Thoughts on Zeiss Ikon

[MarkP]

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I am now almost exclusively using my M9 but would like a reliable camera for occasional film use. My old Nikon F3/T and prime lenses were sold as I felt that if I went back to film I would want to use my Leica lenses. I would love an MP but really couldn't justify the outlay in this situation.

 

The Zeiss Ikon (new or preferably 2nd hand) seems like a reasonable and cheaper alternative to an older film M-Leica. I played with one some time ago and thought it had a glorious viewfinder.

 

There are a number of what appear to be fairly balanced reviews about, especially by Sean Reid (and this one: Mike Elek: Zeiss Ikon / Other comments)

 

Could any Ikon users, past and present, please comment on their experience with this camera?

 

Mark

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[stunsworth]

No experience with the camera, but the main issue I'd have with getting one is that you can buy a used M6 for around 60% of the price of a new Zeiss.

[Guest]

The M6TTL is newer than the M6 and the settings on the exposure time dial are arranged on the M6TTL like on the M9.

This is also in the same way on the M7.

 

And the other way around on the M6 an MP.

 

Are you sure you need a film camera? (In case you scanned all your Nikon negatives, that you want, already).

[MarkP]

Thanks Steve,

but what about a second-hand Ikon? I was trying to find a representative price but interestingly I can't find any on the 'net.

 

 

 

Hi Simon,

no, I'm not sure I need a film M-mount camera, hence my not having bought one so far.

 

However, my son came home the other week with a photography assignment for art needing a film camera. We used my Contax T3 on manual with good results. He will need to use film more which is a great introduction into photography, and he really enjoyed the process of D&P.

 

It made me think again about having a relatively cheap second hand film camera (with built-in light meter) that can mount my Leica lenses. I couldn't come at a Bessa which feels like it came from a Soviet tractor factory (no offence to Bessa owners) which leaves me with Leica or Zeiss.

 

Regards,

Mark

[stunsworth]

Mark, true, but I looked at one of the UK's largest dealers - Ffordes - and they didn't have any used Zeiss cameras. Personally even if they did I'd pay the extra and buy the Leica.

[}{B]

I saw a Zeiss Ikon limited edition advertised on the Classic Camera website about a month ago. It was £900 and was in mint minus condition. I thought about buying it but it sold quickly. A new Ikon is around £1250.

[earleygallery]

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Buy an M2. Just like an MP but without the meter (OK and the framelines are different).

 

Or, what about a Voigtlander Bessa? Seems the Zeiss is relatively 'rare' on the s/h market so you won't find a bargain.

 

As you use a Leica already, I reckon you'll be underwhelmed with any of the alternatives.

[wilfredo]

You might go for a Konica Hexar RF. I owned one of these for a while and have nothing but praise for it. It's a great alternative to an M7. Konica Hexar RF

[gyoung]

Go for an M6ttl, much more solid than the Zeiss or the Voigtlanders, I have both M6ttl and R2 and the Zeiss is really only a Cosina/Voigtlander with a better rangefinder. And a camera with built in light meter is much quicker to use than one without (I also have a much loved M3)

 

Gerry

[jaapv]

I used to have a ttl, but I prefer the M6 classic. A good one should set you back something in the order of 800 to 1000 Euro.

[Guest user67033]

Altough i'm sure that my M2 is the best camera ever built i have to admit that the Zeiss Ikon finder is better if you wear glasses. If you don't wear glassses: get the M2!

Another thing: the ZI has framelines for 28,35,50,85 and needs batteries.

Get the M2

[MarkP]

Thanks for all of your helpful comments.

 

No, I don't need glasses for my photography...yet.

 

Leica options seem to be between the M2 and M6. Lot's of passionate praise for the M2. However, I think I'd prefer TTL metering and M-mount. what about the M5 which rarely get's a mention...anyone keen to comment?).

 

Interesting that there are virtually no second-hand Ikons available. I assume there aren't many out there to begin with, but perhaps the joys of this camera are a well kept secret, and hence owners never sell? Still, an interesting option. Anyone else out there who has one?

 

Not keen on a Bessa (aesthetics as much as anything else) although certainly a dirt cheap option, and I can afford a Leica or Ikon.

 

I will look into the Konica, or perhaps a Minolta CL (? VF compatibility with a wider range of lenses?)

 

Mark

[wattsy]

Personally even if they did I'd pay the extra and buy the Leica.

 

I'm with Steve here. There's nothing wrong with the Zeiss Ikon (or indeed the Bessa) but when you use a non-Leica body for a while and then go back to an M (of any flavour), the latter just feels more right.

[TomB_tx]

what about the M5 which rarely get's a mention...anyone keen to comment?). Mark

 

I have M3, M4, M5, CL, and M6 (and M9). The M5 is a masterpiece, great meter and better ergonomics in actual use. Yes it is a bit bigger, but fits the hands well as is a joy to use. Make sure the meter is good over the entire range when shopping, but I recommend it highly, especially at the price.

 

I ignored it when it first came out, listening to all the criticism about its size. Later I realized how much I like using the CL, especially the spot meter, and found a good M5. Because people overlook it the pricing can be good; but not as many on the used market either.

[farnz]

The Hexar RF is a good match for the M9 because they both have 1/4000th shutter speed so you can *probably* leave your ND filter at home. The downsides are that you can't stop the auto wind-on so it's noisier than a film M or an Ikon, you don't get the ergonomic satisfaction of jacking the next frame, and the M viewfinder will be better - but not by a lot.

 

Pete.

[dubes]

Here's my story. A couple of years ago, I picked up a second-hand Zeiss Ikon as my first rangefinder camera in over 20 years, attracted by the reviews that said it had a great viewfinder and that it has Aperture priority mode (which I used a lot on my Nikon F3HP). I quickly realized how much I like rangefinders (taking me back to my first camera ~30 years ago), but I never bonded with my Ikon. I had bought it second-hand and I don't think I got a good sample: everything worked, but it wasn't smooth--the film advance on my F3 was smoother, film was easier to load in the F3 (even though the Ikon appeared to have the same film take-up spool), the film rewind lever was stiffer and harder to turn on the Ikon, etc. I even sent it in (under the dealer's warranty) to have it fixed up / adjusted, but I didn't notice any improvements in handling. A few months after I got the Ikon, I got a good deal on an M6 and I never used the Ikon again (it's long since been sold).

 

With the price increases I've seen on used Ikon bodies, I'd skip the Ikon altogether. Seriously, I know you said you want to use your Leica glass, but a used Nikon F3 with a 50 f/1.4 AIS lens will be a fraction of the cost of a used Zeiss Ikon and you'll have a much better camera. Or if you really want a film M, my vote is for the M6.