C-sonnar!
p.30 #1C-sonnar!
Fred Miranda wrote:
To test this, shoot a target with your rangefinder and check the accuracy comparing RF with the back LCD. Place your target at 1m. Mine is optimized for f/2 but f/1.7 is almost the same.
This stuff is more noticeable on the 40MB M10-R.
What I love about the 50 F1.5 Sonnar is the high level of contrast on axis and the low optical vignetting compared to other fast 50mm lenses. (even rendering, round bokeh even towards the edges)
Maybe if mine was optimized for f2, it would be usable at 1.5 as film is more forgivingNo shims…Difficult to adjust without disassembling the lens. If you add a shim to it, it will not adjust the focus shift towards wide open. Zeiss should have used shims to make this adjustment easier for us.
If I had mine optimized for f/2.8 like you do with your copy, I would send it to Zeiss. I'm happy with the f/2 setting though and feel it's a good compromise.
If you use it adapted to a mirrorless body, it's a non-issue.Yeah, I do shoot on film. It was bad on the m240 as well for WO shooting. Like I mentioned above, I should send it in to Zeiss and just pay a bit (and wait).I've played with this a little bit today. Here are my thoughts...
It's easy to make the optimization yourself. All you need is a lens spanner tool, like this one:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/70/2218270.jpg
-- At your own risk --
1) unscrew the rear optical core by rotating the retention ring CCW with the spanner tool. It will come out very easily.
Once the ring comes off, the entire optical core can be separated. Great design, easy to maintain the lens. See image:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/74/2218274.jpg
2) My lens copy (latest model) only had 2 shims and it was optimized for f/2. My first attempt was to remove one of the...Show more →
Thanks so much for the guide/how to. It will be used!
nehemiahphoto wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Check if your copy has shims. If it does, try removing the thinnest one. However if needs a thin shim, you can make one out of aluminum foil.To test this, shoot a target with your rangefinder and check the accuracy comparing RF with the back LCD. Place your target at 1m. Mine is optimized for f/2 but f/1.7 is almost the same.
This stuff is more noticeable on the 40MB M10-R.
What I love about the 50 F1.5 Sonnar is the high level of contrast on axis and the low optical vignetting compared to other fast 50mm lenses. (even rendering, round bokeh even towards the edges)
nehemiahphoto wrote
I strongly disagree with this. Both my Sonnars show enough shift when shot wide open that film photos are not usable. I remember being quite disappointed my first couple rolls. So I shoot two CV lenses, 35/2 and 75/1.5. Zero focus shift, everything looks great on film.Maybe if mine was optimized for f2, it would be usable at 1.5 as film is more forgiving
If I had mine optimized for f/2.8 like you do with your copy, I would send it to Zeiss. I'm happy with the f/2 setting though and feel it's a good compromise.
If you use it adapted to a mirrorless body, it's a non-issue.
It's easy to make the optimization yourself. All you need is a lens spanner tool, like this one:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/70/2218270.jpg
-- At your own risk --
1) unscrew the rear optical core by rotating the retention ring CCW with the spanner tool. It will come out very easily.
Once the ring comes off, the entire optical core can be separated. Great design, easy to maintain the lens. See image:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/74/2218274.jpg
2) My lens copy (latest model) only had 2 shims and it was optimized for f/2. My first attempt was to remove one of the...Show more →
…easy material to find around the house that is easy to cut with regular scissors.Thanks so much for the guide/how to. It will be used!
Sep 07, 2021 at 09:07 AM
p.30 #2C-sonnar!
Took some test shots after optimizing my Sonnar 50 to 'f/1.5'.
On the Leica M10-R, it nails focus wide open at any distance now. It also works great at f/1.7. I also added 6-bit code to it. (50/1.4 lux)
I forgot how much I like the character of this lens.
On the Leica M10-R, it nails focus wide open at any distance now. It also works great at f/1.7. I also added 6-bit code to it. (50/1.4 lux)
I forgot how much I like the character of this lens.
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Sep 07, 2021 at 09:58 AM
p.30 #3C-sonnar!
Fred Miranda wrote:
Took some test shots after optimizing my Sonnar 50 to 'f/1.5'.
I forgot how much I like the character of this lens.
You're right. I saw the various comparisons with the Voigtlander 50mm f2 VM ASPH Apo-Lanthar popping up on the web over the past couple of months and started to doubt the Sonnar qualities.
However, the 50mm Apo-Lanthar draws totally different from the Sonnar and of course the Sonnar has a different purpose - not for landscapes nor for anything close to infinity. At least not if the best resolution is desired.
But for a Sunday morning stroll through town the Sonnar is awesome. Below are a couple of uncropped and only lightly edited examples with my Z7 (in LR with the Cobalt Repro profile!).
The first is wide open (1.5), the second from about the same location at f:8.
St James's Park, London.
1.5:
8.0:
4.0:
Took some test shots after optimizing my Sonnar 50 to 'f/1.5'.
I forgot how much I like the character of this lens.
