Biogon 35/2 ZM Focus issue ?

[srtiwari]

Excitedly shot a roll of Reala with my new Biogon 35mm mounted on an R3A. Was quite disappointed, as all photos look a bit soft- specially compared to my cheaper 35mm F2 Canon LTM at a quarter of the price. No sharpening was applied, but nevertheless, even the negatives look not quite so sharp.
Now, it IS possible that -
a. I focused poorly with the shorter baselength R3A.
b. The R3A rangefinder is misaligned.
c. The Biogon focus is off.
d. There is camera-shake.
e. This is the best that the Biogon can be expected to do- (in which case I should sell it.)

OR all of the above.
Naturally, I plan to shoot another roll, this time with my M6- if all comes out sharp, my anxieties will be put to rest.
However, I thought I would seek some opinions here.


Canon 35/2 LTM

Biogon ZM 35/2

 

[srtiwari]

Mr. Moderator,
Help ! Now that I have read the instructions, I realize this is posted in the wrong forum. I don't really know how to move it to the right place.
Sorry !

Subhash

 

[sanmich]

Subbash,
do yourself a favor, and test the lens and camera for proper focus.
for the lensa ruler at 45 degrees with a sticker to focus on, and your sleep is back.
or your lens is in for calibration...
for the camera, I check at infinity, at about 3m and 1m that the RF sets the right distance on lenses.
you are lucky to have more than one lens/body so you can quite easily spot a problem.
Good luck

 

[back alley]

IF you have a question about a specific lens, post it in the forum about that type of camera, NOT HERE.

 

[mfogiel]

This lens is tack sharp. Most likely the problem is with your camera. Just set it to infinity, f4.0 and shoot a landscape - possibly on a tripod or at 1/2000 of a sec, and look for yourself.

 

[ferider]

Yes, it can be the lens, you could have a bad sample.

I recommend the ruler test that Michael described, and a comparative test roll with the Canon at multiple distances. Use only 1/250 and above or a tripod. The Biogon should come out sharper wide open.

Roland.

 

[payasam]

Roland, just a remark about my experience. I've found that a focus check with a ruler makes more sense with 50mm and longer focal length lenses. The image size of the target is pretty small with a 35mm or wider lens.