SaveKodak
Well-known
Zeiss is offering some pretty great discounts on their ZM lenses at the moment, and I decided to take advantage and treat myself a little. I picked up the 28/2.8, the 50mm C-Sonnar, and the new 35/1.4 Distagon. Then I was able to find a LN- condition ZI Limited Edition from KEH for what I considered a reasonable price. When I received it I noticed that it's No. 010. Not sure if the Limited Editions will have any value going forward, but that's not what I bought it for. Interestingly enough it came with a charming crystal paperweight with an Ikon laser etched inside and a padded leather case. The leather case only fits the body, so...not so useful.
Anyway I could not be more thrilled with this kit. My first few images from all three lenses have confirmed that they are all stellar. The 28 has very strong contrast, and is sharp through the aperture range. The 50 has that signature look with which I am falling in love. The 35 is a real stunner. Extremely sharp, low distortion, and has a solid feeling I more associate with Leica lenses. A precision instrument through and through. I am having a lot of fun with the lens but something in my mind does miss the character of the Voigtlander 35/1.2 I used to have. It's very clean in it's rendering with the modern version of what is considered 'good bokeh'.
As for the Ikon itself, I love it! The framelines are perfect. I don't know how Leica has gotten away with their subpar finders after the Ikon came out. Must be a preference thing, but the fact that the 35 and 28 lines are so clear and visible is fantastic for composing. The RF patch fade does seem to be a real thing. You have to line up your eye more than I used to with my old Bessa. This is not enough of an issue to bug me though, just something to be aware of.
I'm coming pretty late to the ZI party, but the great thing about film is that by Leica standards, the Ikon is still a baby. Hopefully I'll get many years out of it, and the lenses will also shine on Sony digitals (unless prices of M240s hit the floor soon).
Anyway I could not be more thrilled with this kit. My first few images from all three lenses have confirmed that they are all stellar. The 28 has very strong contrast, and is sharp through the aperture range. The 50 has that signature look with which I am falling in love. The 35 is a real stunner. Extremely sharp, low distortion, and has a solid feeling I more associate with Leica lenses. A precision instrument through and through. I am having a lot of fun with the lens but something in my mind does miss the character of the Voigtlander 35/1.2 I used to have. It's very clean in it's rendering with the modern version of what is considered 'good bokeh'.
As for the Ikon itself, I love it! The framelines are perfect. I don't know how Leica has gotten away with their subpar finders after the Ikon came out. Must be a preference thing, but the fact that the 35 and 28 lines are so clear and visible is fantastic for composing. The RF patch fade does seem to be a real thing. You have to line up your eye more than I used to with my old Bessa. This is not enough of an issue to bug me though, just something to be aware of.
I'm coming pretty late to the ZI party, but the great thing about film is that by Leica standards, the Ikon is still a baby. Hopefully I'll get many years out of it, and the lenses will also shine on Sony digitals (unless prices of M240s hit the floor soon).
