Zeiss 25mm wobble?

[bob338]

I am considering buying a used Zeiss 25mm ZM. I *think* I remember reading that these suffer from Zeiss-wobble, but I can't be sure. I don't want to lowball the seller if this is a solid lens even though it doesn't come with any kind of warranty.

Also, what do you think a fair price is for this lens? I haven't seen many auctions for it so I don't know what a realistic offer would be.

Bob

 

[LeicaFan]

I don't think the wobble is exclusive to just one lens. From what I've read, many new Zeiss lenses have had problems, but FWIW, when I had my 35mm Biogon, there was no wobble.

Whatever the value of the lens is, expect to pay a premium since all Zeiss lenses are backordered due to the tsunami in Japan.

 

[Richard G]

I have the 25. Construction seems very good. It hasn't had as much use as my other lenses and I have read only good things about it here and elsewhere. Curse me, I have actually dropped my C Sonnar three times, once from 1.5m, saved by the filter rim, once from 0.5, saved by the hood which bent - added force from the M5 which followed it down, and once from 0.5m with no protection. It's perfectly fine in all respects. You could ask the seller if it wobbles. If it doesn't now it may not ever. I have a second hand 90 Elmarit M with a slight wobble but it works fine.

 

[sleepyhead]

I had a Zeiss ZM 25mm a couple of years ago, bought new. It developed a bad wobble shortly thereafter, and was sent to Zeiss Germany under warranty. After a month I received a message from the retail dealer in Copenhagen that Zeiss deemed the lens "unrepairable" and they sent a new one.

This didn't give me great confidence. I used the lens for a few months (great image quality, but quite large), and the sold it and bought a CV 25mm "snapshot" skopar instead. I missed the extra stop, but the skopar is so small and light (and inexpensive, comparatively).

Then I bought a ZM 50/1.5. Also a great lens. It also developed a bad wobble.

I guess I am one of those who have had bad luck with Zeiss ZM lenses.

These days, all my lenses are Leica, except a 90mm CV color-Heliar. No more Zeiss for me.

 

[Archiver]

My 28/2.8 developed a wobble in the front barrel after about three years. Not cool.

My secondhand 50/1.5 Sonnar has a loose focus ring, which slips up and down on one side and makes the focusing feel a bit sticky at times.

My Zeiss 25/2.8 and 21/2.8 are rock solid, and have been all over the place with me. My Voigtlander lenses including the 25/4P and 35/1.4 are also rock solid. I think it's just the luck (or not) of the draw.

 

[bob338]

Thanks for the insights, I think I'm going to pass on the lens.

Bob