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Archive 2014Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
p.35 #1Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Luka...
I love my ZM 35 1.4. The lens is just brilliant. I had the ZM 35/2 Biogon on an unmodded A7, and while WO-2.8 was stellar at close-mid distance, I needed f10-11 for landscape work(or anywhere near sharp corners). Anything else and the corners just weren't there. I never tried the Biogon on my modded A7r yet, but the Distagon is at least as sharp, if not sharper than the Biogon. And the bokeh is to die for, IMHO!
But, the A7rll might be a different case with the Biogon. Who knows?
Here are a few pics with the ZM Distagon on my modded A7r
Gregg
And speaking of shooting when you have kids!! @f1.4
@f1.4
@f1.4
I love my ZM 35 1.4. The lens is just brilliant. I had the ZM 35/2 Biogon on an unmodded A7, and while WO-2.8 was stellar at close-mid distance, I needed f10-11 for landscape work(or anywhere near sharp corners). Anything else and the corners just weren't there. I never tried the Biogon on my modded A7r yet, but the Distagon is at least as sharp, if not sharper than the Biogon. And the bokeh is to die for, IMHO!
But, the A7rll might be a different case with the Biogon. Who knows?
Here are a few pics with the ZM Distagon on my modded A7r
Gregg
And speaking of shooting when you have kids!! @f1.4
@f1.4
@f1.4
Aug 30, 2015 at 09:29 AM
p.35 #2Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
denoir wrote:
So, I have a 35mm question - it has probably been discussed here before, but I'm a bit out of the loop. I have a couple of 35 mm:
*Zeiss 35/1.4 Distagon. - adapted to Canon EF from Contax anno 1977. Lovely rendering, magic at ~2-3 meters wide open. Shows its age. Not particularly good stopped down.
*Zeiss 35/2 Biogon ZM. - awful wide open, but insane @f/5.6+ and infinity. Unbeatable for landscapes
*Leica Summilux-M 35/1.4 ASPH. - Good allrounder, generally sharp but with some weird field curvature that adds some personality to the images (1.4-2.8). Beyond 4 it's very sharp across...Show more →
Have you checked this thread?
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1357999/0?keyword=35,1.4#12950032
FWIW, Lloyd compared most of the modern 35 M-mount, and the ZM 35/1.4 is either equal or better than all of them in every measurable way. Looking through his test shots, I have the say the ZM 35/1.4 has similar rendering as the ZM 35/2, with a little more distortion and slightly colder. The ZA 35/1.4 would be different than what you have right now. It has a gentler draw to it. Most would say that the ZA is good for a typical portrait at 35, while the ZM is for everything else. The ZA 35/1.4 has a mild mid-zone dip that will not resolve at any aperture. Sample variation can be huge with these Sony.
So, I have a 35mm question - it has probably been discussed here before, but I'm a bit out of the loop. I have a couple of 35 mm:
*Zeiss 35/1.4 Distagon. - adapted to Canon EF from Contax anno 1977. Lovely rendering, magic at ~2-3 meters wide open. Shows its age. Not particularly good stopped down.
*Zeiss 35/2 Biogon ZM. - awful wide open, but insane @f/5.6+ and infinity. Unbeatable for landscapes
*Leica Summilux-M 35/1.4 ASPH. - Good allrounder, generally sharp but with some weird field curvature that adds some personality to the images (1.4-2.8). Beyond 4 it's very sharp across...Show more →
Have you checked this thread?
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1357999/0?keyword=35,1.4#12950032
FWIW, Lloyd compared most of the modern 35 M-mount, and the ZM 35/1.4 is either equal or better than all of them in every measurable way. Looking through his test shots, I have the say the ZM 35/1.4 has similar rendering as the ZM 35/2, with a little more distortion and slightly colder. The ZA 35/1.4 would be different than what you have right now. It has a gentler draw to it. Most would say that the ZA is good for a typical portrait at 35, while the ZM is for everything else. The ZA 35/1.4 has a mild mid-zone dip that will not resolve at any aperture. Sample variation can be huge with these Sony.
