🔴 35mm Leica Summilux KILLER? | Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4 ZM

Zeiss Distagon 35mm 1.4 ZM lens for Leica M review and comparing to the 35mm Summilux
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Detailed review of the Zeiss 35mm 1.4 Distagon on a Leica M240 and Leica SL camera
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#leicalens #summilux #zeisslens #mrleicacom

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

💫 MRLEICA LR PRESETS - mrleica.com/presets/ 🚀 LEICA WORKSHOPS: mrleica.com/workshops/ 📝 LEICA CLUB WELCOME PACK - mrleica.com/leica-club-join-the-club/ 📝 FREE NEWSLETTER & EBOOK - bit.ly/3OLE37t Detailed review of the Zeiss 35mm 1.4 Distagon on a Leica M240 and Leica SL camera 📷 CAMERA BAG: bit.ly/3Uiva6w 📷 SEE MY KIT: mrleica.com/kitlist/ 🚀 FREE MODEL PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE EBOOK: mrleica.com/ebooks/ 🚀 MAKE MONEY WITH PHOTOGRAPHY EBOOK - bit.ly/3PIYtwD ✅ CHECK PRICES: (US) ebay.to/2F0HoxY (UK) ebay.to/3ijzle2 (DE) ebay.to/3iqDNYs (FR) ebay.to/2ZJ3E75 (HK) ebay.to/32A8xBu 📞 ZOOM: Not sure what camera or lens to buy? Arrange a call today - bit.ly/3lBkdgq ⭐ PATREON: 100+ Videos & Zoom - mrleica.com/patreon/ 🛎 SUBSCRIBED?: Monthly Giveaways! bit.ly/3qET0ZO 🎞 NEED FILM?: mrleica.com/do-you-need-film/ ☕ COFFEE: Thank Matt with a coffee - www.paypal.com/paypalme/MrLeica ⛔ INSURANCE: Aaduki UK Photography Insurance - with since 2014 - www.aaduki.com

[@chrisreich40]

How nice that at long last you review a Carl Zeiss lens (my preferred brand). You've mentioned before that they are too sharp for your female models, and I noticed that your subject matter was street shots even before you mentioned it, so you're consistent in what you say. I chose the f/2.0 version not merely for its lower price, but also because it uses the same filters and hood as my 50/2.0. Also because I don't trust my ability to focus my rangefinder reliably at f/1.4. In fact, the Zeiss 35/2.0 is the *only* lens I ever bought new since they are so scarce in the used market here in America. I'm always happy to see new videos from you, Matt. I ALWAYS learn something from you!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Chris! I've often been tempted by the 35mm Biogon lenses. I must try to get them for review at some point! (I have the 21 & 25 ZM and both are excellent!)

[@Narsuitus]

Based on my good experience with Zeiss lenses on my Nikon SLRs and my Contax G1 rangefinders, the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distqgon ZM was the first lens I purchased for my Leica M6. I now shoot my Zeiss 35mm on my M6 and M10 rangefinders flanked by a 21mm f/1.4 Summilux and a 90mm f/2 Summicron. My three lenses work very well together for photojournalism, documentary, and street photography.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great combo!

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Nice one. But with me you are preaching to the choir. I like the Sonnar family for how they do color and shape. And you know I am taken with the remake of the '34 CZJ, the Bertele for its gorgeous color. I like the Zeiss touch. This is another great video and dense. You got it all in there. Cheers.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Sandy!

[@josezavala3066]

I agree with Stephan, would be awesome if you come for a models workshop to the US, but would be even better if you do it in Chicago !!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I do hope to get to the US again. Probably NYC first but happy to go where ever the demand is!

[@webersteve1547]

Did you ever test the 35 steelrim? I think you will like...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Only very briefly, it’s crazy soft!

