[Chris Mak]

I have a Zeiss ZK 35/2 and it really is a stunning lens in terms of the image quality achieved, and the ability to change the aperture on the K5 e-dial is a real bonus when using TAv mode.

The reason not many people on the forum have the Zeiss ZK lenses is three fold - first they are expensive, second they are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and third there are Pentax equivalents that are as good, or very nearly as good - particularly the limited lenses.

I certainly enjoy using my ZK35

Yes, the Zeiss 35/2 is really very good. Especially A3+ prints show the very high quality of this lens. It is so good, that I sold the DA35ltd (and that is by no means a bad lens!!) and accepted always having to manual focus, even on holidays. The prints I get from this lens are enough to make me put up with the MF and the extra weight.
I recently added the Zeiss ZK28/2, because 35mm is often too narrow, but although also stunningly good color wise, and almost as sharp, it doesn't have quite the finesse and fine detail that makes the 35/2 my favorite lens.

Chris

[jeffshaddix]

+1 here for another happy ZK 35/2 owner - my personal favorite.

I actually wouldn't mind more preset M42 lenses - dozen(s) of aperture blades anyone?

[subidoc]

Ever since stumbling on a good deal for a Zeiss ZK35/2, I have found it did a few interesting things to my photography. For one, it became my universal go-to lens. Second, it prompted me to look for, and obtain, its larger ZK85/1.4 sibling, which also delivered very tasteful images. Between the ZK35, ZK85 and VL58 (yes, all from Cosina), I feel un-motivated to look for any additional glass.

The first image was by the ZK85/1.4; the next was with the ZK35/2....

[Zygonyx]

Very nice rendering indeed

[NZ_Ross]

Ever since stumbling on a good deal for a Zeiss ZK35/2, I have found it did a few interesting things to my photography. For one, it became my universal go-to lens. Second, it prompted me to look for, and obtain, its larger ZK85/1.4 sibling, which also delivered very tasteful images. Between the ZK35, ZK85 and VL58 (yes, all from Cosina), I feel un-motivated to look for any additional glass.

Thanks for sharing the images - really nice.

In addition to my ZK35/2 I also have the VL58 which is an ideal portrait length on an APS-C camera. You are causing me to think whether I should also purchase a ZK85 - I had been thinking the Pentax FA 77, but the Zeiss lenses are superb

[Chris Mak]

Ever since stumbling on a good deal for a Zeiss ZK35/2, I have found it did a few interesting things to my photography. For one, it became my universal go-to lens. Second, it prompted me to look for, and obtain, its larger ZK85/1.4 sibling, which also delivered very tasteful images. Between the ZK35, ZK85 and VL58 (yes, all from Cosina), I feel un-motivated to look for any additional glass.

The first image was by the ZK85/1.4; the next was with the ZK35/2....

Vintage Zeiss 85/1.4 rendering, thanks for the post.
I also more or less stumbled onto the Zeiss lenses, and now have 28/35/50mp/85, and yes, they took away any motivation to look for any other lenses, even though the Zeiss are MF primes.
I will be taking the 28 and the 85 on my coming vacation, the 85 also does wonderfully as a long landscape lens.

Chris

[subidoc]

I will be taking the 28 and the 85 on my coming vacation, the 85 also does wonderfully as a long landscape lens.

Chris

You will not be disappointed.... Enjoy them. Keep them safe, though. That 85/1.4 can attract attention. If the 28 is anything like the 35, you could get away with it. The 85/1.4 has a longer MFD, and this makes it a bit of a challenge to use in tight quarters, eg across a table, etc. I really enjoy the 35, though. Have never had a chance to handle the 28. I hear its a little harder to focus... have you found it so?