Just got the C-Biogon 35mm f2.8

semilog, Chris and Joe,

I figured that if you are into M mount RF system and the 35mm focal length, from the shots I've seen, the chances were thin someone would put his/her C-Biogon on the chopping block.

My hope was that someone's bailing out from M-mount system altogether or getting rid of 35mm FL (that's how I scored v3 cron for great price in the past) so the specifics of the lens wouldn't matter much for his/her selling decision.

Well, that just HAPPENED. Got a very very sweet deal on a like-new black C-Biogon from a fellow RFF member. It should be coming next week.

Miracle happens. :D :D


P.S.,

Jeff, great stuff. I'm sure they look amazing on big prints...
 
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coelacanth said:
semilog, Chris and Joe,

I figured that if you are into M mount RF system and the 35mm focal length, from the shots I've seen, the chances were thin someone would put his/her C-Biogon on the chopping block.

My hope was that someone's bailing out from M-mount system altogether or getting rid of 35mm FL (that's how I scored v3 cron for great price in the past) so the specifics of the lens wouldn't matter much for his/her selling decision.

Well, that just HAPPENED. Got a very very sweet deal on a like-new black C-Biogon from a fellow RFF member. It should be coming next week.

Miracle happens. :D :D


P.S.,

Jeff, great stuff. I'm sure they look amazing on big prints...
Click to expand...



congrats!

i had one and sold it.
sort of regret that decision now although i am quite pleased with the cv 1.2
 
coelacanth said:
semilog, Chris and Joe,

I figured that if you are into M mount RF system and the 35mm focal length, from the shots I've seen, the chances were thin someone would put his/her C-Biogon on the chopping block.

My hope was that someone's bailing out from M-mount system altogether or getting rid of 35mm FL (that's how I scored v3 cron for great price in the past) so the specifics of the lens wouldn't matter much for his/her selling decision.

Well, that just HAPPENED. Got a very very sweet deal on a like-new black C-Biogon from a fellow RFF member. It should be coming next week.

Miracle happens. :D :D


P.S.,

Jeff, great stuff. I'm sure they look amazing on big prints...
Click to expand...

You're going to love it!
 
coelacanth,

Thanks for your comment. I actually haven't printed them out yet. Just relocated, and waiting for my new printer to arrive...then we'll see how they look printed.

Jeff
 
Thanks guys. It was perfect timing. I sold several stuff to make some room for this.

And like Joe (although I'm sure you are happy with the marvelous 35/1.2), I've had my share of regrets selling lenses. I always have to learn the hard way. I sold Elmar-M 50mm and CV 28/3.5 once each then regretted the decision to death, ended up getting them both again. I hope I don't have to do the same with this lens, but I think it's very promising this time around.

I LOLed, semilog. I've been always a compact, tiny lens guy (I guess because I'm a compact guy myself). For my use, 2.8 or even 3.5 is all I need as far as the speed goes.

I can't wait to take her out for a spin. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to more of your gorgeous shots guys! (I'm a B/W@1600 guy ;))
 
haha. Yeah, srtiwari....threw in one from when I was living in Beijing. I actually bought the C-Bigon the day before I took that picture on the Great Wall. The light in Beijing is especially harsh; I thought the lens handled it well--as did the Ilford PanF.

Jeff
 
anyone but me dislike how close the focus and aperture rings sit? i think my fingers and thumb need slimfast ...
 
thanks for the encouragement - it's just a bit tighter a fit (b/w the aperture ring and cam body) than the other zm's i've used.
 
semilog said:
It took me a little while to get used to that. Don't notice it at all anymore.
Click to expand...

Yes absolutely, but thats only if you're used to using larger lenses. All small-ish lenses are like this. What I love is how fast i can focus this thing, that is if I don't grab the aperture ring :cool:
 
One more thing about the focusing. I put a narrow strip of 3M grip tape -- the stuff you put on stair steps to prevent slips when they are wet -- just inboard of the focus tab, like so:

963200063_BgXKe-S.jpg


I long ago did the same on my 50mm Summicron-M, on either side of the focus tab. It's a very helpful addition on both lenses.
 
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semilog said:
..... I put a narrow strip of 3M grip tape....... very helpful addition on both lenses.
Click to expand...

One more another thing about focusing.

It's a whole different thread for another place, but I really think the ancient 'M' form represents poor ergonomics for these times. I've settled on an excellent working compromise for my M8 and permanently use it with a Manfrotto quick release plate attached to the camera. The QR plate faces forward and provides a wide base that fits naturally in my left hand when shooting in 'landscape' format, and fortuitously places the focussing 'bump' and underside of the focusing ring out of reach.

Rather than focusing the lens from underneath with the 'bump', I focus with the end of my left thumb which naturally falls in place against the focusing ring [by the frameline lever]. This works extremely well; my left hand and fingers remain stable and free of tension, my thumb focuses the lens quickly and softly, the whole hand-held shooting experience has been substantially improved. In 'portrait' mode the shooting experience is improved even more [focusing is done with my middle finger].

The above solution is particularly suited to the 35mm C-Biogon. Other lenses have different focus ring designs which might not suit the method. But if like me you think that hand held photography requires soft hands, and your 'M gripping' negates chances of soft hands; try using the camera with a QR plate to give a flat base that rests naturally in your left hand without tension.

.............. Chris
 
Coelacanth, lens sure is looking good on your M2 :) (And I am spoilt by my Summaron f2.8 35mm.) Wish you good pictures with it... and more power to the f2.8-gang ;-)

Ljós
 
mob81,
Hehe, when my GAS level is unstable, I "hate" this forum, too. ;)

Ljós,
The only thing that I have to get used to in the visual department is that purple dot. This is my first Zeiss M lens. :D

Yes, power to the F2.8 gang. I always find F2.8 is the best RF lens size-speed (& often price) ratio for me. Now my three-top are Elmar-M 50/2.8, C-Biogon 35/2.8 and Color-Skopar 28/3.5 (yeah, a bit slower, but this is the smallest)

I'll post some sample shots (B/W, Neopan 400) in the evening.
 
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