zm lenses: build quality and wobble

[puketronic]

I'm debating between ZM lenses and Leica lenses in the future. I know it's high-contrast vs low-contrast, Made in Germany vs Made in Japan, flare-free vs flarey, etc.

One of my concerns is build quality. I fear that the ZM's might have some quality control issues. I've never held one in my hand, but do they feel substantial? And the wobble, is it a DIY fix?

[Pioneer]

Based on my experience (a huge sample of 2) they are great. Solid feeling, no wobble, excellent results. Well worth the price.

[NB23]

I'm debating between ZM lenses and Leica lenses in the future. I know it's high-contrast vs low-contrast, Made in Germany vs Made in Japan, flare-free vs flarey, etc.

One of my concerns is build quality. I fear that the ZM's might have some quality control issues. I've never held one in my hand, but do they feel substantial? And the wobble, is it a DIY fix?

I have no idea what you're talking about when you mention "I know it's high-contrast vs low-contrast, Made in Germany vs Made in Japan, flare-free vs flarey, etc.".

All I can tell you is that the ZM will eventually wobble. And that's the worst thing that can happen in a lens. When a lens of mine develops a wobble I wanna smash it on the concrete instantly, without thinking. I just hate it.

I have no ZM lenses anymore. All Leica.

[puketronic]

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to ramble with that stuff, but I didn't mean to turn this into a typical Zeiss ZM vs Leica type of thread either.

I wanted an evaluation on the build quality alone. My main fear with these lenses is that they will wobble, which to me, is a little unacceptable given their price. I know that they can cost considerably less than most Leica lenses, but still, a $500-$1000 lens shouldn't wobble.

[kbrede]

For what its worth. I recently purchased a Zeiss Ikon with two lenses. I've had the kit for about a month. I shot with it every day the past couple weeks. Build quality of the lenses is excellent. No wobble. Warentee on the kit is 3 years. If I do experience wobble hopefully they'll take care of the issue.

[swchris]

What exactly are you guys referring to when you say "wobble"?

[Jesper]

I have been using a Zeiss 21/2.8 since it was released and it still works perfectly. I would say that mechanically it is neither better or worse than my Leica lenses (they are all excellent).

[darkosaric]

>What exactly are you guys referring to when you say "wobble"?

I think they mean when focusing and aperture rings become a little lose.

[Rob Skeoch]

I've been selling the Zeiss ZM lenses in Canada longer than anyone else.
I've sold 100's of the lenses.
I have yet to a single unit returned because of the wobble.
People seem very happy with them and I use them myself and have had no issues.

The Leica gear is great as well. Wonderful look to the images and great build quality.

I think if they were the same price I might choose the Leica gear, but since a new lens is 5X the price I find it hard to justify for myself.

Of course your mileage may vary.

-Rob

[David A. Goldfarb]

I've got two of the modern Zeiss SLR lenses (35/2 ZS Distagon and 85/1.4 ZE Planar) and have no complaints about the build quality. They certainly have a better manual focus feel than any Canon lens I've used.