The ZM lens I really want...

K

Kyle

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Is it OK to post a "this is what I want" thread, or will I be flamed? :D :rolleyes:

Anyways, I would love a Zeiss 35/1.4 ZM. The 35 Summilux ASPH is ridiculously expensive, and the (wonderful) Voigtlander 35/1.2 is big. I'd love to get a reasonably sized 35/1.4 that isn't so big that it almost becomes a specialty lens that is priced less than the used price of a 35 'lux ASPH (around $1900-2K).

I know I'm dreaming, but it would be great, wouldn't it?

BTW, before anyone starts with the whole, "they won't make it 'cuz it will undercut CV's 35/1.2 sales..." I don't think thats an issue. Theres a CV and ZM 50/1.5, 50/2, and 21/4 (well, the Zeiss is f/4.5), so it appears that Zeiss and Cosina obviously realize they're both catering to different markets.
 
I had a 35 1.4 Distagon for my Rollei 3003 system. I didn't find it to be a particularly great lens and it was large, very large.
 
I'm eagerly awaiting their 85/2 ZM because I have a feeling it's going to be incredible. But what I'd really like them to make is a 75/2 ZM. That's my wishlist.
 
Kyle said:
Anyways, I would love a Zeiss 35/1.4 ZM. The 35 Summilux ASPH is ridiculously expensive, and the (wonderful) Voigtlander 35/1.2 is big.

Just get the 35/1.2. Any similar design from Zeiss will be much pricier and probably even bigger.
 
Mazurka said:
Just get the 35/1.2. Any similar design from Zeiss will be much pricier and probably even bigger.

I had the 35/1.2. It was too big so I sold it. I'm not one to carry around multiple lenses of the same focal length. Instead of having a large low light lens and small all day lens, I'd rather have one moderately sized lens. I just like to keep things simple.

In any event, I was simply thinking out loud. I have the CV 40/1.4 and thats fine for me. I was just sitting in a really boring lecture earlier today (US Civil War). Combine that with my own laptop and internet access while sitting in said lecture and the result is a thread such as this.
 
I don't like bumps or tabs. However I do have two Leica lenses with tabs, but so far no Zeiss lenses. I have learned to tolerate the tabs, but I would much prefer regular focusing rings.
 
Kyle said:
I had the 35/1.2. It was too big so I sold it. I'm not one to carry around multiple lenses of the same focal length. Instead of having a large low light lens and small all day lens, I'd rather have one moderately sized lens. I just like to keep things simple.

since it is one of zeiss' design principles to accept larger sizes (especially --longer--), i assume a 1.4/35mm ZM design might get quite big. by the way, the c-sonnar is an exception due to the sonnar formula, which will hardly be applicable to 35mm FL.

but for your original question: i believe it would be nice to see all the announced lenses to become really available ... and, make them give me a 2.0/35mm for free.
:p

cheers
sebastian
 
sebastel said:
since it is one of zeiss' design principles to accept larger sizes (especially --longer--), i assume a 1.4/35mm ZM design might get quite big.

Exactly, not to mention probable focus shifts if it's a Sonnar. :p

by the way, the c-sonnar is an exception due to the sonnar formula, which will hardly be applicable to 35mm FL.

It does apply, only 2 stops slower -- just look at the Contax T3. ;)
 
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Kyle said:
Is it OK to post a "this is what I want" thread, or will I be flamed? :D :rolleyes:

Anyways, I would love a Zeiss 35/1.4 ZM. The 35 Summilux ASPH is ridiculously expensive, and the (wonderful) Voigtlander 35/1.2 is big. I'd love to get a reasonably sized 35/1.4 that isn't so big that it almost becomes a specialty lens that is priced less than the used price of a 35 'lux ASPH (around $1900-2K).

I know I'm dreaming, but it would be great, wouldn't it?

BTW, before anyone starts with the whole, "they won't make it 'cuz it will undercut CV's 35/1.2 sales..." I don't think thats an issue. Theres a CV and ZM 50/1.5, 50/2, and 21/4 (well, the Zeiss is f/4.5), so it appears that Zeiss and Cosina obviously realize they're both catering to different markets.


I think the problem is more along these lines. Leica performs the impossible on a regular basis, by designing lenses that offer extremely high performance in a very compact package. This is very difficult to do. It is much easier to design a lens that delivers high performance, when you are not limited by size. So, once you start to shrink the size you have to resort to more exotic glass and extremely high production tolerances to maintain performance. That's one reason why Leica gear is so expensive.

So, I don't know if Zeiss can make a lens as small and good as the Lux ASPH, for less money. I know that the 2/35 Biogon is very good, but the jump to f1.4 is a whole different ballgame. The Biogon is also a lot bigger than the 4th gen Cron or Cron ASPH.

As an example. I own both the 35 Lux ASPH and the Canon EF 1.4/35. The Canon is very good, maybe even as good as the Lux ASPH, but it dwarfs it by a scale of 3 or 4 in physical size. It looks more like a compact zoom, than a prime lens.
 
I would very very interested to see an old school barrel style lens from zeiss, something nice a compact for those of us on the go all the time with a little style in it
 
back alley said:
that's the beauty of the zm lenses, focus rings that are comfortable and the bump for single digit adjustments.

I agree 100%. I hate the focusing tabs on the Leica lenses particularly the new ones. The Zeiss answer is no problem and if you don't want to use the hump it certainly doesn't get in the way.
 
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