"Fixed" front focusZM Sonnar photos anyone?

[Krosya]

I was wondering if anyone got their Sonnar ZM 50 "fixed" so it focuses correctly wide open? If so - please post some photos or if you already did - can you direct me to them? I really would like to see how well it works wide open.
Thanks

 

[David Noble]

Me too. I had this lens and returned it for the focusing problem but have continued to lust after it. When you can focus it I think the rendition is beautiful...

 

[kshapero]

see:http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=600363#post600363

no shift for me.

 

[foto_fool]

Kroysa - here is a party I shot with the ZM Sonnar on the R-D1:
http://public.fotki.com/jkellyca/emilys-party-2007-05-20/
Every shot was at f1.5 - I just changed the white balance as the evening progressed. There was plenty of lubricating fluid and some of my subjects wanted to get closer than minimum focus, but overall I think the lens is a stunning performer. I have not sent the lens in for any adjustments.

- John

 

[kshapero]

foto_fool, nice shots, even the bokeh has character.

 

[foto_fool]

Akiva - thanks! I think the best characteristic of the Sonnar is the boke, and next the way it paints color. I use mine for B/W and love the boke, but the color images move me more - to the point that I want to go try some Velvia. Will post some stuff in a couple of weeks.

- John

 

[goo0h]

some of my subjects wanted to get closer than minimum focus, but overall I think the lens is a stunning performer. I have not sent the lens in for any adjustments.

What is the minimum focus, anyway?

I agree with others that those are cool pictures.

 

[kshapero]

minimum focus is 27"

 

[elude]

Hi, does the fact that your lens is fixed and ready to focus well at F/1,5, makes it useless at other apertures ?? I mean if you focus at infinity at F8 on a beautiful day, won't you have any focus issue? Does it "move" the issue?

 

[mfogiel]

foto_fool

I think you should crank up your iso a bit and shoot at f2.8 the next time. None of your photos are nearly as sharp as those I normally get at f 2.8, and BTW the bokeh is still outstanding.

 

[lshofstra]

Hm, I've just read this thread because I'm wondering whether the Zeiss would give me better focusing than a Bessa. And while l like foto_fools pics, it seems to me that quite a few are indeed out of focus. Example: 4461 looks focused on the shoulder, not the face. So that would be about 6 inches front focus?
I get that all the time using bessa's (r2 and r3a, several lenses) and am wondering how to put an end to it....

 

[kshapero]

see:http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=600363#post600363

no shift for me.

I repeat, no focus shift for me. This lens is outstanding in all regards. It was not built to be sharp sharp when shot all out. it is meant to have "the look" of the original Sonnar. It does and better IMHO.