Would either CV lens work without a VF?

[MacDaddy]

Wanting to add either a CV 75mm or 90mm lens to a ZI until the 85mm comes out—will either one work with the existing 85mm framelines of the ZI camera?

 

[jgeenen]

The 90mm lens will - using the 90mm adaptor - show the 85mm framelines which are a perfect match (don't care about the differences, framelines - regardless of model or manufacturer - don't show more than about 85% (look at the manual or tech specs).

For that reason I bought a 90mm cron of the 80's - perfect match in size + handling.

Regarding 75mm framelines: Zeiss Ikon uses similar mechanics as Leica to find the matching framelines (a longer or smaller notch on the lens bajonet). There is no way for permanent manual override. However, as Zeiss decided to ommit the 75mm framelines (that should have been combined with the 35mm lines), no 75mm lens or adaptor will show up adequate framelines on a Zeiss Ikon.

 

[back alley]

i use a 90 hex on the zi, it triggers the 85 fl.

works fine.

 

[Kyle]

i use a 90 hex on the zi, it triggers the 85 fl.

works fine.

I agree. My 90/2.8 Tele Elmarit is great on the ZI.

Dunno about the 75.

 

[MacDaddy]

Thanks guys! Sorry about the inadvertent double-post! Had a tremendous storm come through as I hit the "Post" button and lost power.

 

[Huck Finn]

I use the CV 75 with the ZI. using a 28/90 adaptor, it brings up the 90 frame lines. You just have to shoot with the realization that your picture will include more than what the frame lines show - which is fine with me since I am not using this lens for portraiture & since I don't have worry about cutting anything out that I want in my picture. I think of the 90 frame lines as helping me frame my main subject, knowing that I'm going to get a little extra background.

 

[Huck Finn]

Zeiss decided to ommit the 75mm framelines that should have been combined with the 35mm lines.

I respectfully disagree.

The beauty of the ZI is that it has uncluttered frame lines - something which hasn't been available from Leica since the M4. This stands in stark contrast to Konica's ridiculous decision to include 135 frame lines on a camera with .6x magnification, something even Leica doesn't do - totally unnecessary cluttering up of the Hexar RF's frame lines.

One of the few problems with Leica's design of the M cameras is the pairing of 50 & 75 frames. These are too close together. Zeiss decided not to repeat the same mistake for a lens which is not as frequently used as the others & which they obviously had no interest in offering.

There are plenty of other camera choices for anyone who wants or needs 75 frame lines, but there aren't any other choices of new cameras with wide angle frame line options but without extra pairs of frame lines in the way.

 

[MacDaddy]

Thanks Huck! (It's funny that an online persona with your "handle" keeps responding to a guy who quotes Mark Twain—some kind of cosmic symmetry in that one, I think!) I got the camera late yesterday and you are absolutley right about the 75mm with the 28/90 adapter. Cool! I still want to get the 90mm so I can cover the longest end of the range, though. Coming soon? (That is, as soon as my retired students' budget can afford it, per my built-in bookkeeper [My Dearly Beloved Wife]) 8o)
Thanks again for all the great input from The Group!

 

[Huck Finn]

You're welcome, MacD.

Mark Twain was simply the greatest American writer ever. I love his work. I live near Hartford, which was Twain's home for many years - something which I didn't know until I live hear. If you ever get up this way, visit his homestead which is preserved as a museum. It's well worth the time.

 

[MacDaddy]

My senior thesis paper in English Literature (my major) is going to be on him. When I lived in Iowa we took a trip to Hannibal, MO. Most enlightening, if you get the chance! And yes, I WILL get up there one of these days to see his place near Hartford. Later, gotta get to work!