ZM lenses on digital

[Rhoyle]

I've noticed that the number of places to develop C-41 is diminishing. I'm assuming that this trend will continue, so here's the question. Can anyone provide a list of digital camera bodies, other than Leica (out of my price range) that will accept Zeiss ZM lenses. I've got an 25/F2.8 Biogon and a 50/F2 Planar.

I think I'm pretty secure with Black and White, which I can develop and scan at home, but the future of color film is becoming more and more uncertain. Chrome, which I still love is all but dead and the 1-hour places are either no longer doing C-41 or are maybe doing it once a week. I usually go to Costco-cheap and very good. I asked the tech there about the rumor that they were going to bow out of film and was told that there are some stores that will be closing their film service, but their particular store was not on the list.

So let's face it, I've got some very good lenses and I want to be able to use them for the foreseeable future. What are my digital options? I don't mind using adaptors.

 

[seakayaker1]

Any of the micro four thirds cameras will allow you to use your ZM lens with an adaptor. There are many cameras from Olympus and Panasonic that you can look at and I am sure others on the forum have other suggestions as well.

Good luck finding a camera that works for you.

 

[rhl-oregon]

Fuji X, Ricoh GXR, m43 in my world. Adapters exist for most advanced digitals, more designed monthly, it appears. X-Pro & Epson Rd1 for RF devotees. The 1.5 and 2x crop factors can give you added focal lengths, if you choose to look at it that way, but for FF one needs Leica or DSLR.

 

[redisburning]

AFAIK the GXR-M module is the most compatible with RF wides. the nex-5n is ok, other nex bodies suffer pretty badly.

my personal take on adapters is that they are fine, but I greatly prefer to keep formats the same. ie 35mm lenses on full frame, aps-c lenses on aps-c, m43 on m43.

 

[krice58]

The Sony NEX cameras with an inexpensive adaptor. I use the NEX 6 - built in EVF, focus peaking, very compact. Using several Leica M lenses and a 50mm T*Sonnar and 21 Biogon . Works very well with M mount lenses.

 

[kxl]

If you want a digital RF body, then Leica and Epson are your only options; if a mirrorless digital with adapter is acceptable, then you have quite a few other options. Check out the CSC forum. I use a Sony NEX6.

 

[Fuchs]

On both the Nex 5n and 6 ZM lenses should not give serious corner problems. I have used the 25/2.8, 28/2.8 and 35/2 with no significant color shift/ detail loss at the corners.

 

[Rhoyle]

Thanks for all the responses. The Fuji X1 Pro looks very interesting and might just do the job. I'll also look at the Nex cameras.

 

[aeturnum]

I used my X-Pro with my LTM lenses with great success. However, it's worth pointing out that an M8 is "only" ~$600 more than an X-Pro. The Price of the M9 will also continue to fall as time goes on.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

On both the Nex 5n and 6 ZM lenses should not give serious corner problems. I have used the 25/2.8, 28/2.8 and 35/2 with no significant color shift/ detail loss at the corners.

I have been seriously considering to add a Nex 6 as back up to the M9 for low light high iso shooting, but was still hesitating due to corner smear concerns. Did you try anything wider?

 

[Fuchs]

I have been seriously considering to add a Nex 6 as back up to the M9 for low light high iso shooting, but was still hesitating due to corner smear concerns. Did you try anything wider?

Yes, I have used the Elmarit-M 21/2.8 pre-ASPH, with very acceptable results, but actually not on subjects with critically important corners. I liked the results. I have not any lens wider than this.