kshapero
South Florida Man
I have a ZI (silver) with the C Sonnar 50mm lens. I would like to pair it with either the ZM 25mm or 28mm. Any thoughts, opinions or experiences to help me decide, please.
ZI with a 25mm or a 28mm?
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noimmunity
scratch my niche
There is a really helpful discussion that you've definitely seen, but I thought I'd recall it for everybody else's benefit.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19244&highlight=ZM+25 (sorry, I don't know how to mark up text here)
I decided on the 25, myself, both because the images from it are more striking and because the focal length itself is really appealing. I've taken some shots with it but nothing scanned yet. But, since the ZI has such nice framelines for the 28, you'll probably want to use that, too. I know I do. There are undoubtedly many choices, but that's where the CV skopar 28/3.5 comes in. The size of it is simply unrivalled. It doesn't seem to be too popular, but I always liked the B&W photos I saw from that lens and I found a used one in silver cheap. The size and the ZI's 28 lines makes for a really sweet pocketable set up, or a nice option when you are going out mainly with your C-Sonnar but want to take a wide just in case.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19244&highlight=ZM+25 (sorry, I don't know how to mark up text here)
I decided on the 25, myself, both because the images from it are more striking and because the focal length itself is really appealing. I've taken some shots with it but nothing scanned yet. But, since the ZI has such nice framelines for the 28, you'll probably want to use that, too. I know I do. There are undoubtedly many choices, but that's where the CV skopar 28/3.5 comes in. The size of it is simply unrivalled. It doesn't seem to be too popular, but I always liked the B&W photos I saw from that lens and I found a used one in silver cheap. The size and the ZI's 28 lines makes for a really sweet pocketable set up, or a nice option when you are going out mainly with your C-Sonnar but want to take a wide just in case.
thomasw_
Well-known
I have used both the zm 28 and 25. and both are really good, but there is something about the slightly wider composing of a scene with the 25 that I have grown to prefer over the 28. you can use both lenses with the entire VF, there is no need to buy the aux finder for the 25...get more film instead or do something nice for someone with the savings🙂 the rendering with the 25 is not yet something i describe well un der various conditions, but the 28 i can: it is smooth and sharp across the image, with no coma or funny vignetting; in colour with k64, the image is striking and precise with a little creaminess...
so now you have to decide....have fun🙂
so now you have to decide....have fun🙂
mfogiel
Veteran
I think it depends on what you shoot more: landscapes or street scenes, for the landscapes and similar, the 25mm is a killer, here's a sample:
http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1054377306&size=lhttp://flickr.com/photos/59177039@N00/1054377306/
For street shooting instead, I have often found the 25mm to be a bit wide, here's an example shot with the 28mm Elmarit:
http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=730507962&size=l
From what I know also, the Biogon 25 is sharper out in the corners, so if you shoot architecture etc, it will give you more punch.
http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1054377306&size=lhttp://flickr.com/photos/59177039@N00/1054377306/
For street shooting instead, I have often found the 25mm to be a bit wide, here's an example shot with the 28mm Elmarit:
http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=730507962&size=l
From what I know also, the Biogon 25 is sharper out in the corners, so if you shoot architecture etc, it will give you more punch.
Ronald M
Veteran
You need to plan the entire lens aquisition and not buy random ones for trials.
Something is needed between 25 and 50. Maybe not if you pick a 28. The 25 will view double the length and double the width of a 50.
My choices are 25/35/50 or 21/ 28/35/50 25/28 are so close I would not consider carrying both.
Something is needed between 25 and 50. Maybe not if you pick a 28. The 25 will view double the length and double the width of a 50.
My choices are 25/35/50 or 21/ 28/35/50 25/28 are so close I would not consider carrying both.
Rhoyle
Well-known
When I jumped into RF, I got the Rollei 35Rf with the 40mm Sonnar. I thought that the 40mm length would get more use than a 50, which I so often used for SLR.
My choice of wide angle was between 25 and 28, like yours. Going on my SLR experience, I always wanted something a little wider than the 28, so got the 25 Biogon. I've never looked back. Not long after buying it, I started seeing all of the comments here on RFF about the beautiful qualities of this lens. it only reinforced what I was already experiencing. For my combination of 40 and 25mm, it's a good combination. Coupling with a 50, I can understand your slight delimma. There's not a huge difference between 25 and 28, but do know that the 25 Biogon is quickly becoming legendary.
