This topic is in the 2014 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2014Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
p.20 #1Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
JaKo wrote:
If these are sensor reflections, I am happy to admit that it's nothing like on stock A7R I have beens shooting since December 2013. You may observe similar.
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC3170_640.jpg
Michael, in fairness to M9, A7R has double the resolution and few years leap in sensor technology.
In terms of strict corners sharpness or lack of smearing on Sony it is, yes I am happy with Kolari modded A7R.
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7934_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7864_640.jpg
Sorry, maybe I misunderstood which pictures were being referred to. That one (the giant blue blob on the right) looks more like lens flare. The little circles near the light sources in the pictures before my post look a lot like what I've seen on the A7 with lots of different lenses (and due to the sensor), just not as bad -- on the A7 there would be 3 or 4 circles for every light source, whereas I just see one per light in your pics. That seems in line with what other examples I've seen from the A7R.
The sensor reflections are always very close to the actual light source, the light source has to be in the frame, and they are only slightly bigger than the light source itself (getting slightly larger as they repeat, in the case of the A7). They also always radiate outwards from the center of the frame. This all is consistent with a reflection between two very close boundaries near the sensor.
Taylor Sherman wrote
I'm pretty certain that's the sensor reflections.http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC3170_640.jpg
Michael, in fairness to M9, A7R has double the resolution and few years leap in sensor technology.
In terms of strict corners sharpness or lack of smearing on Sony it is, yes I am happy with Kolari modded A7R.
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7934_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7864_640.jpg
Sorry, maybe I misunderstood which pictures were being referred to. That one (the giant blue blob on the right) looks more like lens flare. The little circles near the light sources in the pictures before my post look a lot like what I've seen on the A7 with lots of different lenses (and due to the sensor), just not as bad -- on the A7 there would be 3 or 4 circles for every light source, whereas I just see one per light in your pics. That seems in line with what other examples I've seen from the A7R.
The sensor reflections are always very close to the actual light source, the light source has to be in the frame, and they are only slightly bigger than the light source itself (getting slightly larger as they repeat, in the case of the A7). They also always radiate outwards from the center of the frame. This all is consistent with a reflection between two very close boundaries near the sensor.
Mar 20, 2015 at 10:41 AM
p.20 #3Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Beautiful images...
Also Japanese price for this lens is around $1750 with June 30 release date. Hopefully it will get cheaper in the long run. I checked it, since I saw one time HK seller had it listed for $1900 in ebay... Similarly Loxia 50mm is selling in Jp for $750.
Also Japanese price for this lens is around $1750 with June 30 release date. Hopefully it will get cheaper in the long run. I checked it, since I saw one time HK seller had it listed for $1900 in ebay... Similarly Loxia 50mm is selling in Jp for $750.
Mar 21, 2015 at 11:06 PM
p.20 #5Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
JaKo wrote:
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7987_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7984_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7983C_640.jpg
Jack I love your portraits with this lens. As that would be a primary use for me, it has sold me on it. Am I missing anything? How do you like it as a portrait lens? Have you run into any difficulties using it?
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7987_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7984_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7983C_640.jpg
Jack I love your portraits with this lens. As that would be a primary use for me, it has sold me on it. Am I missing anything? How do you like it as a portrait lens? Have you run into any difficulties using it?
Mar 22, 2015 at 05:17 AM
p.20 #6Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
A few shots from today, crossposted from the Leica thread:
M240 ZM 35/1.4 by edward karaa, on Flickr
M240 ZM 35/1.4 by edward karaa, on Flickr
M240 ZM 35/1.4 by edward karaa, on Flickr
M240 ZM 35/1.4 by edward karaa, on Flickr
M240 ZM 35/1.4 by edward karaa, on FlickrM240 ZM 35/1.4 by edward karaa, on FlickrM240 ZM 35/1.4 by edward karaa, on FlickrM240 ZM 35/1.4 by edward karaa, on FlickrMar 22, 2015 at 06:43 AM
p.20 #7Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Steve Spencer wrote:
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7984_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7983C_640.jpgJack I love your portraits with this lens. As that would be a primary use for me, it has sold me on it. Am I missing anything? How do you like it as a portrait lens? Have you run into any difficulties using it?
Thank you Steve!
I am positive you would be happy using this ZM35 as a portrait lens. I find focussing fairly fast and accurate when shooting wide open. This lens is sharp even at f/1.4 as you can see from various samples, including Edward's shots above so slight reduction on contrast and clarity may be needed.
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8052_1600.jpg
JaKo wrote
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7987_640.jpghttp://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7984_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC7983C_640.jpg
Thank you Steve!
I am positive you would be happy using this ZM35 as a portrait lens. I find focussing fairly fast and accurate when shooting wide open. This lens is sharp even at f/1.4 as you can see from various samples, including Edward's shots above so slight reduction on contrast and clarity may be needed.
