"New menu" in quotes because it's easier to identify those cameras this way than If I wrote on new processor / platform.
mcbroomf wrote:
It's not just new menu cameras though. The 1st copy of a 65mm VC I had was unusable. I tested it on both of my A7R2 bodies and a 6300. A couple of others had the same issue ... 2017
Has anyone noticed that when the problem starts, it can sometimes be alleviated by rotating the aperture ring a little and then returning to the desired aperture setting? It is as if the camera body is getting bad or fluctuating data regarding the lens aperture setting. Placing the aperture setting right at the click seems to “fix” the issue… sometimes. This might also explain the seeming randomness of the lenses affected - each lens has variance in the tightness and accuracy of the of the aperture ring placement. Also, Loxias take a lot of unintended wear and tear on their aperture rings due to the way that the aperture ring tends to get torqued when mounting or unmounting the lens. Perhaps this causes some “slop” that results in fluctuating or corrupt data passed to the camera.
I've noticed that exact solution. Although it's more me twisting the lens at the base as if to secure it ever so slightly more to the mount. The issue only happens on my Loxia 35 on rare occasion and only at f/4. Go figure.
smpetty wrote:
Also, Loxias take a lot of unintended wear and tear on their aperture rings due to the way that the aperture ring tends to get torqued when mounting or unmounting the lens.
That's why I use the PocketPano Lens-Grip on all of my Loxias. I also mounted one on the Sony FE 2.8/35. I have no affiliation with this little company, just delighted that this solution exists.
addieleman wrote:
That's why I use the PocketPano Lens-Grip on all of my Loxias. I also mounted one on the Sony FE 2.8/35. I have no affiliation with this little company, just delighted that this solution exists.
Agreed! Necessary equipment for Loxias - all of mine gave the PocketPano lens grips. Cheap and effective.
MKRhodes wrote:
I've noticed that exact solution. Although it's more me twisting the lens at the base as if to secure it ever so slightly more to the mount. The issue only happens on my Loxia 35 on rare occasion and only at f/4. Go figure.
Yes - I've done that as well as the aperture ring finagling and they both (sometimes) solve the problem.
I do have a question. I just bought a Loxia 50mm for my Sony A7III.
When I am in magnification mode and change the aperture, it basically immediately exits magnification mode. Is this normal behavior or am I also affected? I could still return the lens.
zeitlos wrote:
I do have a question. I just bought a Loxia 50mm for my Sony A7III.
When I am in magnification mode and change the aperture, it basically immediately exits magnification mode. Is this normal behavior or am I also affected? I could still return the lens.
Changing the aperture whilst magnified will cause it to exit magnification mode - this is normal. The issue relates mostly to the camera thinking you are changing the aperture even if you are not, causing unprompted exits from magnify.
The phoblographer reported the issue last January. One person shared on DPreview that a zeiss rep. had emailed them back stating they were aware of the issue but that was back in Oct. of 2022. Zeiss rep. said they were working on a solution. Also said website is best source for info. but I can't find anything.
I might just toss caution to the wind and pick up the 50mm. I had the lens before but it was like 6 years ago. I really wish Zeiss would make a formal statement on the issue though for use with newer bodies.
I've been using the CV 65 and 35 APOs on my A7RIV for years. I've been researching getting the Loxia 85mm since AFAIK, practically the only E mount MF lens around at that length (focus by wire doesn't count.) I was trying to decide if I should get the CY 85mm 2.8, but with an adapter, that gets to be pretty long. Happened on this thread and this is the first I'm hearing on this issue. I was wondering if there were further updates? Sounds like as long as I stay on this body I should be good?
No updates, highly unlikely the issue will ever be addressed.
I have the Loxia 25 and 50, and decided to get a new Sony A7RIII while it was still available. It works perfectly fine with both Loxias, my A1 gave me problems with my most important Loxia, the 25.
Also love the imaging qualities of the A7RIII with the Loxias.
Does this issue exist with the A7C series? I wanted to get one and a few Loxia's for a lightweight go everywhere carry combo. I love Zeiss rendering and manual focus.
I have 4 Loxia lenses (L25, L35, L50, L85) and use them on a A7R III. My L25, L50 and L85 have no issues at all, while my recent purchased (used) L35 is having the focus magnifying issue occassionally, mainly at f/6.3 and f/7.1 but also sometimes at f/14. It is not always, but occassionally.
I found that when it occurs and I move the aperture by one click it often disappears and the lens is functional again. I also tried to remove the lens and re-attach it again and that also seems to solve the matter temporarily.
It's annoying at times, I wish Zeiss would recognise the issue and provide some information on why this happens, but as others have mentioned very little response.
I will contact my local Zeiss importer and see what they have to say about it.
Recently obtained a used A1 from a forum member and so tested my Loxias. I have each of the Loxias except the 25mm. On my A1 with latest firmware, each lens has the problem the OP and Diglloyd (& others) described.
Maybe someone has already posted this – but the work-around that I use, is to deactivate the automatic magnification mode, and instead set the Centre Button to Focus Magnifier. Works just fine for focusing and I can press Center Button again for a higher magnified image.
As an aside – the Loxias show no problem on the A6700 with latest firmware
Found this older thread from a Reddit link talking about the Loxias.
Happy to report that my just acquired 21 has no such issue of not being able to take pictures besides turning off the magnification when the aperture is changed, but so what? I have already utilized the focus enlargement before changing the aperture. I don’t get it.
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