M7 or a Zeiss Ikon ZM?

[thegman]

I used to have a ZI, now I'm on a MP. As sexy as the MP is, I'm very hard pushed to recommend the Leica over the Zeiss. The Ikon, like for like, is maybe 1/3rd the price of a M7 or MP, and it certainly is not a 3rd the camera. The Ikon's finder is nicer, and is easier to load. In terms of build, the MP is nicer, but not worth the money if we're being pragmatic.

But often the heart wants what it wants, and I think for cameras like these, reason is barely involved, just get the one you want.

 

[Godfrey]

The correct answer is "No".

Because if you have to ask, save your money and buy a point and shoot. ;-)

 

[sanmich]

I find myself reading again and again about the leica being difficult to load, and I have to say that now that I am used to it, I find the bottom loading with the tulip (M4 and later) very easy and fast. Now the detachable spool is another story, and don't get me started on barnacks or on easiness of rewind....

 

[seakayaker1]

I voted for the M7 since I used one briefly and currently use a M6TTL and MP.

If the opportunity presented itself, all thing being aligned (gas and available money), then having an opportunity to own a ZM would be perfectly OK with me.

 

[klapka]

What a strange choice. Why not get an M2?

In my experience I was bying one camera after another (started with Hexar RF then went on with Leicas) until I reached the top of all this cameras - the M2.

If I have started with the M2 from the very beginning I whould have save a lot of money and whouldn't have a vast collection of M bodies sitting on my shelf.

 

[Papercut]

Not strange at all. The ZI and M7 both offer AE, which for some people is a very desirable feature. Thus, they are a "natural" pair to choose between.

What a strange choice. Why not get an M2?

In my experience I was bying one camera after another (started with Hexar RF then went on with Leicas) until I reached the top of all this cameras - the M2.

If I have started with the M2 from the very beginning I whould have save a lot of money and whouldn't have a vast collection of M bodies sitting on my shelf.

 

[klapka]

Always thought AE to be an evil thing.. But.. Ok, if AE is important, then go with the m7 (it is closer to the M2 then the ZI is).

 

[santela]

Owned and used the M7, R4M, Hexar RF, and just recently acquired an Ikon.

If I could only keep one camera, it'd be the Leica, for it is a Leica afterall.

If I could only shoot with one camera, it'd be the Ikon, the viewfinder walks all over the M7.

If I were a wide junkie and worried about batteries, R4M, for the revolutionary finder.

If I wanted simplicity and ease, Hexar RF is a breeze to shoot with.

Glad I am allowed to have them all!

 

[whitecat]

I have had both. The ZI has the better viewfinder.

 

[leobloom]

Its simple.

Do you prefer the feel of brass (m7) or do you prefer the big brighter VF (ZI)?

 

[amyukie]

I don't see anything wrong with M7's finder. It is similar to other M's. Why people so annoyed by it?

 

[Papercut]

Nothing "wrong" with it (haven't seen anyone in this thread say they were "annoyed by it"), but it's not as good as the ZI's. No Leica I've ever looked through has been equal to the vf in the ZI -- it's just better, even though the shutter speeds can be hard to see in extremely bright conditions. With that said, I shoot dozens of rolls in my M4 and M6 for each roll I put through the ZI. VF isn't everything.

I don't see anything wrong with M7's finder. It is similar to other M's. Why people so annoyed by it?

 

[kdemas]

Nothing "wrong" with it (haven't seen anyone in this thread say they were "annoyed by it"), but it's not as good as the ZI's. No Leica I've ever looked through has been equal to the vf in the ZI -- it's just better, even though the shutter speeds can be hard to see in extremely bright conditions. With that said, I shoot dozens of rolls in my M4 and M6 for each roll I put through the ZI. VF isn't everything.

Although that off center focusing spot at certain distances is pretty annoying. It is one beautiful view though, you're right!

 

[Papercut]

Kent,

Should I be pedantic and point out that the RF patch actually stays centered in the overall VF but that it's the framelines that move around it? 😉 :angel:

Although that off center focusing spot at certain distances is pretty annoying. It is one beautiful view though, you're right!

 

[kdemas]

Kent,

Should I be pedantic and point out that the RF patch actually stays centered in the overall VF but that it's the framelines that move around it? 😉 :angel:

Touché!!! How right you are my friend 🙂

 

[Papercut]

Since the ZI was my first (serious) rangefinder, I just assumed they were all that way. I never noticed it at all until I got my M4 -- even then, it was only when I went back to the ZI that I felt something was "weird" -- took me a while to figure out that it was the lines moving independently of the patch.

Touché!!! How right you are my friend 🙂

 

[whitecat]

With the latest pricing of the Leica M's I think serious photographers should look at the Zeiss line. The optics are fantastic and the pricing is better. I will admit they have gone up too but still affordable.

 

[kdemas]

For me the real difference, and the reason I don't have a ZI right now, is the shutter sound. I find it to be loud and of a very obvious pitch, something I don't care for when sound matters in an environment. The VF is so good and the extra shutter speed is terrific but the shutter makes it a no-go for me (at the moment!).

Both are terrific tools, it all depends on what you want/need for your style of photography. I'm glad we have choices where we can fine tune our purchases based on relatively minor criterion.

 

[bensyverson]

Honestly, if shutter sound is that important, buy a Hexar AF. The Ikon is not loud.

 

[kdemas]

Honestly, if shutter sound is that important, buy a Hexar AF. The Ikon is not loud.

For you it's not loud. Compared to my M7 and M5, it is. My M8 is loud too and difficult to use in some situations because of it.

It's a personal thing, glad it doesn't bother you.