Aug 30, 2015 at 09:54 AM
p.35 #3Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Luka, the ZM 35 f:1.4 is a fabulous lens. It is not for nothing that Lloyd Chambers said that it is the best rangefinder lens ever made, or some such thing. It is not perfect, quite a bit more CA wide open hthna one would expect from an überlens, and vignetting too. But sharpness, details, colours are right up there in Otus-land, if not even just a bit better. That said, it is not perfect on a A7RII. Corners are acceptable wide open, and only get just about right by f:5.6 at infinity. Close up, there is no issue.
Examples from yesterday; The first shot is wide open. I generally use mine between f:2.0 and f:2.8. No way can the ZM f:2.0 compare IMHO.
Examples from yesterday; The first shot is wide open. I generally use mine between f:2.0 and f:2.8. No way can the ZM f:2.0 compare IMHO.
Aug 30, 2015 at 10:35 AM
p.35 #5Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Actually, Gregg, I wanted to post for Luka that this is a great lens for bikes 
Aug 30, 2015 at 10:41 AM
p.35 #6Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Thanks a lot guys! Great shots Gregg & Philippe 
I'll have a look at more examples - but I suspect the ZM is more my type of lens
What I would buy in a heartbeat is a modern incarnation of the Contax Zeiss 35/1.4.. something that has that special out of focus transition that gives the image a sort of medium format look. I still get blown away by the rendering when I look at old photos.
This type of stuff:
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/rz35-31.jpg
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/rz35-13.jpg
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/rz35-57.jpg
I'll have a look at more examples - but I suspect the ZM is more my type of lens What I would buy in a heartbeat is a modern incarnation of the Contax Zeiss 35/1.4.. something that has that special out of focus transition that gives the image a sort of medium format look. I still get blown away by the rendering when I look at old photos.
This type of stuff:
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/rz35-31.jpg
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/rz35-13.jpg
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/rz35-57.jpg
Aug 30, 2015 at 10:59 AM
p.35 #7Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
I remember your love for that lens, Luka. Nothing says you can't use it on your A7RII...
But you may find that the camera itself has a kind of MF-like look because of the way it handles mid-tones, and the great colour differentiation...
But you may find that the camera itself has a kind of MF-like look because of the way it handles mid-tones, and the great colour differentiation...
Aug 30, 2015 at 11:21 AM
p.35 #8Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
denoir wrote:
Thanks a lot guys! Great shots Gregg & Philippe I'll have a look at more examples - but I suspect the ZM is more my type of lens
What I would buy in a heartbeat is a modern incarnation of the Contax Zeiss 35/1.4.. something that has that special out of focus transition that gives the image a sort of medium format look. I still get blown away by the rendering when I look at old photos.
This type of stuff:
A while back I mentioned to someone on another thread that it's one of my favourite lenses. I was commenting on how the ZE 35/1.4 is decent (almost great). But I still think this lens takes the cake in terms of rendering that I like to see from Zeiss lenses.
I've said it before... Nobody makes lenses the way I like anymore.
The 50APO is the only modern lens I've been absolutely nuts about. But I'm a bit crazy and irrational when it comes to the way lenses render.
Thanks a lot guys! Great shots Gregg & Philippe
I'll have a look at more examples - but I suspect the ZM is more my type of lens What I would buy in a heartbeat is a modern incarnation of the Contax Zeiss 35/1.4.. something that has that special out of focus transition that gives the image a sort of medium format look. I still get blown away by the rendering when I look at old photos.
This type of stuff:
A while back I mentioned to someone on another thread that it's one of my favourite lenses. I was commenting on how the ZE 35/1.4 is decent (almost great). But I still think this lens takes the cake in terms of rendering that I like to see from Zeiss lenses.
I've said it before... Nobody makes lenses the way I like anymore.
The 50APO is the only modern lens I've been absolutely nuts about. But I'm a bit crazy and irrational when it comes to the way lenses render.
Aug 30, 2015 at 11:43 AM
p.35 #9Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
denoir wrote:
Thanks a lot guys! Great shots Gregg & Philippe I'll have a look at more examples - but I suspect the ZM is more my type of lens
What I would buy in a heartbeat is a modern incarnation of the Contax Zeiss 35/1.4.. something that has that special out of focus transition that gives the image a sort of medium format look. I still get blown away by the rendering when I look at old photos.
