Jump to content

New Zeiss or used M?


Big John

Recommended Posts

You cant go wrong with either.  I have a 35m zeiss and love it.  I also have several summs and love them as well.  Id say get a zeiss now, when you find a great deal on a used Leica add it your collection.  This is how it begins...

Edited by JohnnySeven
Link to post
Share on other sites

I think that, on the SL, the Zeiss would appeal to me as first choice. The test shots I took with it (on an M9) have a very appealing clarity that should go well with the SL sensor and the size, that is an objection on the M, will not be any problem on the SL

  • Like 4
Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

After using my Zeiss yesterday I started wondering is any Leica 35 (excluding the FLE) might be preferable and offer decent weight saving. But looking at the images I realised it would be hard to match its resolution not to  mention the enjoyable handling properties. Weight on an SL would be like a mouse on an elephant :lol: .

Link to post
Share on other sites

I had the ZM 35 Distagon and I found it to be probably one of the "best" lenses I've ever used. I was super impressed with its optical quality. That being said, on an M body I was put off by the size of it. It wasn't too heavy or anything but it definitely was a bit large to handle. (Though manageable and far from impossible.)

 

That being said, I think it is actually the perfect size for the SL body, and I would enthusiastically have kept that lens if I had the SL personally. I ultimately switched to the 35 FLE which I still think is a bit large but I can work with it.

 

Go for the Zeiss on the SL :) you won't be disappointed.

Link to post
Share on other sites

 not to  mention the enjoyable handling properties...

 

Try to quickly change aperture from f2.8 to f11 with one finger on any Zeiss ZM or focus it quickly with gloves. Do it not for one day, but for few weeks...

Leica 35 M lenses are build for quick fiddling on M. But Zeiss is for the process of handling, indeed. :)

Edited by Ko.Fe.
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Hi everyone,

 

Short update - after trying the Zeiss 35/1.4 and reading the comments above, I went for it. It arrived yesterday but I have to wait until Xmas to get it (!). So I don’t get any issues on Christmas morning can I check how I will need to set it up with the SL - will I need to choose a lens profile?

 

Thanks.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Zeiss lenses are outstanding in terms of image quality and are more affordable than Leica M lenses.  The differences between the M and ZM lenses in terms of resolution, contrast, overall image quality, etc. would most likely be lost on the vast majority of people, including photographers. 

 

That having been said, I am still leery of mixing M and ZM lenses in my kit due to the different rendering each line of lenses produce in the final print version of an image (yes, I am a bit OCD about my prints).

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Hi guys,

 

Well Santa bought me the 35/1.4 and it has breathed a huge new life into my SL. I have only used my SL with the 24-90 and wanted something lighter in weight. When I tried M lenses, Voigtlander and Zeiss ZM on an SL in stores, it never really felt right - note I am only talking about handling and ergonomics. What I have learned after 48 hrs with my new Zeiss distagon is that handling can only be assessed after a period of time having the set-up in your hands.......as opposed to 10 mins in a shop!

 

Anyway - this is my first M mount lens, hence my questions above. It defaulted to Lux 35 when mounted on the SL, and initial images look ok. I have changed the selection to ‘auto’ and will see if I see much difference.

 

Can anyone give me a brief explanation of what coding actually does pls? Thanks.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Camera reads the lens code and applies in camera corrections to have picture as nice as possible. :) Leica knows only about Leica made 35 1.4. Corrections applied to wrong lens might lead to wrong results. 

If you let it know about focal length and maximum aperture, it is also useful.  

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...