Help: Leica M nut considering a Zeiss Ikon system

[sgy1962]

Why fix it if it aint broke? If your GAS needs relief, try the less expensive Voigtlander system. The new special edition is quite nice looking and everyone loves it. I just purchased the 50mm 2.0 from the kit and will give it a workout this week. You will be sorry if you sell your M gear. Good luck.

Exactly. Or sell some of your stuff and get something totally different like an RD-1 or M8.

If I was getting into film rangefinder photography right now, then I would probably go with Zeiss, even though I'm leary of electronics, because this line clearly gives you the best bang for your buck. But if you already have a Leica system, why change?

Now if you want AP and are considering an M7 or ZI, go ZI. Or if the eye relief appeals, then that's something also.

 

[Bromo33333]

Hello All,

I ask your opinions on the current Zeiss Ikon body and lenses, as I am sorta kinda maybe thinking of selling some Leica M equipment and trying a Zeiss Ikon body and lens or two. Do I need to do this? I do not know, as I like my MP and M6 and M4 a lot. And maybe it is just to be different, I do not know. But the bug has hit so I solicit your feedback on owning and using this newest modern rangefinder system. Many thanks in advance, happy shooting to all.

What would you hope to gain - if you already have 3 M mount bodies - how would a ZI help you along? Do you want a AE or something?

My suggestion wouldbe to start with a M mount lens form Zeiss - and if you like it ... go from there.

I am partial to Zeiss lenses, though. I got the ZI body + lens since I didn't have a M mount camera already, and decided I wanted a wider RF base than the Voigtlander. If I already had a stable of M mount rangefinders, I would have just got a lens.

Isn't there an adage "Never, EVER sell a Leica?" Why would you want to do that?

 

[Palaeoboy]

I think that you have enough spare Leica bodies to sell a bit of stuff to try the ZI.

Its not necessarily about any gain its about trying something new and enjoying the change. Look at Back Alley he buys something tries it for the sake of trying then sells it on, I think its terrific to experiment.

The ZI finder is better than any Leica offering so you may enjoy that side of things. The ZI also have far lower battery consumption to an M7 so I dont think Leicas blow the ZI away as some have suggested. If a certain camera has features you prefer then give it a try. Just because the Leica may have better build quality people seem to think you should always pick one irresepactive if it does or does not have the features you prefer over the relevence of build quality. I have often read for example that the ZI 'blows away" the Minolta CLE. Nonesense, not if you require TTL flash and 40mm framelines then the CLE is far better choice. The features that suit you best determine which camera blows the others away not preferences that others may prioritise like perceived build quality.