Zeiss 25mm ZM on an M8

ChipNovaMac

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Though I have a CV 25mm SM that I am happy with, been tempted at going with the Zeiss 25mm ZM for the added stop of speed and couple RF focusing.

Wanted to hear from those that have this lens and did not jump through hoops to get the mount changed from one that signals a 28mm frame to a mount that triggers the 35mm frame in the VF. For accurate framing do you find it a pain to use the frame lever?

Thanks for the help all!
 
John Milich will modify the flange for you. He charges $25 for coding pits and $10 to bring up the proper framelines (24mm in this case).
 
ZM 25 on M8

ZM 25 on M8

I went to Sicily early this year with the ZM 25 before I changed the mount with a file. I just used the full frame on the M8 for framing and I did not mind it at all. Very sharp results. Being able to focus the lens for close ups made it vastly superior to guessing the distance with a CV 25 in low light. About 80 percent of my almost 800 photos on the trip where made with the ZM 25.

Gary B
 
I use this lens extensively on my 0.58 MP with the 28 frames as a guide. I can see clearly outside the 28 framleines to where the 25 lines would be if my VF had the 24 lines. I have been very pleased with the results and framing is quite accurate; after you have shot a roll or two, you will have a very solid feel for the framing.

I was hesistant about the framing with a lens that didn't have framelines in the VF, too. But it is no big deal...if I can do it, you will be able to, too:)
 
This may sound strange but it is a VERY EASY fix that you can do yourself with a fine file.

The flange on the mount which triggers the frame lines goes in this order from longest to shortest:

28/90
50/75
24/35/135 depending on whether you are talking 24/35 for the M8 or 35/135 for the M7

Since the 25 has the longest long, it is very easy to shorten it by hand to the shortest lug length with a fine file that has a smooth (non-cutting) side edge.

It will then pull up the 24/35 framelines and you can code it with a sharpie or get the mount milled and coded.

Best,

Ray
 
Last edited:
ChipNovaMac said:
Though I have a CV 25mm SM that I am happy with, been tempted at going with the Zeiss 25mm ZM for the added stop of speed and couple RF focusing.

Wanted to hear from those that have this lens and did not jump through hoops to get the mount changed from one that signals a 28mm frame to a mount that triggers the 35mm frame in the VF. For accurate framing do you find it a pain to use the frame lever?

Thanks for the help all!

Please consider the new CV 25mmP lens that is rangefinder coupled, and hals the price of the Zeiss. The Zeiss is a great lens however (from what I read). Were I to get a new lens myself, I would consider either the Zeiss 21mm or 25mm.
 
I am a fan of the ZM 25

I am a fan of the ZM 25

It aint a big deal about the framelines. When you compose, just pull the lever thing next to the lenses (which is meant to give you alternative frame line references) and look at the widest frame lines. Its not 100% accurate but fairly close unless you're a freak on frameline accuracy. I dont see the point of being 100% accurat eon the framelines as I shhot street and objects are always moving. If its still life, I could understand more.

Really enjoy the ZM. It draws very well, tack sharp when wide open and beautiful tones. You'll love it.
 
However, if you want to code the lens, the framelines must match the code or else it comes up as uncoded. I personally am not that coordinated to manage all of those controls at once.
 
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