BH
My choice of wide angle was between 25 and 28, like yours. Going on my SLR experience, I always wanted something a little wider than the 28, so got the 25 Biogon. I've never looked back. Not long after buying it, I started seeing all of the comments here on RFF about the beautiful qualities of this lens. it only reinforced what I was already experiencing. For my combination of 40 and 25mm, it's a good combination. Coupling with a 50, I can understand your slight delimma. There's not a huge difference between 25 and 28, but do know that the 25 Biogon is quickly becoming legendary.
BH
dseelig
David
25 or 28
25 or 28
I would go 25, 35, 50 no question. David
25 or 28
I would go 25, 35, 50 no question. David
back alley
IMAGES
25 and 50 for a 2 lens combo.
add a 35 later on for a 3 set combo or for a one body/one lens day kit.
works for me.
add a 35 later on for a 3 set combo or for a one body/one lens day kit.
works for me.
ferider
Veteran
28 and 40 in a two lens, two body combo, use the 50 for portraits 🙂
Remember 40 and 50 are as far apart as 28 and 35 🙂
Remember 40 and 50 are as far apart as 28 and 35 🙂
colinh
Well-known
I too use the 25, 35, 50 set.
The 25 was my second lens (after the 50), because I wanted a WIDE lens. It's annoying to buy a 28 and then find it's not quite wide enough 🙂 Also, I believe the ZM 25 produces better quality images.
I posted several examples (with 5400 dpi scans) in this thread.
You might like to try the film as well, so that you can really see the detail this lens (ZM 24/2.8) captures. It is quite amazing.
colin
The 25 was my second lens (after the 50), because I wanted a WIDE lens. It's annoying to buy a 28 and then find it's not quite wide enough 🙂 Also, I believe the ZM 25 produces better quality images.
I posted several examples (with 5400 dpi scans) in this thread.
You might like to try the film as well, so that you can really see the detail this lens (ZM 24/2.8) captures. It is quite amazing.
colin
principe azul
Ian
24/24, 35 and 50 make a nice combo, because the 25 gives twice the picture area of the 35, which in turn gives twice the picture area of the 50.
You'll need an 18 and a 12 to continue this... 😉
24/25 and 28 do have different characters. I'd really like one of each but, like Ronald, I appreciate they're too close to take out together.
Continuing Ronald's idea of planning your lineup, you could always get the ZM 25 and then get something later that has a different practical use for 28, e.g., a fast 28 like the Ultron or a tiny 28 like the Skopar.
But I feel your pain, kshapero. I'm planning 15, 25, 35, 50 myself.
15's easy, since I couldn't afford the Distagon.
25. There's a ZM-shaped hole in my lineup. From shooting a lot with the GR-D (28mm angle of view) and from really being forced to change the way I'd shoot with a 35mm when using the 15mm, I'm almost certain 25mm would become my 'normal' lens. Used to have a 21, but it was f/4 when I did a lot of low light, and I never got the hang of focusing through one window and viewing through the other - I find the 25mm easier.
35. Ultron. Sometimes I think the Nokton would be good instead, or as well (keeping the smaller Ultron for a lighter package, or to use during the day).
50. 2 Jupiter-3s and a Jupiter-8 that I never get round to testing for focus accuracy. I used nothing but a 50 once for six months. It's character-building, and I do like the focal length, but I'm not sure I'd shoot with one enough now to justify getting a Summicron, Hexanon, ZM or one of the VCs.
Not sure what any of this has to do with your original question 🙄 but I find it helps to read different people's musings about focal lengths. Not because any one of them will be right, but because reading them will prompt you to ask yourself the right questions.
You'll need an 18 and a 12 to continue this... 😉
24/25 and 28 do have different characters. I'd really like one of each but, like Ronald, I appreciate they're too close to take out together.
Continuing Ronald's idea of planning your lineup, you could always get the ZM 25 and then get something later that has a different practical use for 28, e.g., a fast 28 like the Ultron or a tiny 28 like the Skopar.
But I feel your pain, kshapero. I'm planning 15, 25, 35, 50 myself.
15's easy, since I couldn't afford the Distagon.
25. There's a ZM-shaped hole in my lineup. From shooting a lot with the GR-D (28mm angle of view) and from really being forced to change the way I'd shoot with a 35mm when using the 15mm, I'm almost certain 25mm would become my 'normal' lens. Used to have a 21, but it was f/4 when I did a lot of low light, and I never got the hang of focusing through one window and viewing through the other - I find the 25mm easier.
35. Ultron. Sometimes I think the Nokton would be good instead, or as well (keeping the smaller Ultron for a lighter package, or to use during the day).
50. 2 Jupiter-3s and a Jupiter-8 that I never get round to testing for focus accuracy. I used nothing but a 50 once for six months. It's character-building, and I do like the focal length, but I'm not sure I'd shoot with one enough now to justify getting a Summicron, Hexanon, ZM or one of the VCs.
