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Archive 2016 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

akashyap
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p.52 #1 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

I love the Zeiss color / contrast signature and have been chasing it on CY, Loxia, Batis, and RX1R lenses. The ZM 35/1.4, IMO, is the pinnacle of characteristic Zeiss colors and contrast (but maybe not transition zone) - the images literally pop out of the screen and bite me. It works really well for my casual landscapes, architecture, and B&W portraits (I prefer Voigtlander for colored portraits).

However, I don�t have a Panasonic or Leica camera, nor a Kolari modded sensor, so I sold my ZM 35. I thought this image did a great example of showing the pros and cons of this lens on a non modded sensor. The structure of the leaves is terrific, the colors of the kumquats is incredible, but what is happening to the plane of focus!? The kumquat on the top left is in focus BEHIND the transition zone. This image, and others from my two week long test run, made me quiet unsettled when going back to look at older pictures. I thought I�d sell my CV 40 for the ZM, but I�ve kept the CV and we will be celebrating our 4 year anniversary soon.

One day I hope to get a thin sensor camera to use the ZM though. Curious about it on a Nikon Z camera I plan to get soon.

Jun 13, 2022 at 03:23 PM

_jim_
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p.52 #2 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

Not to be that guy that's digging through the basement on long-forgotten-posts (but, to be that guy).

I've had the 35mm f/1.4 ZM since 2016. It's probably my favorite 35mm lens...certainly the most dependable in-terms of across the frame sharpness, contrast and rendering. Yeah, it's big, but somehow (I swear it's magic), I don't really notice it when mounted on the camera.

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM, Cinestill 800T

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM, Kodak Portra 400

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM, Kodak T-Max 400

Taylor by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM, Kodak T-Max 100

Fox by Jim Fischer, on Flickr

Sony A7S, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM

Who else is out there still using this large and glorious lens?

Jan 18, 2024 at 02:13 PM

nehemiahphoto
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p.52 #3 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

Nice shots @_jim_!

I had a ZM 35/1.4 last year again for a time, but I sold it. Oddly enough, the two best general 35mm lenses for my tastes are the ancient 35 FLE and older ZM 35/1.4. I have been less impressed by either CV 35/1.2iii or CV 35/1.5. I still think the CV 35/1.7 is CV's best 35mm in m-mount.

Edited on Jan 18, 2024 at 02:57 PM · View previous versions

Jan 18, 2024 at 02:21 PM

_jim_
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p.52 #4 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

nehemiahphoto wrote:
Nice shots @_jim_@!

I had a ZM 35/1.4 last year again for a time, but I sold it. Oddly enough, the two best generally 35mm lenses for my tastes are the ancient 35 FLE and ZM 35/1.4. I have been less impressed by either CV 35/1.2iii or CV 35/1.5. I still think the CV 35/1.7 is CV's best 35mm in m-mount.

Thanks!

I've always been tempted by the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.7 VM, but I'd had the 50mm 1/.5 VM (which, was soooo beautifully made...maybe the nicest Voigtlander lens I've owned) and I just couldn't get used to the focusing ring. I'm worried I'd feel the same about the 35/1.7.

Jan 18, 2024 at 02:30 PM

_jim_
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p.52 #5 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

Cat on Barrel by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Sony A7s, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM

Juvencio by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM

Gabe by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Sony A7s, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM

Guitar on Powerline by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Sony A7s, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM

Jan 18, 2024 at 02:37 PM

thrice
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p.52 #6 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

_jim_ wrote:
Who else is out there still using this large and glorious lens?

I think it's the strength of your talent that allows you to carry the ZM without feeling it.

Mine is sitting in a cabinet, I've been using the 35/1.5 instead but I will never claim it to be better than the ZM.

Jan 18, 2024 at 02:41 PM

_jim_
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p.52 #7 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

thrice wrote:
I think it's the strength of your talent that allows you to carry the ZM without feeling it.

Mine is sitting in a cabinet, I've been using the 35/1.5 instead but I will never claim it to be better than the ZM.

That 35/1.5 is awfully tempting as well! What a great time to be alive - so many phenomenal choices out there!

