Do you miss a ZM 35mm f1.4?

Do you miss a ZM 35mm f1.4?

  • I will buy one, if it comes....

    Votes: 107 65.6%
  • I wait for a summilux asph or asph II

    Votes: 8 4.9%
  • I do not miss any ZM 35mm 1.4. I go for a pre-asph.

    Votes: 20 12.3%
  • Zeiss has their attention on SLR lenses, there will be no ZM 35/1.4

    Votes: 28 17.2%

  • Total voters
    163
  • Poll closed .
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.
 
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.
 
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:)
 
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....
 
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).
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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
 
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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.
 
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.
 
I'm fine with the 2/35.

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