M7 or a Zeiss Ikon ZM?

M7 or a Zeiss Ikon ZM?

  • ZM

    Votes: 459 45.5%

  • M7

    Votes: 550 54.5%
  • Total voters
    1,009
The more I look at the Zeiss bodies, the more I like them. However, if you want a Leica, only a Leica will do. If you want something different, then the Zeiss cameras are pretty damn nice. You can't go wrong either way.
 
errorlogin said:
It might be a good camera but the name is not honest. It is not a Zeiss Ikon.
If it had a completely different name, I would probably buy it.
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Come on.

We're talking about a company taking a risk here, making a film camera that is also a manual focus rangefinder - a niche within a niche - and your biggest gripe is that they resurrected a product name from the past, a name that they own?

And if it were called the Whizzer Comet you'd own it?

:D
 
I thought the mechanical speeds of the M7 were a gimmick, until I needed them. The rangefinder patch on the ZM is too wiggly for me. Modern Leicas just snap into focus. I did appreciate the eye relief on the ZM though. If I shot a 28mm lens, then that would be a heavy consideration. I went for an M7, but I only went that way, because I got a demo (w/ Leica warranty) for very close to the price of a new ZM. At current Leica official pricing, no way. Makes me glad I got the MP all those years ago.
 
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Both are terrific cameras, you probably can't go wrong with either one. I own an M7, having had multiple copies, and have been extremely pleased with it (them). My .85 is a pleasure and was fantastic for focusing my recently departed Noct.

Advantages of the Ikon (which I've messed around with a fair amount) include easier loading, faster top shutter speed and a brighter viewfinder (though the Leica is still excellent).

In the end, the noise does it for me believe it or not. The Ikon is loud, or at least the pitch makes it seem so, and for me it's a big deal in a rangefinder. The M7 is extremely quiet.

Not a big deal for some, and if not for you then the Ikon might be a wonderful choice.

Two great cameras...I'm glad we have the choice!
 
Japan---Exposures said:
I suspect that even a metal shutter would be damaged by direct sunlight through the lens. These are not tough metal pieces, these are very fine and soft leaves of metal.

Yes, a few people get their shutters burnt when carelessly placing the camera somewhere without lens cap. It shouldn't be a buying criteria IMHO.
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I've personally never seen a metal shutter damaged by the sun. They are MUCH more resistant than the cloth. I'd be curious as to whether anyone has ever seen a metal shutter burned through a-la a cloth curtain. I suspect not.

That said you're right...the "metal" is extremely thin and can certainly be damaged in other ways, like by denting when changing film.

Kent
 
I'd prefer to say that I couldn't care less, but I'm afraid that's not according to the truth. Deep inside me there must be a Solms snob, despite all the reasoning and excuses I can put on the table.

BUT: I think my reasons are strong. I'm not rich and cannot afford to play buying and selling lenses and stuff just for fun as many on this forum do. I've have been using an M2 for 15 years, but I couldn't resist when a local shop was selling out their analogue stuff and had a brand new M7 on offer below 2nd hand prices (fell into the trap of thinking that I'd always be able to sell it for the same money). Got myself a v3 28 elmarit (the underrated one, but let's see for how long, now lens prices are going up) and now have a nice and simple two body, two lens set.
And I really think a system with 2 equal bodies is much easier on my body & mind than going out with a mix of brands. And as an aside, I do wear glasses and have hardly any problems seeing the 28 framelines.
 
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Yeah...play on...bot the m7 and zi are very nice cameras. Nothing bad to say about either. Their good and bad points cancel-out each other.
 
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If you're a Leica "freak" like me, you'll get the m7 like me
If you're crazy about rf like me, you'll get a fantastic ZI like me:)
If you're really interested on having a AE M mount camera you'll get a cheap hexar rf, like me :), and spend the rest of you're money on awsome Leica glass :)
Just my opinion ;)
 
I just received my M7 from Tamarkin and I must have died and gone to camera heaven... it is a later model and has the MP viewfinder. Wow... my M2 VF is clean, but it just doesn't compare.
 
I'd love to field test an M7. I fondled one recently and I quite liked it (besides being the first M I used that flared on me and the weird flimsy feeling white on white viewfinder). I'm just a little concerned about the functionality of the thing:

Exposure compensation seems a bit convoluted and the flashing LED with weird numbers a bit distracting. Also the battery type & holder seems a bit too specialized...Plus I find it a bit cross to buy a Leica and then sending it out for various "upgrades". My ZI was fine from the get go (until I dropped it), why does the M7 feel like a work in progress?

I guess I'm weirded out by some excessive electronic(ness) of the M7. Automatic ASA reader? Seriously?

I keep going back and forth between my M2 and ZI (and falling in love with each over and over again), so I wonder if the M7 could be a perfect compromise? Anyone in Istanbul care to lend me their M7 :D?
 
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