You're right. I saw the various comparisons with the Voigtlander 50mm f2 VM ASPH Apo-Lanthar popping up on the web over the past couple of months and started to doubt the Sonnar qualities.
However, the 50mm Apo-Lanthar draws totally different from the Sonnar and of course the Sonnar has a different purpose - not for landscapes nor for anything close to infinity. At least not if the best resolution is desired.
But for a Sunday morning stroll through town the Sonnar is awesome. Below are a couple of uncropped and only lightly edited examples with my Z7 (in LR with the Cobalt Repro profile!).
The first is wide open (1.5), the second from about the same location at f:8.
St James's Park, London.
1.5:
8.0:
4.0:
Sep 12, 2021 at 07:55 AM
p.30 #4C-sonnar!
Another one from the same stroll to show the Sonnar's nice draw / contrast.
The Sonnar is not razor sharp - not like my 35mm 1.4 Distagon for example. I don't think these lenses would pair well. The opening hours of the Blue Posts are easy to read; the small font of the Chinese menu in the window next to the lady at the table not so much...
Probably around 5.6.
The Sonnar is not razor sharp - not like my 35mm 1.4 Distagon for example. I don't think these lenses would pair well. The opening hours of the Blue Posts are easy to read; the small font of the Chinese menu in the window next to the lady at the table not so much...
Probably around 5.6.
Sep 14, 2021 at 12:42 AM
p.30 #5C-sonnar!
I did a quick rendering comparison between the new Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Heliar Classic and Zeiss 50mm f/1.5 Sonnar Classic.
Which classic look do you prefer?
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1719880/2#c7
Which classic look do you prefer?
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1719880/2#c7
Oct 08, 2021 at 09:35 AM
p.30 #6C-sonnar!
It’s not even close in the comparison, for me. I prefer everything about the C-Sonnar.
DJK
DJK
Oct 08, 2021 at 12:33 PM
p.30 #7C-sonnar!
The ZM 50/1.5 has character but isn’t overbearing IMO. The new CV 50/1.5 has so much SA and funky bokeh, I’d really only be interested as a special affect lens/for that very specific look, but it’s a look I enjoy, but don’t love. I will say, I do appreciate CV’s mindset here—I applaud manufactures that releases lenses with a distinct signature.
Oct 08, 2021 at 12:52 PM
p.30 #8C-sonnar!
Old thread, mostly dead, but my ZM 50/1.5 has seen a revival now that I have a modded sensor and I absolutely love it. Somehow I always forget how special this lens is.
f2
f8
f2
f8
Feb 15, 2022 at 12:32 PM
p.30 #9C-sonnar!
I've never got rid of mine, despite the extra FC from using in on an unmodded Sony (I have no interest in modding, because it's really the only M lens that I personally really want on Sony). I would love to try to tame the FC with a front filter but can't figure out which I need: it'll he hard, because the ray angle is extreme on this guy.
Feb 15, 2022 at 03:49 PM
p.30 #10C-sonnar!
I use mine all the time with a Sony unmodded camera. It is small and elegant in the hand. I find this lens is great for artistic exploration.
Feb 15, 2022 at 07:30 PM
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p.30 #12C-sonnar!
Sunset at Higgins beach, Maine.
Sony A7R3 with Zeiss 50 Sonnar C F/1.5 ZM
© Raul Jarquin
Sony A7R3 with Zeiss 50 Sonnar C F/1.5 ZM
Feb 16, 2022 at 11:53 AM
p.30 #13C-sonnar!
How many people use this lens on an un-modified A7? I have an original A7 that I'm considering using this lens on. Would prefer not to modify the stack, etc if possible.
Feb 17, 2022 at 01:10 PM
p.30 #14C-sonnar!
weezintrumpete wrote:
How many people use this lens on an un-modified A7? I have an original A7 that I'm considering using this lens on. Would prefer not to modify the stack, etc if possible.
I did on and off since 2014 or so. You can shoot around the filter stack for portrait and shallow DOF and still get lovely photos. It’s just a bit harder and makes the lens less versatile, but still worth it IMO. Not even much of a weak landscape lens with a stock sensor though. I need to do formal testing to see how good it is on a stock sensor, but seems fine by f8--though never perfectly biting like a CV 50 APO or stopped down Loxia 50.
Below are some examples I posted about half-way down the page, on all stock Sony.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1669693/10#15563514
How many people use this lens on an un-modified A7? I have an original A7 that I'm considering using this lens on. Would prefer not to modify the stack, etc if possible.
I did on and off since 2014 or so. You can shoot around the filter stack for portrait and shallow DOF and still get lovely photos. It’s just a bit harder and makes the lens less versatile, but still worth it IMO. Not even much of a weak landscape lens with a stock sensor though. I need to do formal testing to see how good it is on a stock sensor, but seems fine by f8--though never perfectly biting like a CV 50 APO or stopped down Loxia 50.
Below are some examples I posted about half-way down the page, on all stock Sony.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1669693/10#15563514
Feb 17, 2022 at 01:29 PM
p.30 #15C-sonnar!
