Zeiss vs CV hoods: Same hood, twice the price?

sockeyed · 08-02-2005

The $85 CZ bayonet hood:
http://www.cameraquest.com/ZM%20lenses.htm

…sure looks identical to the $45 CV hood for the 40/1.4:
http://www.cameraquest.com/voigt4014.htm

Anyone know for certain?

rover · 08-02-2005

I know that there was discussion about this, I think here. Some of the CV hoods can be used on the ZM lenses. Actually, I think one hood will do the job for a number of lenses. I can't think of what to suggest you use as a search though.

David Kieltyka · 08-02-2005

I have both hoods ('cuz I own both lenses!). They're similar but not the same.

You can probably get screw-in vented hoods on eBay for less than either the Zeiss or the CV. I bought some of these with a 40.5mm thread for my old Zeiss Sonnars, and they work just fine.

-Dave-

sockeyed · 08-02-2005

I'm curious because I have the CV hood for the 40/1.4 and am considering some Zeiss glass down the road. If not identical, are they compatible? Is the bayonet the same??

awilder · 08-02-2005

I think the bayonets are the same but the Zeiss hood has a unique spring loaded lock that keeps the hood locked in place. It's pretty tight when locked in place and impossible to accidently remove. It's the most secure hood arrangement I've ever seen. Only drawback is that it's so secure that forcing it off without knowing what your doing may loosen something in the lens. Sort of like those old chinese finger lock novelty tricks you use to buy in a toy store.

awilder · 08-02-2005

What's really neat is the fact that the lens cap design has dual finger grips that easily allow it's attachment or removal with the lens hood left in place. Very smart design.

Huck Finn · 08-03-2005

From what I've read, the Zeis lenses are virtually flare free. How important are the hoods?

Huck

David Kieltyka · 08-03-2005

The hoods protect against front element damage if nothing else. I've managed to induce a little flare with the 50mm by taking photos of backlit swans paddling about near sundown with strong reflections off the water. There's no ghosting in the photos, only some contrast loss. I doubt any other lens I own could've handled the situation any better.

-Dave-

Huck Finn · 08-03-2005

Thanks, David.

SDK · 08-05-2005

I use the CV 40mm hood on my 50mm/2 Planar ZM. It fits perfectly and though it doesn't click hard into place, it snugs tight when the Voigtlander label lines up with the index mark. The Zeiss 43mm cap also fits nicely in the Voigtlander hood, and can be engaged or removed easily with the hood mounted. In comparison, the Zeiss 25/28mm hood snaps firmly into place on the Biogons for which it is made, and allows similar cap access.

The hoods really help keep the Zeiss caps from accidentally being dislodged. I lost the Zeiss 46mm hoods off my 25mm Biogon ZM in the woods when I didn't think to put it on! Nobody seems to be selling replacement Zeiss caps yet, so I got a Nikon one, but you have to have the hood off to put on or remove the cap.

RJBender · 08-09-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Kieltyka

I have both hoods ('cuz I own both lenses!). They're similar but not the same.

You can probably get screw-in vented hoods on eBay for less than either the Zeiss or the CV. I bought some of these with a 40.5mm thread for my old Zeiss Sonnars, and they work just fine.

-Dave-

Dave, did you buy yours from Heavystar?
I bought one of the 40.5mm ventilated lens hoods from Heavystar. The metal is pretty thick and probably won't dent if you drop it. The finish is also very nice.
There's one here on Ebay for $14.95 BIN.

DaveSee · 09-14-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDK

I use the CV 40mm hood on my 50mm/2 Planar ZM. It fits perfectly and though it doesn't click hard into place, it snugs tight when the Voigtlander label lines up with the index mark. The Zeiss 43mm cap also fits nicely in the Voigtlander hood, and can be engaged or removed easily with the hood mounted. In comparison, the Zeiss 25/28mm hood snaps firmly into place on the Biogons for which it is made, and allows similar cap access.

The hoods really help keep the Zeiss caps from accidentally being dislodged. I lost the Zeiss 46mm hoods off my 25mm Biogon ZM in the woods when I didn't think to put it on! Nobody seems to be selling replacement Zeiss caps yet, so I got a Nikon one, but you have to have the hood off to put on or remove the cap.

I have the CV 1.4/40 + hood and ZM Planar + hood too. Had thought I could just swap one hood between the two lenses, but impulse led me to buy the ZM hood anyway.

Yes, the CV 1.4/40 hood (LH-5?) does fit both, and the ZM hood too: ZM hood is on all fronts a better design because of the new spring locking. There's a thread in the Cosina forum on "repairing" the aluminum "spring clip" for wiggly CV hoods which involves bending the aluminum back into true. Not a longevity design as aluminum will become more brittle with this repeated "fix." The price may be double-about 60% only from Cameraquest IIRC--but worth it.

The hood, any firm hood, will protect the lens... I still have a Leica, with a slightly dented hood

rgds,
Dave