Zeiss 35/2 Biogon ZM - first mechanical impressions

Steve_F

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Jan 20, 2008
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Location
Hampshire, UK
Well I finally mounted my 35/2 Biogon on the M6 TTL this morning (Monday).
After the numerous lengthy discussions here and what I've seen on the internet, mechanically it lives up to what I've seen or been told.
The hood clicks firmly into place nicely and stays there, the aperture ring is smooth, precise with small sharp clicks (or even a 'tick' - reminds of safe-cracking in movies).
I was unaware that the Zeiss had a raised tab on the focusing ring giving me the option of using that or 'conventional' focusing style.
The action is beautifully damped offering excellent resistance, but not too much. Perfect. My 1998 50 Summicron feels positively sloppy in comparison (it isn't - but its my first RF lens). Still, we'll see how the Zeiss is in 12 years!
I was concerned enough from certain points that had been raised about a tiny amount of play in the focus action and initially felt mine had this, however to feel it again, when changing direction very quickly in focusing it is actually movement in the mount where it meets the body. We are taking fractions of a millimetre here, and by holding the lens base I could replicate it. I wonder if those who feel there is play in the focus ring are actually experiencing the same thing.
This is nothing new as my all my Nikons have had this 'play'. I'm sure there are engineers out there who will say that if it was machined to perfection then in warmer weather / climates the lens woudn't fit?
Of course its taking the photos that really matters but as far as the engineering that holds it all together - 10/10 Zeiss. Gorgeous!

It was sunny here in the UK over the weekend so I loaded Pan F; now it's officially British Summer Time I can step outside in to a lovely overcast wet day and get 1/60 @ f2.

Have to find a day in the next week or so to get to Central London and try it out.

Roll on summer.

Steve.
 
I changed my mind. I sent the Zeiss back and received 35 'cron ASPH instead.
All along a I wanted the Leica lens but was looking for reasons to cut my costs.
On a previous thread somewhere it was pointed out by someone that "I'd get the Summicron one day so I may aswell get it now". The truth is that's the way I felt.
Now I have the 'cron I feel I have made the right decision.

Steve.
 
On mechanical thoughts, many people here have ZM lenses with no problems, I have 3 ZM lenses, two have loose lens barrels, a 50 Planar and 28 Biogon. My 21 Biogon has a very easy to turn focus ring, almost too easy compared to my friends 21 biogon, and though his is chrome and mine is black, I dont think that has anything to do with it.
 
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