ZEISS Ikon Biogon T* ZM 2.8/28 Wide-Angle Camera Lens Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper use and care of your ZEISS Ikon Biogon T* ZM 2.8/28 Wide-Angle Camera Lens. Designed for Leica M-Mount rangefinder cameras, this lens offers exceptional image quality, wide-angle versatility, and robust construction. Please read these instructions thoroughly before using the lens to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Key Features:

• Superior Imaging: Delivers sharp, clear, and vibrant photos with outstanding detail and minimal distortion.
• Versatile Wide Angle: The 28mm focal length is suitable for landscapes, street photography, and architectural shots.
• Excellent Low Light Performance: Wide f/2.8 aperture allows for effective use in challenging lighting conditions.
• Precise Manual Focus: Offers accurate control over focus for creative depth-of-field effects.
• Robust Build Quality: Constructed for durability and reliable performance.

2. Safety Information

Observe the following safety guidelines to prevent damage to the lens or camera and to ensure user safety:

• Do not expose the lens to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight for extended periods.
• Avoid dropping the lens or subjecting it to strong impacts.
• Keep the lens away from strong magnetic fields.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the lens yourself. Refer to qualified service personnel.
• Keep lens caps on when the lens is not in use to protect the optical elements.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in the package:

• ZEISS Ikon Biogon T* ZM 2.8/28 Wide-Angle Camera Lens for Leica M-Mount Rangefinder Cameras
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• Instruction Manual (this document)

4. Lens Components

Familiarize yourself with the main parts of your ZEISS Biogon T* ZM 2.8/28 lens.

Figure 4.1: Side view of the ZEISS Biogon T* ZM 2.8/28 lens, illustrating the focus ring, aperture ring, and depth of field scale.

Figure 4.2: Front view of the ZEISS Biogon T* ZM 2.8/28 lens, displaying the front optical element and lens identification markings.

• Focus Ring: Used to adjust the focus distance.
• Aperture Ring: Used to set the desired aperture (f-stop).
• Depth of Field Scale: Provides an indication of the depth of field at various apertures.
• Distance Scale: Shows the current focus distance in meters and feet.
• Lens Mount: The part of the lens that connects to the camera body (Leica M-Mount).

5. Setup

Attaching the Lens to the Camera:

1. Ensure both the camera and the lens are clean and free of dust.
2. Remove the rear lens cap from the lens and the body cap from the camera.
3. Align the red dot on the lens mount with the corresponding red dot on the camera's lens mount.
4. Gently insert the lens into the camera mount.
5. Rotate the lens clockwise until it clicks into place, indicating it is securely locked.

Figure 5.1: The ZEISS Biogon T* ZM 2.8/28 lens correctly mounted on a compatible rangefinder camera.

Detaching the Lens from the Camera:

1. Press and hold the lens release button on the camera body.
2. Rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it detaches from the mount.
3. Immediately attach the rear lens cap to the lens and the body cap to the camera to protect them from dust and damage.

6. Operating the Lens

The ZEISS Biogon T* ZM 2.8/28 is a manual focus lens, requiring user input for focus and aperture settings.

Figure 6.1: A photographer using a camera equipped with a ZEISS lens, illustrating the manual operation process.

Manual Focus:

1. Look through your camera's viewfinder.
2. Rotate the focus ring on the lens until your subject appears sharp and clear in the viewfinder's rangefinder patch.
3. The distance scale on the lens indicates the current focus distance.

Aperture Control:

1. Rotate the aperture ring to select your desired f-stop.
2. Smaller f-numbers (e.g., f/2.8) indicate a wider aperture, allowing more light and creating a shallower depth of field.
3. Larger f-numbers (e.g., f/22) indicate a narrower aperture, allowing less light and creating a greater depth of field.

Depth of Field:

The depth of field scale on the lens can be used to estimate the range of acceptable sharpness at a given aperture and focus distance. Align the focus distance with the desired aperture markings on the scale to see the near and far limits of focus.

7. Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your lens.

Cleaning the Lens:

• Lens Elements: Use a soft lens brush or a blower to remove dust particles. For smudges or fingerprints, apply a small amount of lens cleaning fluid to a clean microfiber cloth and gently wipe the lens surface in a circular motion. Avoid excessive pressure.
• Lens Body: Wipe the lens barrel with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents.

Storage:

• Always attach both front and rear lens caps when the lens is not in use.
• Store the lens in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• If storing for extended periods, consider using a dehumidifying agent to prevent mold growth.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your lens, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

9. Specifications

Technical specifications for the ZEISS Ikon Biogon T* ZM 2.8/28 Wide-Angle Camera Lens.

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official ZEISS website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

• Official ZEISS Website: www.zeiss.com
• Customer Service: Refer to the contact section on the official website for regional support details.