Newbie query re bright-lines, lenses

[davidashapirouk]

Having just bought my first modern rangefinder in the ZI (partnered with a used Leica 50/1.4), I wonder how this camera would respond to fitting a 75 or 90 mm lens? Would both of these trigger the 85/28 bright-lines?

Plus, does anyone have any comment on the relative virtues of the Zeiss versus Leica lenses in this longer range?

Many thanks

David

 

[back alley]

i have 2 90mm lenses, the hex 2.8 and the minolts 4, they both trigger the 85 framelines and seem to work fine.
i think i have read that the 75 triggers the 50 fl.

 

[Kyle]

If you have an M mount 75 it will trigger the 50mm lines. If you get the CV 75 you can throw on a 28/90 adaptor and make it trigger the 85mm lines.

I also use a 90mm lens on my ZI and it works just fine using the 85mm lenses.

As far as the Leica vs. Zeiss thing, many people are in agreement that the modern Zeiss lenses offer great performance at a great value (at least when compared against Leica). However, the only modern long Zeiss lens is the 85/2 which isn't out yet (as far as I know) and is extremely expensive. You'll be better off going with used Leica glass in the long department if you'd like to save money. I got my Leica 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit for about $300.

 

[Mazurka]

However, the only modern long Zeiss lens is the 85/2 which isn't out yet (as far as I know) and is extremely expensive. You'll be better off going with used Leica glass in the long department if you'd like to save money.

There have been lots of "modern long Zeiss lenses", e.g. 2.8/90 G Sonnar and 1.4/85 C/Y Planar. You just have to modify them to Leica mount: http://mitte.nir.jp/~mitte0576/remodel/index.htm#mmlong

It would still be cheaper than the ZM "Sonnar."

 

[Kyle]

There have been lots of "modern long Zeiss lenses", e.g. 2.8/90 G Sonnar and 1.4/85 C/Y Planar. You just have to modify them to Leica mount: http://mitte.nir.jp/~mitte0576/remodel/index.htm#mmlong

It would still be cheaper than the ZM "Sonnar."

Yes, this is true, and I usually forget that. I, of course, was referring only to the new ZM lenses. I tend to take it for granted that when people are talking about the new ZI that they usually are interested in discussing the new ZM lenses.

Would these options be cheaper than buying an older Leica 90?