Zeiss vs. SSC...

[szazs]

I have always been a big fan of the 1970's "F" cameras series from Canon; particularly the FTbn, EF and the F-1n (not the "New" F-1.) I am also fond of the FD S.S.C lenses available for these cameras, because of their terrific clairity and sharpness. Back when, the Nikon users in our happy little group even gave the S.S.C. lenses thumbs-up, sort of a major feat considering, the Nikon/Canon war being waged.
Anyway, someone asked me recently if I was going to use an old 35mm camera instead of a new fangled digital, why didn't I use Zeiss lenses with, say, a Rolleiflex SL35M, since, in his mind, Zeiss was "...the best you can get...WAY ahead of anything else."
Hmmm. Now, I've always been REAL happy with my modest collection of Canon S.S.C. lenses, and don't plan on ebay-ing everything and going German just yet, but, whadda ya think? Does he have a point; I mean a point worth acting on? Are they THAT much better than "everything else" or is this Canon vs. Nikon part XXXVIII all over again. If that's the case this is as far as it will go. If someone can make a "real" case, well then...

 

[david b]

If you have been happy with the Canon lenses, then why are you considering changing? Because someone said something else was better?

That's kinda silly.

 

[Lee Shively]

Fact is, everybody makes good lenses. The difference between "excellent" and "the best" is real close. Too close to tell the difference in most cases. Besides, "the best" is so subjective, it's really meaningless.

I use Leica rangefinders for most of my 35mm shooting. The lenses are great but I don't use the cameras for the lenses. I like the small size of Leicas compared to my Canon EOS SLRs. In most cases, the pictures I've done with the autofocus Canon lenses can't be distinguished from the Leitz lenses.

 

[Claire Senft]

Save your money and spend it on film and paper.

 

[mawz]

If you want Zeiss, get an M42 adaptor and some of the new ZS lenses. Then you will actually be getting an upgrade (to modern coatings at least) But 70's Zeiss stuff and 70's Canon stuff is pretty close in quality, as long as you're using the better Canon lenses (As Canon made some cheap stuff, while Zeiss left that to Yashica).