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8052_1600.jpg
Mar 22, 2015 at 09:08 AM
p.20 #8Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Taylor Sherman wrote:
Sorry, maybe I misunderstood which pictures were being referred to. That one (the giant blue blob on the right) looks more like lens flare. The little circles near the light sources in the pictures before my post look a lot like what I've seen on the A7 with lots of different lenses (and due to the sensor), just not as bad -- on the A7 there would be 3 or 4 circles for every light source, whereas I just see one per light in your pics. That seems in line with what other examples I've seen from the A7R....Show more →
Hi,
I don't think you misunderstood what images I was thinking about when raising the question. I should have worded myself more clearly though when asking. All I wanted was to get a confirmation and I think I'm more in the know now.
Thank you.
Sorry, maybe I misunderstood which pictures were being referred to. That one (the giant blue blob on the right) looks more like lens flare. The little circles near the light sources in the pictures before my post look a lot like what I've seen on the A7 with lots of different lenses (and due to the sensor), just not as bad -- on the A7 there would be 3 or 4 circles for every light source, whereas I just see one per light in your pics. That seems in line with what other examples I've seen from the A7R....Show more →
Hi,
I don't think you misunderstood what images I was thinking about when raising the question. I should have worded myself more clearly though when asking. All I wanted was to get a confirmation and I think I'm more in the know now.
Thank you.
Mar 22, 2015 at 09:22 AM
p.20 #9Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
JaKo wrote:
Thank you Steve!
I am positive you would be happy using this ZM35 as a portrait lens. I find focussing fairly fast and accurate when shooting wide open. This lens is sharp even at f/1.4 as you can see from various samples, including Edward's shots above so slight reduction on contrast and clarity may be needed.
Hi Jack! I fully agree with your assessment of the distagon. However, for full disclosure purpose, I have actually added around +25 points contrast in ACR to my above set, as I normally like my images a bit contrasty. Here are below the same photos with all sliders set to zero and the WB/tint at my M240 daylight defaults. I believe this would allow those interested in the lens to assess its "raw" performance:
L1005753NC by edward karaa, on Flickr
L1005756NC by edward karaa, on Flickr
L1005762NC by edward karaa, on Flickr
L1005764NC by edward karaa, on Flickr
Thank you Steve!
I am positive you would be happy using this ZM35 as a portrait lens. I find focussing fairly fast and accurate when shooting wide open. This lens is sharp even at f/1.4 as you can see from various samples, including Edward's shots above so slight reduction on contrast and clarity may be needed.
Hi Jack! I fully agree with your assessment of the distagon. However, for full disclosure purpose, I have actually added around +25 points contrast in ACR to my above set, as I normally like my images a bit contrasty. Here are below the same photos with all sliders set to zero and the WB/tint at my M240 daylight defaults. I believe this would allow those interested in the lens to assess its "raw" performance:
L1005753NC by edward karaa, on FlickrL1005756NC by edward karaa, on FlickrL1005762NC by edward karaa, on FlickrL1005764NC by edward karaa, on FlickrMar 22, 2015 at 09:37 AM
p.20 #10Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Edward, agree - in your examples adding contrast and details to images of people with, say strong facial character where wrinkles and imperfections are plus is almost given.
However, when shooting female ‘models’ who purposely use makeup, softness may be a better approach. I am sure many of our other halves would kinda agree 
PS
But you already have concluded it
"The Sonnar will be used for portraits of people that I personally know, and the planar for the people I don't know, and everything else "
Contrast +3, clarity -5 = she likes my new lens!
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8069_640.jpg
However, when shooting female ‘models’ who purposely use makeup, softness may be a better approach. I am sure many of our other halves would kinda agree
PS
But you already have concluded it
"The Sonnar will be used for portraits of people that I personally know, and the planar for the people I don't know, and everything else "
Contrast +3, clarity -5 = she likes my new lens!
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8069_640.jpg
Mar 22, 2015 at 10:11 AM
p.20 #11Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Well said Jack and very nice portrait by the way!
Have you reached any conclusions about the biogon? Initially I was planning to sell it as whatever the biogon does, the distagon does it even better. Then I realized the biogon is indeed excellent from 2.8 onwards except in the corners (the distagon is just fantastic at 2.8). So I think I will keep both, using the biogon as my every day walk around lens while reserving the distagon for low light or when doing some serious shooting.
Have you reached any conclusions about the biogon? Initially I was planning to sell it as whatever the biogon does, the distagon does it even better. Then I realized the biogon is indeed excellent from 2.8 onwards except in the corners (the distagon is just fantastic at 2.8). So I think I will keep both, using the biogon as my every day walk around lens while reserving the distagon for low light or when doing some serious shooting.
