Just picked up an Ikon ZM!

[jky]

Rec'd an Ikon ZM just a couple of days ago... first impression on the three areas I had concerns with (VF, handling, shutter sound) as follows:

Very well built & feels solid in the hands. Yes, it's lighter than an M, but it definitely is not lacking in perceived quality. Vf is just gorgeous... bright (very) and uncluttered. I love just looking through it and focusing on random subjects around the house - quite the pleasure. I find it easier to focus through the ZM just as long as the eye is properly aligned with the vf.

Handling in my small-ish hands is similar to my old OM2 - narrow body w/ squared off edges. That is to say: "wonderful"! It appears narrower than an M6, but it feels easier to hold - as if I don't have to squeeze as much for it to feel secure.

I've only taken a couple of shots outside (as in by the front door), but I can see myself using AE often. This was in fact the reason for the purchase as an M7 is beyond my reach.

Shutter sound, as many have mentioned, is not much noiser than an M. If anything it's just a different quality due to the metal shutter. It doesn't sound as soft as a Leica's cloth shutter, but it definitely is not loud. More metallic due to the material, but not in-your-face/head-turning noticable - not that I would think anyways... again, I haven't used it outside the confines of my home.

It's nice to have the AE-L, but I think I would have preferred the half-depress method. Perhaps it's just what I'm used to with my SLRs/p&s, but I find that i have to reach with my thumb to access the AE-L button. With more use, it'll hopefully be second nature.

Cheers

 

[mfogiel]

jky,
Consider getting a half case for it, the shutter noise will become more muted, I use a Luigi case, and the tactile experience is very sexy...

 

[Marc-A.]

Same first impression here. Enjoy!

Btw, you're right about:

I find it easier to focus through the ZM just as long as the eye is properly aligned with the vf.

Cheers.

Marc

 

[Marc-A.]

jky,
Consider getting a half case for it, the shutter noise will become more muted, I use a Luigi case, and the tactile experience is very sexy...

Funny you say that Marek, because I was wondering that yesterday ... thanks for sharing your experience.
Have a nice day,
Marc
PS: Marek, it seems you like the Pays Basque (Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz); maybe one day we'll meet there, I like to spend a few days/weeks there every year 🙂

 

[f6andBthere]

I tend to be a bit of an infrequent lurker on this forum sorry but I am interested in this camera. I'm yet to own my first rangefinder and I think I may go for the Zeiss. I'm curious about the quality of the black finish and what's underneath it that will show as the camera wears and takes on some character, with the odd scrape and bump etc? 🙂

 

[mfogiel]

I managed to drop another camera on my black ZI, and I have a slight mark on the upper brim. There's some solid looking silver metal below.

 

[jky]

@ mfogiel: I was considering a case, but having used one on my old OM2 really put me off of the idea. Loved the feel and protection it provided (plus it looked great!), but it required the extra step to change film. I've been reading that the case does muffle the sound, but I haven't really used it yet outside my house. Everything in here is very audible so I can't wait to actually use it where there's more people than my wife & I.

@Marc-a: Although my first impression is favourable, I'm not quite sold on it yet. This is something only time will tell I guess.

 

[jky]

Just picked up a couple of rolls that contain shots wide open - haven't scanned yet so I'm hoping there's no ff/bf. What I'm wondering about, however, is how simple will it be to fix a rangefinder misalignment. Now realisitically, for what I'll be using it for, it probably won't be banged up that much if at all. I just don't want to have to baby the thing because as we all know, little bumps here and there happen.
From what I've been reading here in RFF, it seems like it will hold up well.

 

[dpetrzelka]

What are used Zeiss Ikon ZMs going for?
I haven't seen many turn up around here.

 

[back alley]

i treat all my gear well but i wouldn't say that i baby it. i have been using mine for about 2 years now and so far no allignment issues.
jky, if your ever in edmonton you can try on my luigi case.

i sold my second black body for $900.

not sure what it takes to adjust focus issues...

 

[mfogiel]

NB23, make sure it is the camera that misfocuses, rather than the lens. I thought mine was off at infinity, and then I discovered that the rf it is simply so precise, it does not converge before you look at the stars...
I'don't think it is necessary to send it to Japan - I believe any authorized serviceman can do it, certainly the guy in Milan can.

 

[jbf]

Well I finally got my ZI back from Tony. Simply superb. Great condition. I got a special edition ZI (number 0429) and I gotta say its wonderful.

 

[noimmunity]

sorry to hear about the problem with the RF and focus issues. This is one of the things that is probably most disturbing about RFs in general, and constantly comes up in posts here about almost all of the new production RF models. If we don't hear about it with the older models that doesn't mean it doesn't happen, but probably people just don't think about it as much.
I had a Bessa R3A that got out of alignment on the first serious shoot I took it to (an aboriginal harvest festival). Once re-aligned, it held up for the rest of the time I owned it. With the ZI, I have never had any problems whatsoever, and it has been in some fairly rough backcountry environments. However, when I travelled from Taiwan to Europe with the camera. the RF did seem to fall out of alignment for a few days, but then it fell back into place. I was wondering if it wasn't the change in climate (humidity especially) that was responsible?
There have already been lots of "ZI is just a Bessa" threads so look those up if you need to connect with that debate. In my own experience with both cameras (only one of each, of course), the ZI has proven itself much more robust than the Bessa. As a result, I've developed considerable appreciation for and confidence in it. It ain't no Bessa. (and Bessas are pretty good, too, IMHO).

 

[jky]

I've only ever used the R & R2 and compared to these, the Ikon "feels" better built. The same can be said though for later Bessas (R3 & R4 models)....