Just got my 21/4.5 and 18/4. Stunning

[Vickko]

I just got my ZM 21/4.5 and 18/4.

First impression - stunning build quality. They feel solid, and the movements feel just right.

Next - out to burn some film....

Vick

 

[awilder]

Image quality of my ZM 21/4.5 is the sharpest of ANY lens I've ever used/tested, even at f/4.5.

 

[goo0h]

Has anybody compared the 21mm against the 25mm?

 

[Tim Gray]

I've not used the 18, but I really like the 21.

 

[Mister E]

I love the 18/4. I liked my 21/4.5 too aside from the light leaks.

 

[bennyng]

I love the 18/4. I liked my 21/4.5 too aside from the light leaks.

Nate,

I'm also considering these two lenses seriously. Especially after looking at your 18mm pictures in your flickr pages. Now trying to locate old/used copies with the original/old mount without the light leak issues. If all else fail, I might just consider the black silicon option though I expect something from Zeiss to work without issues. As for built quality, did any of your Zeiss lenses felt wobbly? I haven't been terribly impress in the built quality of Zeiss lenses so far.

Cheers,

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Vick,

Purely as a matter of interest -- I'm not questioning your wisdom -- why did you get both? The only reason Frances and I have both 21 and 18 is that 21 is 'mine' and 18 is 'hers'. I use quotation marks because of course we borrow one another's lenses, but (a) I don't think I'd bother with an 18 as well as a 21 (Frances feels the same way, but the other way around) and (b) even though I prefer 21 to 18, I could live with either.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Tim Gray]

Good question Roger.

As to the light leaks Benny, I don't think it's an issue on film Ms? As I understand it, it comes from screw holes on the lens mount of the lens lining up with screw holes on the lens mount on the camera. It is a problem on Ikons and digital Ms. Then again, maybe I don't understand the issue fully.

 

[Luna]

The 21 on my M2 didn't leak light. But the M2 leaked light through a slab of black electrical tape. Now I have a brick of tape on it and it is perfect.

Fake edit: And yes, the 21 is amazing.

 

[Mister E]

Nate,

I'm also considering these two lenses seriously. Especially after looking at your 18mm pictures in your flickr pages. Now trying to locate old/used copies with the original/old mount without the light leak issues. If all else fail, I might just consider the black silicon option though I expect something from Zeiss to work without issues. As for built quality, did any of your Zeiss lenses felt wobbly? I haven't been terribly impress in the built quality of Zeiss lenses so far.

Cheers,

No it felt great. The best part about my whole situation is when I first bought the lens it did not leak light. It only started after I had the focus, which was too tight, loosened back at Cosina. My 18/4 as well as all of the other ZM lenses I used had no issues.