lens character - the 25mm biogon

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meandihagee

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are there significant differences in the images produced by the cv 35/1.4 (or the cv line-up for that matter) and the 25mm zm?

do any of you have both?

i want to shoot a project with the cv 35/1.4 (that i already have) and the 25mm zm, but i fear that they would look rather different.

i know that cv call their line-up "classic" as the zm has a more modern look.

am i paranoid or the cv 35 and the zm 25 could work together?

thanks
 
Depends on how you define "work together." I have had both, and they look really different. So if "work together" means have a similar look, I'd say, no.

The ZM is incredibly sharp, even wide open. The CV struggles to achieve that kind of sharpness at any aperture.
The ZM has zero distortion. The CV has noticeable distortion.
The ZM has rich saturated colors with a pop. The CV, no.

The ZM 25 would make a great pair with the ZM 35/2.8 , but since you already have the CV, that won't work.
Maybe the best lens to pair with the CV would be a Super Angulon, slightly wider than you want. It has a lot of imperfections that some people really like.
 
The ZM 25 is one of the best medium wide's ever made! I used to gave the 24f2.8 Asph from leica, got the Zeiss 25 and promptly sold off the 24 Asph!
I think the only lens that comes close to the performance of the 25 Zeiss is Leica's 24mm f3.8 ( marginally sharper at f3.8 than the Zeiss at 4 - but you are splitting hairs here).
The VC 25f4 M-mount would probably be a better match for your 35f1.4 - similar "tones" in the negatives.
This said, if you want the best - go for the 25f2.8.
 
Tom A said:
The ZM 25 is one of the best medium wide's ever made! I used to gave the 24f2.8 Asph from leica, got the Zeiss 25 and promptly sold off the 24 Asph!
I think the only lens that comes close to the performance of the 25 Zeiss is Leica's 24mm f3.8 ( marginally sharper at f3.8 than the Zeiss at 4 - but you are splitting hairs here).
Click to expand...

If given the choice between the Leica 28mm Elmarit (11606) and the ZM 25mm, which would you choose?
 
Double Negative said:
The best way to match the "look" is with other ZMs. They're very consistent across the line.
Click to expand...

Agree. Only exception is the C-Sonnar from f1.5 to f2.8-f4, different look, of the ZMs I've used. I think the raves for this or that ZM is maybe hair-splitting. They're all very good, consistent in imaging and ergonomics.
 
Double Negative said:
On ergonomics - the ZMs are the only line of lenses that all look and act the same way... Bayonet hoods, lens caps, general design elements, same focus "nub" and so on.
Click to expand...

Not to nitpick, and I know you know this, but the 4/85 Tele-Tessar doesn't have a focusing nub.

… and saying that they all share the same lens cap design is something of a mixed blessing. :bang:
 
My 50 Summicron was painfully sharp; I couldn't stand it. I've never actually used a ZM lens but it was interesting to read Tom saying that after he got his Zeiss 25 he ditched his 24 Elmarit. I love that lens so maybe the ZM lenses are not for me.
 
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