not force any rings or controls. If a mechanism feels stiff, do not apply excessive force.
- Keep the lens away from water and excessive humidity.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Images are blurry/out of focus. | Incorrect manual focusing. | Ensure accurate manual focus using viewfinder or Live View magnification/peaking. Practice focusing technique. |
| Dark spots or dust visible in images. | Dust on lens elements or camera sensor. | Clean lens elements as described in the Maintenance section. If spots persist, clean camera sensor or have it professionally cleaned. |
| Lens not attaching securely to camera. | Misalignment or obstruction on mount. | Check for debris on lens and camera mounts. Re-align red dots and rotate until it clicks. Ensure compatibility with Contax/Yashica mount. |
| Images are too dark or too bright. | Incorrect exposure settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO). | Adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings on your camera to achieve proper exposure. Use your camera's light meter as a guide. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | ZEISS |
| Model | Tele Tessar 4/300 |
| Focal Length | 300 mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 (typical for this lens type) |
| Lens Type | Telephoto Prime |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Compatible Mountings | Contax Y, Yashica |
| Filter Thread Size | 82 mm |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 30.5 x 15.2 x 15.2 cm (approximate) |
| Item Weight | 1.19 kg (approximate) |
Warranty and Support
For information regarding warranty coverage, service, or technical support for your Carl Zeiss Tele Tessar 4/300 lens, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or contact the authorized ZEISS distributor or the seller from whom you purchased the product. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
You may also visit the official ZEISS website for general product information and support resources.
