anyone compared zm 50 sonnar and rollei 40 sonnar?

[back alley]

anything stand out about the similarities and or differences in these lenses?

would swapping one for the other show any change in images?

[awilder]

I've never owned both simultaneously but did detailed testing on both. By f/4 both were very similar in performance with Rollei version only slightly better in central sharpness and overall contrast. Both had excellent flare resistance.

[back alley]

i'm surprised that the 40 was as sharp as you report.

anyone other comments?

[raid]

I included the 40mm lens in my 35mm-40mm lens comparisons, and there were over 30 lenses or so in that comparison. Then I may have included the ZM 50 in my 50mm lens comparison. Look at both test results and compare.

[noimmunity]

I have both, though I only started using the Rollei recently. My sense is that the ZM is a more spectacular lens. My copy used to be optimized for 2.8, and at that aperture would have a much more creamy/dreamy bokeh than what the Rollei sonnar gives wide open. Now my copy is optimized for 1.5, which works better for me given the way I use it.

I still haven't got the film side of things worked out here in Shanghai, but I could take a few very informal handheld (no tripod available) comparison shots on the M8, if you want.

[back alley]

that would be great.

[noimmunity]

ZM C Sonnar at f/2.8 on the M8, no filter, JPG from the camera
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/3999957013_582d753154_b.jpg

Rollei Sonnar at f/2.8 on the M8, no filter, JPG from the camera
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2487/3999959169_708a4cba6c_b.jpg

I don't yet have any of my things from Taipei, including the computer with the software to process DNGs from the M8, so JPEGs will have to be it.

There is a noticeable tonal difference between the two lenses. Other noticeable differences include the obvious size difference between the two. While the ZM C Sonnar isn't big, the Rollei is downright tiny and it has a tab, which you may or may not like.

[noimmunity]

Here are a couple of photos I took with the Rollei Sonnar on the last of several backpacking trips I made before leaving Taiwan.

Withered tree at the peak of North Hsueh Mt, 3500m
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2538/4000262267_e4ae4ceb4b_o.jpg

Rays of sunlight filtering through the forest at Yundaka, 3500m
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2588/4000253903_f2a86bd97a_o.jpg

[back alley]

thank you jon, that was very generous of you to do this.

i am thinking that i will search out the 40 and use it instead of a 35 (50 on the rd1).
while i did like the 35/2.8 i think having a 40 (60 on the rd1) and a sonnar (bonus) might work well for me. and by keeping the 50 i will have a 75 sonnar as well.

[noimmunity]

A good idea.

The 40 is now cheaper than the 35, and it does have some appealing points over the 35, namely cost, size, sonnar, and FL--all the reasons why I ended up with it after having had a ZM 35/2.8. But since it does look a little different from the ZM line, especially in color, it may not fit with your other lenses, but then again, since you mostly shoot digital black and white, that shouldn't be a consideration.

I'm beginning to really like the way it looks on film in black and white!

[back alley]

now i just have to hope that i can find one when my budget allows.

joe

[back alley]

speaking of budget, i just saw a 40 on ebay, from kevin's camera and listed at a bin price of 715 american.
i know he is a bit pricy but the lens looks pristine(;))

what is a fair price on one of these normally?

joe

[david.elliott]

I think I saw in another thread that they are going for around $500 in Japan?

Check with Jon - he will probably know.

[jonmanjiro]

I saw a lightly used one (silver) in Tokyo today for 36,750 yen. They can still be found new for 49,800 yen.

[ZeissFan]

Kevinscamera prices seem to run from 50% to 200% higher than any other place. The only assurance from buying from his site is that you'll pay a significantly higher price than you will elsewhere.

Patience will reward you with a much better deal.

[back alley]

Kevinscamera prices seem to run from 50% to 200% higher than any other place. The only assurance from buying from his site is that you'll pay a significantly higher price than you will elsewhere.

Patience will reward you with a much better deal.

this i know from experience...

[back alley]

I saw a lightly used one (silver) in Tokyo today for 36,750 yen. They can still be found new for 49,800 yen.

perhaps when i am ready you might be able to help me out with this?

joe

[jonmanjiro]

perhaps when i am ready you might be able to help me out with this?

joe

joe, i didn't see your comment until just now...
not a problem. drop me a line when you're ready, and i'll see what i can find on this end.

jon

[back alley]

thanks jon.

right now i am struggling with wanting both this lens and the 20/1.7 for the panasonic g1. eventually i'll have both but for now i think the 20 wins as far as who gets my next extra cash.

[noimmunity]

I'm glad to see you guys finally connected. I sent you Joe a PM suggesting you contact Jon right from the start of this thread, but I suppose you never got it.

[back alley]

i did get it, but wasn't ready to buy (still not).
i hate to waste people's time when all i can do is talk about it and not move on it.

jo

[noimmunity]

Thanks for the confirmation, Joe. I totally understand and admire your reluctance to bother other people until you're ready to commit.

I was contemplating making a pitch to buy the Rollei Sonnar first, because I think prices are going up on the 40/2 Summicron-C/M-Rokkors, and I guess that will affect the Sonnar, which is likely to go up anyway. BUt you're right, that 20/1.7 is probably going to be much more useful, so it makes sense to get it first. Whatever you choose, enjoy shooting!