A tribute to ZM-Lenses

[Photoniac]

In my opinion was it a great step by Zeiss to create together with Cosina the line of ZM-Lenses.
These Lenses are of comparable optical quality to Leica-M Lenses, but much more affordable.

Originally bought for use on the ZI-Rangefinder, nowadays I use the 50 and the 85's mainly on
the NEX-7, where they transform into 80mm and 130mm equivalents. Great times to have this
flexibility!

What is your experience with these lenses and dual-use? Here are some pics of my favourites
for use on APS-C, taken with Micro-Nikkor 3.5/55mm on the NEX-7.

Kind regards, Ronald.

 

[efix]

The ZM lenses are fantastic! I owned the 28/2.8, 35/2 and 50/2, and I loved all of them. Superb sharpness, saturated color, strong contrast, and that legendary 3D pop. My Zeiss lenses provided me with some of the most beautiful pictures I've ever taken. They're that good. Period.

 

[noimmunity]

Awesome lenses!

I've had at one point all of the Japan Cosina-manufactured ZM lenses. "Only" have two now, and I can't be thankful enough: never had a complaint about any of them; no wobble, very little or no flare, saturated color, contrast, flat field, friendlier "blue dot" price point...

 

[fuwen]

When I started my range finder journey it was a Rollei 35RF (Bessa R2) with the very sweet HFT 40/2.8 Sonnar. Now the 35RF is accompanied by a Voigtlander R4M and suite of ZM lenses 15/2.8, 21/2.8, 25/2.8, 28/2.8, 35/2, 50/2 and 85/2. Being a long time Zeiss supporter I am very happy with the ZM lenses and did write something about each of them in my website http://www.fuwen.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=9&Itemid=110.

It is sad that they discontinued the ZI body, but hope the ZM series of lenses will be there for a very long time.

 

[kxl]

They are indeed awesome lenses, and if I had the money I would buy every one of them. I use them on my ZI and NEX6.

ZM's I have are: 18/4, 25/2.8, 35/2.0, 50/2.0

I used to have the 21/2.8, but traded it for the 18/4. As fantastic as the lens was, the 21mm FL just was not working for me. At some point in the future, I'd like to add the 50/1.5 (again) and if I can find one and have the cash, the 85/2.0 Sonnar.

 

[Robert Lai]

The ZM 50 1.5 is my favorite 50. I have the Summicron, which is clinically sharp. The ZM Sonnar has a different look which is so great for people pictures.

Also I have the ZM 21 / 2.8. The CV 21 / 4 is also very good, but when I enlarged pictures taken of the same subject with the two lenses, the ZM definitely had more fine definition at 2.8 than the CV at f/4.

For their price points, the CV and ZM lenses are fantastic optics. Optically, they can compete with the Leica lenses too.

 

[seakayaker1]

I have the ZM Sonnar T* 50mm f1.5 and love the lens.

(.....also have the CV Nokton ASPH 50mm f1.5 and love that lens as well.)

Both the ZM and CV lens offer great value, a lot of bang for the buck!

 

[Bruno Gracia]

The 50 1.5 became in my favourite 50, I want to sell my lux asph. definetely.

 

[kossi008]

ZM's I have are: 18/4, 25/2.8, 35/2.0, 50/2.0

That's a brilliant line-up, and in fact, I have often considered moving from my own (see signature) to exactly this.

Among the reasons for not doing so are compactness and the 28 framelines... but your focal length spacing is perfect.

On the irrational side, I can simply not make myself part with the two beautiful C-Biogons... is there such a thing as GRS (Gear retention syndrome), too? 😀