ZM 1,4/35 and heft, finder blockage

[Hayek]

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35 is the way I see the world, presently through a ZM 35C. Looking at posted images from its speedier sister, it just may be its better.

But I hate big lenses. Transgression Against the Sprit of Barnack. 

 

So here are the questions...is it a bear to handle? how bad's the finder blockage? 

 

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[padam]

You can see it here:

 

http://www.raylarose.com/2015/01/review-of-the-carl-zeiss-distagon-t-1-435-zm/

 

Personally, I think it is not too bad, but it is definitely big by rangefinder standards.

Still a bit bigger with the hood, but the lens is so good, that it can do without it.

 

https://talktog.wordpress.com/2015/06/09/lens-review-zeiss-distagon-t-35mm-14-zm/

 

It really depends if you like these kind of "3D" images, because other lenses will not have quite the same effect.

[FrozenInTime]

35 is the way I see the world, presently through a ZM 35C. Looking at posted images from its speedier sister, it just may be its better.

But I hate big lenses. Transgression Against the Sprit of Barnack. 

 

 

The 35 C-Biogon is one fantastic lens - it would be very hard to better optically.

There are compact faster lenses that have a different look if you want fast and small rather than fast and perfect.

MS 35/1,4 . Summilux pre-ASPH , Nokton 35/40 1.4 would all make good small sized compliments to the 35/2,8 Zeiss.

When using film, I often carry just one body, a small 35 and a fast 35 - switching as needed - indoors or at night.

[TomB_tx]

I have the same bias against big lenses. I used the tiny v2 35 Summicron for decades on film, but it wasn't best on the M9. I used the small 35 f1.4 VC Nokton on M9 and found it nicer at f2, but tended to back focus at smaller apertures. The 35 f2.0 ZM Biogon gives me very good results on digital, and is not huge, but I missed the smaller "35" size. So I ended up with a 35 Summarit f2.5 as my normal lens on the M9, and still switch to the 1.4 35 Nokton for dim light.

The 35 f2.0 ZM feels right on the larger M5, so it is my 35 for film use on that body.

[microview]

I sold my 35 1.4 ZM because it weighed so much. Viewfinder blockage I didn't find a problem (M240 rangefinder focusing etc). Looking at pics in LR, however, I am tempted to try it again.

[apertur]

Rendering and sharpness, flat field and contrast are amazing. Pics look like M9 like when shot on M240. Give it a try. 

[Hayek]

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Pics look like M9 like when shot on M240. Give it a try. 

 

Do clarify this.

[Exodies]

A few pixels short of a full frame?

[edwardkaraa]

The size and weight are a nuisance for sure, but one gets used to them quite quickly. The focusing ring and action are way better than the 35C.

[padam]

Do clarify this.

http://www.howardshooter.com/journal/2015/02/Lens_review

[uhoh7]

FLE

[Brabu]

Hi from Berlin,

I own both, the CBiogon and the Distagon (since three weeks...)...the Distagon is heavy, but no problem....I use it on the M-E, finder is o.k., the weight is better to carry with an additional grip, I use the RRS.....the CBiogon sticks to my M4. The Distagon is an incredible lens....

Regards, Matthias

[RFlynn]

Depends what you're used to, and your preference.

 

I don't find the Distagon heavy at all, but I carry around DSLRs a *lot.* It's noticeably lighter than the CV 35/1.2II, but still a lot bigger and heavier than a Summicron. 

 

Personally, I think it handles great, and balances well on my 240 and M3 (yes, I'm weird like that.) Finder blockage really isn't bad.

 

If you need/want f/1.4 and this level of performance, your only other option is the Lux FLE, which is a bit shorter, and 60g lighter (without the hood.)

 

The Zeiss is ridiculously good, they pulled out all the stops on this one - floating element, aspherical, amazing sharpness, contrast, pop, etc. etc.

[asiafish]

I tried it and found it just on the wrong side of large, and went for the FLE instead.

[DandA]

Using a large lens like the Noct, the Zeiss 35mm f1.4 and others on a Leica rangefinder is very subjective...even if one is used to large lenses on a DSLR. I believe one has to try it themselves if at all possible.  I use the silver VC 35mm f1.2 (have two) on my M-E and monochrome and it's probably fatter in width than the Zeiss 35mm f1.4 but a bit shorter. There are times I love the speed/rendition of lens but other times would prefer something lighter. Even a lenses optical signature is subjective and I had the FLE but had a love but bit of dislike for it. regarding it's bokeh at times.  There is usually a tradeoff when it comes to lenses and once one spends some time with a lens, they'll know if its right or not for them.  Just some personal thoughts and observations.

 

Dave (D&A)