Zeiss Ikon ZI

[Tim Gray]

I bought my M6 off of ebay for around $900 a couple years ago. I had just missed another one for about the same price too.

The ZI is supposed to be a great camera. I probably would have gotten one instead of the M6 except for the fact that there weren't many on the used market when I got my M6. I've heard they are cheaper used in Japan, so the location of the seller might have something to do with the price.

For a 35mm, I'd look hard at the Zeiss 35/2 ZM. It's a great lens. That's what I decided on. I used it for about a year and couldn't have asked for more. I eventually got rid of it because the 35mm focal length wasn't for me, but the lens was great. Sharp across the frame, nice bokeh, very flare resistant and almost no distortion.

[Xmas]

I'd suggest you need to try the cameras before you buy.

If you don't need an exposure meter, a M2 or M4-2 will be cheaper, than a M6, for example you might not like the shutter sound of the ZM, and be insensitive to the larger view finder exit pupil advantages.

Apart from ZM lenses or Leica lenses there are CV (cosina voightlander) lenses that many people find acceptable, given they are somewhat cheaper.

Some people are annoyed by focusing tabs (e.g. on the ZM lenses) do not know why myself. I was startled by the large size and weight of the ZM 35mm Biogon f/2.

The Canon P and 7 series with original lenses from '60s or compatible (modern) CV lenses, are faster handling for some people, and cheaper than a M2 or M4-2.

The CV bodies are similar in price, some people dont like the appreciation they are 'plastic' cameras.

If you don't buy with a warranty, a repair bill can be large.

The choice is not simple especially if you want to take photos and are not (just) a camera fondler. A camera fondler would get an M2, several M2 an Canon P myself.

Noel

[swifty]

Well my lack of experience with guessing exposures makes me nervous about getting anything without a meter of some sort and I'm not too fond of the idea of carrying an external meter.
So I guess I'm limited to the more modern rangefinder variants.
If I'm lucky, I might find a value M6 but even that is on the high side of my current budget so I think it's probably better off if I just save and wait longer.
Of course it doesn't have to be Leica and hence my interest in the zeiss. From everything I've read it's very comparable to leica but cheaper.
I'd love to be able to play with each before deciding but I don't have the luxury of access to these cameras.
To clarify some information, basically i sold some of my nikon gear lately and i have around $1800 AUD. I have an existing medium format camera and loving shooting film but it's a little bulky and cumbersome for street shooting. I also need to get a scanner and I think an epson V700 might be it so taking these into account, by the time I purchase a v700 i'm probably down to just over $1k. Not enough i reckon so I probably need to save another grand b4 I can look at rangefinders again.
Only other options is to buy a nice lens, cheap rangefinder or something but I'm afraid I'd want to upgrade soon after purchase, something I prefer to avoid.

[elekm]

The Zeiss Ikon is a very nice camera. The exposure system is accurate. Great viewfinder. Build quality is excellent.

It's not as heavy as a Leica, but that's no surprise. It's not a Leica.

All of the Zeiss lenses are excellent, although there are many discussions regarding the f/1.5 C-Sonnar. I've had the camera since shortly after it was released. I have three M lenses: f/2.0 50mm Planar; f/2.8 25mm Biogon and a Rollei f/2.8 40mm Sonnar. These three lenses give me plenty of coverage. The only lens that I might want to add is the f/4.0 85mm Tele-Tessar.

I wouldn't be concerned about buying used. Just make sure that the previous owner didn't beat on the camera, as some users do.

Unless you're comfortable using a camera without a light meter, I wouldn't get a camera without a light meter. I use a handheld meter with many of my older cameras, but it's not a style for everyone.

I'll agree with others that if you want a camera for street shooting, a Leica LTM is a nice camera. I would opt for a Zeiss Ikon Contax IIa (1950s camera) with perhaps a 50mm Sonnar and maybe the 35mm Biogon. Downside: No meter with either the Leica LTM or the Contax IIa.

Always a lot to consider, right? If you were looking for inexpensive, the Cosina Voigtlander cameras are incredibly good values.

[Xmas]

Hi

The Canon VIIs do have built in meters, you can fit a MR meter to earlier
Ms than M6.

or even use a clip on CV meter.

or learn to use a separate meter.

A Canon P in collector condition is a lot cheaper than a M6.

Noel