Zeiss 50/1.5 Sonnar Sample Shot

[sockeyed]

I got a chance to very briefly try out the Zeiss 50/1.5 Sonnar the other evening thanks to Tom Abrahamsson. I mounted the lens (beautifully made, with a lot of glass in it) on my M6 and snapped this shot of a fellow in our group. It's at f/2 and 1/125, I believe. The film is Fuji Sensia 100, scanned at the lab.

First impressions from this boring shot is that the lens has excellent sharpness, smooth bokeh and very pleasant colour rendition. it's very tempting to start saving up for one. I hope to get a chance to try it out a bit more when Tom gets back from Photokina.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

someone should do a comparison of the Sonnar and the CV Nokton. I'd really like to see that.

Nice shot, by the way.

 

[goo0h]

Say, that's purty.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

And yes...this is why I like Sensia. Sensia rocks.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I was going to ask if it was stopped down, yep. Thanks for the post. Looking good!

Man, I didn't win the Powerball yesterday, but nobody else took my money either, so that's good...

 

[PetarDima]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to see something in B&W( Ilford HP5+ or Kodak Tmax ... )

 

[David Murphy]

Just stunnning sharpness and contrast for a 1950's era lens. The Zeiss folks were really way out in front of the crowd at that time. I think this probably beats the Summitar.

 

[David Murphy]

Oh, yes: I take it this was a coated post war version ?

 

[Stephanie Brim]

This is the new one. Not the 50's one.

 

[dexdog]

Great portrait, sockeyed. Lovely lens if this is typical performance. Almost enough to get me to buy a new ZI.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Or you could save a few bucks, buy an M2, and stick the lens on there.

 

[dexdog]

yes I could, but the M2 is made by the L-word.

 

[rxmd]

Mark, then get a Hexar RF for $750 or so

 

[xayraa33]

Lovely results from this new lens.
I wish Zeiss offered this new Sonnar in LTM as an option.

 

[back alley]

damn!

i really can't afford this...

 

[Marc-A.]

yes I could, but the M2 is made by the L-word.

That means?

Anyway, the new sonnar seems good, but I'm surprised by the rendition at f2. I don't like at all the bokeh, and the result is completly different from the antique Sonnar - and it's not a matter of increased sharpness.
I'm curious to know what Sonnar users think about the new one. Gabriel? Joe?
As far as I can remember, Joe said on another thread (but can't remember where) that the new Sonnar wasn't a true Sonnar due to a different formula. Joe can you confirm that?
Best,
Marc

 

[back alley]

i think that might have been another joe.

i have read that it is a true sonnar but not a traditional one in the number and configuration of the glass. that because of much better coatings that the group/elelments could be changed.
i like the look of the old sonnars and time will tell if this new one has it.
i look forward to some b&w shots too.

 

[rpsawin]

I like the "look" alot. I have the ZI 25/2.8 Biogon and am very impressed with the build quality and the photos I have taken with it. I am currently looking at the ZI 35/2 vs CV 35/2.5 Pancake II M. I have to say I sure like the ZI's so far.

Bob

 

[back alley]

the zm 35 is a very nice and very sharp lens. it has less contrast than the 35/2.5 from cv.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I'm not exactly sure what's so wrong with the L-word. I'd put Zeiss glass on a Leica and Leica glass on an Ikon if I had them to play around with.

Seriously, though. Pick a body you like and go with it. Don't let the brand determine your choice.