I absolutely love my ZI

K

Kyle

Guest
When I bought my ZI about a month and a half ago, I wanted it as a modern companion to my M2. I figured an in-camera meter, AE, back loading, and other features would be nice to have and would complement my M2 well. When it first arrived, I had mixed feelings about it in a way. The finder was awesome, it was convenient, but it didn't feel like the Leica. However, after a few rolls of film I began to really enjoy the 'feel' of the camera. It has now become my every day camera, while the M2 sits quietly on the shelf waiting for me to take it out for a nice afternoon of shooting. Its not better than my Leica, but it is definitely just as nice, and I really love it.

Oh yeah, the paint is holding up great. I have bumped it up against a couple things that I was sure would cause a gash or scratch, but nothing happened. I toss it on my car seat, shove it into my unpadded canvas Domkes, and fling it over my shoulder.

I'm posting this for a couple reasons. 1) Its kinda slow in the ZI forum, so I wanted to initiate discussion. 2) I think its important for prospective buyers to read positive user reviews, not just when something happens to a camera.

So who else loves their ZI?
 
That sounds great; have been tempted to consider buying one, but have never seen it. Now I am an inch closer to it...
 
*Its not better than my Leica, but it is definitely just as nice, and I really love it. *

Me too. There isn't anything I dislike about it. It is a great camera and Popflash, as usual, was great to deal with.
 
So far, mine's been phenomenal. As has the lens. Slight signs of wear around the strap lugs, but that is due to continual handling for three solid months now. I may not take shots everyday, but always I take it with me in case I come across something unexpected. It's a habit I picked from reading Erwitt's comments in 'Snaps' and so far has served me well.

I'm also finally starting to get intuitive with the 50 zm as far as framing and the throw of the focus ring. Now, I'm glad I didn't rush into a second lens.

So, yes. The camera is dreamy.

-grant
 
grantray said:
I'm also finally starting to get intuitive with the 50 zm as far as framing and the throw of the focus ring. Now, I'm glad I didn't rush into a second lens.

So, yes. The camera is dreamy.

-grant
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I too am finally getting used to the 50mm perspective, and that’s thanks to the ZI. My 50/2 ZM is the most used lens on my ZI. Sitting in my school bag is my ZI and the 50 ZM, which is the only lens I have with me today.
 
I first arrived the world of RF thanks to ZI!
The camera is like THE RF to me that now a Leica body(M4) I'm also using
along with it feels like a "second body"... ;)

Also, this forum helped me a lot when I decided to turn to the RF side.

Thanks Zeiss and the ZI forum!
 
I'll second everybody's opinion, and I'm one of the people who have had a problem with this camera. It's on its way back from popflash as we speak following a minor repair. Since it arrived about six weeks ago, it's become my most used camera while the m6ttl has taken a back seat.

Charlie
 
i recently purchased the ZM 50...and i LOVE it. everything about it is great (from the ergonomics to the performance). i have never seen a ZI camera in person though.
 
not to jump on the bandwagon but...i very much like the zi and that affection grows each time out with the camera.
it is very comfortable to use and i find it more and more familiar, not missing the former forms;)

but it's the feel of the lenses that i really like. so very smooth.

i've yet to take a decent pic with it yet.

joe
 
Thanks to everyone for posting the positive comments. When Charlie posted about the problems he had, I basically said, "Gee, what's going on with the ZI, seems like a lot of problems." (I.e., Mike Elek, Joe, Charlie, etc.) Several people jumped on what I said, but what I was really asking for was people who like it and haven't had any problems to speak up.

I'm feeling better about the ZI in the real world. :D
 
back alley said:
i've yet to take a decent pic with it yet.
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Yeah, i was disappointed when I realized that my $1400 camera didn't make me a better photographer! :D

I might not be that great, but I enjoy taking photos, and the ZI has added to that.
 
I also love my ZI. Very easy to use and comfortable. Like I've posted before, my MP
is not getting used as much anymore! All my glass works great on it; the feel of the
shutter release makes it easy to handhold very slow shutter speeds. Great camera!
 
Way said:
I also love my ZI. Very easy to use and comfortable. Like I've posted before, my MP
is not getting used as much anymore! All my glass works great on it; the feel of the
shutter release makes it easy to handhold very slow shutter speeds. Great camera!
Click to expand...

I think it says something that ZI owners that are also Leica owners/users aren't caling the ZI their "backup."
 
Besides owning an MP, I also own a CLE as my alternative Leica. One thing I like about both that unfortunately the ZI doesn't have (?) is the ability of the user to tweak the RF adjustment both horizontally and vertically without taking the top cover off. It's a minor detail but it's nice to know I can adjust the rangefinder to the get maximum performance out of these spectacular RF lenses, especially a fast 50 and 90 where focus accuracy is more critical. It's also a shame the top speed is 1/2000 rather than 1/4000 like the Contax G series but it still beats the Leicas by a full stop.
 
Don't overlook the new 25mm Biogon. It is an astounding lens! Buy the Zeiss finder with the lens: don't compromise here even though their finders are a wee bit pricey.
 
I know there have been many reviews, but I still want to know from people that are using ZI regularly AND own an M body- Does the ZI body feel as solid ? And do you feel any nervousness about it being battery dependant ? These are the 2 concerns that have held me back so far... :confused:
 
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