[@rexypoooo]

If you ever ended up in NYC for a workshop, I am just a short plane hop away!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Rex! Please contact me via MrLeica.com and I will collect names/ emails

[@MarcS4R]

I have this lens and I love it , sharper and more pop than the FLE the only drawback being the size

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes, I should have said more POP in the video. Sums it up well

[@MarcS4R]

your video was great , i feel this lens often gets overlooked. @@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom

[@KyleGibsonPhD]

I'm in NYC and I'd love to join a workshop. Plus, we could head over to Fotografiska afterward!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Kyle! Can I ask you to message me on MrLeica.com and I will start to collect names/ emails so I can make a plan.

[@mapleandsteel]

Where were this shots taken? I loved the graffiti reference to The Stranglers’ ‘Golden Brown’!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Eek, I forget. It’s an old video sometimes I mention where I am if overseas.

[@dlyon9673]

Thank you for this interesting reviewing. I have the 35mm Biogon f2 which I enjoy a lot -- very sharp and beautiful build quality which makes it a pleasure to use -- which I chose because it is a bit smaller than the 1.4. Re the Konica, I look forward to a full review of that when you get the chance. (Yes, visit NY!) There seems to be some debate whether the flange distance is slightly different on the Konica rangefinder camera which might mean that the lens is not well calibrated for use on a Leica -- but then other commentators disagree. Obviously not a problem if using it on a mirrorless camera.

[@jlwilliams]

That Konica/Leica interchange question definitely was a hot topic when Konica's Hexar RF camera (for which its lenses were made) was current, i.e. 1999-2003. There's still a lot of that furor floating around old blog posts and such, but my recollection is that the most technically skilled writers eventually concluded that the flange distances were the same but that Leica and Konica made slightly different assumptions about the true focal length of a nominally "50mm" lens (reopening the same can o' worms that has bedeviled attempts to match up Soviet lenses on Leica thread-mount cameras for eons, and essentially with the same result: some lens/camera combinations worked fine, others did not, and owners of the "worked fine" group vociferously argued that the "did not" group were all idiots and vice-versa.) Presumably, if Matt gets another go at the Konica lens, he'll be able to sidestep these problems by using it on his SL!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I hope to do a 35 Biogon video at some stage! ..Interesting about the Konica..

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Excellent video Matt. Well done and thanks for sharing

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Rob!

[@winfoto9288]

I shot this lens for two years with the M10. Performance is excellent. I was always happy. Price compared to Leica makes this lens a bargain. But I didn’t like the size on the M10. That’s where the Leica lenses shine.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for your experience.. yes eventually most of us prefer small lenses, me included

[@sunny16portraits]

Wow looks great! Have you ever tried an older 35mm Elmarit btw? I had one on my SL recently (with the goggles, looked so funky haha) and looked decently contrasty, colorful and sharp to me as well. Half the price of these but different market obviously.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I've not, i've tried most other Leica 35s but not that one. No reason really, I have a 3.5 then got various Voigtlanders

[@The_Hero_Is_Back]

Zoom into the photo at 2:19 and read the comments in the framed poster on the wall. See the real London!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I'm sure there are lots of questionable things written on that wall. I blanked out a piece that was zoomed in during part of the video.

[@photonutz09]

I'd love it if you came to NYC

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great! Thanks, please contact me on MrLeica.com and I can look to make a plan based on how many people might be interested.

[@50cron]

Hi Matt, excellent review! I am considering picking this up for my SL Typ 601. How does it compare with the CV 35 Nokton 1.5 II? Thanks!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Haha it's much better than the Nokton (and you know I love Voigtlander) ..it's just big but on SL is fine

[@rexgigout1472]

Yes, indeed, the Distagon is good! One of my favorites!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Rex! Yes I was impressed

[@gregpantelides1355]

Great review, Matt. I've been super impressed with my Zeiss 35mm F2.8 Biogon. It's sharp wide open and it's got tons of contrast. Looks like the distagon maintains these characteristics! :-)

[@janfrosty3392]

