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Archive 2014Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
p.31 #1Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
McHeard Stream, East Blue Hill, Maine, MMXV by Steven Keirstead, on Flickr
Jun 17, 2015 at 05:36 AM
p.31 #2Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Ron, standard (blue) Sensor Gel Stick had issues with stock A7 series sensor's coating, leaving residue and marks. The German maker developed a 'weaker' gel stick (orange) specifically for A7x series.
Kolari's (un-coated) cover works just fine with all gel sticks. Wet cleaning has no impact on Sony's original coating, but I prefer using gel stick for removing small particles instead of wiping the whole sensor each time.
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC9765_1600.jpg
Kolari's (un-coated) cover works just fine with all gel sticks. Wet cleaning has no impact on Sony's original coating, but I prefer using gel stick for removing small particles instead of wiping the whole sensor each time.
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC9765_1600.jpg
Jun 17, 2015 at 08:07 AM
p.31 #3Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
rscheffler wrote:
Hey Nate, great to see you back!
I was in Tokyo a month ago and while shopping noticed how much cheaper Zeiss and Voigtlander was there (bought the new 15/4.5). Unfortunately the 35/1.4 wasn't yet available, otherwise I would have bought it too! Map Camera seemed to have great prices, from the few stores I shopped. Yes, the US market pricing (and some other areas too) are quite high compared to Japan and EU. I couldn't believe it at first. I've been holding off on this lens in part for this reason. My feeling is Zeiss US is taking advantage...Show more →
Thanks, if in Japan the best prices can normally be had at Fujiya Camera in Nakano. They will also drop the 8% tax too. I prefer them to Bic/etc.
Hey Nate, great to see you back!
I was in Tokyo a month ago and while shopping noticed how much cheaper Zeiss and Voigtlander was there (bought the new 15/4.5). Unfortunately the 35/1.4 wasn't yet available, otherwise I would have bought it too! Map Camera seemed to have great prices, from the few stores I shopped. Yes, the US market pricing (and some other areas too) are quite high compared to Japan and EU. I couldn't believe it at first. I've been holding off on this lens in part for this reason. My feeling is Zeiss US is taking advantage...Show more →
Thanks, if in Japan the best prices can normally be had at Fujiya Camera in Nakano. They will also drop the 8% tax too. I prefer them to Bic/etc.
Jun 17, 2015 at 09:50 AM
p.31 #4Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Nate, thanks for the heads up. Their ZM35/1.4 price is quite good, even with tax. (~1700 USD) They're showing availability at the end of July... I guess they don't sell outside of Japan? Not that I can even navigate through their e-commerce site beyond basic product searches.
Jack, good to know about the sensor sticks. I agree, I prefer them over swabbing. I found the blue ones worked OK with Canon sensors, but left smudge marks on the M240 sensor, no matter how much I cleaned the gel with the cleaner fluid. For that camera I tend to very carefully use a sensor pen and a blower bulb.
Philippe - very nice of the motorcycle and enjoyed your images in the related post on the Dear Susan blog.
Jack, good to know about the sensor sticks. I agree, I prefer them over swabbing. I found the blue ones worked OK with Canon sensors, but left smudge marks on the M240 sensor, no matter how much I cleaned the gel with the cleaner fluid. For that camera I tend to very carefully use a sensor pen and a blower bulb.
Philippe - very nice of the motorcycle and enjoyed your images in the related post on the Dear Susan blog.
Jun 17, 2015 at 05:09 PM
p.31 #5Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
A vertical, triptych with 2 exposures each, HDR via LR CC, for each panel in the final image. I had to clean up some HDR flaws in the top panel due to wind wiggling the maple leaves, and some halos. Hopefully not too obvious now.
Chase Quarry, Blue Hill, Maine, MMXV by Steven Keirstead, on Flickr
Note: I replaced the image with a better-edited one on Flickr, so the new image has been linked here.
Edited on Jun 20, 2015 at 10:22 PM · View previous versions
Chase Quarry, Blue Hill, Maine, MMXV by Steven Keirstead, on Flickr
Note: I replaced the image with a better-edited one on Flickr, so the new image has been linked here.
Edited on Jun 20, 2015 at 10:22 PM · View previous versions
Jun 17, 2015 at 09:56 PM
p.31 #7Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
I have been using the ZM35/1.4 now on my unmodded A7R and A7S. Previously I tried the Contax Zeiss 35/1.4, Summilux-R 35, CV 35/1.2, and Summilux-M 35 Asph pre-FLE.
To those of you who are using the ZM after/along with Leicas, I'd love to hear your impressions...