Mar 22, 2015 at 11:12 AM
p.20 #12Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Regarding flare, the distagon is definitely very flare resistant like all other ZM. But also like all other ZM the chromed filter ring very close to the front element is a disaster. It will reflect light straight into the lens under certain conditions. My solution is to use a UV filter to block the light from reaching the chromed ring, but you can also use a lens shade, especially that with the A7 you don't have a VF blockage issue as we M users have.
Mar 22, 2015 at 11:38 AM
p.20 #13Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
edwardkaraa wrote:
Regarding flare, the distagon is definitely very flare resistant like all other ZM. But also like all other ZM the chromed filter ring very close to the front element is a disaster. It will reflect light straight into the lens under certain conditions. My solution is to use a UV filter to block the light from reaching the chromed ring, but you can also use a lens shade, especially that with the A7 you don't have a VF blockage issue as we M users have.
Hi Edward,
Presuming Zeiss is aware of the issue (and I certainly hope that they are), Zeiss intends for the user of the ZM lenses to use either a filter and/or a lens hood to prevent the lens flare from the chromed ring.
Rich
Regarding flare, the distagon is definitely very flare resistant like all other ZM. But also like all other ZM the chromed filter ring very close to the front element is a disaster. It will reflect light straight into the lens under certain conditions. My solution is to use a UV filter to block the light from reaching the chromed ring, but you can also use a lens shade, especially that with the A7 you don't have a VF blockage issue as we M users have.
Hi Edward,
Presuming Zeiss is aware of the issue (and I certainly hope that they are), Zeiss intends for the user of the ZM lenses to use either a filter and/or a lens hood to prevent the lens flare from the chromed ring.
Rich
Mar 22, 2015 at 12:58 PM
p.20 #14Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Hi Rich,
I'm pretty sure Zeiss must know about this issue. However not only the ZM, but also all VM and many Leica M lenses have a similar chromed ring with exactly the same reflections issues, so that's really strange that they continue to make them the same way. Interestingly the ZE/ZF also have them but due to the larger diameter and the more recessed front elements, they don't seem to cause any visible effect.
I'm pretty sure Zeiss must know about this issue. However not only the ZM, but also all VM and many Leica M lenses have a similar chromed ring with exactly the same reflections issues, so that's really strange that they continue to make them the same way. Interestingly the ZE/ZF also have them but due to the larger diameter and the more recessed front elements, they don't seem to cause any visible effect.
Mar 22, 2015 at 01:24 PM
p.20 #15Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
edwardkaraa wrote:
Hi Rich,
I'm pretty sure Zeiss must know about this issue. However not only the ZM, but also all VM and many Leica M lenses have a similar chromed ring with exactly the same reflections issues, so that's really strange that they continue to make them the same way. Interestingly the ZE/ZF also have them but due to the larger diameter and the more recessed front elements, they don't seem to cause any visible effect.
The Macro Elmar-M 90/4 seem to have a chrome ring in front of the front element. But what other Leica M lens(es) has that? OK, I checked the black versions only, maybe the chrome versions are... chromy?
I have owned one Zeiss M lens only, the 35/2. I don't recall right now if it had the chrome ring. All my CV lenses have the bl--dy thing though - and they are made at the same factory as the Zeiss M lenses. Coincidence perhaps but it is really strange that a company selling these expensive lenses put a chrome ring at the front. Even more strange thinking about their very serious approach to marketing with white papers and articles and all that good stuff.
I would like to know who decided for the chrome ring...
Hi Rich,
I'm pretty sure Zeiss must know about this issue. However not only the ZM, but also all VM and many Leica M lenses have a similar chromed ring with exactly the same reflections issues, so that's really strange that they continue to make them the same way. Interestingly the ZE/ZF also have them but due to the larger diameter and the more recessed front elements, they don't seem to cause any visible effect.
The Macro Elmar-M 90/4 seem to have a chrome ring in front of the front element. But what other Leica M lens(es) has that? OK, I checked the black versions only, maybe the chrome versions are... chromy?
I have owned one Zeiss M lens only, the 35/2. I don't recall right now if it had the chrome ring. All my CV lenses have the bl--dy thing though - and they are made at the same factory as the Zeiss M lenses. Coincidence perhaps but it is really strange that a company selling these expensive lenses put a chrome ring at the front. Even more strange thinking about their very serious approach to marketing with white papers and articles and all that good stuff.
I would like to know who decided for the chrome ring...
Mar 22, 2015 at 02:08 PM
p.20 #16Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Edward, I am torn myself between keeping it and selling Summicron-R 35 or the other way around. A part of me tells to keep them all, but my plan is to reduce lenses to 5-6 the most.
