Zeiss 85mm f2 ZM experience/ images?

[mdg137]

I am considering picking up a Zeiss 85mm f2 ZM as an addition to an already fairly well rounded lens lineup.
Looking for user opinions and images.
I don't need suggestions for an alternative 85/90, I have 3 others, but just thoughts from users and images.

Thanks in advance!

 

[kxl]

If you're a fan of that "Sonnar look" and can afford it, then this one's a winner. I'd love to get one but a bit out of my reach right now.

http://www.fuwen.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=162

 

[SaveKodak]

Man I've always wanted this lens. It's frustrating that they made it sooo expensive and then discontinued it so early. It would not have bothered me at all if it was just made in Japan.

 

[uhoh7]

Production was stopped because of issues with this lens. It's not even listed at the ZM site. Zeiss themselves were not happy with it. CA is huge WO and there are focus issues, or so are the reports I hear after research.

Edward has one and loves it: "a flawed gem"

The nikkor 85/2 RF in S, Contax or LTM, is fantastic, and was built to beat the original ziess RF 85/2 with improved Sonnar formula, performance and build. If you are after that classic sonnar 85, which is technically WAY ahead of the more famous 5cm f/1.5, then for not much money here you go:


Entanglement by unoh7, on Flickr

It is fantastic. Simple cheap adapters for S and Contax to Sony. Many good copies. I paid 85usd for both of those lenses, right here, but a really clean LTM will run 400USD.

Worth every penny and more. I like it better than 75 Lux. Sharp accross the frame WO and searing by f/4. Not too big. Hard glass. Great great bokeh, my favorite nikon lens. It's Zeiss on great medication 🙂


Centerpiece by unoh7, on Flickr

Honestly the ZM85/2 is rare, 600 copies of a planned 2000. That's only justification for it's value. ZM15/2.8 a different story

A clean CZJ 85/2 original, J8, or this nikkor I would take ahead of the ZM even if price was the same.

 

[presspass]

Pardon my ignorance, but do the Canon LTM 85s - 2.0 and 1.9 - use the Sonnar formula?

 

[f16sunshine]

^^^
The canons you mention do not use a sonnar formula. They are DG.
Atually the ZM 2/85 is only a sonnar in name. It's not a true sonnar.

 

[fuwen]

I posted this quite awhile ago, hope it is useful.

http://www.fuwen.net/index.php/home/range-finder-system/zm-85/2-sonnar-t*/79-zm-852-sonnar-t

http://www.fuwen.net/index.php/gallery-by-lenses-nonflash/category/46-zm-85-2-sonnar-t

 

[venchka]

Production was stopped because of issues with this lens. It's not even listed at the ZM site. Zeiss themselves were not happy with it. CA is huge WO and there are focus issues, or so are the reports I hear after research.

Edward has one and loves it: "a flawed gem"

The nikkor 85/2 RF in S, Contax or LTM, is fantastic, and was built to beat the original ziess RF 85/2 with improved Sonnar formula, performance and build. If you are after that classic sonnar 85, which is technically WAY ahead of the more famous 5cm f/1.5, then for not much money here you go:


Entanglement by unoh7, on Flickr

It is fantastic. Simple cheap adapters for S and Contax to Sony. Many good copies. I paid 85usd for both of those lenses, right here, but a really clean LTM will run 400USD.

Worth every penny and more. I like it better than 75 Lux. Sharp accross the frame WO and searing by f/4. Not too big. Hard glass. Great great bokeh, my favorite nikon lens. It's Zeiss on great medication 🙂


Centerpiece by unoh7, on Flickr

Honestly the ZM85/2 is rare, 600 copies of a planned 2000. That's only justification for it's value. ZM15/2.8 a different story

A clean CZJ 85/2 original, J8, or this nikkor I would take ahead of the ZM even if price was the same.

Thanks so much for the sales pitch. My Nikkor 8.5cm f/2.0 will be on the market soon. Unless your glowing praise makes me change my mind.
Maybe someone will make me an offer I can't refuse.
Good luck with the search.
Wayne


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