drossi
Newbie
I miss my M6 and Leica 35 2.0. I have waited for a few years for someone to build a good-enough small digital that cost less than $2K but I guess that isn't coming. I shoot a Nikon D2X but want a small rangefinder again. But which one? The ZM and it's 35 new costs less that a used M6 and Leica lens.
Please recommend...
Thanks!
P.S. I can't believe I am considering a film camera!!!! But I am!!!
Please recommend...
Thanks!
P.S. I can't believe I am considering a film camera!!!! But I am!!!
rxmd
May contain traces of nut
Difficult to recommend you something.
- Do you want new gear or can it be used?
- Do you insist on having "Leica" on the body?
- Do you mind mixing lenses and manufacturers from different makers?
The ZM is an excellent modern body, with the option of automatic exposure and what's probably the best finder in the rangefinder world. There's been a lot of discussion about its "build quality" with Leica people chiming in how it isn't a proper camera if you can't hammer 12-inch nails into a wooden plank with it (not that I've ever seen somebody do that with a Leica). Or how its battery dependence is crippling the camera, while it uses a kind of battery that is extremely small and extremely easy to get everywhere in the world. This is the kind of discussion best left ignored. I think the ZM is a good idea. The obvious alternative would be a used Leica M6; it should cost slightly more than a new ZM if in good shape, but it's comparable in general. No AE on the M6, but for that you get the Leica name on it if that means something to you.
Regarding the lens, a used Leica 35/2 should be more affordable than a new one. However, the Biogon 35/2 is a very good lens enjoying a positively excellent reputation so you can't go wrong with that.
There are lots of other rangefinder bodies with M mount: the whole Leica M series (depending if you want a meter or not, or what kinds of lenses you want to use); the Leica CL (compact); the Konica Hexar RF (motorized, somewhat automatic, nice); and the Cosina/Voigtländer Bessa R[234][AM] series (affordable, good, some unique viewfinder options). And there's lots of lenses in the 35mm range: Zeiss, Leica, Konica, Cosina/Voigtländer, and all sorts of old screwmount lenses from lots of manufacturerers. So if you want choice you can have it, and you can read and write in lots of online discussions without ever taking a choice (or a picture). Personally I'd just check my budget and if the ZI with the Biogon fits it (possibly used) it is a good choice that you're unlikely to regret.
Philipp
- Do you want new gear or can it be used?
- Do you insist on having "Leica" on the body?
- Do you mind mixing lenses and manufacturers from different makers?
The ZM is an excellent modern body, with the option of automatic exposure and what's probably the best finder in the rangefinder world. There's been a lot of discussion about its "build quality" with Leica people chiming in how it isn't a proper camera if you can't hammer 12-inch nails into a wooden plank with it (not that I've ever seen somebody do that with a Leica). Or how its battery dependence is crippling the camera, while it uses a kind of battery that is extremely small and extremely easy to get everywhere in the world. This is the kind of discussion best left ignored. I think the ZM is a good idea. The obvious alternative would be a used Leica M6; it should cost slightly more than a new ZM if in good shape, but it's comparable in general. No AE on the M6, but for that you get the Leica name on it if that means something to you.
Regarding the lens, a used Leica 35/2 should be more affordable than a new one. However, the Biogon 35/2 is a very good lens enjoying a positively excellent reputation so you can't go wrong with that.
There are lots of other rangefinder bodies with M mount: the whole Leica M series (depending if you want a meter or not, or what kinds of lenses you want to use); the Leica CL (compact); the Konica Hexar RF (motorized, somewhat automatic, nice); and the Cosina/Voigtländer Bessa R[234][AM] series (affordable, good, some unique viewfinder options). And there's lots of lenses in the 35mm range: Zeiss, Leica, Konica, Cosina/Voigtländer, and all sorts of old screwmount lenses from lots of manufacturerers. So if you want choice you can have it, and you can read and write in lots of online discussions without ever taking a choice (or a picture). Personally I'd just check my budget and if the ZI with the Biogon fits it (possibly used) it is a good choice that you're unlikely to regret.
Philipp
B
bedaberger
Guest
same too me
same too me
Hello Rossi!
I can understand your thougts, i actually think about selling my EOS 5D and 24-70 and 50/1.4, and buy instead of all this bulky stuff a ZeissIkon Body with a Biogon 35. I realised now, that i made 95% of my pictures with the 50mm lens, because of the size.
AND: film is not dead! a few years ago everybody told you:
"in a few years you won't get film" ...
same too me
drossi said:
Hello Rossi!