I really like the square hood that Anson is selling here:

https://shop.tahusa.co/product/square-lens-hood-for-voigtlander-35mm-f1-5-aspherical-black/

I think it looks very smart on that lens.

Jan 18, 2024 at 02:56 PM

nehemiahphoto
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p.52 #8 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

_jim_ wrote:
Thanks!

I've always been tempted by the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.7 VM, but I'd had the 50mm 1/.5 VM (which, was soooo beautifully made...maybe the nicest Voigtlander lens I've owned) and I just couldn't get used to the focusing ring. I'm worried I'd feel the same about the 35/1.7.

The CV 35/1.7 is better ergonomically, but still annoying IMO. I used it for a year or two consistently, but never fully warmed too it despite it really does deliver some pretty great images. The size and rendering are smoother, and while the sharpness is wonderful, the micro-contrasts is lower than the ZM/1.4. Flare resistance on CV 35/1.7 is crazy good. The ZM 35/1.4 is still quite good though.

If you can handle f2, and like a little character/more structured draw, the CV 35/2 Ultron is an ergonomic treat and quite small

Jan 18, 2024 at 03:08 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.52 #9 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

nehemiahphoto wrote:
Nice shots @_jim_@!

I had a ZM 35/1.4 last year again for a time, but I sold it. Oddly enough, the two best general 35mm lenses for my tastes are the ancient 35 FLE and older ZM 35/1.4. I have been less impressed by either CV 35/1.2iii or CV 35/1.5. I still think the CV 35/1.7 is CV's best 35mm in m-mount.

The CV 35/1.7 Ultron shows superior resolution compared to the Leica 35/1.4 FLE, particularly in the mid-zone at various distances, excluding the MFD. The rendering is smooth, almost gaussian, but I personally favor the more structured Leica rendering.

The newer CV 35/2 Ultron can be considered an alternative with a rendering similar to Leica and therefore my personal choice. However, it might not be the optimal choice for photographers who appreciate smooth transition zone of focus without much specular highlight outlining. (modern look)

Jan 18, 2024 at 03:17 PM

Desmolicious
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p.52 #10 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

Jan 18, 2024 at 03:32 PM

nehemiahphoto
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p.52 #11 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

@fredmiranda Yes--I was comparing the ZM 35/1.4 to the 35/1.7 in terms of resolution. The FLE falls behind both easily until stopped down. We are in agreement there

And yes, we agree again. I mentioned if you don't mind more structured draw for the CV 35/2. If you want a smooth abstracted draw, you're going to wince when looking at CV 35/2 files. I have been using the CV 35/2 as my 35mm of choice since it came out, though I do purchase the other options but they never stick. I just tried the new Simera 35/1.4 and wasn't overly impressed.

Jan 18, 2024 at 03:34 PM

_jim_
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p.52 #12 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

I've had the Ultron 35/2 twice. I had a wobbly version 1 then a version 2 with lumpy, uneven focus. I liked it quite a bit in spite of those quibbles. I found it's tonality (reminded me of the 35/2 Biogon) and size as the strongest selling points.

Jan 18, 2024 at 04:02 PM

GMPhotography
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p.52 #13 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

Funny seeing my review pop up but 2 of my favorite lenses are the ZM 35 and the CV 35 1.7. The CV has just a nice look in character. The ZM optically maybe the better option but has more bite to it

Jan 18, 2024 at 04:11 PM

_jim_
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p.52 #14 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

Now I am looking through images that I took with the 35/2...and realizing that I miss it. Wah!

Jan 18, 2024 at 04:20 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.52 #15 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

_jim_ wrote:
Now I am looking through images that I took with the 35/2...and realizing that I miss it. Wah!

Give it another shot. It's one of my favorites. When I don't require f/1.4, that's my go-to choice. I believe I prefer it over the LLL 35/2 8E.
In my opinion, the ZM 35/1.4 remains at the top of the list, provided size isn't a concern.

