Testing Zeiss 1.5 ZM

[okinawasan]

Finally I got a free day today to do some serious testing of this lens.
I've been reading about the focus shift issues on this lens and how some lens were shipped with or without focus shift. So i was curious what mine was?
Here are some results:

Tri-X 400 (rated at 200)
Souped in D76, 6.45mins, 20*
Minimal Photoshop:
Adjusted curves
minimal USM was done in Lab Mode on the lightness channel 110% 0.7 0 (I'm using the 8600F and it needs this amount of sharpening for the picture to make any sense, very soft scanner)

I did not bother with dust or particle removal

Focus was on the two middle flowers (tripod)

Focus was on the middle candle (tripod)

It seems my objects are in focus with no shift.

I'm still debating if i want to keep this lens or the lux. No room for excessive indulgence.;p

 

[gommy]

Finally I got a free day today to do some serious testing of this lens.
I've been reading about the focus shift issues on this lens and how some lens were shipped with or without focus shift. So i was curious what mine was?
Here are some results:

Tri-X 400 (rated at 200)
Souped in D76, 6.45mins, 20*
Minimal Photoshop:
Adjusted curves
minimal USM was done in Lab Mode on the lightness channel 110% 0.7 0 (I'm using the 8600F and it needs this amount of sharpening for the picture to make any sense, very soft scanner)

I did not bother with dust or particle removal

Focus was on the two middle flowers (tripod)

Focus was on the middle candle (tripod)

It seems my objects are in focus with no shift.

I'm still debating if i want to keep this lens or the lux. No room for excessive indulgence.;p

keep the lux

 

[alternatve]

Keep the Zeiss.

Seriously though, both lenses are exceptional, so it's really up to your preference. I wish that I had the cash to buy the Zeiss from you though, it's my dream lens!

Samuel

 

[woyap]

This is what a classic Sonnar 50mm suppose to be.....too many lenses now can produce super sharp pictures to day, but not many modern lenses can produce CHARACTER!http://forum.clubsnap.com/images/cs/smilies/smile.gif

 

[Hacker]

Keep the Zeiss, sell me the Lux!

On the Zeiss, the focus shift is more apparent on the M8 for example because of the flat sensor. Meet up to test?

 

[okinawasan]

This is what a classic Sonnar 50mm suppose to be.....too many lenses now can produce super sharp pictures to day, but not many modern lenses can produce CHARACTER!http://forum.clubsnap.com/images/cs/smilies/smile.gif

I'm not sure what sorta character you're talking about, but every lens has its own character, and really is up to the operator to draw that out. You are right that most modern lens can produce sharp images (f5.6 and beyond), but at wide open apertures I would be bold enough to say that there are very few that are tack sharp. Then again, I myself am not really into sharpness.

Not every classical lens can produce character either......

So anyhoo, I went out late last night (1.45am) to see how this lens works with available light. My objective was to test it hand held as well as the feel of the lens in the field. I found some nice textures in my surrounding area that would (at least I hope) provide some gradation and tone. These pictures are absolutely about nothing...

Tri-X 1600
souped in TMAX 9.30mins 20*
Photoshop:
Adjusted curves
No sharpening (I was lazy so I checked the light sharpening option on Vuescan)
No cleaning of dust and particles

F1.5 1/15

F1.5 1/30

F1.5 1/30

 

[Anjinnete Ross]

Don't know about the lenses!

But the images are beautiful!!

 

[okinawasan]

Keep the Zeiss, sell me the Lux!

On the Zeiss, the focus shift is more apparent on the M8 for example because of the flat sensor. Meet up to test?

Hey Hacker, would be nice to test it on the M8 where we can get some instant feedback. Film is probably not the best way to test the sharpness as there are too many variables (at least for me) that can alter the image.

I did run the candle test side by side with my lux, but i was so engrossed in taking notes, checking the meter readings and all that i forgot the most important thing, focusing the lens.
Needless to say I was disappointed when i developed the film to note only that the Zeiss was in focus.

Here are some side by side comparison of the both lens (physically).
The Zeiss is definitely more compact and weighs a little less then the Lux, that is not to say it isn't solid. I do like the weight and compactness of the Zeiss, but the the all black paint job of the Lux is a winner for me. I have some qualms about the silver ring on the Zeiss.

 

[gommy]

Wow, solid Black Paint:thumbsup: Want to trade(Lux chrome)?;p I quite like my Chrome too
How about a test on 50Lux asph, 50Lux(pre-asph), Noctilux, CV50Nokton & Zeiss 50Sonnar?

 

[Hacker]

Wow, solid Black Paint:thumbsup: Want to trade(Lux chrome)?;p I quite like my Chrome too
How about a test on 50Lux asph, 50Lux(pre-asph), Noctilux, CV50Nokton & Zeiss 50Sonnar?

Good idea. Add the Hexanon 50mm also. Or wait when the Summarit is here so we can have a 7 lens shootout. :thumbsup:

 

[Hacker]

Wow, solid Black Paint:thumbsup: Want to trade(Lux chrome)?;p I quite like my Chrome too

Gommy's Lux is in perfect condition. I could not find a nick or any dings.

 

[gommy]

Gommy's Lux is in perfect condition. I could not find a nick or any dings.

Thanks Hacker!

 

[okinawasan]

Gommy's Lux is in perfect condition. I could not find a nick or any dings.

Tempting, but i definitely prefer an all black outfit.

 

[YOL925]

Just got from the Bay an original post-war zeiss sonnar 50mm f1.5 for contax RF camera. paid only S$300. condition is Mint-, with perfect glass. using a lousy (but exp) kiev to M adaptor, I mounted the combo on a vintage M2, see pix below:

The RF coupling is way out!! (back-focus like crazy). With DIY RF calibration, I manage to get the coupling pretty close. Took some random shots at Little India to test the lens and found the sonnar sharp and smooth.

(Kodak Gold 200. sorry for the poor scan quality:embrass

YOL

 

[alternatve]

Looks excellent!

Samuel

 

[nordleadx]

its beautiful !!! great lens.