New ZM lenses, 21mm and 18mm.

[grantray]

Zeiss yanked the links. Did anyone do a screen grab of the new 21 so it can be reposted in the thread? Also, I can't see the classic 21. Can you repost that, Frank?

-grant

 

[Nachkebia]

everything else here..

http://camera-info.com/Zeiss/New_Zeiss_lenses_for_Nikon_Hasselblad_and_Zeiss_Ikon/_Leica_M.html

 

[phototone]

There is a history of Zeiss Biogons 4.5/21 since 1953 (Contax RF) and Distagons 4/18 since 1967 (Contarex line). I wonder if these lenses are remakes of the historical designs.

cheers Frank

I have a 21mm Biogon in classic Contax RF mount. The rear element almost touches the shutter. I doubt any new extreme-wide-angle will be designed with the rear elements projecting back that far into the shutter-box.

 

[phototone]

What I want to know is where were these in the 60s, 70s 80s and 90s? Why the push for manual focus leses from Zeiss now? I wonder if it's because Nikon is dropping their own line of manual focus lenses.

You bet it is because Zeiss sees a "niche" they can fill.

Back in the time periods you mention, Zeiss had several manufacturers ordering lenses from Zeiss. They are now gone. Zeiss has had to take the bull by the horns and start releasing lenses themselves.

So to summarize former Zeiss cleints

Hasselblad (now Fuji lenses)
Roelli
Contax (Kyocera closed down camera production)

there may be more I forgot to mention.

 

[MP Guy]

Looks like Zeiss killed the page with the info on it.

 

[Sonnar2]

 

[rxmd]

Frank,

which version is this? The one for the Contax? The Contarex version didn't have an aperture ring AFAIK.

Philipp

 

[Sonnar2]

lens design:

Contarex mount is here: http://www.cameraquest.com/zeissbio.htm
This was Contax RF. MTF data here: http://www.imx.nl/zeiss.html
it was better than the 4/18mm (Contarex mount) Distagon, which got replaced by a 2.8/18.

 

[Rico]

... Contarex mount is here: http://www.cameraquest.com/zeissbio.htm
This was Contax RF. MTF data here: http://www.imx.nl/zeiss.html
it was better than the 4/18mm (Contarex mount) Distagon, which got replaced by a 2.8/18.

Tiny correction: the Contarex D18 was reborn in C/Y mount with the same maximum aperture of f/4.
Ref: CZ lens datasheets

 

[Sonnar2]

Rico, you've got it right. But according to Zeiss, the C/Y lens was recalculated.

cheers, Frank

 

[MP Guy]

I like the chrome. It will go well with both MP and M8 🙂 The 15 is black and expensive

 

[sebastel]

the pages on the 4,5/21 and the 2,8/18 are back on the official zeiss web site (at least in german), but no new info yet.

just FYI.

cheers,
sebastian

 

[AusDLK]

18mm kens not available til 2007

18mm kens not available til 2007

I was told by a ZI rep at Photokina today that the 18mm lens isn't going to be available until at least March 2007.

 

[espressogeek]

March of 07 is fine with me as I'm not going to Yosemite until May. Does anyone know what the 18mm will cost?
Thanks

 

[whitecat]

I'm sure it will have a seperate finder too.

 

[ZeissFan]

That 18mm lens looks very sexy.

Zeiss likely is waiting for mature digital technology so that it can release a product that will have a shelf life that is measured in years and not months. If/When Zeiss develops a digital camera, I expect it to be fully developed and tested and not be replaced with a Mark II version for several years, if that.

Do it right the first time, and there's no need to have to revisit it every few months.

The Zeiss Ikon (film version) is a camera that I see lasting decades (perhaps not for sale for decades) but one that can remain in service for decades.

I think it's safe to assume that Zeiss is closely watching the situation with the M8.

Niche manufacturers can't afford missteps.