Jan 18, 2024 at 07:15 PM

Andrew CD
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p.52 #16 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

Oh dear. I came across this thread while trying to persuade myself not to repurchase the ZM 1.4, which I traded in last year when I bought a pre-FLE Summilux. I am more than happy with the Summilux on my MP (along with a gorgeous f/2.8 Summaron that I managed to find a little while ago), and it�s more than fine on my M11, too. But I still find myself missing the ZM, for reasons that many of you will probably understand.

And, yes, I know that it�s too big and heavy, that the ergonomics are far from perfect and that the CV f/2.0 APO is, if anything, superior for landscapes. There�s just something about the ZM that I really like.

Sadly, this thread had not had the desired effect. Quite the reverse, in fact. (First world problem no. 168, for sure.) Please send help!

Mar 09, 2025 at 07:08 AM

rji2goleez
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p.52 #17 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

Mar 09, 2025 at 08:25 AM

bwcolor
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p.52 #18 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

I purchased this lens new in 2016. It looks like this thread is what encouraged me to make the purchase. This wasn�t the last time that Guy prepped me for a purchase. I took one photo with it mounted on a Voigtlander close-up helicoid and Sony camera, decided that I loved the lens and then forgot that I owned it. I�m sure that I took other images, but nowhere to be found..probably on film and lost the scans. I rediscovered the lens in May of 2024 when selling half a safe full of equipment and was determined to use it, but then left it at home and took a Voigtlander APO 35mm on my last vacation. After looking through these example images, I�m going to give it a try�Thanks


	AluraStudying by gary, on Flickr

Mar 09, 2025 at 09:25 AM

_jim_
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p.52 #19 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

Andrew CD wrote:
Oh dear. I came across this thread while trying to persuade myself not to repurchase the ZM 1.4, which I traded in last year when I bought a pre-FLE Summilux. I am more than happy with the Summilux on my MP (along with a gorgeous f/2.8 Summaron that I managed to find a little while ago), and it�s more than fine on my M11, too. But I still find myself missing the ZM, for reasons that many of you will probably understand.

And, yes, I know that it�s too big and heavy, that the ergonomics are far from perfect and...Show more →

I also have the 35mm Summilux ASPH 11874 (though, I have only had it for a few months). The size and ergonomics are certainly better than the Distagon (in a vacuum), but once the Zeiss is mounted on my camera and I'm walking around, I don't really notice it.

The Zeiss is my go to when I don't want to think too hard about taking photos - I can put the subject wherever in the frame and use any aperture and the results will be sharp and beautiful within the limits of my ability to nail focus. My 11874 is sharper at infinity wide-open (but who cares?), but the Zeiss is much sharper close-up. The main thing I really love about the Summilux ASPH pre-FLE is that the coatings are objectively worse (in a good and sometimes bad way) - the bloom around highlights is very pleasant. The Distagon, on the other hand, is very flare resistant - a hood is not necessary.

Amtrak Dining Car by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Leica M5, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon ZM, Flic Film Aurora 800.

Mt. Hood by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Leica M5, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon ZM, Cinestill 800T.

Jenny by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Zeiss Ikon ZM, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon ZM, Fuji C200.

Jordan by Jim Fischer, on Flickr
Leica M5, Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon ZM, Kodak T-Max 400, Xtol 1:1

Mar 09, 2025 at 10:47 AM

_jim_
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p.52 #20 · Zeiss 35mm 1.4 ZM Tests

bwcolor wrote:
I forgot to mention that my use of the Voigtlander 35mm f/2.0 APO on my M11M vs the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM was simply a choice of carrying a slightly smaller vs faster lens. Edge to edge at f/2.0 and stopped down, the level of resolution of these two lenses is remarkably similar. The Zeiss C Biogon T* 35mm f/2.8 ZM is also a great lens in a much smaller package.

Makes sense! If I owned a modern, digital Leica, I'd opt for a smaller/slower lens. Since I basically only shoot film, having as much light gathering capacity as possible is a must (especially on the short, dark winter days we have or for interiors). I have the 50 APO-Lanthar that I sometimes use in summer, but even then, it's still a third of stop slower than my other f/2 lenses (at f/2). I wonder if the 35 APO is the same...

Mar 09, 2025 at 11:05 AM

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