This type of stuff:
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/rz35-31.jpg
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/rz35-13.jpg
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/rz35-57.jpg
To my eye the ZM has quite a bit of the look of the Contax. I haven't bought it, but it has been on my most desired list for quite awhile. The images here should give you some sense of the new ZM and just how good it can be. I would love to see the lens in your hands to see what you can do with it.
Thanks a lot guys! Great shots Gregg & Philippe
I'll have a look at more examples - but I suspect the ZM is more my type of lens What I would buy in a heartbeat is a modern incarnation of the Contax Zeiss 35/1.4.. something that has that special out of focus transition that gives the image a sort of medium format look. I still get blown away by the rendering when I look at old photos.
This type of stuff:
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/rz35-31.jpg
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/rz35-13.jpg
http://peltarion.eu/img/zeiss/rz35-57.jpg
To my eye the ZM has quite a bit of the look of the Contax. I haven't bought it, but it has been on my most desired list for quite awhile. The images here should give you some sense of the new ZM and just how good it can be. I would love to see the lens in your hands to see what you can do with it.
Aug 30, 2015 at 11:50 AM
p.35 #10Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Here's one from today at f/2.8. Just a snapshot of friends during lunch, nothing artistic:
M240 - ZM 35/1.4 by edward karaa, on Flickr
M240 - ZM 35/1.4 by edward karaa, on FlickrAug 30, 2015 at 12:24 PM
p.35 #11Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Greggf wrote:
Couldn't agree more, Jack! Wide open, this lens is sharper than my Loxia 35 @f2, and stopped down is totally incredible! But it's more than that, though...its just, well, brilliant in every aspect!!
G
Just stop it, right now.
Earlier quote
ZM 1.4/35 is a truly outstanding lens! Never tried it on stock A7x body, but on Kolari modded camera, and ZM being designed for digital sensor, it shines WO, stopped down, close/mid/infinity and whatever you desire.G
Just stop it, right now.
Aug 30, 2015 at 12:43 PM
p.35 #12Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Great snap Edward! @f2.8 this lens is really, really amazing!! I just happen to be a WO shooter most of the time!!
C'mon Charlie!! You know you want one too!! Not only would it be great in Luka's arsenal, but yours too!
G
C'mon Charlie!! You know you want one too!! Not only would it be great in Luka's arsenal, but yours too!
G
Aug 30, 2015 at 02:02 PM
p.35 #13Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Good to see this thread active again.
For me, ZM 35D replaced my three 35s; ZM Biogon 2/35, Distagon 2/35 ZF.2 and Leica Summicron 35/2 and I couldn't be happier.
What's not to like about this lens?
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0009_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0024_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0012_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0042_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0048_640.jpg
For me, ZM 35D replaced my three 35s; ZM Biogon 2/35, Distagon 2/35 ZF.2 and Leica Summicron 35/2 and I couldn't be happier.
What's not to like about this lens?
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0009_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0024_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0012_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0042_640.jpg
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0048_640.jpg
Aug 30, 2015 at 03:09 PM
p.35 #15Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
JaKo wrote:
(...)What's not to like about this lens?
Your second image:
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0024_640.jpg
Jake, Was that with a modded A7R MkII? Or what flavour of an A7 is this?
Like Lee and Steve and surely a bunch of photographers I would like to have a ZM35/1.4. But... everything isn't good and I try to understand what role the camera plays. Earlier I have noticed ugly images with the focal plane all over the place. Now your image above again shows sharper outer parts than central parts (talking about the buildings in the OOF background) and I would like to avoid that kind rendering, at any price.
(...)What's not to like about this lens?
Your second image:
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0024_640.jpg
Jake, Was that with a modded A7R MkII? Or what flavour of an A7 is this?
Like Lee and Steve and surely a bunch of photographers I would like to have a ZM35/1.4. But... everything isn't good and I try to understand what role the camera plays. Earlier I have noticed ugly images with the focal plane all over the place. Now your image above again shows sharper outer parts than central parts (talking about the buildings in the OOF background) and I would like to avoid that kind rendering, at any price.
Aug 31, 2015 at 05:54 AM
p.35 #16Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Jonas B wrote:
Earlier I have noticed ugly images with the focal plane all over the place. Now your image above again shows sharper outer parts than central parts (talking about the buildings in the OOF background) and I would like to avoid that kind rendering, at any price.
