Zeiss 18, 21 M compatibility with M8

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Vickko

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Hello, are the Zeiss 18, 21/2.8 and 21/4.5 compatible with the M8 ?

I thought I saw a reference that one of the 21's (f2.8, f4.5) isn't compatible with the M8, despite proper coding and filtering. But I can't find the reference again.

As far as I can find, the ZM 18/4 is superb for the M8, properly coded and filtered. Is that right?

And as long as I'm on this thread, the CV 15 for M is good for the M8, properly coded and filtered. Is that right?


Vick
 
The only 21 that doesn't work properly with the M8, AFAIK, is the Leica Super Angulon, which mounts fine but doesn't meter accurately. Everything I've read seems to indicate that the Zeiss lenses work well.

The CV15 is great on the M8, correct!
 
You should consider to have 21/4.5 coded if you plan to use for indoor and color. I noticed the color shift even with the UV/IR filter on my M8.

Cheers,
 
The ZM 21mm f/2.8 is fantastic on the M8.
Out of the box, the lens brings up the 50mm framelines which won't properly code it for lens detection. Milich makes a lens flange that replaces the stock ones which bring up the 28/90mm framelines and the coding can be done by hand.
As far as I'm concerned, coding is unnecessary, though. I've used the lens for a year now on both my RD1 and M8. I've not seen any cyan vignetting from it at all. I like it without the UV/IR filter since I love black & white with the M8. But when used for color, the lens is outstanding as well.
It focuses about 9 inches closer than the standard .7m for Leica viewfinders. You can feel this in a slight drag on the focusing barrel when the RF cam follower stops moving positively along the helical cam. This is great for some very up-close shots and at f/2.8 you can certainly get some nice out of focus backgrounds.

Phil Forrest
 
The new ZM 21 2.8 have a groove or indentation in the lens flange, so all you need to due is use a Black Marker/Sharpie to code and the coding doesn't wear off.

I think many find coding for lenses wider than 50mm. i.e 40, 35, 28 etc. results in noticeable differences. You can always use Cornerfix instead of coding.

Try the 15 mm with and without coding and you'll see significant differences in color shots.
 
The ZM 21mm f/2.8 may have the little groove that allows paint or marker to not wear off, but many of the lenses have the mounting flange which brings up 50mm framelines, not the 28 required for proper coding.

Phil Forrest
 
I use 18/4 and 21/4.5 on M8. Both have indentation on the lens mount, and I applied hand coding as WATE and Elmarit, work fine.
 
Phil_F_NM said:
The ZM 21mm f/2.8 may have the little groove that allows paint or marker to not wear off, but many of the lenses have the mounting flange which brings up 50mm framelines, not the 28 required for proper coding.

Phil Forrest
Click to expand...
You can order a correct lens mount from Zeiss for a very reasonable price.
 
Jaapv: I've contacted Zeiss about this, using one of the email contacts listed on this forum actually, and the reply was that they would not supply the flange directly to a private customer. Might be because I'm in the US?

Phil Forrest
 
Phil_F_NM said:
The ZM 21mm f/2.8 may have the little groove that allows paint or marker to not wear off, but many of the lenses have the mounting flange which brings up 50mm framelines, not the 28 required for proper coding.

Phil Forrest
Click to expand...

Hi Phil,

You're correct, the older version of the Zeiss, without the groove, brought up the 50mm framelines and therefore the incorrect software corrections.

The newer Zeiss lens with the little groove also has the correct flange that brings up the 28mm framelines to facilitate proper coding.

So if you can, get the newer version, and you'll save yourself a bit of trouble.
 
Vickko said:
Hello, are the Zeiss 18, 21/2.8 and 21/4.5 compatible with the M8 ?

I thought I saw a reference that one of the 21's (f2.8, f4.5) isn't compatible with the M8, despite proper coding and filtering. But I can't find the reference again.

As far as I can find, the ZM 18/4 is superb for the M8, properly coded and filtered. Is that right?

And as long as I'm on this thread, the CV 15 for M is good for the M8, properly coded and filtered. Is that right?


Vick
Click to expand...

I believe I have heard that the 4.5/21 works poorly on the M9 (full frame)
 
somewhat related (i hope), for those using the 18/4 on the M8, do you need an external finder? i'm thinking it might be possible to get on without an external one and just use the edges of the internal VF.
 
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