ZM 25mm f2.8

[ajpat]

Hi,

I recently got the ZM 25mm for my Leicas and the lens barrel turned loose after using the lens for just 2 weeks. Got it fixed eventually but very disapointed indeed. These lenses are very good optically but mechanically, they do not come close to the Leicas.
Has anyone had this problem?

Best--ajpat

 

[Bavaricus]

Yes, "Search" is your friend ;-))

 

[capitalK]

I'm just about to buy a 35mm f/2 Biogon, that doesn't make me feel too good.

 

[Platinum RF]

It is the reatin ring at the end of the lens barrel, you can just tight it yourself. For Zeiss name the quamlity is just so so

 

[kdemas]

Great lens with the M8, you'll love it. I had the same thing happen, it is a retaining ring near the mount as described above. Easy fix but I agree, it really shouldn't happen.

Kent

 

[Krosya]

Have it, no problems so far and I use it as often as others. Dont know if this has any validity to it, just based on my experience - silver zm lenses seem to be better built than black ones. But I say this only based on 4 lens experience. YMMV.

 

[Robin Harrison]

My ZM 25 needed repair recently. I'm not sure if it's the retaining ring you mention, but the whole lens group came loose from the mount and focus ring, and now the lens looks 'worked on' when viewed from the mount end (in between the barrel and the elements). Maybe they didn't do the most elegant job, but optically it is spot on again. I have to say in the lens's defense, however, that it survived three months of heavy use on the road without a problem. But then again so did the one Leica and two Voigtlander lenses I took, and they didn't develop problems afterwards!

 

[fuwen]

I am probably lucky, so far the 5 ZM lenses I have (15, 21/2.8, 28, 35/2 and 50/2) do not give me any problems at all, and 2 of them were bought used. All of them are chrome lenses except the 15.

 

[PMCC]

My ZM 25mm, purchased new, developed the wobblies -- both front end as well as focusing ring -- after limited and gentle use. It was made right again by the factory but it was a disappointing experience. One has to wonder, since it seems to be a widespread phenomenon across the entire line, whether it's a design issue or a QC issue. Nevertheless, the lens remains a superb performer.

 

[Goldorak]

People criticize Leica but the fact remains. They are the best there is as far as quality and construction goes.

 

[kdemas]

I agree with that, the Leica quality is really outstanding. That said the ZM 25mm is really a fantastic piece of glass, love the lens. They must have a little glitch in the design or assembly process that's causing this rather silly issue.

It happened to me when in Paris so I understand the frustration, it's not a pleasant feeling.

Kent

 

[Krosya]

People criticize Leica but the fact remains. They are the best there is as far as quality and construction goes.

You should try Hexanons - too bad they are no longer made, but there still plenty used ones.

 

[ajpat]

Zeiss vs leica lenses

Zeiss vs leica lenses

I really believe that quality comes at a price. This 25mm is my first Zeiss lens and the rest are Leica's. Apart from the barrel problem, the focusing ring is no where as smooth & refined as those on the Leica lenses and have also noticed that this lens stops focusing close to its "near" focus zone.
Best-ajpat

 

[Krosya]

I'm not sure what you mean by "lens stops focusing close to it's near focus zone. " My ZM 25 focuses fine from .7m to infinity. Since it actually has a scale from .5m - no coupling occurs from .5 to .7. This is not because of this lens in particular, but rather because all RF cameras only calibrated to focus from either .7m or 1m. Now, if yours doesnt focus/couple correct AFTER .7m - it's possible that either your lens or your camera is out of adjustment.

 

[PMCC]

In other words, ajpat, this particular lens will focus down to .5m. But the lens focusing scale is no longer coupled to the rangefinder of the camera, because the close focus limit of the rangefinder coupling is either .7m or 1m (depends on the particular body). Sometimes you can even feel the diminished resistance in the focusing ring at the point of decoupling. If you want to determine the precise focusing distance within the uncoupled zone, you need to measure the distance from the film plane to the desired point of focus and transfer the measured distance to the focusing scale on the lens. I think. I'm sure someone will correct me if this is not the whole story.