Wow, I (finally!) did it...

[mfogiel]

"Why would you say the Nokton 35/1.2 is ideal?"

When you compare the ZI to a Leica M7, what stands out in ZI's favour, is the viewfinder, with its superior size and clarity, the rangefinder precision, and 1/2000th max shutter speed. When considering the ZI framelines, it is obvious, that the ideal one is the 35mm - big enough to fill most of the vision, but leaving out enough relief, to make you appreciate what is happening outside the frame for perfect composition and timing. All in all, this is the ideal rangefinder for fast lenses - you see well even in dim light, and the RF, with its long base and 0.74 magnification is second to none.
The Nokton 35/1.2 balances very well on the Ikon body, and the VF obstruction is relatively small, given how far away is the VF from the lens mount. When you want to shoot wide open in daylight, the 1/2000th shutter helps you limit the overexposure problem. This body-lens combination, is the most versatile you can think of in the film RF world.


20099003 by mfogiel, on Flickr

 

[wakarimasen]

Will the 50mm F2.8 Elmar safely 'collapse' with the Zeiss Ikon?

 

[ingsy]

"Why would you say the Nokton 35/1.2 is ideal?"

When you compare the ZI to a Leica M7, what stands out in ZI's favour, is the viewfinder, with its superior size and clarity, the rangefinder precision, and 1/2000th max shutter speed. When considering the ZI framelines, it is obvious, that the ideal one is the 35mm - big enough to fill most of the vision, but leaving out enough relief, to make you appreciate what is happening outside the frame for perfect composition and timing. All in all, this is the ideal rangefinder for fast lenses - you see well even in dim light, and the RF, with its long base and 0.74 magnification is second to none.
The Nokton 35/1.2 balances very well on the Ikon body, and the VF obstruction is relatively small, given how far away is the VF from the lens mount. When you want to shoot wide open in daylight, the 1/2000th shutter helps you limit the overexposure problem. This body-lens combination, is the most versatile you can think of in the film RF world.

Thank you very much for the detailed response. I have a Zeiss 35 f/2.8 - nice and small, but not too fast...might look at the Nokton if Zeiss doesn't offer something similar soon.

 

[mfogiel]

I do not think, you can "safely collapse" any lens into the ZI, perhaps with the exception of CV lenses, as they have been made for the same shutter unit.
@ingsy
The 35/2.8 Biogon is certainly a wonderful lens, but very contrasty. To mitigate this a bit, you should shoot B&W film at half box speed and develop on the short side, this way you will tame the contrast and get a longer tonal range. The true speed of a lens on B&W film is measured by the detail in the shadows - high contrast lenses will have less detail, so in practice you should treat them as slower than they really are. At this point, the development must avoid blocking the overexposed highlights. I would recommend to use your lens with Tri X @ EI 200, developed in d76, hc110, extol or ddx. You can also try rodinal 1+100, agitate slowly every 3 minutes, and keep the developer at or below 20C, this will give you killer sharpness and a great compensating effect.

 

[Pioneer]

The 35 2.8 Biogon is a terrific lens. I love the contrast and that is one of the main reasons I use it. If I want less contrast I pull out my Elmar 35 LTM with an adaptor. Now THAT will reduce contrast in a hurry and I don't have to change my developing time at all. 🙂

My personal favorite 35 is the Perar 35/3.5. It is a tiny triplet that works perfectly for me...and certainly makes for a very tidy package when combined with the Zeiss Ikon. With that lens I can literally carry my ZI in my shirt pocket. The Perar 28/4 is even smaller.

 

[Pioneer]

BTW, my Elmar 50/3.5 will not completely collapse into the body of my ZI but it is very, very close. You will also need to find the original Leica LTM to M adaptor with the cut out in order to use the lens. The infinity lock cannot be depressed enough to unlock and focus the lens with the normal adaptors.

Unless there is a reason that you have to have the Elmar, the VC Nickel Heliar 50/3.5 will collapse and it also makes for a very compact package, not to mention looking damn nice while doing it. 🙂