Using 75/90 mm lenses on the ZI

[kossi008]

Hi guys, I am currently using a Bessa R with a couple of Voigtländer screwmount lenses and I am considering an upgrade to the Zeiss Ikon and the ZM lens line.

However, as there is currently no medium-aperture, medium-priced 85 mm by Zeiss, I am wondering if any of you here are shooting 75 mm or 90 mm lenses using the 85 mm viewfinder frame, and if so, what are your experiences?

 

[presspass]

I've used the Leica 90mm lenses - Elmarit, Tele-elmarit, and Summicron - on my ZI and have had no problems. They bring up the 85 frame on the ZI, and, since rangefinder frames are never precise (I wear glasses), the difference, if any, hasn't bothered me.

 

[kossi008]

(Hijacking my own thread)

(Hijacking my own thread)

Thanks for the answers so far. I was guessing that 90/85 would not make much difference. I would be using my 75/2.5 Heliar for a while on the ZI (before upgrading to a 90 Elmarit) , and while the difference is greater, it should not matter much because I'm getting more than I frame, not less...

@ Double Negative:
I see that you own both the ZM 50/1.5 Sonnar and the ZM 50/2 Planar. How do they compare? I understand that the Planar is the sharper lens, but the Sonnar delivers a unique rendering.

I'm asking because the bundle with the Sonnar is incredible value here in Germany at the moment (you basically get it for an extra 50 to 100 €, compared to the body alone)

 

[Roger Hicks]

Go to http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/zeiss.html and scroll about a quarter of the way down. You will find comparisons of the frames of ZI, M2, MP, R2, R3A and several accessory finders. The ZI 85 frame is identical to the MP 90, and the M2 90 shows slightly more than either!

Cheers,

R.

 

[gliderbee]

I'm asking because the bundle with the Sonnar is incredible value here in Germany at the moment (you basically get it for an extra 50 to 100 €, compared to the body alone)

Any link where this deal can be had ?

Thanks,
Stefan.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Thanks for the answers so far. I was guessing that 90/85 would not make much difference. I would be using my 75/2.5 Heliar for a while on the ZI (before upgrading to a 90 Elmarit) , and while the difference is greater, it should not matter much because I'm getting more than I frame, not less...

@ Double Negative:
I see that you own both the ZM 50/1.5 Sonnar and the ZM 50/2 Planar. How do they compare? I understand that the Planar is the sharper lens, but the Sonnar delivers a unique rendering.

I'm asking because the bundle with the Sonnar is incredible value here in Germany at the moment (you basically get it for an extra 50 to 100 €, compared to the body alone)

Not Double Negative, but I had the Planar and still have the Sonnar. This may tell you which I prefer. Yes, the Planar is sharper and has far less focus shift. I just find the look of the Sonnar to be wonderful. This is from someone who never fell for the 'Sonnar magic' before (f/4.5 Biogons are another matter).

Cheers,

R.

 

[kossi008]

Any link where this deal can be had ?

I assumed the bundle offer was universal, but it's not on Zeiss' homepage. Anyway, here in Germany I've seen it in at least two places. I'll send you a PN with the links as I am not sure whether it is OK to post dealer links here...

 

[kossi008]

Well, I've got the Zeiss Ikon and the Planar 50 and a C-Biogon 35 now, and my CV Heliar 75 does nicely on an 28/90 adapter, I just have to find out about the framing (using the 85 mm frame) yet...

But I am still wondering: If I buy an M-Mount 75 mm, it would bring up the 50 mm lines on the ZI, right? In that case, either my 75 mm LTM lens gets to stay, or I'll switch to 90 mm in M-mount come the time for investment...

Can anybody answer this: Does a 75 mm M-mount lens bring up the 50 framelines on the ZI?

 

[Tom A]

Both the 75 Summilux and the 75 Summicron bring up the 50 frame on the ZI. It is possible to "modify" the bayonet to bring up the 85 frame - or simply replace the bayonet with a 90 mm one. I haven't done that as I have M6/MP's and R3M/A's and tend to use the 75's with those instead. It is too bad, as the few times I have shot with these lenses on the ZI the result has been good (using the VC 75 mm finder). With the Heliar 75 - it is just a matter of using the 90 adapter.

 

[Quercus]

I use the VC 75 on the ZI and also the Planar. The 75 is a great lens and price point for wallop is a brilliant performer. The Planar I got at a really good price but don't use it very often 40mm sonnar is more my "normal"

The 75mm has been a stalwart over the last 6 years paint has worn to brass in places and it now looks like something that would not be out of place on a II or III - I wouldn't change it for any other 75-90. But hey that is subjective.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showfull.php?photo=52401

 

[kossi008]

Thanks for the replies. Well, like I said, I am using the CV 75 on my ZI with an 28/90 adapter, and I have always loved its results on my Bessa R.

So I guess it gets to stay, as I am not so sure that I would want to switch to 90 mm...