M5 for a ZI

[PlantedTao]

I just got the m5 about 2 months ago, have been using it and really like it.
Sherry did a CLA on it and replaced some parts, it now operates to perfection. The m5 is a wonderful piece of machinery. It feels great in my hands, everything is where it should be and it is quiet...whisper quiet.

But...I dont like the viewfinder, the match needle is genius, yet the vf seems small because I use glasses. I couldnt imagine using the 35 on it, the 50 is perfect but that is just too limiting.

So, I'm thinking about the ZI...the best vf out there (for glasses users?) AND ae. I have a xpan with ae and it is just tits. I really think that simple invention would just make me feel more intune with the camera, I know it does on the xpan when doing street or quick candid photography (which is what I love).

I really love the m5, but the ZI calls to me...
so I could get the ZI (brand new, silver) for a $100 if I traded in the m5.

Should I???

thanks.
Jason

 

[waileong]

Why not? Except it will feel cheaper than the M5.

 

[payasam]

If you try it out and it does seem better for you, you'll soon forget the Leicaness of your M5. Pondering in the abstract won't help much.

 

[Axel]

...Should I??? ...

Hi,

you should try a ZI and its viewfinder to see whether it fits your needs.
Blind selling/buying may be a risk anyway.
Please remember that the ZI, like the M7, is all-electronic.

Like I said before - a ZI may be a nice addition to a M6 (M5) but instead?
Not for me.

Regards, Axel

 

[tom_f77]

It sounds like you have thought it through pretty well. Have you been in to Glazers to try one? I had a look through one there and thought it was just fine. If I lived in Seattle... 🙂

Tom

 

[TJV]

I love my Leica's but the viewfinder on the Zeiss is the best thing I have ever looked through. I think the Zeiss feels a lot more fragile that a Leica but it isn't all that bad, kind of like a Nikon FE2, which isn't bad at all.

And the best thing about it? It's M mount!

 

[matt fury]

With the prices M5s fetch, M5 + $100 for a ZIkon is a pretty good deal.

 

[triplefinger]

ZI is a great camera. I have had M2, M4p, M6. I prefer the ZI on many levels. The only things I miss about the Leicas? the actual sound of the shutter(the ZI isn't much louder, it just sounds different) and the feel of the film advance. everything else is superior on the ZI IMHO.

Mike

 

[PlantedTao]

ZI is a great camera. I have had M2, M4p, M6. I prefer the ZI on many levels. The only things I miss about the Leicas? the actual sound of the shutter(the ZI isn't much louder, it just sounds different) and the feel of the film advance. everything else is superior on the ZI IMHO.

Mike

Thanks Mike, this exactly what I was wondering...what is it that I would miss and could I live with it.
Unfortunately, I cant get a m7 or keep the M5 and get a ZI. I think I can live without the leica feel, just to get that vf and ae...
I will really miss the sound tho 🙂 of course the ZI has to sound better than the r2 I have.

Still thinking about it, no decisions but I'm leaning towards the ZI.
Thanks.

Jason

 

[FrankS]

Does anyone have the ZI and an R2 to compare the shutter sounds?

 

[back alley]

the zeiss ikon is neither cheap nor fragile.
it weighs less because it is made of stronger more modern materials.
if we continue to equate weight with quality then we will soon be shooting with concrete cameras.

 

[back alley]

Does anyone have the ZI and an R2 to compare the shutter sounds?

the zi shutter sounds a bit more hollow and the r4 sounds a bit more matallic. they both fire at the same decibel level.

 

[FrankS]

the zeiss ikon is neither cheap nor fragile.
it weighs less because it is made of stronger more modern materials.
if we continue to equate weight with quality then we will soon be shooting with concrete cameras.

Joe, this judging by weight usually holds true because usually heavier cameras are made with more metal, and lighter cameras are made with more plastic. I understand that this judging by weight does not hold true with the ZI because of the use of lighter metals and alloys, not plastic.

 

[back alley]

my canon t-90 was 'plastic' and you could be a mugger to death with that thing.
sometimes it's hard to believe that it's 2008 and people are living in the stone age (pun intended😉)
...not directed at anyone in particular...

 

[PlantedTao]

the zi shutter sounds a bit more hollow and the r4 sounds a bit more matallic. they both fire at the same decibel level.

The r2 is loud and I really appreciate the shutter sound on the M...I have not heard the ZI, but it sounds (pun intended) like I need to go give it a try.

I dont think the build quality (weight) will bother me on the ZI...I really enjoyed my R2, but I had to try a leica.

 

[back alley]

a metal shutter will not be as quiet as a cloth shutter but then it's a lot harder to burn a hole in a metal shutter😉.

i have never used an m5 but they rate high by most user reports. i have owned an m4p and an m3 and while they were great cameras i do prefer the zi to them. but then i preferred the minolta cle to the leica m cameras i had as well.
it's hard to go wrong with any of these fine machines though.
joe

 

[FrankS]

my canon t-90 was 'plastic' and you could be a mugger to death with that thing.
sometimes it's hard to believe that it's 2008 and people are living in the stone age (pun intended😉)
...not directed at anyone in particular...

You say that but I still feel like it's directed at me. 😉

BTW, the T90 is no lightweight! Metal chassis for sure.

 

[PlantedTao]

joe -
speaking of quality feel...have you ever put a luigi leather case on the ZI?
Would the R2 luigi case fit on the ZI? I have one on the R2.
How much was the grip for the ZI and where did you get it?

thanks.

Jason

 

[colinh]

Joe, this judging by weight usually holds true because usually heavier cameras are made with more metal, and lighter cameras are made with more plastic. I understand that this judging by weight does not hold true with the ZI because of the use of lighter metals and alloys, not plastic.

I agree that often increased weight does equate to better (stronger) materials or more of the material. So, a steel pan with a solid copper bottom will weigh more than one made of thin aluminium. It will also be of much higher quality and cost more.

Maybe Tom Abrahamsson could make an extra base plate for the ZI, out of high quality brass, but filled with high quality lead - to add that quality weight?

colin

 

[back alley]

You say that but I still feel like it's directed at me. 😉

BTW, the T90 is no lightweight! Metal chassis for sure.

NOT directed at you frank but directed at those who use weight alone as a main criteria for quality.

joe