I can understand your thougts, i actually think about selling my EOS 5D and 24-70 and 50/1.4, and buy instead of all this bulky stuff a ZeissIkon Body with a Biogon 35. I realised now, that i made 95% of my pictures with the 50mm lens, because of the size.
AND: film is not dead! a few years ago everybody told you:
"in a few years you won't get film" ...
fleetwoodjazz
Established
i'm also thinking about getting a Leica TTL 0.58 to use with my existing Zeiss lenses including the Biogon 35mm. I wonder if any of you here could comment on the combo? Does the lens intrude too much into the viewfinder?
Cheers
Cheers
mfogiel
Veteran
For a carryaround combination, the ZI+35/2 Biogon is probably the best photographic tool you can find on the market - I would recommend a Luigi half case too. An M6 is more sturdy, but that's about the only advantage.
Krosya
Konicaze
mfogiel said:
And M6 works if your batteries die. Ikon doesn't.
B
bedaberger
Guest
Krosya said:And M6 works if your batteries die. Ikon doesn't.
normally a battery would last for about a year, so i don't feel unhappy with that.
digital cams last for 500 shots...
kshapero
South Florida Man
ZI and Biogon 35mm. It doesn't get any better.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I do like my Ikon a lot though I don't have a Biogon to go with it unfortunately.
That said ... after owning my Zeiss for a few months now I have to add that aside from the Ikon's awsome viewfinder performance in low light my Hexar RF is still my camera of choice generally. The Hexar with my 35mm Nokton is definitely the best combination I own and when you consider that a Nokton can be picked up used for $600 and a very nice Hexar for much the same price you have a very hard to beat performance combination for $1200.
[edit] ... I'd just like to add that the advantage the Hexar/Nokton combination has over the Ikon/Biogon is significant when you take the Nokton's extra stop (f1.2)and the Hexar's extras shutter speed (1/4000) into consideration. It gives it a scope and a range that the Ikon/Biogon combo can't quite match!
That said ... after owning my Zeiss for a few months now I have to add that aside from the Ikon's awsome viewfinder performance in low light my Hexar RF is still my camera of choice generally. The Hexar with my 35mm Nokton is definitely the best combination I own and when you consider that a Nokton can be picked up used for $600 and a very nice Hexar for much the same price you have a very hard to beat performance combination for $1200.
[edit] ... I'd just like to add that the advantage the Hexar/Nokton combination has over the Ikon/Biogon is significant when you take the Nokton's extra stop (f1.2)and the Hexar's extras shutter speed (1/4000) into consideration. It gives it a scope and a range that the Ikon/Biogon combo can't quite match!
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Sofa King
Established
I have an M6 + Biogon combination that works very well for me.
MikeL
Go Fish
M4 and Biogon working great for me. After using a Summicron ASPH, I prefer the size of the Biogon, and no hood.
goo0h
Well-known
How would you compare the eye piece of the Hexar with the ZI, especially WRT eyeglass wearers?Keith said:
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
goo0h said:
The Ikon is definitely superior here ... the Hexar is no slouch but nothing can match the Zeiss ... it's enormous!
kshapero
South Florida Man
Presently on a trip to the Big Apple, NYC, like an idiot I took my Nikon D300 for street shooting and left my ZI and CV 35mm Ultron at home. What was I thinking? I feel like I am walking around with an elephant around my neck. My ZI with the Ultron actually fits in my trench coat pocket. Oh well there is always next time.
pfoto
Well-known
Glass first and body second. Summicron, Biogon, Hexanon-M, Color-Skopar, they're all good. See if you can try out in a camera store for handling, a much underrated factor in lens purchase. For a body if you need AI get the ZI, if you're hard on equipment get an M6, if you spend a lot on a lens get a CV. They're all good too.
jplomley
Established
FleetwoodJazz, I have this exact combination. No real problems with the hood intruding into the VF. I mean it does, but not really significantly, and after a while you will not even notice the intrusion. You can certainly work with the lens hood off, as the lens is very flare resistant.
~ Jeff
~ Jeff
sykotec
Well-known
not really a rangefinder, but my 35/2 of choice lately is my Hexar AF - great glass, and it comes with a body attached.
also, saves me from several things - choosing what body to use the lens on, and the temptation of the CV 35/1.2 as I don't have an M-mount body
just a silly thought, yah?
also, saves me from several things - choosing what body to use the lens on, and the temptation of the CV 35/1.2 as I don't have an M-mount body
just a silly thought, yah?