Zeiss ZM 21mm f2.8

[Mazurka]

If I had that lens I would just use it set to 2.5 meters for general use. That is one area where the G series is at a disadvantage -- there are no depth of field scales to allow you to zone focus, which is a major component in using rangefinder wide angles.

You can set it at 2.5m with the distance indicator in the viewfinder. You can also use the DOF table from Leica: http://www.leica-camera.com/imperia/md/content/pdf/objektive/datenbltterm-objektive/49.pdf

 

[StuartR]

I know that I can set it at 2.5 meters...that is why I said I would set it at 2.5 meters. My complaint is that it does not have depth of field scales. Sure, I know I can find them online, but I don't want to memorize the depth of field scales for every lens I might find myself using hyperfocally. Currently I use hyper focal focus with 35mm, 25mm, 21mm and 15mm lenses, and to memorize all those tables would be a nightmare. Thankfully, they are written right there on the lens. For the G, while I can set the distance using the manual focusing, I don't have any way of knowing whether that is enough depth of field for the given f/stop without memorizing a table. Not a fatal flaw, but an annoyance. Don't get me wrong, the G system is great, but that is one of the areas where it doesn't impress me.

 

[Mazurka]

Yes, DOF scales are more convenient. Still, those on my Zeiss C/Y lenses are overly optimistic and shooting apertures should be one stop smaller than indicated. Also keep in mind that AF lenses generally have very short focus throws, so any DOF scale would be highly abbreviated compared with manual focus models.

DOF tables are a little more hassle, but they too can be printed on small cards as a portable reference.