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).
sojournerphoto
Veteran
Congratulations. I've got number 83. It's a great camera, amd perfect with the c-sonnar. I've got the leather body case, but no paperweight. Agree, the finder is superb and I've never had a problem with losing the patch, although after using an mp for a while I could see how it happens.
You may have popping framelines, given the early number, but don't worry as they don't impact practical use.
Mike
You may have popping framelines, given the early number, but don't worry as they don't impact practical use.
Mike
Roger Hicks
Veteran
About a fifth of the way down http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/zeiss.html you'll find a comparison of the ZI frames with a couple of Leicas, a couple of Voigtländers and some accessory finders.
Cheers,
R.
SaveKodak
Well-known
P.S. I already accidentally put a Zeiss lens cap through the way, and it did not survive. Thankfully I use UV filters as caps most of the time. 
froyd
Veteran
Nice lens selection as well. The ZI is so lightweight compared to the Ms that it makes a great travel companion.
SaveKodak
Well-known
Does anyone know if doing long exposure will drain the battery over fast?
paapoopa
Established
congrates
i must say ZI is one camera that i really regret selling it
i must say ZI is one camera that i really regret selling it
Larry Cloetta
Veteran
That's interesting. I was the original owner of No. 010 and regret selling it, now and then. At the time, coming from a long history of mostly SLRs, I had significant trouble focusing it, and let it go in, as you noted, LN condition, with all the original limited edition doodads. Now I realize that my problem with the patch was probably user error and think about trying another one some day and giving it a better chance.
Have fun with it, and glad to see it found a good home, finally.
SaveKodak
Well-known
That's interesting to hear you had problems focusing it. Seems like infinity is off in this one. You can't align it and I've tried focusing on the moon and the Manhattan skyline from my building in Brooklyn. I'm going to check again tomorrow too and I'm going to see if I can get it adjusted locally. I SHOULD send it back to KEH for adjustment but I have an important trip in a couple weeks and I'd hate to be without it...
mcfingon
Western Australia
I have a C Sonnar 50/1.5 and Biogon 35/2 lenses, which I use on M3 and M2 Leicas. They work beautifully. Using them on my Sony A7S with a Novoflex adapter is not so successful as they show a lot of edge smear. I think your 35/1.4 will be OK from tests I have seen.