Coding and IR questions for Zeiss 18mm

[Flat Earth]

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I'm about to purchase a Zeiss 18mm for my M8. I'm thinking of a used one and the one I had in mind has been modified to bring up the 28mm framelines. After doing some searching, I believe that this lens can only be coded as the WATE or a 21. If I code it as a WATE, then every time I mount the lens, I have to manually set the menu to 16mm. Is this correct? This sounds like a PITA to me. Is coding the 18 to the 21 OK? Alternately, could I file off some of the mount so that it brings up the 50/75 lines? Then I could code it as the Leica 18mm (I think)?

 

With respect to filter size, the spec sheet says 58mm, but I keep on finding threads that suggest using a 55mm filter and a step down. B/W makes a 58mm IR filter, why not use just that?

 

Thanks

Jonathan

[lars_bergquist]

You are right about the 28/90mmm framelines (unless of course you decide to obtain a bayonet for 50/75 from Carl Zeiss, which just may be possible. Or perhaps the seller still has the original bayonet.)

 

The problems however are nil. My own Distagon was coded for 28/90 because the Super-Elmar did not exist then. True, every time I mount the lens, or switch the camera on with the lens mounted, the focal length dialog comes up on the monitor. But its default value is 18mm! As soon as I touch the shutter release, the camera accepts this default setting, and the pictures are EXIF-coded as 18mm. So you can just ignore it. I do, and in any case (!) I carry the camera in either a half-case or a full case by Luigi Crescenzi of Leicatime, so I do not see the monitor unless I deliberately let down the seat-of-pants flap. Good way to avoid excessive chimping, too.

 

The old man from the Age of the Zeiss Hologon

[lars_bergquist]

And your IR questions? A standard 58mm screw-in B+W 486 filter does the job very well, thank you. And it is a lot more practical (and less expensive) solution than the bizarre Leica filters. 58mm filters do not vignette with a full frame camera; I use the Distagon with my M4-P too, with a normal 58mm UV filter, simply for mechanical protection.

 

The old man from the Age of the Zeiss Hologon

[D&A]

I completely agree with everything Lars said and I too find coding this lens as a WATE (which brings up the default 18mm dialog) as long as the baynette brings up the 28/90 framelines) is ideal.

 

I happened to have a 55mm Leica UVIR on hand at the time.... and some have said this UVIR filter is a bit better in correction than the B&W one when used wiith this lens. How true or not this statement is, I cannot say. So I use a step ring with my 55mm UVIR Leica filter and all works well...although the lens is only being used on an M8. WHat heappens when using the 55mm filter on full frame, I haven't yet tested.

 

Dave (D&A)

[ljclark]

First, you need to find out which frame lines the lens you are buying actually brings up. Unless I am mistaken, the most recent 18mm Zeiss lenses will bring up the 50-75 frame lines.

 

There are several alternatives if you have an older lens.

 

-- Send it to Zeiss to have the mount replaced.

 

-- Take off the mount and send it to John Millich to have it coded and modified for the "right" frame lines.

 

-- Buy a replacement mount from John.

 

-- Send the whole lens to Don Goldberg (DAG), who will remove the mount and send it to John Millich for mods and then do a check on the lens (may take some time, depending upon Don's work load).

[Flat Earth]

Thanks for that info guys. I'm glad that the lens would work as it its.

 

Are you using the VC 25mm finder? An external finder is a must for me. With my glasses, the 28mm lines are not very visible.

Jonathan

[lars_bergquist]

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You do definitely need an external finder. Mine is an older plastic-bodied Leica 24mm. But I also have a Zeiss 18mm finder for use on my M4. Splendid piece of optics in its own right.

 

The old man from the Age of the Zeiss Hologon

[chris_tribble]

Practical experience speaking here...

 

1/ It's possible to have the mounting plate of the Zeiss 18 coded and adapted so that it brings up the correct framelines and is registered as an 18 in firmware. Malcolm Taylor (UK based) did this for me. PM me if you need to contact him.

 

2/ If you're 18 doesn't come with the lens hood (as was the case with mine) Heavystar do a REALLY neat metal 58mm screw in hood for wide angle lenses which does the job perfectly. Just enough protection and minimum intrusion.

 

3/ The B+W 58mm filter works perfectly - colour spot on and no cyan shift or vignetting.

 

Example below (the usual messy kitchen shot...)

 

I strongly recommend the lens - Exactly as Sean Reid review sums it up.

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[john_newell]

What's the short summary comparison of the finders available for use on the M8? Chris, your picture is giving me lens lust...

[Nicoleica]

Practical experience speaking here...

 

1/ It's possible to have the mounting plate of the Zeiss 18 coded and adapted so that it brings up the correct framelines and is registered as an 18 in firmware. Malcolm Taylor (UK based) did this for me. PM me if you need to contact him.

 

2/ If you're 18 doesn't come with the lens hood (as was the case with mine) Heavystar do a REALLY neat metal 58mm screw in hood for wide angle lenses which does the job perfectly. Just enough protection and minimum intrusion.

 

3/ The B+W 58mm filter works perfectly - colour spot on and no cyan shift or vignetting.

 

Example below (the usual messy kitchen shot...)

 

I strongly recommend the lens - Exactly as Sean Reid review sums it up.

 

 

I'm sorry Chris, but I have to ask. Is that the plug from a hot-water bottle in front of your microwave?

[Ivar B]

I believe much has been said already, but I also have a Zeiss 18 which had the mount exchanged for the 28-90 mount, and I had it coded as a WATE and there are absolutely no problems at all. The default setting is 18mm, so no need for any adjustment or anything. If the lens still should have the original mount (50/75) you could code it as an Elmar 18, but as I said the WATE coding is perfect.

 

Regarding filter, what I did (or rather the first owner) was to buy an inexpensive Tiffen E58 filter. Knock out the glass, and a Leica E55 UV/IR with mount and all fits perfectly inside. Who came out with this idea first, I do not know.

 

We also did some quick comparison shots with the Zeiss and the new Elmar 18, and the Zeiss lens appears to be as good.