Zeiss 35mm F1.4 ZM Distagon lens review
Intro Although marketed for the maker’s M-mount Zeiss Ikon rangefinder, the range of ZM lenses is rightly popular with Leica M users. All are accessibly priced compared with their Leica equivalents, and optical performance is often on a par, if not sometimes regarded as being technically superior. With the Zeiss Ikon camera now retired, this new high-speed 35mm model is aimed squarely at Leica’s core users. Compared to the latest iteration from Wetzlar, the Zeiss 35mm F1.4 ZM Distagon is priced somewhat modestly at around £1680 inc VAT. It’s supplied without a case or hood, but there’s no mistaking the quality. Build Externally, the design is reminiscent of previous models,…
Leica Summilux-M 50mm F1.4 ASPH Close Focus 2023 model: First impressions
The new Leica Summilux-M 50mm F1.4 ASPH Close Focus 2023 (11728) model follows the recent update to the Summilux-M 35mm F1.4 ASPH CF last year and adopts the built-in rangefinder decoupling or “double-cam” feature for the focus ring. This enables focusing down to 0.45m from the usual 0.7m – the former is the typical minimum focus of DSLR/mirrorless lenses of this focal length (50mm). The double-cam feature was first introduced on the Leica Summilux 35mm F2.0 APO and was quite stiff on the model I tried. To disengage rangefinder focusing, you push the focus ring through some slight resistance at the minimum focus distance marked at 0.7m in orange-coloured paint…
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Zeiss 35mm F1.4 ZM Distagon lens review
Phase One announces Phase One XC fixed-lens camera
Phase One has introduced the Phase One XC, a fixed-lens camera with a Rodenstock HR Digaron-S 23mm f/5.6 lens and a choice of IQ4 150 colour or Achromatic (monochrome) digital back. The camera retails at $62,500, or £48,689, plus Tax. In the past, the IQ4 150 Achromatic has always been priced above the “standard” colour IQ4 150 digital back, so it’s unclear at this time whether that’s offered as an extra incentive or if there will be a price adjustment later. The Rodenstock HR Digaron-S 23mm f/5.6 is a 15mm equivalent (with an equivalent F3.5 DOF) so it’s ideal for interiors and architecture, albeit without the shift movements of the…
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Leica SL2 silver version announced
Leica has released the Leica SL2 in a chrome version, or what Leica call a “silver” anodised finish. With a £280 increase over the black body, taking the price to £6,200 (body only), it’s quite a premium. Nevertheless, the consensus here is that it looks good. What’s more, like most chrome bodies, the finish will likely be more durable over the long term than the black option. Curiously, the US press release states that only 1,000 silver-chrome bodies will be made, making it a limited edition. If anything says the SL2 is about to be replaced with the SL3 this is it. I’ve been hugely tempted to buy into the…
Sigma announce 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art series lens for Sony E- and L-mount cameras
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Leica M11 review
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