wanting to pull the trigger on an Ikon

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Overconfidence

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Alright, I've shot with an ancient fujica fixed-lens rangefinder and I've been putting rolls through an old canon AE-1 SLR, and now I'm really wanting a real film camera... an interchangeable-lens rangefinder!

Someone off another forum is tentatively willing to sell me his 35/2 biogon for a decent price and the Ikon seems to be the best new RF for the price (a used m6 is about the same, but then I'd have to worry about getting a CLA or having issues pop up without a warranty etc.).

I recently found a place nearby that will soon have an Ikon in stock for street price (as well as various voigtlander options). Are there any specific things I should check out on the body, either potential problems or preferences that I may or may not have? Any other advice?

Thanks!
 
My only advice is to go ahead and get the Ikon. You won't regret it.

Mine goes with me everywhere and I've put more than 75 rolls through it since I got it in March -- and I've encountered no problems. I did have to recover the leatherette after 3 months: the sheer number of hours in my sweaty paws just was wearing it away and leaving it tacky. $15 black griptac kit from cameraleather.com and it's better than new. Cosmetically, the black paint is wearing quickly on the film advance lever and a couple of body corners, but like I said it goes with me everywhere.

If it's a brand new body, I would just make sure it feels good in your hand, that you can see the frame lines (with glasses on if you wear them) and make sure there isn't anything obviously wrong with it. Then see if the AE lock button is convenient for you (are you a left eye or right eye shooter?) and take a quick tour of the buttons, etc. Like most RFs, it's a pretty simple camera and won't take you long to suss it out.

The only camera that would replace the Ikon for me would be a full-frame digital version -- otherwise, this one is going to be used until it wears out or they stop making film. 😀
 
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There's not a lot you can really ascertain in these situations as it's hard to tell how much use a camera has had sometimes. Aside from making sure the rangefinder aligns vertically ... and aligns correctly at infinity I guess you can make sure it advances smoothly and go through all the shutter speeds. Is it clean inside and what condition is the body in generally ... to me if a camera looks as if it has been cared for by someone who valued their equipment than it probably has.

Reports here would indicate that if an Ikon's had heavy use it may have wear in the strap lugs and the covering may be starting to lift in places which is not necessarily a bad thing but it will tell you that it has been used a lot and the price should reflect that usage.

Good luck! 🙂
 
Keith said:
Reports here would indicate that if an Ikon's had heavy use it may have wear in the strap lugs and the covering may be starting to lift in places which is not necessarily a bad thing but it will tell you that it has been used a lot and the price should reflect that usage.

Good luck! 🙂
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If you don't want to resell, that ikon is fine. I have mixed feeling about the body. I don't abuse my cameras, but the built quality is something lacking. I ran about 100+ rolls, put in a bag without extra padding, the strap lugs have visible marks, as welll as minor chips on top and bottom plates. The eye patch is difficult to see under bright sun, and less visible unless you look into the center.

Having said that, I tend to carry away with its lightness. It is a good value for money. I would not buy a brand new one, perhaps a good condition used.
 
Keith said:
There's not a lot you can really ascertain in these situations as it's hard to tell how much use a camera has had sometimes. Aside from making sure the rangefinder aligns vertically ... and aligns correctly at infinity I guess you can make sure it advances smoothly and go through all the shutter speeds. Is it clean inside and what condition is the body in generally ... to me if a camera looks as if it has been cared for by someone who valued their equipment than it probably has.

Reports here would indicate that if an Ikon's had heavy use it may have wear in the strap lugs and the covering may be starting to lift in places which is not necessarily a bad thing but it will tell you that it has been used a lot and the price should reflect that usage.

Good luck! 🙂
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It's a new body so those aren't as big of problems, but still good things to check.
 
Overconfidence said:
It's a new body so those aren't as big of problems, but still good things to check.
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Well that makes it a no brainer ... get it you'll love it! 😛

I regard my Ikon as the best designed rangefinder I own by a fair margin and the viewfinder has to be seen to be believed ... in low light it has no match but in ultra bright sun I agree it can be tricky at times!
 
As a recent purchaser of a Zeiss Ikon that's being fixed under warranty (and they're taking their sweet time), I'd suggest a couple of things. First, factor in recovering the camera body. The rubber stuff on it doesn't feel so good on a warm day. Second, make sure the rangefinder is properly aligned before you take the camera home. Third, fire the shutter a bunch of times (i.e. a few dozen) and see if the camera locks up. If you don't see any problems, buy it. It's a very pleasant camera to use when it's working properly. I wouldn't recommend getting a used one as the Zeiss warranty doesn't transfer.
 
Yeah you will probably love it. I do mine. The only knock I have against it is that the body paint wears easily. As with any camera there are stories of lemons - if all manufacturing were perfect there would be no need for QC, right? - but a wide majority of buyers of a new Ikon body have had no problems. Check out the "Ikon Porblems" sticky at the top of the forum listing.
 
jmkelly said:
Yeah you will probably love it. I do mine. The only knock I have against it is that the body paint wears easily.
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I have no problem with that, I do plan to get a black one (if I do get one), but it's nice to have a camera that looks slightly used IMO... draws less attention!

Should I bring a roll of cheap film with me and shoot it with the body to test things out and try out various lenses? How do I check if the rangefinder is aligned - see if my pictures are in focus or measure distances and see if the camera agrees with those? Aim at something miles away and set the lens to infinity?
 
Wonderful camera, love mine, never had a problem in the 2+ years I've owned it. Sold my M7 after falling in love with the ZI. Only important thing I have added which makes the camera even more of a pleasure to use is a Luigi half case (leicatime.com),it eliminates the issues with sweaty palms and bubbling leatherette. Focusing longer lenses or shooting wide open is not difficult at all with the long rangefinder baseline. The ZM lenses I have are uniformly excellent, good enough that I'm gradually selling most of my Leica glass.

I find the 28mm framelines usable even with glasses, and 35mm is no problem at all.

I also use a Bessa R3a which is a very nice camera if you wanted to save some money, but I don't think it is in the same league (unless you really like 40mm lenses and 1:1 viewfinder magnification, the two reasons I have kept the camera) as the Zeiss. It would see a lot more use were the Zeiss not such a pleasure.

Best,
LJS
 
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