I regret seeing my Zeiss 35mm F2.8 Biogon, as you said "sharp wide open and it's got tons of contrast"

[@gregpantelides1355]

@@janfrosty3392 , It makes my work in the darkroom much easier. Sometimes, I can print at grade 2.5 because the contrast is already so punchy. I just wish Zeiss would commit to completing their ZM line. We are still missing telephoto options. Hopefully they will decide to complete the line one day. :-)

[@janfrosty3392]

@@gregpantelides1355 Unfortunately, Zeiss is not upgrading their line of ZM lenses to perform better on digital. It has been reported that Zeiss (Cosina) will stop producing ZM lenses. I have two Voigtlander APO Lanthar 2.0/ 35 and a 50mm that are optimised for digital including floating element in both of tease lenses.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Greg! Yes that lens is on my list!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Look out for used Biogon on eBay Jan

[@jonsmith7650]

Great video!! Thank you.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jon!

[@mauricerijnders3507]

Yes and Sony is sharper too 😀 I'd say eye-hurting unrealistic sharp (I us both systems). But sharpness isn't everything. For photographers it's all about the light. Summilux on the monochroms when the light hits right... magical. Same with the old leica glass.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Maurice! I like sharper lenses on film, Zeiss glass tends to work well for me. I own the 21 & 25mm ZM lenses.

[@mauricerijnders3507]

Yes for film "sharper" works 👍🏼✨

[@astrostl]

The size/weight/shape *pains* me on this because my best shots have by far used this lens.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes, without the hood it felt OK on my heavier M240 but it's no pocket lens!

[@photo-markus]

Isn’t milvus a little better than distagon classic lens? Newer, better codings, weather sealing, clik-declik key.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Possibly yes but not available for Leica. This is the best M mount I think.

[@chrisloomis1489]

Had it for 4 years. Good lens , just heavy. My 1.4 ZM is black.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice! Yes I think black is more stealthy

[@jasongold6751]

It's huge! I don't care for large apertures! main question! How bad is intrusion of lens in viewfinder??

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes it is too big. I'd say 15% maybe but strangely I didn't notice in real world use

[@wolfgangsimon1056]

Undoubtedly one of the best fast 35mm lenses, even better than the Summilux. The only fault is the size.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes! I think this lens is overlooked by many

[@stefanmelzer9943]

Perhaps better than my Summilux but it is as long as my Summicron 90mm. That is a deal breaker for me.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes it is too big as a EDC

[@dhavidcg]

Does this lens has electronic contact with Leica M mount? Like voigtlander do..

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi, No Voigtlander or Zeiss lenses for M mount have any electronics or coding. Modern Leica lenses have 6bit coding but still no electronics.

[@dhavidcg]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Ah! Thank you for the explanation. I always thought, the 6 bit coding is electronic contact, but it seems it only coding to identify the lens. Working like dx code in film canister.

[@carlosmcse]

If you hit the Summilux with the Distagon it’ll definitely kill it. Today we review this giant brick vs the Leica Summilux. 😅 I sort of stay away from high contrast high saturated lenses. It’s why I don’t like that Zeiss look. Also the 1/3 aperture clicks are really confusing to me.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha nice Carlos, yes Zeiss are more for contrast lovers I think!

[@sebastiang7183]

Did you crank up the clarity on Stephan in post processing or is that all the lens?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

My presets have a slight clarity boost but the same as all other photos. It's just a crazy sharp lens and anything other than perfect skin will suffer.

