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FS: Zeiss 50mm ZM 1.5 C Sonnar T* - Mint - In Box

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1k2go

Guest
I have a Zeiss 50mm ZM 1.5 C Sonnar T* in the box for sale. There is not a mark on this lens, as it was only used twice.

I ended up siding on a 28mm for my M8 instead.

Asking $900 net to me.

Thanks.
 

M5-Guy

New member
This is a sweet lens....
I have one,
and the colors are "Spot On"
The sharpness at f/1.5 on a m43 is SHARP!
The Bokeh is wonderful also.. 3D look!
Good luck
 
1

1k2go

Guest
I have no idea what it's optimized for. I'm assuming 1.5. Is there an easy way to tell?
 

M5-Guy

New member
I have no idea what it's optimized for. I'm assuming 1.5. Is there an easy way to tell?
Yes, If at f/1.5 at 1m-2m the image is tad soft,(Front Focus), (Using a RF to focus, not Live View), it is optimized for f/2.8... The reasoning is that it emulates the slight OOF effect of the 1940's PJ street portrait shooters who used the 50mm f/1.5 Sonnar's, which this lens was designed to emulate. There is a focus shift from f/1.5 to f/2.8 1m-2m (BTW, this was a design on purpose by Zeiss). But, so may people want tack sharp at wide open with the "Sonnar Look" that Zeiss would change it free under warranty, but, then, from f/2.8 and smaller, there was a focus shift. And they offered f/1.5 optimized lens latter on in the production.

On a Digital where you can use Live View to focus, the shift is a non issue.
 
1

1k2go

Guest
My guess is that it's optimized for 2.8. I don't recall any literature when buying it about it being optimized for 1.5, and it does get a bit for softness around 1-2m.

Thanks for the help.
 

Double Negative

Not Available
What would be the reason for Zeiss doing this on purpose?
It's a "specialty lens" of sorts. An old design - with a lot of lovely character. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you work it, and get to know it - it delivers some amazingly unique images, most especially wide open. I have one and it's a keeper.

You might think of it as an f/2.8 lens with a "bonus range" down to f/1.5. From f/2.8 on, it's comparable to typical modern lenses. If you shoot it wide open at f/1.5, like, all the time - it might be worthwhile to have it optimized for that.
 
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