As you mentioned Biogon 2/35 is fantastic from f/2.8 to 8-11 and considering its small and light package, low distortions it all makes it great for walk-around or excursions when shooting in daylight. I may let the fate decide; put them both on sale and see which one goes first.
Here may be a proof that reducing details (and even cropping) ain’t such a bad idea
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8115_640.jpg
Something more settling...
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8119_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8106_640.jpg
As you mentioned Biogon 2/35 is fantastic from f/2.8 to 8-11 and considering its small and light package, low distortions it all makes it great for walk-around or excursions when shooting in daylight. I may let the fate decide; put them both on sale and see which one goes first.
Here may be a proof that reducing details (and even cropping) ain’t such a bad idea
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8115_640.jpg
Something more settling...
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8119_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8106_640.jpg
Mar 22, 2015 at 02:35 PM
p.20 #17Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
edwardkaraa wrote:
Regarding flare, the distagon is definitely very flare resistant like all other ZM. But also like all other ZM the chromed filter ring very close to the front element is a disaster. It will reflect light straight into the lens under certain conditions. My solution is to use a UV filter to block the light from reaching the chromed ring, but you can also use a lens shade, especially that with the A7 you don't have a VF blockage issue as we M users have.
naturephoto1 wrote:
Hi Edward,
Presuming Zeiss is aware of the issue (and I certainly hope that they are), Zeiss intends for the user of the ZM lenses to use either a filter and/or a lens hood to prevent the lens flare from the chromed ring.
Rich
I wouldn't be too hopeful about this, as it's a long standing annoyance. It's about the only thing I dislike about ZM lenses, roughly to the same degree I dislike most Leica-M built in sliding hoods (but for different reasons)... The chrome ring results in reflection problems when shooting through glass. Naturally that's not an ideal situation, but sometimes one doesn't have a choice.
Great showcase of images from the Distagon everyone! I'm still holding out, hoping for a slightly lower priced opportunity to acquire one
Regarding flare, the distagon is definitely very flare resistant like all other ZM. But also like all other ZM the chromed filter ring very close to the front element is a disaster. It will reflect light straight into the lens under certain conditions. My solution is to use a UV filter to block the light from reaching the chromed ring, but you can also use a lens shade, especially that with the A7 you don't have a VF blockage issue as we M users have.
naturephoto1 wrote:
Hi Edward,
Presuming Zeiss is aware of the issue (and I certainly hope that they are), Zeiss intends for the user of the ZM lenses to use either a filter and/or a lens hood to prevent the lens flare from the chromed ring.
Rich
I wouldn't be too hopeful about this, as it's a long standing annoyance. It's about the only thing I dislike about ZM lenses, roughly to the same degree I dislike most Leica-M built in sliding hoods (but for different reasons)...
The chrome ring results in reflection problems when shooting through glass. Naturally that's not an ideal situation, but sometimes one doesn't have a choice.Great showcase of images from the Distagon everyone! I'm still holding out, hoping for a slightly lower priced opportunity to acquire one
Mar 22, 2015 at 07:45 PM
p.20 #18Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Jonas B, most if not all silver M lenses have a chromed filter ring. The effect doesn't happen often to be fair, but once it's there it's easy to detect. Basically there are 2 kinds of reflections, the first is when you actually see the ring in the shot, and the second is strong directional flare coming from the opposite way as the light source. If you look at Leica images on the forums especially at RFF you would realize that most users actually like this flare and post photos (while I delete all such photos, hence I can't show you any samples )
Edited on Mar 22, 2015 at 08:57 PM · View previous versions
)Edited on Mar 22, 2015 at 08:57 PM · View previous versions
Mar 22, 2015 at 08:48 PM
p.20 #19Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
rscheffler wrote: I'm still holding out, hoping for a slightly lower priced opportunity to acquire one
Ron, with recent US banks plans for their prime mortgage rates and Canadian dollar dependency I say buy it now. By the time the lens becomes readily available at slightly lower price, Canadian dollar rate will absorb the difference, at best (look what happened to our gas prices in the past 4-6 week!)
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8012_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8010_640.jpg
Ron, with recent US banks plans for their prime mortgage rates and Canadian dollar dependency I say buy it now. By the time the lens becomes readily available at slightly lower price, Canadian dollar rate will absorb the difference, at best (look what happened to our gas prices in the past 4-6 week!)
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8012_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC8010_640.jpg
Mar 22, 2015 at 08:57 PM
p.20 #20Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
I'm not against the panda look, but these chrome rings on black lenses are questionable: a CZ affectation going back at least as far as the Contarex. Possibly harder wearing for bayonet shade attachment, but that didn't stop all-black lenses in Hassy mount. I'm a big fan of chrome, and many of my Leitz lenses are chrome. Some of these classics even have chrome bezels—wow! I don't, however, consider it suitable for a high-tech optic.
Mar 22, 2015 at 10:39 PM