Biogon 21 vs. Leica 21

[vivek iyer]

Just for clarification: The above post refers to the origins of the Biogon design. Also, the Michael Briggs referred to is the LF forum moderator and not the spooky visitor to this forum.

[alexander_nichols]

This is the pre-war 2.8/35 Biogon:<P>

<img src=http://www.takuya.jp/jpg/biogon35-28-z.jpg><P>

 

Compare with the post-war Oberkochen version:<P>

<img src=http://www.takuya.jp/jpg/biogon35-28-k.jpg><P>

 

I see a lot of resemblance. The 2nd lens is clearly derived from the first. The biggest difference is the rear element which was developed into a thinner cemented pair while still keeping the negative-positive profile.<P>

 

<i>"The postwar Oberkochen 35mm, f/2.8 Biogon is similar to the Jena lens, save that the rear element is substantially smaller and the thickness is about 8mm less. The lens was now of a seven-element construction."<P></i>

-- Barringer and Small, <i>Zeiss Compendium</i>

[roger_hicks1]

Dear Vivek,

 

Thanks for the reference. I should have looked at Cox, too, but it'll probably be more interesting to check the Vade Mecum. You have Neill Wright's Vade Mecum, I take it?

 

Incidentally, I can't resist boasting here. In The Oxford Companion to The Photograph (Oxford University Press, 2005) there are a few of my entries alongside the Gods, such as yes, Sidney Ray. I know I am not in his class, not by a long chalk, but what a privilege to be on the same pages!

 

Cheers,

 

Roger

[bill_marshall1]

Alexander, you are correct that the later post-WW II example you showed is a further development of the earlier pre-war Biogon. However, these are triplets, derived from the Sonnar & have absolutely nothing to do with the modern Biogon, which was developed in 1951 for Zeiss by Bertele and which is a cymmetrical design with a completely different look.

 

I don't have your ability to post these scans, but the modern examples are hardly different than Bertele's original design. You can find the cut-aways for these designs at www.zeissikon.com, or www.zeiss.de, or at www.contaxusa.com.

[bill_marshall1]

Misspelling - Correction: above it should read Symmetrical, not Cymmetrical. Sorry.

 

Bill

[vivek iyer]

Mr. Hicks, I will look into getting the Oxford companion you mention along with the Vade Mecum that Dan Fromm has been urging me to get, all the time.