Another Ikon-vert

[john_nyc]

Well.. I just picked up my black Ikon today and I have to say that I'm thrilled with it so far based on the handling and build. We'll see after I run some film through it if it's got the whole enchilada.

RF alignment is dead on and the shutter seems to functioning perfectly.

For various reasons, I decided to switch back to shooting film from a DSLR.

Previous to digital I was shooting on an M6TTL, so I have a decent point of reference to compare the Ikon. My first film camera purchase was a VC R2A.

I really enjoyed the convenience of the AE on the R2A and also the brightness of the finder. I think it's really amazing what Cosina can do with a camera that sells at that price. What I wasn't so thrilled about was the feel of it and the shorter RF base. I think it really fell short with a 90mm lens.

My next stop was to buy another M6. I guess I got spoiled by the brightness of the VC's finder because the finder, especially the RF patch, seemed really dark to my eye. Back it went. Out I walked with the black Ikon.

I think it feels great, the shutter is not much louder than the M6, and the finder is awesome.

The shutter speed wheel has a much nicer action than the R2A and I like that you don't have to press a button to switch it from AE to manual.

I also like that the finder is as far apart from the advance lever as possible. I was worried that I'd be unhappy about not being able to use a winder (like the T-winder I have on the R2A) but my thumb comes nowhere near my head throughout the stroke when the camera is at my eye.

I've always been a grip type of guy, so I'm sort of wishing there was one available for the Ikon. It feels good in the hand without one so far, though.

So far it's good to be a new member of the ZI club!

John

 

[darkkavenger]

Just OT Manolo, but that's the occasion to tell you how much I appreciate your "Speaker's corner" series.

 

[Jason Sprenger]

The folks at PopFlash have the side grip as well.
They only just got them in.

I pulled the trigger on a Zeiss Ikon myself today, asked about a side grip, and learned that they had them. ($89.00).

Being a side grip fan myself.

--Jason

 

[Frank K]

Congrats John!

I got my ZI and love it. Enjoy.

 

[back alley]

welcome to the zi club!

the mgrip by photoequip also fits the zi, but you have to drill a hole to access the rewind button. not hard if you have a drill press...🙂
joe

 

[back alley]

The folks at PopFlash have the side grip as well.
They only just got them in.

I pulled the trigger on a Zeiss Ikon myself today, asked about a side grip, and learned that they had them. ($89.00).

Being a side grip fan myself.

--Jason

do you know if the zeiss grip is plastic or metal?
i think i read it was some sort of plastic.
i may get one anyway to try out, though the mgrip works fine.

 

[willie_901]

john,

Welcome.

I really like My ZI. It is very easy to use. The finder is a real treat too.

willie

 

[john_nyc]

Thanks for the warm welcome and for the tips on the grip availability.

I knew I couldn't be the only Ikoner that would want to get a grip (bad pun).

Seems like Zeiss is a little greedy on the price of it, though.

John

 

[Jason Sprenger]

I expect there's a bit of a Zeiss premium as the grip for the CV Bessa is about half and the plastic Leica grip is more. Zeiss seems to stake out for itself the position right in between with the new Ikon in general.

Joe, I don't know if the grip is metal or plastic though I'm expecting the latter. Though there's plastic and then there's plastic. I do already have an M-Grip on my Leica M2 so I'll be able to compare.

I see B&H has the M-Grip going for $69.00, though it would be really cool if Photo Equip or Tom Abrahamsson would make their grips specifically for the Ikon. Of course, what I want may not translate into sustainable sales volume.

--Jason

 

[back alley]

jason,
i emailed tony at popflash and got a response from josh. the grip is a composite plastic.
i like the angular shape of the mgrip and wonder about the roundness of the zeiss grip, will it be enough to hold onto...i'm in no rush as i have the mgrips in use now but i'm curious to hear your eval.

joe

 

[john_nyc]

I just ordered a ZI grip from Popflash, too.

John

 

[back alley]

john, let us know what you think of it.

joe

 

[Avotius]

ahhhhhhh, you guys are killing me, I still want to get a ZI even with my bad first experience, bah, you guys are gona cost me a bunch of money..

did anyone ever figure out if the 50 elmar (current) could colapse into the ZI body yet?

 

[Joerg]

Hi,

my ZI grip is already on its way.......from popflash.

Ciao

joerg

 

[back alley]

Hi,

my ZI grip is already on its way.......from popflash.

Ciao

joerg

damn you guys!!

i'm starting to feel left out...i may have to order one this weekend!
joe

 

[jano]

yes, lettuce know how the grip is, I've been considering getting one as well 🙂

 

[Joerg]

damn you guys!!

i'm starting to feel left out...i may have to order one this weekend!
joe

Joe,

now you know how we felt for along time having to see your adapted grip daily 😀

Ciao

Joerg

 

[Jason Sprenger]

I have an Elmar-M. If no one else knows, I can see if it collapses safely on the Ikon when my new camera arrives.

 

[back alley]

Joe,

now you know how we felt for along time having to see your adapted grip daily 😀

Ciao

Joerg

i never realized...

you could have done it too though joerg...🙂

 

[Joerg]

Get a grip

Get a grip

you could have done it too though joerg...🙂

I have serious doubts knowing my workshop skills 😱

Anyway I was too busy taking baby pics with a slippery grip missing camera😀

Ciao

Joerg


BTW I missed the mailman and have to pick up my ZI grip tomorrow at the PO.:bang: