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ZEISS C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM Lens (Silver)

BH #ZE5015S • MFR #1407-067
ZEISS C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM Lens (Silver)
Key Features
  • Leica M-Mount Lens
  • Aperture Range: f/1.5 to f/16
  • ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating
  • Manual Focus Design
Inspired by its predecessor from the 1930s, the silver C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM from ZEISS is a fast, normal prime for M-mount rangefinder cameras. Its fast f/1.5 maximum aperture and natural perspective make it particularly suitable for portraiture and documentary work, especially in difficult lighting conditions. The 'C' designation of the lens reflects its compact form factor and classic optical design to produce timeless imagery with natural color fidelity and rendering. Also, its Sonnar optical design promotes a high degree of sharpness and flare resistance, and a T* anti-reflective coating is also used to suppress flare and ghosting for high contrast and color clarity.
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ZEISS C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM Overview

Inspired by its predecessor from the 1930s, the silver C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM from ZEISS is a fast, normal prime for M-mount rangefinder cameras. Its fast f/1.5 maximum aperture and natural perspective make it particularly suitable for portraiture and documentary work, especially in difficult lighting conditions. The 'C' designation of the lens reflects its compact form factor and classic optical design to produce timeless imagery with natural color fidelity and rendering. Also, its Sonnar optical design promotes a high degree of sharpness and flare resistance, and a T* anti-reflective coating is also used to suppress flare and ghosting for high contrast and color clarity.

Type 'C' lens refers to this lens's classic aesthetic and compact design that recalls its predecessor from the 1930s. The glass and coatings have been updated to contemporary standards, however it still produces a timeless look well-suited for both film and digital use.
Sonnar optical concept benefits the normal focal length and helps to realize a high degree of sharpness and well-controlled flare.
Bright f/1.5 maximum aperture suits working in available light conditions and also affords greater control over depth of field for selective focus imagery.
ZEISS T* anti-reflective coatings have been applied to each lens surface to help minimize reflections in order to provide greater image clarity, contrast, and color fidelity.
Manual focus design enables a minimum focusing distance of 3'.

ZEISS C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZMSpecs

Key Specs
Focal Length
50mm
Maximum Aperture
f/1.5
Lens Mount
Leica M
Focus Type
Manual Focus
Filter Size
46 mm (Front)
Maximum Aperture
f/1.5
Minimum Aperture
f/16
Lens Mount
Leica M
Angle of View
45.7°
Minimum Focus Distance
3' / 90 cm
Macro Reproduction Ratio
1:15
Optical Design
6 Elements in 4 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
10
Focus Type
Manual Focus
Filter Size
46 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
2.2 x 1.8" / 56 x 45 mm
Weight
8.8 oz / 250 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.755 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
4.7 x 4.15 x 3.1"

ZEISS C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM Reviews

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Weather sealing for light rain or dust?

Weather sealing for light rain or dust?
Asked by: Donna
Unfortunately, the ZEISS C Sonnar T* 50mm f/1.5 ZM Lens (Silver) is not weather sealed for light rain or dust.
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2023-10-23

question

Does this records metadata of the image if I use it in Leica M10?
Asked by: Joel@Home T.
They are not six-bit coded, so the camera will not know what lens you are using. The metadata will leave the lens unidentified, though the camera does a good job of guessing the F-stop
Answered by: Jonathan
Date published: 2023-07-07

Are the Zeiss ZM lenses optimized for aps-c ...

Are the Zeiss ZM lenses optimized for aps-c sensors, or do they also work well with full frame mirrorless cameras, with the appropriate mount converter?
Asked by: Paul
The lens is a Full Frame lens. I use it with my full frame cameras and film cameras. You will have no problem adopting it to an APS-C camera. Just take note of the "Crop factor". Meaning the lens will be 75mm on a 1.5 crop APS-C camera.
Answered by: Stephen
Date published: 2021-07-14

how does this handle in low light ? can you ...

how does this handle in low light ? can you recommend any leica m mount to fuji x mount adapters ?
Asked by: Bryon
The lens is a manual lens. It does not support autofocus. It is f/1.5 so very good for wide open shots. And for a Leica M mount ot a Fujifilm X mount adapter this is a good one but is fully manual. FUJIFILM M Mount Adapter for X-Mount Cameras BH #FUMMA • MFR #16267038 https://bhpho.to/3uwnNuJ
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2021-05-04

Initially, when the c-Sonnars were first issued ...

Initially, when the c-Sonnars were first issued about 10 or so years ago, I beleive Zeiss calibrated the optimal focus to 2.8. Later they could be ordered optimized at f/1.5. In the past few years I've read optimum focus is set at f/2. What is the optimum focus on this particular production series? Thanks.
Asked by: James
The ZEISS C Sonnar 1.5/50 ZM is currently optimized for focus at f/2.0.
Answered by: ZEISS Camera Lenses
Date published: 2022-11-29

question

Does this lens work with the Leica M (digital body)?
Asked by: Tyler
yes perfectly!!! I have a type 262
Answered by: THIERRY G.
Date published: 2023-07-07

question

Does this records metadata of the image if I use it in Leica M10?
Asked by: Joel@Home T.
Exposure control with the ZEISS ZM lenses is the same as with any M mount lens. You have a choice of aperture priority or manual exposure modes. Shutter priority or program exposure modes are not available, since the camera cannot control the manual aperture of the lens. This is the case irregardless of the lens brand.
Answered by: ZEISS Zeiss Expert
Date published: 2022-10-02

question

Can B&H arrange for the recalibration of the focus to wide open at 1.5?
Asked by: Anonymous
Not that I know of. You need to contact Zeiss directly.
Answered by: Arthur Y.
Date published: 2018-08-27
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