Which M Film Camera for ZM 21mm F4.5 Lens?

[xcube]

I recently got a ZM 21mm F4.5 lens to use with my R4A camera as a super wide solution.

The issue I am having is the lens has the minimum focus distance of 0.5 meter but the camera body seems can only do 0.7/0.8 meter.

Is there another camera body can support the 0.5 meter minimum distance?

Thanks.

 

[f16sunshine]

The short answer is no. There is no other Rangefinder camera that will support RF coupled focus to closer than .7m .
The R4a/m is your best choice .

Cheers!

 

[mfogiel]

For such close focusing you'd be better off with an SLR anyway. Just think about this combo as a Hasselblad SWC.

 

[xxloverxx]

Surely DOF should be able to cover the…errors…at that focal length, at 4.5?

 

[semilog]

My preferred setup would be a CLE with ZM 21mm finder, but the short focus is still limited.

Best to carry a 1m tailor's cloth tape in your bag if you need really accurate focus.

Does the Zeiss Ikon couple to 0.5m?

 

[semilog]

Surely DOF should be able to cover the…errors…at that focal length, at 4.5?

Almost-right focus is not the same as dead-on! And for this absolutely superlative lens, it will make a difference.

 

[semilog]

For such close focusing you'd be better off with an SLR anyway. Just think about this combo as a Hasselblad SWC.

Operationally, yes. But no SLR 21mm can deliver that kind of optical performance in such a small, lightweight package.

 

[FrozenInTime]

If you are as close as 50cm, use a tape measure.
The Olympus XA-4 and Minox 8x11 cameras are examples of non SLRs that were supplied with marked distance chains.

However beware with wide lenses at close distance parallax and perspective are difficult to judge.

 

[B-9]

Surely DOF should be able to cover the…errors…at that focal length, at 4.5?

Your absolutely right, DOF is massive on a 21mm.
The truth is, if you cant be bothered with a bit of guesstimating, wide angle on a RF is not your thing.

The size difference between the Zeiss 21 and a AIS Nikon 20/2.8 is null.
So the point of size is really a dead end, subjective at best, and prone to dragging out long debates with no avail.

Your R4 is the best option you have.

 

[CameraQuest]

I recently got a ZM 21mm F4.5 lens to use with my R4A camera as a super wide solution.

The issue I am having is the lens has the minimum focus distance of 0.5 meter but the camera body seems can only do 0.7/0.8 meter.

Is there another camera body can support the 0.5 meter minimum distance?

Thanks.

nope, there is no such camera SFAIK. The .7 to .5 focusing range is for scale focusing only, not rangefinder focusing.

Stephen

 

[CrisR]

Even Zeiss's own Ikon cameras focus down to 0.7m, the same as Leica and Voigtlander bodies.

If accurate focus to 0.5m is important, you'll need to look into a digital mirrorless solution or the M 240 with live view or EVF.

 

[craygc]

But no SLR 21mm can deliver that kind of optical performance in such a small, lightweight package.

But then no rangefinder will give you anything like accurate framing at that end of the focus scale ...its horses for courses!

 

[Richard G]

For reasons nothing to do with focus the best camera for the ZM 21 4.5 is the Leica M5. It is bigger and proportionally longer and flatter. It is therefore easier to hold level and easier to hold parallel to the plane of interest, such as a building.