Get a 2nd ZI body?

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goo0h

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Well, first I got a Bessa R3A. Then I got a black ZI and fell in love. 😀 I wear glasses and yet the viewfinder on the ZI is fantastic. I also like how the viewfinder eye piece is way over on the left hand side, how the film advance feels, just overall the entire ergonomics works well for me. It's a pleasure to use, and I always go to it first.

On a recent trip I took both because I was worried about not having a backup. It was also handy at times having different lenses on the two bodies, and sometimes different films. However, more than once with the Bessa I missed the shot because I was fumbling around too much, not used to using it.

So, I'm thinking of selling my Bessa. The next question is: do I get another ZI as a backup, second camera? I'd love to, but with the dollar down and all, it's now at least $300 more than when I got mine. A couple of times I've just happened to notice one go up used, but I'm a little concerned about the warranty not being transferrable.

At times I've wondered about getting a used Konica RF. The 4000 shutter speed at times would be nice. And for some occassions the power advance would be handy. However, would I run into the same problem of fumbling around with a different camera than I'm used to?

Convince me to not spend a lot of money on another ZI! My girlfriend would appreciate it if you did! 😉
 
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I started out just like you. Bessa R4A, to see if I would like the rangefinder method; I did. Then I looked at a Zeiss Ikon for a while; literally would go to the store and look at it wrapped in shrink wrap; resisted the urge to buy it. After a few trips I asked them to unwrap it so I could see this viewfinder that everybody was talking about...walked out with the camera about 20 minutes later. Love the ZI, and couldn't understand why I would want/need a Leica M7.

Couple of months later went back to the store to browse some more, and they had a used M7 for a great price. Picked it up, and knew it was for me; bought it on the spot.

So, my advice: get another ZI, or get an M7. I recently loaned my R4A to a friend so he could spend time with it to determine if he is a "rangefinder guy." Better he use it than it sit in the closet.

Enjoy...what ever you decide will be the right decision.

Jeff
 
"back up versus 2nd body" -- you mentioned using different lenses or even different film, so it sounds like you need a 2nd body, not a back up. In that case, having a second ZI seems ideal. I have 2 ZI's and use them with 2 different focal lengths.
 
If you like the R4a's framelines, then only it will do the trick. The ZI is fine for lenses down to 28, but there's no framelines for 25 or 21. If the framelines don't matter, another ZI might be in order for a second lens or another film. Then keep the R4 as your backup camera.
 
I'd get an M4 to match up with the Ikon as a second body, but I had a second Ikon for a while too. My Ikon never failed so I didn't need it.
 
Unless you start getting backups for your backups. At which point, you've gone down a rabbit hole to which there is no bottom...
 
goo0h said:
<snip> However, would I run into the same problem of fumbling around with a different camera than I'm used to?

Convince me to not spend a lot of money on another ZI!
Click to expand...

Buy another ZI just like the one you have. I tried different M-mount cameras as a backup to my ZI but found I was fumbling around because everything was in a different place. I finally bought another ZI. And it is a true backup not a second camera. I need the switch to the backup to be seamless. I imagine it would be even more so if you tried to shoot both at the same time.

I am a believer in redundancy or backups for everything since I sometimes photograph in places that are 3 days away from any camera repair. And yes, the backup has saved my butt before.

FWIW, my backup ZI remains like new as it almost always never gets taken out. I shoot with the same one all the time and its cosmetics are showing use. At least I could sell the backup for what I paid for it if I ever had to.
 
I actually thought you have the best of 2 Cosina built camera bodies. I thought pretty hard about it and opted for focal length pairing of 21/35mm. R4A with the 21mm framelines, without the need of a separate viewfinder. It's got 35mm framelines as well and I often use that as framing for the subjects I take. The viewfinder is also bright just like the Ikon. I love the Ikon and it's so accurate when it comes to focusing and the fact that I am bespectacled I need the VF bright and large ... which you already know. ;-)

What focal length do you use? If it's 28/50 pairing, I think 2 ZI makes more sense, each loaded with different roll of films (different ASA/ISO).

Pictured here with their respective grips instead of their half cases.

Brady and my Japanese RF equipment by beornheard.yang, on Flickr
 
I hated the R4A. It's nothing like the Ikon. I do wish though that the Ikon grips had a metal base like the Bessas grip does, the Ikon grip is worthless on a tripod.
 
For what it's worth phoTony down the road from you in Houston had a Ikon SuperWide in black. IMO, he was asking a very fair price for it. This was a month ago at our RFF meeting in Atlanta. He probably still has it.

Of course this would probably serve more as a 2nd camera than a backup, but there you go.
 
Everyone suggesting some alternative camera to use as a ZI backup, please remember this section of the original post:

goo0h said:
<snip> However, more than once with the Bessa I missed the shot because I was fumbling around too much, not used to using it. <snip> However, would I run into the same problem of fumbling around with a different camera than I'm used to? <snip>
Click to expand...

Sometimes you have to set specs or what works for you aside and just go with what delivers photos for the user.
 
Yea same for me. I started with an R4A and returned it after a few days of use and bought the Ikon. Once I looked through the viewfinder I fell in love. I've never looked back.
 
If you want a back up camera get a Ricoh GR1 film camera. I am all over the idea of only carrying two camera that work/feel the same, for me it's a Nikon S3/SP and a Nikon F.

Needing a second camera for me is a question of speed. How quick can I swap glass so I do not miss the shot. Perhaps an SW might be an answer, not sure it saves any money for you or not.

B2
 
It depends on what focal length you shoot. If you shoot 35 or 50, the ZI's VF is nice, bright large, and uncluttered with all other framelines. After I shoot with it for a few rolls, I know that's the 1, sold off the second hand one, and got myself a new Ltd edition in chrome.

I also shoot the 21, and I didn't like the need to have a external viewfinder. A zeiss 21mm viewfinder easily cost as much as a R4A.

Back to TS question of the another ZI as a backup instead of the Bessa as TS finds that the operations different ... it could be he's using the 35 or 50mm, which I think isn't R4A's forte. But being someone who has both the bessa and ZI, I have no problems with the Bessa's film loading, VF, rangefinder patch etc.. not too different from the ZI really.

So IMHO, all down to 1's preference. If a good condition 2nd hand ZI comes at the right price, why not!?
 
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