ZM 85 alrenatives

[MichaelHarris]

that 85mm bad-boy costs some big bucks, what are the alternatives? Which others bring up the right framelines?

 

[mfogiel]

I'm using the Elmarit 90 - as long as you don't point it against the light it is ok, and is relatively light - the look it gives is pretty neutral, although at times seems even a bit retro:

 

[Roger Hicks]

When I tested the 85 framelines of the ZI, I found that they were identical (within experimental error) to the 90 framelines on the other cameras I compared: Leica, Voigtlander. In fact they were slightly smaller than the 90 framelines on one camera (I forget which one).

So really, any 90 you fancy.

Cheers.

R.

 

[MichaelHarris]

Thanks everyone, I have an Elmarit 90 and that Elmar 90 f4 that was for the CL I think. I'll give that one a go since I'm going to have the Elmarit CLAed.

 

[awilder]

The 85/1.8 Canon (black) with a M/LTM adapter. The lens has a truely excellent reputation and I seriously doubt one would see a difference in image quality unless viewing a scanned image at a 100% crop.

 

[MichaelHarris]

good idea awilder, I'll be on the lookout. Thanks

 

[back alley]

the canon 85/2 is no slouch either tho it weighs a ton.

 

[joachim]

From new there is always the Cosina/Voigtlander 90/3.5 and Leica does Summarit 90/2.5 these days. The Summarit got a very favourable review in the British AP last week. As far as I understand all M-mount 90mm lenses bring up the 85mm frame on the ZI camera, but please get independent confirmation. -Ta-

 

[sepiareverb]

The 90/2.0 Apo ASPH often goes for well under $2000, stunning stuff from that.

 

[noimmunity]

Huck Finn posted a very thoughtful response to this question about a year ago listing several alternatives. Do a search--it is worth reading his comments.

I wound up first with a Nikkor 2/85 in chrome and brass. I love the images, especially for portraits, but it is heavy and hard to use because of the mammoth long throw, so I recently picked up a Hexanon 90. I haven't had enough chance to really explore this lens, but the handling is superb, it is fairly compact and light, not so expensive, and brings up the 85 frame...

There are lots of good lenses from 75 to 105 out there...