Nikon Z7 Should Be a Solid Leica M and Zeiss ZM Lens Platform Without Modification—to Verify Soon
Get Zeiss ZM at B&H Photo and see my Nikon mirrorless wishlist and my Leica M mirrorless wishlist.
I have two different Leica M to Nikon Z7 lens adapters on hand, but I am now waiting for the Nikon Z7 to arrive—backordered. I’ll be investigating the performance of the Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon and various Leica M lenses on the Nikon Z7 as soon as the Z7 arrives.
The Nikon Z7 has a total sensor cover glass thickness of 2.3mm (epoxied-on portion plus actual cover glass). This is substantially thinner than the 3+ mm of Sony mirrorless. Accordingly, there is a reasonable hope that performance may be quite good by f/2.8 or so. See MTF on Mirrorless Cameras in diglloyd Leica.
What’s the appeal? The Nikon Z7 has the best resolution, best EVF, best ergonomics/haptics, all without the performance-killing thick sensor cover glass of Sony mirrorless.
The Leica M lenses and Zeiss ZM lenses are exceptionally compact. My favorite M-mount lens is the Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon which I judge to be superior to the Leica 35/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH. If the ZM 35/1.4 works on the Nikon Z7 with strong performance by f/2.8, then it will be a 'killer' lens to have.
Possibly the Nikon Z7 will become the preeminent high-resolution mirrorless platform for anyone looking to adapt lenses: Nikon F-mount with the superb Nikon FTZ lens adapter, Leica M and Zeiss ZM and Voigtlander lenses with an M-to-F-mount adapter, and just about everything else.
Coverage of Zeiss ZM and Leica M lenses or any lens always g into the native guide for the lens that is covered, e.g.,diglloyd Leica. Subscribers to the FULL ACCESS deal of course have full access to that and everything else.
See also:
- All about the Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon
- Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon: I rate it the best M Lens Available
- Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon on Leica SL — a Joy to Focus and Still the Best Overall M Lens
Timely—check out the discounts as found on my Top Deals page for Zeiss:
The ZM lenses below are also discounted. My first pick would be the Zeiss ZM 25mm f/2.8 Distagon (after the 35/1.4), but I need to test and prove-out the performance of the 25/2.8.