[@sebastiang7183]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Not so slight that I can't pick up on it. Here is my rule of thumb: Zeiss for landscape. Leica for people. Zeiss has much stronger micro contrast that is great for landscape small details, but too strong for skin details. Leica in most cases still matches the detail resolution, but they are of lower contrast and thus skin looks more natural, and the pores and other defects stand out less. The skin looks more natural over Zeiss.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@sebastiang7183 Agreed! As I say in the video, great for architecture etc but not my choice for portraits. The girls photos were all the same preset so as mentioned is the skin type that matters. Perfect skin and you can use any lens. 👍🏻

[@sebastiang7183]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom When I said lower contrast I meant for the fine details. Global contrast on Leica tends to be very high. There is no perfect skin. Babies get close but even they have blemishes. I have found out that light matters. Soft light will result in better hiding of blemishes. High contrast and directional light will bring them out. I also have to call you out. You keep saying x brand is beating Leica but you keep shooting Leica. Is this your strategy to keep price appreciation down?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@sebastiang7183 Thanks. Haha I shoot Leica cameras but I use all sorts of lenses. Sometimes I use Leica glass, sometimes not. (And yes I shoot portraits as you know so I agree about light etc). Just shoot what you enjoy, that’s the main thing.

[@arrangearrange]

The distagon is better than the lux. For a 1.4 I don’t mind the size. It’s still compact. I use a 35/2.8 biogon when I want something small.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes, it seems often overlooked compared to the Lux. I want to try to get the 2.8 ZM for a review. (I have an older version)

[@arrangearrange]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom you might like the 35/2.8 as a compact lens for film knowing your videos. I also like the 35/2 planar contax g for people photos although it’s considered the “dog” of the contax g line up (to me, it’s great lens to warm up a digital sensor)

[@Ron-j5m]

Great video Matt, Although the Zeiss seems impressive, I prefer if possible to stick with original Leica lenses on a Leica body The only exception I ever made was with the SL cameras where most of the original lenses are ridiculously big, heavy and way overpriced as well as limited focal lengths. All the very best and kindest regards, Ron

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ron!

[@HansJonsson1235]

It certainly “kills” my other lenses. They look less good in comparison. That’s the real drawback.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Hans, yes it’s better than many realise I think

[@HansJonsson1235]

Finally! 👍🏼

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks haha, yes I get there eventually!

[@out_of_focus_foto]

So far Zeiss isn't making new lenses. I wouldn't be surprised if this was the last lenses Zeiss will make.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes it's sad to see considering what they achieved here

[@out_of_focus_foto]

Also the F mount lenses they have. Zeiss never made lenses for Nikon Z mount.@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom

[@crissignori7482]

Which Summilux? As we know there are many versions of the famous Summilux. Have you tested this against either of the two most recent versions with floating lens elements? The Zeiss lens obviously has some excellent qualities but the vignetting at f1..4 is horrible and it certainly is one tank of a lens.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes sorry I should have been specific. From the photos I was comparing to the FLE (which it exceeds in performance). I have shot the FLE2 and I think it will still beat it but by f2 you have the option of both 35mm APO lenses and then it's probably a closer match.

[@crissignori7482]

I used to own the V4 King of Bokeh lens and I am leaning towards that lens again as my main 35mm lens@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom

[@thedarkslide]

Not a Summilux killer. A Summilux killer would have to be the size of a Summilux. That Distagon is way too big, it's very un-Leica. Maybe a great lens for on the SL cameras.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Well put! (Excuse the strong title). The distagon wins for performance BUT if it's too big to carry the smaller lens is the one we use.

[@gregpantelides1355]

Hey Matt, have you been able to get your hands on the Thypoch Simera 35mm F1.4? It looks like the perfect balance of size, weight, and image quality! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqm7ZYZtZ7NkadU

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hey Greg, no but someone else mentioned them to me. I'll check them out thanks!

[@powderedtoastman3093]

@mattosbourne I bought this lens while travelling and its loose in my Leica M4 mount. Rocks slight back and forward when focusing - does this happen to you? I have contacted Zeiss support multiple times and got no response. Is yours locked tight in the mount or can you check this with an analogue body? Cheers Matt

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry to hear. If you see the video I only borrowed it. My copy was ok on the camera I used that day. (One of my Zeiss lenses has completed dried up though)