Do you miss a ZM 35mm f1.4?

[Colin G.]

I do for sure.

 

[Krosya]

Some might be interested to read this 'interview' with Zeiss lens designer Christian Beder in Camera Lens News No. 36 [July 2010 -Zeiss website] :

http://www.zeiss.com/c12567a8003b58b9/Contents-Frame/785c9ff1f55c808ac125774c00590b19

The article inevitably covers some of the ground in this thread's discussion.

.............. Chris

Funny thing that in this article they make a point that each lens passes through more than 50 quality control stages - and yet - they (ZM lenses) still have light leaks, wobble, etc. Hmmmm.

 

[jsrockit]

Considering the size of the Zeiss f/2, I bet a 1.4 would the size if the Nokton 1.2.

 

[Harry Lime]

Considering the price tag of the new 35 Lux ASPH, a cheaper alternative that offers good performance would be very welcomed. But it would have to be a reasonable size...

I have the old Lux ASPH, but I purchased it years ago, as a demo unit at the bargain basement price of $1800. That was a bargain even back then, but this was during the early days of digital and film shooters were in a panic to dump their gear.

But there is no way that I would drop $5000 on the new model. That's just too rich for my blood. So, I would look for another used ASPH v1 or if there was an alternative from Zeiss I would give that a look.

 

[kram]

Yes I do miss a Zeiss Zm f1.4 35mm. Would love to see on released. I don't care how big it is, as long as it is as good as the new Summilux for much less money🙂

 

[thrice]

I'd want it to be small, otherwise the 35/1.2 has me set 🙂

 

[goo0h]

Funny thing that in this article they make a point that each lens passes through more than 50 quality control stages - and yet - they (ZM lenses) still have light leaks, wobble, etc. Hmmmm.

Not to discount those that have had problems, but I now have three ZM lenses and so far haven't had a single problem. My 50mm Plannar I've had for 3 years, and it is one of my favorite lenses....

 

[kram]

I don't want it small (the VC 35mm f1.4 is only 200g - the same weight as the zm 35mm f2.8), I want great, but made in Japan not Germay (i.e. it will be cheaper).

 

[richardhkirkando]

I'm *very* happy with the 35/1.2. I'd probably be interested in a slightly smaller 1.4 if it looked as good as the Nokton and was around the same price. Doesn't seem likely, though.

 

[kram]

We know one thing, it's got to be at least half the mass of the new ZF 35MM F1.4

 

[john_s]

Before the Leica 35mm ASPH there was a 35mm ASPHERICAL which was discontinued because it used aspheric surfaces that were made in an older, more expensive way. The price is now very high because of its rarity, but I wonder if it had less focus shift than the 35mm ASPH (either version 1 or the new current one)? Maybe it's so valuable that no one uses one.

 

[Mister E]

We know one thing, it's got to be at least half the mass of the new ZF 35MM F1.4

More like 1/4.

 

[Freakscene]

Before the Leica 35mm ASPH there was a 35mm ASPHERICAL which was discontinued because it used aspheric surfaces that were made in an older, more expensive way. The price is now very high because of its rarity, but I wonder if it had less focus shift than the 35mm ASPH (either version 1 or the new current one)? Maybe it's so valuable that no one uses one.

Focus shift on the aspherical is about the same as on the v1 ASPH - fairly noticeable at close range, particularly from f2-4. I used one extensively until a collector offered me enough for it to spend a few months overseas.

Marty

 

[Archiver]

I'm more than happy with my CV 35/1.4 Nokton, and I have the 35/1.2 Nokton for when I feel like dragging around a lens of that size. A Zeiss 35/1.4 would be nice, but no doubt much more expensive and most likely almost as large as the 35/1.2. Even the new Leica 35/1.4 is quite big, and Leica are known for having a good balance between lens size and width of aperture.

 

[horosu]

That's interesting.

My example of this lens has been throughly tested on the M9, as you might imagine, because of the "focus-shift" issue. I found it didn't have any. Maybe it's my camera or the camera/lens interaction. Suffice it to say that I tested two samples of the new FLE lens and both had shift to a significant degree. I have tested one of them side-by-side with my ASPHERICAL, but it was not a scientific test, just some handheld shots, and the results spoke for themselves. I can post the (crappy) shots if anyone is interested (I think I still have them somewhere).

Anyway, I am extremely happy with the ASPHERICAL. On the M9 it has the perfect compromise between size, speed and performance. I only get a bad time when I remember the price I paid for it 🙂bang🙂, so my rational half keeps whispering "sell, sell" until the right side of my brain intervenes 😉

However, I have to say that I don't have any brand loyalty nor am I a collector, so if a new 35/1.4 might come along which would be comparable in performance and size for significantly less money I wouldn't hesitate a bit.

Just my 2c, as they say.

Focus shift on the aspherical is about the same as on the v1 ASPH - fairly noticeable at close range, particularly from f2-4. I used one extensively until a collector offered me enough for it to spend a few months overseas.

Marty

 

[full lumen]

As I like compact lenses to travel light, I took a long look at the Nokton 35mm f1.4. From the sample photos I was able to find, the Nokton exhibited noticeable barrel distortion so I ended up with the Biogon 35mm f2. No regrets and no need for a 1.4 either, so far. The f2 is sufficient for my needs as it turns out.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Do you miss a ZM 35mm f1.4?

Never owned one. And it's never existed. So, there's no way I can miss it.

 

[jsrockit]

After using the 35mm f/2 Biogon for awhile, I can say I'd only be interested in the 1.4 if it was the size of the Biogon or smaller. It won't be so, forget it.

 

[FanMan]

I'm fine with the 2/35.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Is it just me or the Biogon looks still sharper even after the Summilux was adjusted ?

I think it needs a CLA trip.