How to test Used Zeiss Ikon

[dovi]

How would you test a used ZI? Anything specific to look out for?

 

[le vrai rdu]

RF adjustement , test every speed, should be ok

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

Take a roll of C-41 film and a KNOWN lens. Shoot it. Get it processed in an hour and finish the deal.

 

[leica M2 fan]

When I get a previously owned camera I quickly learn the fundamentals and load a 12 exposure roll of Superia and take 12 quick shots at different speeds and apertures. Also, I take vertical and horizontal shots to check the rangefinder alignment. Good luck to you.

 

[Roger Hicks]

A good trick is to listen to alternate shutter speeds: 1, 1/4, 1/15, etc., then 1/2, 1/8, 1/30... You can hear the differences between the speeds much easier.

Also check that the shutter opens at all at the maximum speed (back open, lens off).

If the RF is OK at infinity, it's probably OK elsewhere.

Then run a test roll, deliberately trying to use as many speeds as possible.

Tashi delek,

R.

 

[kshapero]

Ditto to all of the above.

 

[willie_901]

First you pick it up and exclaim, "This thing is so light it just can't be any good. If a camera doesn't feel heavy in my hands, it must be poorly made!"

Test over.

 

[mirrored]

Also, I take vertical and horizontal shots to check the rangefinder alignment.

Can't understand what the position of the camera influence to the RF.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Can't understand what the position of the camera influence to the RF.

I had an FSU camera where an internal rangefinder component flopped to and fro... Likewise a 50/2 Jupiter with a floating element that floated of its own accord.

Tashi delek,

R.

 

[dovi]

It came and seems fine

It came and seems fine

It is lighter than an M3 ...easier to carry.

The left 50mm frame line was popping in and out but once I remounted the lens it came in solidly.

View finder is very bright and easy to focus...Nice. no patch issues.

Shutter sounds like its working well at various speeds. it's a pleasure to take a quick snap without worrying about metering.

Exposure lock is a pleasure to use.

I am shooting a roll of bw400 now to seal the deal.

So far so good.

Thanks for the Advice everyone.

 

[Sam N]

I don't know if there's much point in carefully testing the shutter speeds for accuracy. It's an electronically controlled shutter, so it will basically break down completely (tens of thousands of shots) before it starts getting too slow or too fast.

Just make sure the film transport mechanisms work well and the RF is aligned properly. Enjoy your camera :-D.

 

[dovi]

shot from 1st roll

shot from 1st roll

Just for closure: a shot from my 1st roll:

http://dvll.smugmug.com/photos/525936700_YcHu5-M.jpg

 

[dovi]

correct shot

correct shot

That was the wrong shot.
this is the correct shot from the used ZI:

http://dvll.smugmug.com/photos/525937673_ZxVnb-L.jpg

Just for closure: a shot from my 1st roll:

http://dvll.smugmug.com/photos/525936700_YcHu5-M.jpg