New M5 user - ZM Biogon 35/2?

R

rob hodnett

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Hi all,

A complete RF newby here; just bought an M5, which I am expecting the delivery of this week. I've also bought a Zeiss ZM Biogon 35/2 as a cheaper alternative to a 35 summicron, but having received it, I notice the rear element protrudes significantly further than that on the used 50 'cron I bought at the same time.

Therefore, my question is, will the Biogon work on my M5 without fouling the meter arm? Does anyone have any experience of this combination? I'm loath to try the lens on the camera without first enquiring, as I'd hate to damage either!

Regards,

Rob

www.flickr.com/photos/rmhodnett
 
Hi Rob

Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on the purchase of your M5 - they are a great camera and often not well appreciated.

I've not handled the Zeiss lens, but you are wise to be cautious. I've just measured the flange-to-meter arm distance on my M5 - it is a fraction over 12mm. Then I measured my 35/2 Summicron (ASPH) - the lens protrudes, from the flange, a fraction under 12mm! Can you measure the Biogon, from the flat mounting flange?

Happy shooting with the new camera!
 
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Hi Chris,

Measuring the Biogon (quick and dirty) gives a flange-to-rear element distance of c. 12 mm. Measuring total length, then subtracting front element-t0-flange distance gives a flange-to-rear element distance c. 11 mm.

Suggests that it might just work...

Now, if the meter arm is only up when the shutter is primed, if I fit the lens with the shutter released, then prime the shutter, if the lens sits too deeply it will stop the meter arm rising - will it actually damage anything? I suspect the only way I'm going to know if it works or not is to try it, unless someone else has already done so?

Best,

Rob
 
I'd send an email to Sherry Krauter; she's an acknowledged expert on the M5 and may be familiar with the lens in question. She could also advise on whether the action you describe could harm the camera.

And apologies - I called you Rod. I'll fix that. Cheers!

Sorry - you might not be familiar with Sherry - one of the well-respected Leica repair and service people, in the USA. Sherry Krauter [krauter@warwick.net]
 
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For anyone who might be interested - it works! M5 arrived today, and very judiciously fitting the lens then priming the shutter with the lens wide open and watching veerrrrry carefully - up came the meter arm with no problem whatsoever. Phew!

Best,

Rob
 
Hi Rob, great kit! Did you check clearance with the lens focus set at infinity? That's when the rear lens group would be furthest back.
 
Another question - metering on the M5 - my camera came with a Varta PX625 battery fitted. I have not checked the voltage, but it seems to be ok when I use the battery test function. However, the meter seems to read too bright to my (unpracticed) eye - even at f22 on the Biogon or f16 on the 50 cron, it's metering at the maximum when I meter out the window, where it's bright, but not _that_ bright. How can I check this, withought a light meter to compare it to?
 
The old sunny/16 rule should give you an approximate benchmark. An average subject in bright, direct sunlight should get an exposure approximately equal to f/16 and a shutter speed equal to the reciprocal of the film speed. Example: ISO 100 film = 1/125 @ f/16.
 
In which case, this meter is way off. At f16, the meter needle is at the extreme right of the metering bar, way past even 1/1000th. Suggests something's not right; this in a camera that was supposed to have been CLA'd before shipping.
 
JNewell said:
Dumb question - you checked the ASA/ISO setting? You aren't out in the snow or something? 😀
Click to expand...

Nope, springtime in the UK! (It actually feels like spring, at that!)

I fiddled with ASA - it seemed to only affect the settings curve, _not_ the meter itself. The meter itself was so far right that whatever I set the ASA to, I couldn't make the settings curve reach it, even at 1/1000th.
 
Is this right...

Is this right...

Rob,

It sounds like you're saying that no matter which of the 3 variables you change, the meter needle doesn't line up with the fixed index needle that is ASA and/or shutter speed dependent? I know on my M5s when I turn the shutter speed wheel down real slow the needle moves all the way to the left end of the scale. Somewhere around 1/2 sec. or slower it disappears. Is your camera doing that?

After a few rolls of use, I can say that when I point the lens in the right direction the meters in my bodies are the best meters I've ever used. Even when I don't aim them in the right place they are plenty good enough.

I hope you get this sorted out. I also hope you have some recourse with the seller.

Cheers!
 
Thanks Philippe- the batteries I've tried have both been inserted correctly.

Wayne - in conditions that meet the ideal sunny16 rule, my meter needle is at the extreme right (too much light) end of the meter bar.

Using the battery check lever, the needle shoots to the extreme right of the bar also - it does not fall within the cutout.

I bought through eBay, from a reputed seller of photographic equipment - he's been very good so far, so long may that continue!
 
contact the seller right away, if only to inform him that you are having a problem. Don't wait several days before doing so. The tone of the note should be that you are confused and looking for a solution, rather than blaming him for sending a faulty camera.
 
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