My favorite remains the R35/1.4 and I still have it, but it's too heavy to carry around all the time. I find that in good and natural light it has luxurious colors and a very appealing subtlety, but in low and artificial lighting conditions its flaws--"glow" and "coma"--become more apparent. The pre-FLE Summilux was still romantic and without as many artifacts, but at the time I found it still a bit too contrasty (plus corner issues on the Sony sensors) and went back to the R. (I posted some of my R shots on the Mandler thread: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1294615/14#12565170)
Compared to the R, the ZM is a much more stable performer and superior in resolution and lack of artifacts, but it doesn't have the same appealing and romantic colors. Conversely, I could say the ZM is a more honest and transparent lens than both Leicas.
My ideal would be a 35/1.4 in M mount that has the same rendering as the R.
To those of you who are using the ZM after/along with Leicas, I'd love to hear your impressions...
My favorite remains the R35/1.4 and I still have it, but it's too heavy to carry around all the time. I find that in good and natural light it has luxurious colors and a very appealing subtlety, but in low and artificial lighting conditions its flaws--"glow" and "coma"--become more apparent. The pre-FLE Summilux was still romantic and without as many artifacts, but at the time I found it still a bit too contrasty (plus corner issues on the Sony sensors) and went back to the R. (I posted some of my R shots on the Mandler thread: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1294615/14#12565170)
Compared to the R, the ZM is a much more stable performer and superior in resolution and lack of artifacts, but it doesn't have the same appealing and romantic colors. Conversely, I could say the ZM is a more honest and transparent lens than both Leicas.
My ideal would be a 35/1.4 in M mount that has the same rendering as the R.
Jun 18, 2015 at 01:26 AM
p.31 #9Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
aly324 wrote:
I have been using the ZM35/1.4 now on my unmodded A7R and A7S. Previously I tried the Contax Zeiss 35/1.4, Summilux-R 35, CV 35/1.2, and Summilux-M 35 Asph pre-FLE.
To those of you who are using the ZM after/along with Leicas, I'd love to hear your impressions...
My favorite remains the R35/1.4 and I still have it, but it's too heavy to carry around all the time. I find that in good and natural light it has luxurious colors and a very appealing subtlety, but in low and artificial lighting conditions its flaws--"glow" and "coma"--become more apparent. The pre-FLE Summilux was...Show more →
The first thing that comes to mind is the M 35 Lux pre-ASPH. Unfortunately I haven't tried one, and it's on the list of future acquisitions (if found at a great price). But I wonder if it would be too far a swing past the R, being quite glowy and imperfect. Would be interesting to see it with modern coatings, if that could strengthen backlit performance and improve color richness even more. Though doubt it would influence the glow much. I suppose this is what the CV35/1.4 is supposed to be. I doubt the new CV35/1.7 will reach the 'romantic' level, being a redesign and assuming it's to raise performance to modern demands, the few film shots I've seen from it indicate it may not be quite as clinical/hard as the ZM. I think I know what you mean with your description of the ZM.
I have been using the ZM35/1.4 now on my unmodded A7R and A7S. Previously I tried the Contax Zeiss 35/1.4, Summilux-R 35, CV 35/1.2, and Summilux-M 35 Asph pre-FLE.
To those of you who are using the ZM after/along with Leicas, I'd love to hear your impressions...
My favorite remains the R35/1.4 and I still have it, but it's too heavy to carry around all the time. I find that in good and natural light it has luxurious colors and a very appealing subtlety, but in low and artificial lighting conditions its flaws--"glow" and "coma"--become more apparent. The pre-FLE Summilux was...Show more →
The first thing that comes to mind is the M 35 Lux pre-ASPH. Unfortunately I haven't tried one, and it's on the list of future acquisitions (if found at a great price). But I wonder if it would be too far a swing past the R, being quite glowy and imperfect. Would be interesting to see it with modern coatings, if that could strengthen backlit performance and improve color richness even more. Though doubt it would influence the glow much. I suppose this is what the CV35/1.4 is supposed to be. I doubt the new CV35/1.7 will reach the 'romantic' level, being a redesign and assuming it's to raise performance to modern demands, the few film shots I've seen from it indicate it may not be quite as clinical/hard as the ZM. I think I know what you mean with your description of the ZM.
Jun 18, 2015 at 04:07 PM
p.31 #10Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Ron, you consider the ZM 35 f:1.4 to be clinical/hard? On which camera?
Jun 18, 2015 at 10:50 PM
p.31 #11Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
I would call the ZM clinical but not hard. I believe for instance that the summilux FLE has a much harsher rendering especially in the bokeh. Probably the ZA FE has the most gentle rendering.
Jun 19, 2015 at 12:40 AM
p.31 #12Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
I have a question,
I'm still between the choice of keeping my 35 1.2 or change it for this one.
For those who have made this change what do you miss from the nokton? A little more DOF, something else?
I use it on modded A7.
I'm still between the choice of keeping my 35 1.2 or change it for this one.
