Zeiss Biogon 35mm f2 on Leica M3 framelines

[Xexets]

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Hello!

Having caught the Leica fever badly, I just received a Zeiss Biogon 35mm f2 I will use on a Leica M3. I am still waiting for the VF (an inexpensive Helios for the time being).

In the meantime I mounted it and I noticed that it calls up the 135mm framelines... Is this normal?

 

Also, I heard that the Zeiss Biogon 35mm f2 can suffer from back focusing, any chance to be able to check before shooting away a roll and develop it? My options are: either focusing on the Leica objects of which I know the distance and then checking on the focusing ring if the distance is correct or basically doing the same on a M43 body with adapter.

 

Many thanks!

[TomB_tx]

Yes, the 135 framelines are normal. Leica lenses have only three options for frame lines, which is why on modern Leicas they come up in pairs. When the M3 was introduced the only frames were 50, 90, and 135. People wanted wide-angles, so they brought out the M2, which used 50, 90, and 35. A 35mm lens for the M2 had the same "key" as the 135 M3 lens, and that has stayed the same through all the years. So even today both 35 and 135 (without goggles on either) bring up the same frames.

I picked up an M3 "goggled" version of the 35 Summicron, which used the 50 frame lines.

I also have the f2.0 Biogon, and it is an excellent lens. Mine needed focus calibration, but after having it adjusted it is fine. Most Zeiss lenses are correctly calibrated when new. Of course the best way to check is with an M9 or M8 where you can get instant feedback on the image; so you might see if you can borrow one. However, a test roll on your M3, even without the right viewfinder, will show how it performs with that camera. I don't think slight focus errors are as obvious on film as on digital.

[Xexets]

Thank you very much, those framelines got me worried for a moment! (I didn't understand what they were doing there with a 35mm!!!).

 

On a completely different note, since you have this lens, a part from its own hood, do you know if there is an aftermarket option? And for that matter, where can I find it? By googling it I can't find a compatible one...

Thanks!

[TomB_tx]

The Biogon f2 has a 43mm filter thread, so there are probably "vented" style aftermarket hoods that will work - I'd check eBay.

The Zeiss hood for it is exactly the same as the Voigtlander LH-6 hood for the VC 35 f1.4; and the LH-6 is somewhat cheaper than the Zeiss hood. (The same factory makes Voigtlander and most Zeiss ZM lenses.)

I use the Voigtlander hood on both my Biogon and Planar - perfect fit.

[gyoung]

My 46mm vented hood came from Heavystar, very good it is too

 

Gerry

[Xexets]

Thank you!

That's great, I'll check these out.

 

as a matter of fact I would still have one question. I still have to develop the first roll with the 35mm, so not sure how it focuses. Now I have noticed while using it on the M3 that the rangefinder focusing works only until 0,9m on the focusing ring. I mean I can physically turn the ring beyond 0.9 until the minimum focusing distance of 0.7, but in the rangefinder rectangle inside the viewfinder the overlapping image does not move, it begins to move only after 0.9. Is this normal?

I hope that I explained what's happening in an undestandable way!

Thanks.

[TomB_tx]

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I believe earlier M3s did only focus to 0.9m, but can be adjusted to focus to later standard of 0.7m by a good technician. I don't know if this requires a part change, but is a common procedure.