Zenit Zenitar 35mm f1 [Merged]

[jaeger]

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It has a little trioplan feel by looking at those sample pictures just that.  But the price and size are both much bigger than a VM 35mm 1.2 III.  Why?

Edited July 6, 2020 by jaeger

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[farnz]

1 hour ago, jaeger said:

It has a little trioplan feel by looking at those sample pictures just that.  But the price and size are both much bigger than a VM 35mm 1.2 III.  Why?

I can't speak for the OP of course but perhaps to have the fastest 35 mm lens in 135 format ever made?

Pete.

[hteasley]

Thanks for the stopped down samples. To my eyes, it's a lot nicer at f1,4 than at f1: the bokeh shows a lot less onion ring effect in the vegetation, while not showing significant loss of subject separation. Plus, more contrast. That first trio, with the orange flower, it's really pronounced for me: at f1, the background above the center flower has a sort of spouting motion to it, coming from the onion ring artifacts of the bokeh. Bokeh balls left of center have more pronounced rings on their right edges, and balls right of center have more pronounced rings on their left edges. This gives a feeling like the background is zooming in. At f1,4, it is sits down, and doesn't have a distracting feel. Doesn't always happen in every shot, but I notice it a lot when it does happen.

The biggest change in a lens I've tried is with the 7Artisans 50mm f1,1: wide open, I really hate it, but at about f1,3, it's much, much better. The out of focus quality changes significantly.

Edited July 6, 2020 by hteasley

[Milan_S]

Since there aren’t many sample photos online for the Zenit Zenitar 35mm f/1, I wanted to share some images taken with this unique and rare lens. This Soviet-era glass is known for its dreamy rendering, soft yet cinematic character, and signature swirling bokeh. Unlike modern, clinically sharp lenses, the Zenitar 35mm f/1 brings an organic, almost vintage feel to digital Leica sensors, making it an interesting choice for creative black-and-white work.

Mounted on the Leica M11 Monochrom, the lens delivers a beautiful interplay of shadows and highlights, making it perfect for moody, noir-style portraits. Wide open at f/1, it has a soft, glowing effect, while stopping down improves contrast and sharpness.

Here’s an example shot taken with this setup on the M11 Monochrom:

Would love to hear your thoughts—has anyone else experimented with this lens on a Leica body? Let’s see some samples!
#milanswolfs 📸

[lct]

Nice pic but are you sure about the soviet era?

[mmradman]

I believe it was launched with “Soviet” version of M240.  Note, CCCP collapsed in 1990.

what do I think, Slava Ukraini

[lct]

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« interplay of shadows and highlights »
ChatGPT? 😉

[ynp]

40 minutes ago, lct said:

« interplay of shadows and highlights »
ChatGPT? 😉

No, it’s just a direct translation of a Russian phrase by Krasnogorsk copywriters. 

[Milan_S]

Thanks for your input @lct and @Al Brown ! You’re absolutely right that the Zenitar 35mm f/1 was developed much later and not during the Soviet era. My wording might have been misleading—I was referring more to the optical character of the lens, which has a distinct rendering style reminiscent of older USSR-era glass, rather than saying it was actually designed in that time period.

To clarify, the Zenitar 35mm f/1 was indeed produced by Krasnogorsk Mechanical Plant (KMZ) in Russia, and the camera was part of the collaboration between Zenit and Leica for the Zenit M project. My main goal was simply to share some photos taken with this lens, since there aren’t many examples available online.

Regarding the phrase "interplay of shadows and highlights," I understand the critique, but I was simply trying to describe the way the lens renders contrast and tonality in a more artistic way. Of course, technically, a lens does not create shadows or highlights—it just projects an image with its own optical characteristics, including aberrations and contrast handling.

I appreciate the discussion and now let’s get back to sharing images and experiences with this unique lens! 😉

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[Ecar]

It was discussed here.

And the camera + lens kit appears to be still available here.

[Milan_S]

3 hours ago, Ecar said:

It was discussed here.

And the camera + lens kit appears to be still available here.

Try ordering from the site it has been available for ages but if you can actually order it… 

[Milan_S]

C R O W 🐦‍⬛
Leica M11 Monochrom Zenit Zenitar 35mm f1
#milanswolfs 📸

[pedaes]

55 minutes ago, Milan_S said:

C R O W

Lovely images and you are lucky to have such a beautiful model who is comfortable working with stuffed wildlife!