noimmunity
scratch my niche
thomasw_ said:very nice kit akiva: but i do differ with you on your zm lens choiceif i could only have one zm lens, it would be the 35/2. if i could only have two, it would be the 35/2 and 50/2. but if you allowed me three zms, my kit would add the 25/2,8.
i am guessing that you just don't find much use for a 35? or that is too much of a compromise?
I was hanging back to let Akiva respond to this, but in his silence I'll step in and explain why I went for the 25 and 50 before the 35.
But first, lemme say again, the two things I like most about Akiva's kit are: 1) it is much more minimalist than I could ever manage (I'm into having different parallel sets alternately specified for speed, aesthetics, and portability; See Ferider's set-ups for an archetypical example); and 2) the choice of lenses shows a lot of character, particularly the 28/3.5 and the 50/1.5 (I just don't know much about the Leica 90), and is not beholden to any brand.
I have no idea what ZM lens I'd choose if I had to limit myself to one ?
I admire minimalism (KISKIL = keep it simple keep it light), but like to go in numerous directions at once. So one lens was never a realistic goal for me.
I don't have the confidence in my photographic technique to specify the C-Sonnar, so I opted for the Planar, and I've been extremely gratified with the results for portraits, especially. The bokeh is really charming. The "plasticity" that caused Marc A. to express such disappointment is exactly what I am looking for in my attempt to engage representations of anthropological difference and ex-centric being.
At the same time I got the Planar 50, I also found a great deal on the Biogon 25. So for ZM lenses, that would be my choice for two. But on a recent trip to Europe, I took the CV 28/3.5 along with the ZM 50/2 instead and was really happy with that combo. Occasionally I wished I'd broughtthe ZM 25/2.8 instead of the CV 28/3.5, but the latter is so tiny, it's much better for travel.
For ZM lenses, I'd get the 25/2.8 and the 50/2, before the 35/2, since the range of FL is more dramatic and I like the images from each. But adding the 35/2 to that makes an awesome trio, and I just couldn't pass up the chance (gamble?) to get this at a really good price. After getting like new used 25/2.8 and a 50/2 at deep discounts in Japan this summer, I just won a used Biogon 35/2 on ebay (along with an R2A and some extras at a price that is less than the lens alone new; hopefully this is all gonna work out).
Certainly, if I could have, I would have opted instead for the ZM 85/2 as my third ZM lens. Maybe if I save and plan for several years... (or stumble on another deal in Japan? Doubt it)...
For reasons that I don't completely understand, I now have two 28s and two 35s, whereas I have only one 50, even though that is really my preferred FL. (And only one "portrait" lens in the Nikkor 85). I'd eventually like to find a vintage 50, a bit soft but fast, that would complement the 50/2 Planar. And maybe a Nikkor 105...Help!!!
Thomas, do you use 35 for environmental portraits? If so, I'd love to hear/see about that...
Jon
kshapero
South Florida Man
noimmunity,
Sorry, I was unavailable due to Jewish observance. I took a gamble with the ZM 50/1.5 after many of the comments here and elsewhere. But it paid off, as I have learned its unique nature. It is like owning two lenses plus the 1.5 is nice for low light. Of course the CV 28/3.5 is a space saver and a delight outside. I am tempted towards the ZM 35/2 but money is a great decider or lack there of. The 90/2.8 was a quick whim and is a ball for head shots, etc.
Sorry, I was unavailable due to Jewish observance. I took a gamble with the ZM 50/1.5 after many of the comments here and elsewhere. But it paid off, as I have learned its unique nature. It is like owning two lenses plus the 1.5 is nice for low light. Of course the CV 28/3.5 is a space saver and a delight outside. I am tempted towards the ZM 35/2 but money is a great decider or lack there of. The 90/2.8 was a quick whim and is a ball for head shots, etc.
lawrence
Veteran
The CV 28/3.5 will one day be known as a classic, for sure. I have that and also the thin Leica Tele-Elmarit 90/2.8. As far as 35mm and 50mm go, I have collected too many of them:
35mm (big f to small f)
- Nokton
- pre-ASPH Summilux
- Ultron
- Canon f1.8
- 4th Gen Summicron
- Jupiter 12
50mm
- Jupiter 3
- Canon f1.8
- Rigid Summicron
- Black Summicron (tabbed)
- Heliar Classic
Feels like I have just stood up at an AA meeting...and I'm still far too young for that ;-)
35mm (big f to small f)
- Nokton
- pre-ASPH Summilux
- Ultron
- Canon f1.8
- 4th Gen Summicron
- Jupiter 12
50mm
- Jupiter 3
- Canon f1.8
- Rigid Summicron
- Black Summicron (tabbed)
- Heliar Classic
Feels like I have just stood up at an AA meeting...and I'm still far too young for that ;-)
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kshapero
South Florida Man
Lawrence, you giving me a GAS Attack.lawrence said:
lawrence
Veteran
Sorry about that! But I agree with noimmunity -- the lenses you have chosen make a lovely set. I am currently trying to fend off thoughts of a black ZI with the Sonnar...it's tough.
juhor
Member
My kit circa 10/2007
Minolta CLE
40mm f.2.0 M-Rokkor
Olympus OM-1
Olympus OM-2
28mm f.3.5 Zuiko
35mm f.2.8 Zuiko
2 x 50mm f.1.8 Zuiko
85mm f.2.0 Zuiko
Olympus XA
Olympus Trip 35
Kowa Six
55mm f.3.5 Kowa
Minolta CLE
40mm f.2.0 M-Rokkor
Olympus OM-1
Olympus OM-2
28mm f.3.5 Zuiko
35mm f.2.8 Zuiko
2 x 50mm f.1.8 Zuiko
85mm f.2.0 Zuiko
Olympus XA
Olympus Trip 35
Kowa Six
55mm f.3.5 Kowa
kshapero
South Florida Man
lawrence said:
jbf
||||||
God the black looks so sexy... but so does the silver! Aaaaargh.
noimmunity
scratch my niche
Ebay success!
Ebay success!
I just got yesterday the Biogon 35/2 and Bessa R2A that I won on ebay last week. Shot a test roll and both are in very clean condition! I can't help but want to boast here about the good fortune I've had in buying Zeiss ZM lenses at a discount!!! For the price of the Biogon 35, I essentially picked up a Bessa R2A for free. And earlier this summer in Japan I picked up the 25/2.8 at 35% off, the Planar 50/2 at 20% off (compared to standard US price), and the Ikon body at 20% off.
But when I add it all up, that's still an incredible amount of money.
With no money in the bank, I'm really happy to be shooting with the Zeiss kit. What really scares me is when I start looking at the wide and tele ends of the lens lineup.
Jon
p.s., that black ZI does look sexy!
Ebay success!
I just got yesterday the Biogon 35/2 and Bessa R2A that I won on ebay last week. Shot a test roll and both are in very clean condition! I can't help but want to boast here about the good fortune I've had in buying Zeiss ZM lenses at a discount!!! For the price of the Biogon 35, I essentially picked up a Bessa R2A for free. And earlier this summer in Japan I picked up the 25/2.8 at 35% off, the Planar 50/2 at 20% off (compared to standard US price), and the Ikon body at 20% off.
But when I add it all up, that's still an incredible amount of money.
With no money in the bank, I'm really happy to be shooting with the Zeiss kit. What really scares me is when I start looking at the wide and tele ends of the lens lineup.
Jon
p.s., that black ZI does look sexy!
kshapero
South Florida Man
Let's not forget the chrome one!