Yes, that is really strange and unattractive. Are the outer buildings closer? Is this a DOF effect at medium aperture - no details are supplied?
Aug 31, 2015 at 06:05 AM
p.35 #17Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
I love the ZM 35 f/1.4, but especially for closer focussing. These sorts of distance shots look great on a Leica camera, but I never like them on an unmodified Sony. I suspect these shots were with an unmodified A7r II, but I could easily be wrong. I don't think Kolari has modified the A7r II yet, but maybe they have, or perhaps this is a modified A7r. Either way, I think if you care about these types of shots I would do a lot more investigation before getting this lens. I think the mod has clearly improved corner sharpness, but I don't know that there isn't some remaining field curvature. I wouldn't be surprised by that as the mod can't get the exact same thickness of the cover glass as the Leica, and the flat field on the Leica may not translate to a flat field for the modded Sony.
It doesn't matter to me, as I don't plan to use the lens for such shots, but it likely does matter to a lot of people.
It doesn't matter to me, as I don't plan to use the lens for such shots, but it likely does matter to a lot of people.
Aug 31, 2015 at 07:45 AM
p.35 #18Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Jonas B wrote:
Your second image:
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0024_640.jpgJake, Was that with a modded A7R MkII? Or what flavour of an A7 is this?
Like Lee and Steve and surely a bunch of photographers I would like to have a ZM35/1.4. But... everything isn't good and I try to understand what role the camera plays. Earlier I have noticed ugly images with the focal plane all over the place. Now your image above again shows sharper outer parts than central parts (talking about the buildings in the OOF background) and I would like to avoid that kind rendering, at any price.
Jonas/waterden,
Indeed, the image looks funky with far right being more in focus.
Here is more info; this image was take on a new, A7RM2 with Shoten adapter at f/1.4 and focused on the front of the 'piano'. Buildings on far right are fairly closer than on far left.
To exclude possibility of de-centered adapter or sensor I checked my other test shots.
Shot at f/8, infinity focus
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150826_0022_1600.jpg
Full size
Shot at f/1.4
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0000_640.jpg
Hope this helps.
Jack
JaKo wrote
(...)What's not to like about this lens?Your second image:
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0024_640.jpg
Like Lee and Steve and surely a bunch of photographers I would like to have a ZM35/1.4. But... everything isn't good and I try to understand what role the camera plays. Earlier I have noticed ugly images with the focal plane all over the place. Now your image above again shows sharper outer parts than central parts (talking about the buildings in the OOF background) and I would like to avoid that kind rendering, at any price.
Jonas/waterden,
Indeed, the image looks funky with far right being more in focus.
Here is more info; this image was take on a new, A7RM2 with Shoten adapter at f/1.4 and focused on the front of the 'piano'. Buildings on far right are fairly closer than on far left.
To exclude possibility of de-centered adapter or sensor I checked my other test shots.
Shot at f/8, infinity focus
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150826_0022_1600.jpg
Full size
Shot at f/1.4
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0000_640.jpg
Hope this helps.
Jack
Aug 31, 2015 at 08:19 AM
p.35 #19Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Jack,
Just to be clear, the camera isn't modified? I assume it isn't, but I thought I would check.
Just to be clear, the camera isn't modified? I assume it isn't, but I thought I would check.
Aug 31, 2015 at 08:49 AM
p.35 #20Zeiss ZM 35 1.4
Steve Spencer wrote:
Jack,
Just to be clear, the camera isn't modified? I assume it isn't, but I thought I would check.
Steve, just a stock A7RM2 as there is no official mod available yet for this model.
PS.
Also, I feel that with larger and larger resolution images being squeezed into 1400-1900 pixels some information may not appear in a flattering way.
Background lights of above image look much more pleasing at 100% with no traces of ‘nervousness’
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0000_C_640.jpg
Jack,
Just to be clear, the camera isn't modified? I assume it isn't, but I thought I would check.
Steve, just a stock A7RM2 as there is no official mod available yet for this model.
PS.
Also, I feel that with larger and larger resolution images being squeezed into 1400-1900 pixels some information may not appear in a flattering way.
Background lights of above image look much more pleasing at 100% with no traces of ‘nervousness’
http://www.kozera.ca/photos/images/20150830_0000_C_640.jpg
Aug 31, 2015 at 09:38 AM