For those who have made this change what do you miss from the nokton? A little more DOF, something else?
I use it on modded A7.
Jun 19, 2015 at 01:05 AM
p.31 #13Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
edwardkaraa wrote:
I would call the ZM clinical but not hard. I believe for instance that the summilux FLE has a much harsher rendering especially in the bokeh. Probably the ZA FE has the most gentle rendering.
I would also call the ZM 35 f:2.0 Biogon harsher thant he Distagon. And possibly the C Biogon ZM 35 f:2.8 the gentlest.
I would call the ZM clinical but not hard. I believe for instance that the summilux FLE has a much harsher rendering especially in the bokeh. Probably the ZA FE has the most gentle rendering.
I would also call the ZM 35 f:2.0 Biogon harsher thant he Distagon. And possibly the C Biogon ZM 35 f:2.8 the gentlest.
Jun 19, 2015 at 01:22 AM
p.31 #14Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
philber wrote:
I would also call the ZM 35 f:2.0 Biogon harsher thant he Distagon. And possibly the C Biogon ZM 35 f:2.8 the gentlest.
Hi Philippe,
I have all 3 lenses. I find the biogon bokeh to be harsh at certain distances, but at other distances it can have a very nice bokeh. Curiously I find the distagon and C biogon to be very similar in rendering. I would characterize them as neutral.
edwardkaraa wrote
I would call the ZM clinical but not hard. I believe for instance that the summilux FLE has a much harsher rendering especially in the bokeh. Probably the ZA FE has the most gentle rendering.Hi Philippe,
I have all 3 lenses. I find the biogon bokeh to be harsh at certain distances, but at other distances it can have a very nice bokeh. Curiously I find the distagon and C biogon to be very similar in rendering. I would characterize them as neutral.
Jun 19, 2015 at 01:30 AM
p.31 #15Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
vitix68 wrote:
I have a question,
I'm still between the choice of keeping my 35 1.2 or change it for this one.
For those who have made this change what do you miss from the nokton? A little more DOF, something else?
I use it on modded A7.
I have seen many nice images with the nokton, but it is very different to the distagon, which is very well corrected and has a modern look. The nokton at wide apertures has a lot of aberrations from what I recall.
I have a question,
I'm still between the choice of keeping my 35 1.2 or change it for this one.
For those who have made this change what do you miss from the nokton? A little more DOF, something else?
I use it on modded A7.
I have seen many nice images with the nokton, but it is very different to the distagon, which is very well corrected and has a modern look. The nokton at wide apertures has a lot of aberrations from what I recall.
Jun 19, 2015 at 01:32 AM
p.31 #16Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
The Nokton 35/1.2 does have many aberrations, as well as quite heavy barrel distortion.
My problem with it on Sony bodies was mostly with the colors, which struck me as lifeless, with neither the romance and subtlety of Leicas nor the faithfulness and clarity of the ZM. I had a similar impression of the colors from the CV 40/1.4 on Sony A7x bodies.
My problem with it on Sony bodies was mostly with the colors, which struck me as lifeless, with neither the romance and subtlety of Leicas nor the faithfulness and clarity of the ZM. I had a similar impression of the colors from the CV 40/1.4 on Sony A7x bodies.
Jun 19, 2015 at 03:50 AM
p.31 #17Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
The 35mm/1.4 is very wonderful on Leica bodies, great on my M9-P and even better on my new M-P. Very high sharpness when stopped down to f/2-f/11, nice bokeh from f/1.4-f/4.
Jun 20, 2015 at 10:02 PM
p.31 #18Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Dusky grab shot on the way home from a Photographic Resource Center reception:
Berklee College Of Music, Boston, Massachusetts, 2015 by Steven Keirstead, on Flickr
Edited on Jun 28, 2015 at 08:11 PM · View previous versions
Berklee College Of Music, Boston, Massachusetts, 2015 by Steven Keirstead, on Flickr
Edited on Jun 28, 2015 at 08:11 PM · View previous versions
Jun 20, 2015 at 10:20 PM
p.31 #19Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
ZM 35D is outstanding corner to corner & edge to edge on modded Sony A7R where 36MP captures all essential details. Can't wait to see this lens on Sony's new 42MP BSI sensor!
With B+W Kaesemann CPL @f/8
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC9571_1600.jpg
@f/5.6
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC9673_1600.jpg
With B+W Kaesemann CPL @f/8
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC9571_1600.jpg
@f/5.6
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/_DSC9673_1600.jpg
Jun 20, 2015 at 11:46 PM
p.31 #20Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
My A7R may not be modded, but that doesn't stop my ZM 35 from being a star performer. Besides, on this shot, who could ever see whether the corbners are really sharp or not? 
Jun 21, 2015 at 12:04 AM