Not sure what any of this has to do with your original question 🙄 but I find it helps to read different people's musings about focal lengths. Not because any one of them will be right, but because reading them will prompt you to ask yourself the right questions.
aizan
Veteran
the easiest thing is to buy the 28mm biogon that just went up in the classifieds. 🙂
sepiareverb
genius and moron
I'd say either the 25 or the 28 will work for at least a year. After shooting with it you'll know whether you made the right choice or need wider (or narrower if you pick the 25).
I came to RF from SLR shooting and a 24 was always in my bag. Since making the switch I find the 28 better suited to the camera and/or the images I'm making these days. My usual kit is 28/35/50. I do use the 25 with much success, but find it takes a bit more concentration than when mounted on an SLR. This may just be me, but this was a real surprise. Either lens will make stunning negatives.
I came to RF from SLR shooting and a 24 was always in my bag. Since making the switch I find the 28 better suited to the camera and/or the images I'm making these days. My usual kit is 28/35/50. I do use the 25 with much success, but find it takes a bit more concentration than when mounted on an SLR. This may just be me, but this was a real surprise. Either lens will make stunning negatives.
thomasw_
Well-known
colinh said:
Colin, do you know of a shop that will sell that film/developer and ship it to Canada?
thomas
colinh
Well-known
The film has different names depending on who you buy it from.
You HAVE to use the developer designed for it.
You can buy the films individually, in sets of 5 or even as 100' rolls.
The developer comes in bottles of 50 ml, which is exactly what you need for 5 films
You can buy sets of 1 bottle of developer with 2 or 5 films.
All prices include German VAT (MWSt.) of 19% which you can deduct. (quick way to convert to USD (for the mathematically challenged) is multiply by (1.35/1.19) 🙂 )
The reason I've checked all this so thoroughly is that my previous supplier is now concentrating on other things, so I wanted to know all this myself anyway.
Cheapest/best/most sensible set appears to be Fotoimpex's set of 5 films + 1 bottle of developer for these films.
An interesting website is www.adox.de. (Takes a while to download. 🙂 There are some high res scans...)
Phototec.de (film and film+developer tryout set)
Phototec.de (developer)
Orthopan UR (135-36 film) 5.30
(5 films) 23.50
Nanospeed UR (50 ml for 5 films) 9.20
Test set (2 films + 50 ml developer) 17.50
Fotoimpex.de (there's an english catalogue in pdf)
Here it's called ADOX CMS 20 and the developer is called ADOTECH
1 Film 4.64
30.5 m (100 ') roll 34.51
Developer 8.93
Developer + 5 films 24.99
Please support our poor economy and order some extra stuff too 🙂
colin
PS. Fotoimpex has a different but similar film in 4 x 5 " !!!!!! 😱 😱 😀
You HAVE to use the developer designed for it.
You can buy the films individually, in sets of 5 or even as 100' rolls.
The developer comes in bottles of 50 ml, which is exactly what you need for 5 films
You can buy sets of 1 bottle of developer with 2 or 5 films.
All prices include German VAT (MWSt.) of 19% which you can deduct. (quick way to convert to USD (for the mathematically challenged) is multiply by (1.35/1.19) 🙂 )
The reason I've checked all this so thoroughly is that my previous supplier is now concentrating on other things, so I wanted to know all this myself anyway.
Cheapest/best/most sensible set appears to be Fotoimpex's set of 5 films + 1 bottle of developer for these films.
An interesting website is www.adox.de. (Takes a while to download. 🙂 There are some high res scans...)
Phototec.de (film and film+developer tryout set)
Phototec.de (developer)
Orthopan UR (135-36 film) 5.30
(5 films) 23.50
Nanospeed UR (50 ml for 5 films) 9.20
Test set (2 films + 50 ml developer) 17.50
Fotoimpex.de (there's an english catalogue in pdf)
Here it's called ADOX CMS 20 and the developer is called ADOTECH
1 Film 4.64
30.5 m (100 ') roll 34.51
Developer 8.93
Developer + 5 films 24.99
Please support our poor economy and order some extra stuff too 🙂
colin
PS. Fotoimpex has a different but similar film in 4 x 5 " !!!!!! 😱 😱 😀
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I have two CV 25s and love them (one LTM, one SC). I have not worked with either of the ZI lenses, but I would go for the 25 just because I like the focal length. My Leica kit is a 15, 25, 40, 105. I like a bit more distance between lenses than most people. My Nikon kit is a 25, 50, 105.
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