I want to buy a Zeiss Ikon.

[quietmouse]

Hello, my real name is Robby. Nice to meet you!
I want to buy an Ikon. I have chased Leicas long enough and doubt that I need to explain to those who can answer my questions the various reasons I have decided to buy myself an Ikon.
I have some questions for owners and people who have watched the market on these cameras for some time. You and I know it takes days to weeks of time on a computer to properly get a feel for a product and a good understanding of the price it should bring. I do not have internet access at home, only at school. Because of school I have limited personal time. I have done enough research to know I want the Ikon, But right now I do not have the time to really follow auctions or research the history of sales and price trends to get the feel for a price. So, If any of you would be kind enough to share your knowledge with me I really appreciate it.

My wants (or requests).

1) Black body. I have all chrome cameras and no black ones, I have also lately shot in places where a black body would benefit my shooting. These coincidentally are also the places where I would benefit from having a rangefinder, so,even though I love the chrome(or silver paint) It must be black.

2) New does not matter. Being a newly released camera I may not find a used one for much savings, I don't know, probably my main reason for posting this thread.

3) It would be nice to have it paired with a lens. I don't know if it sold in a kit or not, another reason I am posting.

SO: My main questions are where is the best price for value on Zeiss Ikon? Should I buy a new one for the warranty or is there a good savings to be had on the used market.

Thank you for your time and insight!

Robby (quietmouse)

 

[acall]

Robby,
I have been more than satisfied with my ZI, I bought it almost 2 years ago from Tony at Popflash (one of the sponsors of this site) price and service were outstanding. I think the question of new or used will depend on how quickly you want it. They do come up from time to time in the classifieds here, but Tony can get one in the mail to you today! I bought mine with the Zeiss 50mm Planar lens, but now I wish I would have bit the bullet and bought the Zeiss 35mm lens. That seems to be the focal length I like shooting the most.

Hope this helps!

Alan

 

[kshapero]

Sources:
1. New - Popflash, hands down see above.
2 Used - Popflash, RFF classifieds or Ebay.

I got one ZI from Popflash, a demo. and one from Matisyustore's Ebay store in Japan used. Both work perfectly.
Good luck

 

[quietmouse]

Thanks for the quick responses.

Thanks for the quick responses.

If you do not mind me asking, do you ever see the black body selling used, and how much would you save if purchased used?

I see that popflash has a silver used right now at a savings of 350 dollars, do the blacks fetch more or less money?

 

[kshapero]

If you do not mind me asking, do you ever see the black body selling used, and how much would you save if purchased used?

I see that popflash has a silver used right now at a savings of 350 dollars, do the blacks fetch more or less money?

Should be the same.

 

[goo0h]

I've seen them come up once and a while used on ebay. However, to be honest, they weren't a whole lot cheaper than buying new, and with new you get the warranty: a good thing no matter the make of the product. Popflash does occasionally sell used or demo units, so keep an eye on their site. I've gone back and forth about whether to get silver or black, but in the end went entirely black, and have no regrets. I too bought it from Popflash and was astounded as to how quickly it arrived.

 

[ERV]

Robby,
I have a chrome Zeiss body that I bought from Matisuya in Japan that I'm going to sell.
I also have a Zeiss 35mm Biogon that I may consider selling as well. Its black, however.
(too many cameras right now..)
Send me a PM if you are interested or want to see photos of it.
My own 2 cents about black verses chrome; As long as people don't see a big DSLR in front of them, black or chrome rangefinders just look like "old fashion"cameras (which is what they are..)
Gene

 

[Charlie]

Robby,

Good to see a fellow photographer from Fayetteville on the forum. When I bought mine new, the black bodies were selling for more so I opted for chrome. Popflash is a good source as are long-time members to the forum. I agree with Gene's statement; the chrome doesn't seem less stealthy simply because it's not black.

Regards,

Charlie

 

[Keith]

I bought mine from Matsuiyastore and recommend him highly ... I thought about a secondhand one from the classifieds but decided to go with new.

I note that Matsuiya's on line shop is open after being closed for a few days and as predicted the price of a new Ikon has increased ... by nearly $100.00 in fact. A new body was $1158.00 and is now $1248.00 ... no doubt this will affect secondhand prices also.

Wherever you decide to get one I'm sure you'll be pleased with it ... there's been the odd hiccup but overall they are a very good camera. 🙂

 

[quietmouse]

Thanks everyone for the information!

@ERV- I sent you a PM.🙂

@Charlie- Nice to meet you Charlie! Also nice to see someone here from Fayetteville.

I am looking forward to a new rangefinder. All I have experience with has been my Canon G3(rangefinder wise). I love the flexibility of my slr and the negatives consistantly look better then the canon, but I have way more negatives from the Canon lately due to how much I like to shoot with it. So I guess I have to cough up the loot to get a more flexible rangefinder with better lenses.

Robby