Zeiss Ikon 4/18mm

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Someone offered me an attractive price for a mint Zeiss 4/18mm ZM. Any active users willing to share their experiences? I am also curious how it compares with the newly released Voigtlander 4.5/15 super wide heliar. Many thanks for your feedback. Peter
 
It's a much bigger lens than the original 4.5 Heliar, very sharp, and well-built. You will need an external finder - the Zeiss one is expensive but all the Zeiss external finders are brighter than anything else on the market, new or used. I don't use mine as often as I should, but it is a worthwhile lens. Because my Heliar is the first LTM edition, I don't use it much, but that will change when my IIIa returns from cleaning. If the price is good, and includes a finder, go for it. If you don't like it, you can always resell it.
 
Thanks for your feedback presspass. I'm going to fondle the Zeiss 4/18 ZM tomorrow and make up my mind. I already have the matching 2.8/28 lens hood and I'm using the Voigtlander multi 15-35 zoom viewfinder which suits me fine.
 
This is a fantastic lens, on the level of the SEM 21.


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The on M9 coded as pre-asph 21/2.8 (a must)

The new CV v3 15 MIGHT be as good. It is not better. :)

Certainly the older CV 15 is not at this level. I think the new v3 is actually bigger than the ZM.

Not sure why the lens was discontinued as it's a pretty modern design. ZI 18 finder is also best available.
 
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