Cuthbert, thanks for the links on understanding the Leitz lens naming conventions.
Returning to the thread, to be honest when selecting a 50mm lens i wouldn't worry so much for sharpness or flare resistance; any half-decent 50mm lens is already good in those two aspects, at least at mid apertures. Rather, i would focus (pun intended) on the quality of the out-of-focus areas, contrast, and color saturation, for example.
12, 15, 25. 12 & 15 both required adjustment and I forget the details for sure, but I think the 12 developed a grinding in the focus. The 15 was not set properly rotationally so the shade was crooked. I repaired them myself.
Then I tried the 25 on digital M9 and then I noticed one side was out of focus, say 50 feet from a flat subject. I believe that was a centering problem. I can not repair myself and I would not feel right selling it. It is now a paper weight. Oh yes, and the shade locked on with the most minute pressure. Paste silicone cure.
Perhaps they upped their game, but I am not willing to try again with real money to find out.
Forgot about the 75 mm finder that had a crooked mask so all the pics had a slanted horizon. It was replaced and the world is now level. Took me months to get done.
4 out of 4 is poor QC to me.
Did you hear of the Zeiss wobble? Many have and and the repairs are expensive.
I saw a you tube on how the fix the 21 mm R zeiss where the internals have come loose. Lock tight.
Then you have to figure how to code the ZM so it works on digital Leica.
Forget them.
Maybe but my Leica dealer only has an ex demo /2.4 at 1045.0
New 1160.0 black 1250.0 silver
Non Leica dealer
Planar 599.0
Nockton 766.0
The CV /2.5 you need to get used typically less than 250.0 all in GBP (mine was 200.0)
and the OP has a Planar in post ETA this Tuesday so past sell by post.
Yep, kind of anxious to see this Zeiss lens. I'm looking for a companion to it and think I'll get a 90 f2 Summicron. I can do well with a 50 and 90mm lens.
I've seen f2.5 (not the f2.4) demo units go for EUR 1080. The Skopar was around 400 when new, at least this is the price for the Nikon mount version still available new (480 ).
BTW, I have a mint Jupiter 50mm, now I need a Leica to go along
Please confirm you tried a planar and a summicron type 4 both of mine with kit hoods and uv filters were flare queens in open sky shots... at /5.6 or smaller aperture
For 35mm I use Nikon and Canon SLR normal lenses and they certainly give no problems at all on open sky shots. In particular the 50/1.8 Canon FD and Nikon AI are very very crisp and contrasty at f5.6.
No experience with Leica RF lenses but from what you mention, i'll pass, then!! (sardonic laugh)
BTW also note that the smaller "chamber" of rangefinder cameras might create flare problems that are not fault of the lens.
12, 15, 25. 12 & 15 both required adjustment and I forget the details for sure, but I think the 12 developed a grinding in the focus. The 15 was not set properly rotationally so the shade was crooked. I repaired them myself.
Then I tried the 25 on digital M9 and then I noticed one side was out of focus, say 50 feet from a flat subject. I believe that was a centering problem. I can not repair myself and I would not feel right selling it. It is now a paper weight. Oh yes, and the shade locked on with the most minute pressure. Paste silicone cure.
Perhaps they upped their game, but I am not willing to try again with real money to find out.
Forgot about the 75 mm finder that had a crooked mask so all the pics had a slanted horizon. It was replaced and the world is now level. Took me months to get done.
4 out of 4 is poor QC to me.
Did you hear of the Zeiss wobble? Many have and and the repairs are expensive.
I saw a you tube on how the fix the 21 mm R zeiss where the internals have come loose. Lock tight.
Then you have to figure how to code the ZM so it works on digital Leica.
Forget them.
I haven't had a chance to try it out yet as it just got here yesterday afternoon but from the looks of it the Zeiss 50 f2 Planar *T ZM is a superbly quality lens. I bought the chrome version and it' a hefty little dude with positive f-stop clicks and the focus us smooth. I don't know if I can do it justice as after mounting it on the M2 I discovered I'm going to be needing a diopter to focus sharply with.
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