Zeiss M-Mount 2,8/21mm ZM Biogon with M8/M9

[Mauribix]

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No need to apologize Jeff, you didn't offend me at all!

I was just a bit upset because of such a negative opinion regarding the Zeiss21 which is in my personal opinion (and some shared this in past threads) one of the best lenses in the ZM lineup, together with the 18 and 85mm ones.

As soon as I have time, I look and post some shots from both.

I said it few times in the past, surely I'm a Leica glass fan, but while I used to think of the elmarit21 as a great performer, I found no reason not to buy the Zeiss once I tried it.

After that, imho, the 21mm FOV with the M lenses is pretty much just a matter of ZM21, WATE and 21lux

But that's just a personal preference.

 

Ciao!

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[jplomley]

Not everything I shoot is on the website. Unfortunately, the FolioSnap template I'm using only allows three galleries (without additional fees if you want to add others). Not sure where you get 90% Zeiss, since there are ~ 50 images in the Street gallery using Zeiss and 50 images in the Cuba gallery using Leica. The Landscape gallery is mainly 4x5. So these are 100 street related images out of roughly 9,000 actuation's on one M8 body, 7,200 actuation's on the second body, about 300 rolls of film though the M7s, and the M9 just getting broken in. Based upon a total actuation count of ~ 20,000 digital M captures with processing in C1 Pro and LR, I can tell you that highlights are much better controlled with the lower contrast Leica glass. Anyway, seems like a pretty rough crowd here, so it will most certainly be the last time I offer up my experience. What was I thinking.....excuse me while I go and actually use my inferior leica lenses to capture images....

[Mauribix]

Anyway, seems like a pretty rough crowd here, so it will most certainly be the last time I offer up my experience. What was I thinking.....excuse me while I go and actually use my inferior leica lenses to capture images....

 

Jeff, I'm sad to hear you say that. Of course your contribution and personal experience is absolutely important, and it would be missing IMO.

Anyway, I don't care about pictures on the web, since PP may be a choice, and not a need.

I second your opinion regarding the fact that a contrasty lens is harder to use when preserving highlights (or shadows), obviously that may be a bigger problem in sunny California than in foggy London, but that is, it's up to us.

BTW I hope I'm not into that "rough crowd" 'cause I simply wanted to muffle a bit what you wrote about the 21biogon.

 

The Elmarit is a great lens, I repeat, but the Biogon scheme is still my preferred optical design for the 21FOV.

I could trade it just for the new 21lux in the Leica scuderia, which is indeed a "contrasty" lens as well. It's more on the modern-ASPH philosophy of Leica which tend to push a bit towards contrasty lenses, so anyway, if you love the actual 21elmarit for its contrast specs, keep it jealously, I'm afraid that any possible evolution of that lens would be in a "modern" look.

 

P.S.

I enjoy your portfolio, my mere compliments! Such an expert use of the W/A's.

[shootinglulu]

Jeff, i have just read this whole thread with interest and from my point of view am glad that people respond with strong opinions on the lenses and i think your contributions with all the others are very helpful as i am considering this focal length. To me it didn''t read as combative but more a conversation on different opinions and questions.

Cheers

Lucy;)

[jplomley]

Lucy, you are correct. Apologies to all for my over-reaction. Any many thanks Maurizio for your generous feedback concerning the portfolio.

[roguewave]

Thanks all for your insights. I have tried both lenses & in the immortal works of Saint Azzo, both are STRONG on their own merits. As I have been spoiled by my R19, to me a far superior lens than either the Leica 21 or Zeiss 21, I'm looking for a tool that can render a different sort of image.

 

I'm not as interested in just the details, but a warmer glow from the center 1/3 of the image, where the face will be rendered.

 

As I have yet to "code" an M lens, which is the best way to make sure the mount & coding is correct? Thanks again, Ben