ZM 18/4 user info?

[cwroundabout]

I've using a 1D Mk2 for a while but decided to try an M8.2 (with this new U.S. rebate...); I picked up a decent used/coded 1.4 50 Asph and want a wide angle (for tripod mounted interiors of cathedrals, mosques and temples, mainly, but landscapes and equatorially mounted night sky shots as well). Size anad weight isn't an issue; image quality at low ISO is.

Is the ZM 4/18 the way to go, and any thoughts on what viewfinder is best for these conditions? Can decent 11x14s be made from it? Would anyone consider the CV 12?

If one were to look for an older M mount (Leica?) to carry along as a spare for these types of shots, what would you choose? (I still have my Gossen and Minolta IVf...).

[Tom A]

The Zeiss Distagon 18mm is a good piece of glass. It has slightly more distorsion than the C Biogon 21f4.5 - but the added 3 mm focal length does take in more. If you are going to be using it on a tripod anyway, the larger size would not be a problem.
As for a body, dedicated for it in M-mount - either a non metered M2/M4P would work well. With ultra wides there is alwys the problem with picking up too much sky and skewing the reading. Handheld meters work better for that.
It would work well on a M8 as a 24mm lens too.

[Ricetwigscharlie]

I've just purchased the 18 mm for use on the Leica M8. It is a delight to use for street and event photography. The M8 viewfinder (without glasses) just manages to give the 24mm view though you must peer into the corners. So far I haven't missed a UV/IR filter. I find it contrasty and sharp. It is more than adequate for 11 by 14 enlargements. It is a bit heavy and pulls my camera downwards on my neck.

[lorenzo.ferrarini]

I'd say my copy vignettes a bit, but I think it's normal for such a wide-angle lense. But I'm referring to film, I have no idea about its behaviour in digital.

Lorenzo