I do as well - it makes a great portrait lens. However, I haven’t had great results at smaller apertures. I reach for my Loxia 50 when I want to do landscapes.
weezintrumpete wrote:
How many people use this lens on an un-modified A7? I have an original A7 that I'm considering using this lens on. Would prefer not to modify the stack, etc if possible.
weezintrumpete wrote:
How many people use this lens on an un-modified A7? I have an original A7 that I'm considering using this lens on. Would prefer not to modify the stack, etc if possible.
Feb 17, 2022 at 02:16 PM
p.30 #16C-sonnar!
For smaller apertures (landscapes and other types of vistas) I prefer my Voigtlander 50 APO. For story telling and environmental portraits I like the Zeiss 50 1.5 ZM (and the Laowa 35 F/0.95).
Feb 17, 2022 at 03:03 PM
p.30 #17C-sonnar!
Fred Miranda wrote:
Yes! From ‘perfect’ RF focus, I can accurately focus at f1.5 by very slightly turn the focusing ring counter clockwise. For f/2.8 I go the opposite direction. (Clockwise from perfect focus)
It’s more challenging but it works. Of course no issue using EVF.
This lens in either mount is a major reason that I switched to Sony mirrorless years ago. Now there is no focus shift at all!.
Really struggling with that focus shift on my M240. Must resist grabbing the evf (or even better my Z7).
Wide open, M240, 1/15 sec, handheld, Cobalt Repro, Tate Modern.
L1001341.jpg by Mark Houtzager, on Flickr
Yes! From ‘perfect’ RF focus, I can accurately focus at f1.5 by very slightly turn the focusing ring counter clockwise. For f/2.8 I go the opposite direction. (Clockwise from perfect focus)
It’s more challenging but it works. Of course no issue using EVF.
Bertrick wrote
My Sonnar C is optimized at f/2 and I learned to do what Fred is describing above to refocus it a bit at f/1.5. I found I could do that (by knowing how far off the "rangefinder perfect" needed to look) more consistently than the lean-forward-a-bit method. My Sonnar 50mm in Nikon rangefinder mount version is optimized at who knows what? The arguments about whether it was ever really made for Nikon mount or Contax mount confuse the issue too.This lens in either mount is a major reason that I switched to Sony mirrorless years ago. Now there is no focus shift at all!
.Really struggling with that focus shift on my M240. Must resist grabbing the evf (or even better my Z7).
Wide open, M240, 1/15 sec, handheld, Cobalt Repro, Tate Modern.
L1001341.jpg by Mark Houtzager, on FlickrFeb 19, 2022 at 01:46 PM
p.30 #19C-sonnar!
After a few years of resistance, I finally caved in and got this lens (at a good price, too). I don't regret it.
Two simple questions:
1. As with other modern Zeiss lenses, the lens cap is atrocious and keeps falling off in my bag; what do people recommend as an alternative?
2. For a hood, is my best bet to go with the Zeiss hood that's made for this lens, or are people happier with a third-party alternative? The flare resistance is so good that I'm not actually sure I need a hood, but it would avoid me having to keep a lens cap on it while it's on my camera.
Two simple questions:
1. As with other modern Zeiss lenses, the lens cap is atrocious and keeps falling off in my bag; what do people recommend as an alternative?
2. For a hood, is my best bet to go with the Zeiss hood that's made for this lens, or are people happier with a third-party alternative? The flare resistance is so good that I'm not actually sure I need a hood, but it would avoid me having to keep a lens cap on it while it's on my camera.
Nov 02, 2022 at 06:50 AM
p.30 #20C-sonnar!
bjhurley wrote:
After a few years of resistance, I finally caved in and got this lens (at a good price, too). I don't regret it.
Two simple questions:
1. As with other modern Zeiss lenses, the lens cap is atrocious and keeps falling off in my bag; what do people recommend as an alternative?
2. For a hood, is my best bet to go with the Zeiss hood that's made for this lens, or are people happier with a third-party alternative? The flare resistance is so good that I'm not actually sure I need a hood, but it would avoid me having to keep...Show more →
1) Voigtlaender caps are the same, try a generic 46mm slimmer one, screw in it a little.
2) Haoge lens hoods are bayonet type and well made, not the cheapest, in Europe, cause weak euro, with import duties and taxes are not worth for few bucks of price tag, but in NAFTA they can cost an half of the branded one.
After a few years of resistance, I finally caved in and got this lens (at a good price, too). I don't regret it.
Two simple questions:
1. As with other modern Zeiss lenses, the lens cap is atrocious and keeps falling off in my bag; what do people recommend as an alternative?
2. For a hood, is my best bet to go with the Zeiss hood that's made for this lens, or are people happier with a third-party alternative? The flare resistance is so good that I'm not actually sure I need a hood, but it would avoid me having to keep...Show more →
1) Voigtlaender caps are the same, try a generic 46mm slimmer one, screw in it a little.
2) Haoge lens hoods are bayonet type and well made, not the cheapest, in Europe, cause weak euro, with import duties and taxes are not worth for few bucks of price tag, but in NAFTA they can cost an half of the branded one.
Nov 02, 2022 at 02:06 PM