M7 or a Zeiss Ikon ZM?

M7 or a Zeiss Ikon ZM?

  • ZM

    Votes: 459 45.5%

  • M7

    Votes: 550 54.5%
  • Total voters
    1,009
I'm surprised that this is the M forum (as opposed to general RF or the ZI forum) and there is a tie. That speaks to how impressive the ZI is.

Anyway a new ZI would still cost way less than a used M7.

I tried to think of something I don't like about the ZI and I can't really think of anything.... maybe the fact that the tripod socket isn't centered, but the same applies to the M7. I've only tried using a tripod w/ it once anyway.
 
My Personal Choice would definitely be the Leica M7, and in case that You want to sell it later, You won't likely lose anything on the resale value.
 
The question is a bit confusing. The ZI comes only in the .74 magnification, and in my opinion outclasses the 0.72x M7 as a photographic tool, except for:
- a slightly higher noise level
- a MARGINALLY more delicate body - this includes the usual periodic RF misalignment
,on the other hand, not being built like a tank it also weighs less than a tank...

However, in other magnifications, the ZI simply does not exist, and so having to choose between a Bessa R3A or R4A and a M7 0.85 or 0.58, I definitely prefer the Leica, in fact I am looking to buy a 0.58x one currently...
 
mfogiel, The 0.58 body is fantastic for 24-35....

I like the feel of the leicas and they fit my hands. Others think differently; however, it mattered enough to me to get several MPs so the handling is the same on every body. It hurt, but was worth it to me.

I think it is also fair to say that RF misalignment is more frequently reported with the Z1, but that is not a major issue for everyone. I don't want my RF drifting as it will be three months before I can get it fixed. However, the real clincher for me was simply how the thing felt in my hands.
 
A new ZM comes with a warranty while a used M7 would probably not.

It's a tough decision. While buying a Bessa is usually motivated by their low cost, the ZM is a serious contender to the M7 and looks just as beautiful.
 
I'd go the ZM, because it's a little different, lighter, better VF, higher shutter speeds etc.

I'd have an MP over a ZM but a ZM over nearly everything else.
 
That's two people who would choose a camera because of how it looks.

Now, should I use Kodak film (yellow box) or Fuji film (green box), which one looks better?
 
I have two M7's with older style ASA detection. No problems. They are both 0.85 finders and I use 21mm 2.8 ASPH, 35mm Lux ASPH, 75 ASPH , 90 ASPH and 135mm 2.8. I have the 50mm 2.8M but have never had the need for it. I usually have motor M's on both M7's but do have a Leicavit. Exposure compensation is fast and easy once you learn to depress the shutter button and move the aperature rather than the comp dial. Never had a singe problem and the ergonomics with the Motor M's is superb.
I'm sure the Zeiss is a very well made camera. I have a Zeiss 21mm finder and its very bright well made Japanese component.
But the M7 has more drives available(at least what I ws able to find on the Zeiss site) and coming from M3 and M6 land, just feels good and does what i want when I want with minimal effort. !/2000 versas 1/1000 is really meaningless comparison.
I would advise that you use both in the configuration you will want i.e lenses/motors/Leicavit and then make a decision. Good luck!-Dick
 
ClaremontPhoto said:
That's two people who would choose a camera because of how it looks.

Now, should I use Kodak film (yellow box) or Fuji film (green box), which one looks better?
Click to expand...

Well now, that all depends on what kind of mood you're in. If you're in a sunny mood, the green box might give all your pictures a magenta cast. Choose wisely.
 
Impressive that the Zeiss has pulled ahead of the Leica in votes ... because the M7 in reality is a hell of a camera.

It's also interesting the way these two brilliant rangefinders seem to go head to head quite often here on the forum.
 
Keith said:
Impressive that the Zeiss has pulled ahead of the Leica in votes ... because the M7 in reality is a hell of a camera.

It's also interesting the way these two brilliant rangefinders seem to go head to head quite often here on the forum.
Click to expand...

its great we have a choice - between the Bessas, Z1s and Leicas most budgets are catered for. Who would have predicted that 5 years ago? ... and we have the R4A/M, loads of new lenses etc.
 
I went for a couple of M6TTLs and both have had wind-on issues, which were fixed by CCR of Luton. I do like having one camera with the 0.58 finder and the other with the 0.72 and I don't necessarily see the additional weight as a drawback as the greater mass leads to greater stability and I love the quietness of the shutter. What cannot stand is the film loading. I know some people can be very fast with this but the technique has eluded me -- I prefer to load my fifty year old Canon L1. I do like the exposure LEDs at the bottom of the finder as they're easy to see, even when wearing glasses.

PS. Sorry, I realise this thread is about the M7 but there are points of similarity between this and the M6TTL.
 
Get the ZM!

The camera industry needs your money!

What's the use of buying old stuff? :D

We want to see more great cameras for film from Cosina in the future!
 
I have handled the Zeiss in the store (Central Camera, while in Chicago) but I don't own one. I do own and use an M7. One thing I wanted to point out is that the Zeiss has no 75mm framelines, just in case that's important. And since the 75 brings up the 50mm frame along with the 75, on an M body, I'm sure it will do the same on the Zeiss--and that is not really helpful, since you would have a 50mm frameline for a 75mm lens.

If you wear glasses, check that you can see the 28mm frames well enough before buying.
 
The framelines are an interesting point. I (like many people) don't use any RF lenses longer than 50mm, but I think a 35/75 combo might be nice. It seems like the only available m-mount 85mm is the extremely expensive German-made Zeiss. On the other hand, the ZI's VF is less cluttered (only 4 framelines total vs 6).

Another bonus with the ZI is that it never had a problem with patch flare.

notturtle said:
its great we have a choice - between the Bessas, Z1s and Leicas most budgets are catered for. Who would have predicted that 5 years ago? ... and we have the R4A/M, loads of new lenses etc.
Click to expand...

Agreed, but it's a ZI (Zeiss Ikon) not Z1. I see this a lot with roman numerals (people writing "Canon 1D Mark 111") but the I in ZI isn't even a number.
 
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Rob-F said:
I have handled the Zeiss in the store (Central Camera, while in Chicago) but I don't own one. I do own and use an M7. One thing I wanted to point out is that the Zeiss has no 75mm framelines, just in case that's important. And since the 75 brings up the 50mm frame along with the 75, on an M body, I'm sure it will do the same on the Zeiss--and that is not really helpful, since you would have a 50mm frameline for a 75mm lens.

If you wear glasses, check that you can see the 28mm frames well enough before buying.
Click to expand...


Just to confirm -- yes, a 75mm (at least the Summarit-M) does bring up the 50mm framelines on the ZI. However, I prefer a 35/85 lens conbo rather than a 35/75... It mirrors my SLR lens combo. :D
 
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