$1900 M7 or $1000 Zeiss Ikon

I've got an Ikon (actually Zeiss have it, its away getting its rangefinder aligned) any hoo. The only Leica experience I have to compare it with is the M3 I am using at the moment while it is away. I think I can offer some relevant info though.

The weight difference is significant. I like well built things, but if I can get the same job done with less lugging I will. One of the reasons I like rangefinders anyway is ease of carrying about.

I doubt M7's anymore reliable than ZI's. I haven't heard of any ZI going out of alignment, mine was out from new. As far as I know, if its not out, there is no reason for it to go out. So its is reliable, if you know what I mean.

On the plus side for the M7, actually I can't think of one. If its about quietness - at speeds over 1/60s my ZI is quieter than the M3, I don't know how much difference the M7 would make.

If I was in your position (this won't help) I would buy a black MP. Purely because the one thing I hate about the Ikon is how it looks. I love the looks of the M3. If I could have afforded it that's what i would have bought.
 
thomasw_ said:
hmm, Paul it is interesting how you see this. I figure the same as you on one level: this is a temporary film body purchase for which the OP claims he will "settle". Both options involve buying a used film body with AE.

But I say purchase the M7 as it will lose less value than a ZI. On a strictly monetary basis, you will be ahead when you resell.
just my 2p cdn. 😉
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depreciation is moot because he said it was temporary AND he was considering the ZI AND most importantly there were financial issues. Personally I would only consider a Leica because of its reliability and easy resale. The few hundred extra $ is well worth it. With 35/50 ASPH glass if not Leica, then go with the Hexar ($800).
 
All I can say, is that I enjoy my M7. I have not used a Zeis Ikon, so I am not sure of the differences. I like the AE and the solidness of the M7. However, I bought I mine a while ago, and paid about what you are going to pay for the IKON. I did not realize that the M7 is worth almost 2K now. If I had to reconsider at today's cost, I might be more inclined to go with the IKON.
 
I have a ZI, so much better than the Bessa R3A (But a great starter rig). I have always wondered if I am missing something by not having an M7. While I was wondering, I went out and bought a sweet ZM 25mm/2.8 lens with the difference.
 
I don't think that anybody's mentioned the ZIs top shutter speed of 1/2000 vs.1/1000 on the M7. Could be a big deal for some people.
 
Keith said:
I have to take issue with that remark! 😛 I switch back and forth between my Ikon and R3A quite a lot now and to be honest the main advantage the Ikon has is the finder ... and that's only in very low light! The Ikon as good as it is is not $1000.00 better IMO. I find myself actually picking up the Bessa more often when I'm heading out to take a few pics with 35mm or 50mm lenses!

Very cheap M7! 😱 🙂
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Keith, I would be interested to know when there would be times that you would rather take an R3A out over a ZI. I truly loved the R3A when I owned one, but once I got the ZI, I eventually sold the R3A. Really interested in your take, besides the money difference.
 
keith,
Very nicely put. I think we all agree that in the right hands an R3A, a ZI or M7 can do the job and create great photos. In fact the skill of the photographer is more important than which of the 3 bodies one chooses.
 
I have both. As a photo taking tool Zeiss Ikon is simply far better. The M7 is slightly more robust and less prone to RF misalignment. If you think of getting one film body and sticking to it forever, the M7 should be the choice because of the solidity and brand reasons. If you want to have a film body to sell back in a year, ZI makes more sense for me.
 
Sounds like a great price for an M7. I just bought one recently (and love it) for $2200 - mine has been upgraded to the optical reader.

Things that affect variability in pricing:
- sealed viewfinder at the rear (most likely done by now)
- upgraded MP style finder (probably done by now)
- optical DX reader (not done that much on cameras that didn't come with it from the factory - expensive upgrade, as in a couple hundred bucks)
- slow rise in retail price in the camera

So you could have an older M7 that hasn't had any of the work that was bought new for however much they sold for back then ($2200?) compared to a middle aged one that hasn't had the work done compared to a middle age one that has been upgraded compared to a slightly used 6 month old camera that was bought new for close to $4k. All that introduces a lot of variability into the pricing.

However, $1500 is a really good deal.
 
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