So has anyone mangled their 25mm biogon to work on the M8 yet?

S

StuartR

Guest
You first. I want to do it, but I don't want to do it until I am sure it works. Basically, from what I have been told it is a matter of shaving down the lens mount so that it brings up the right framelines like with the 40mm summicron. Can anyone who is positively certain confirm this? I just don't want to shave down the lens mount when in reality it needs to be thicker rather than thinner to bring up the right framelines. And no, I would not mutilate my lens unless I knew exactly what I was doing, so rest easy. If anyone feels like doing it and documenting the process, well, gee, that would be just peachy.
 
I use the 25 Biogon on my M8 with the CV 28/35 minifinder or I just use the full viewfinder image area. Works out fine. It's a great lens!

I contacted Zeiss and they will switch lens mounts to bring up the 24 framelines on the M8 for 60 euros.
 
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Do you have to send it to Germany though? I would love it if someone in the city could do it.
 
Yes, Stuart, you have to send to Germany. Zeiss said that they do not authorize anyone in the States to make the switch, as according to them, they do not supply parts and it takes proper alignment to make sure the lens will focus correctly.
 
I love the quality of image and the precision feel of the ZM25 Biogon but the dual problems of getting it to invoke the more-appropriate 24mm frame in my M8 and then to hand coding it properly proved too daunting for me. I would NEVER mechanically alter the lens myself given my primitive metal-working skills. You may want to check with Zeiss directly about the availability of the ZM35 lens mount as a spare part. Any reputable photographic repair source in the USA should be able to fit the new mount, given Zeiss part and new Zeiss screws.

Also, Zeiss is rumored to be announcing a new distributor for the USA next month. That may also include an in-country, authorized repair capability which is sorely needed. The "send it to Zeiss in Germany" pencils out to be too expensive when shipping, insurance and customs costs are figured in not to mention not having the lens available for the month or more while its flying to and from Germany. (Yes, you are due U.S. Customs charges for the value of any service work done on the lens, even though you have previously registered the non-USA-made lens with Uncle Sam.)

At the end of the day, the reasons already stated and my increasing need to wear glasses while shooting pushed me over the edge on my own raging 25 or 28 debate. I've decided to make 28mm and not 25mm my standard wide angle lens for the M8. I can see the 28mm frame lines in the viewfinder when I wear glasses. And as a bonus, two of the several viable 28mm options for the M8 also give me faster speed than either the ZM25 or ZM28.

Sadly but necessarily, my ZM 25mm is being sold as I type this.

-g
 
What's the big deal - it would take about 5 minutes with a fine file. If I had a 25mm Biogon (sigh) I'd have no hesitation at all.
 
Stuart
An elastic band between the lever and the strap lug will work, i.e. select the 35mm field, if that is what you need, but you then need to carry a spare elastic band.
You do need to know were to file and it will show, for a warrenty repair or sale.
Noel
 
Great Sergio! So did you just take a file and shave off enough until it works? Is there any chance you can take a photo showing what the lens mount now looks like?
 
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