Joe Vitessa
Well-known
Congrats on the ZI! You'll love it. Yes, coming from an SLR it will take a little while to get used to the rangefinder patch but you will
As far as accessories, I use the bottom of a brown Voigtlander case (not the black one) with my ZI. (Available from Mr. Gandy at cameraquest.) It fits and it's far less expense than most cases out there. I do like grips on cameras, but the case suffices for me.
I've got the ZI 50mm Planar, which I love--and it's a bit cheaper than the Sonnar. (Different signature, though.) I'm more of a 28mm, 50mm, 75mm or 90mm guy.
Enjoy!
Joe
As far as accessories, I use the bottom of a brown Voigtlander case (not the black one) with my ZI. (Available from Mr. Gandy at cameraquest.) It fits and it's far less expense than most cases out there. I do like grips on cameras, but the case suffices for me.
I've got the ZI 50mm Planar, which I love--and it's a bit cheaper than the Sonnar. (Different signature, though.) I'm more of a 28mm, 50mm, 75mm or 90mm guy.
Enjoy!
Joe
mfogiel
Veteran
robinje
This camera and lens combination is probably the best you will ever use. However, it will not cover all shooting situations. Before buying another lens, ask yourself, what makes you tick: Street shots? Portraits? Landscapes? If you do not wear glasses and want some landscape/street/citiscape lens, get the 25/2.8 Biogon. It is the finest lens in this fl, has unbelievable sharpness and plasticity to the images, and you can use it without an externat finder if you frame with the entire VF. On the other hand, if you like shooting people, get the 50/1.5 C Sonnar - preferably the version optimized for f 2.8, it is the best portrait lens for a half body shot that has ever been made, but it is not a general purpose fast lens. I would start with XP2 rather than BW 400 CN, and remember to set the speed to ISO 200. The most urgent expense for you though, should be a dedicated film scanner - keep an eye on the classifieds here as occasionally they turn up.
ZI+35/2 Biogon, XP2
This camera and lens combination is probably the best you will ever use. However, it will not cover all shooting situations. Before buying another lens, ask yourself, what makes you tick: Street shots? Portraits? Landscapes? If you do not wear glasses and want some landscape/street/citiscape lens, get the 25/2.8 Biogon. It is the finest lens in this fl, has unbelievable sharpness and plasticity to the images, and you can use it without an externat finder if you frame with the entire VF. On the other hand, if you like shooting people, get the 50/1.5 C Sonnar - preferably the version optimized for f 2.8, it is the best portrait lens for a half body shot that has ever been made, but it is not a general purpose fast lens. I would start with XP2 rather than BW 400 CN, and remember to set the speed to ISO 200. The most urgent expense for you though, should be a dedicated film scanner - keep an eye on the classifieds here as occasionally they turn up.
ZI+35/2 Biogon, XP2
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mydarkroom
Newbie
Congrats on your new camera!!!!! How long did it take for you to get it? Where did you buy from?
Mine is still on backorder according to BH....
"The waiting is the hardest part"
MD
Mine is still on backorder according to BH....
"The waiting is the hardest part"
MD
robinje
Member
I bought it from B$H. It was in stock (the 'collectors kit' - black leather box, 35/2 lens, ZI camera body, lens hood, strap) when I ordered it. I must have bought the last one because I looked at it again a few minutes after ordering and it was indicated as out of stock. I received it 3 days after ordering (NY to MN). I thought I was getting the Zeiss leather protective case, but I got the leather storage box instead. It was my fault as I did not read the B$H description carefully enough. However, that faux paux did help me to a conclusion on how to spend some extra funds from selling off my digital SLR gear... I bought a Luigi cognac brown half case and matching strap. No it was not cheap (I bought it through one of the Leicatime eBay listings) but I presume it will last for many, many years. Next up, a soft release. But I cannot decide between Match Technical brass or Abrahamsson alloy. Whichever one I get, I will opt for the smaller diameter version. Any plusses or minusses regarding each of these two items to share?
ZeissFan
Veteran
There's a Chinese eBay seller who sells soft releases for $4.50 a piece (free shipping). I'm using them with a couple of Rolleiflex SL 35 cameras.
I wouldn't spend a fortune on these. On one hand, the premiums ones are nice. On the other hand, with this camera, it's unnecessary, because the release as is works fine.
I wouldn't spend a fortune on these. On one hand, the premiums ones are nice. On the other hand, with this camera, it's unnecessary, because the release as is works fine.
jjovin
Established
Apparently, there is a limited edition in stock at B/H.
There is really no reason to wait.
italy74
Well-known
Hi guys
I see some of you talk about "soft release", but which (real) advantage should it have? How "slow" can you shoot without and how "slower" you feel you can shoot with? Let's say with a 35 or 50 mm lens. How slow can be the shot with it ?
I see some of you talk about "soft release", but which (real) advantage should it have? How "slow" can you shoot without and how "slower" you feel you can shoot with? Let's say with a 35 or 50 mm lens. How slow can be the shot with it ?
robinje
Member
first pic with ZI...
first pic with ZI...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44669607@N02/4113323421/sizes/o/
first pic with ZI...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44669607@N02/4113323421/sizes/o/
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Tom A
RFF Sponsor
Congratulations on the ZI. It is truly one of the best Rf's you can find. The AE system is about as good as you need. Make it a practice to carry a spare set of batteries though. No batteries - no camera function!
The 35f2 ZM is top class optics. As good as anything from Leica.
I have the 50f1.5 C Sonnar and it is probably my most used 50, though mainly on a M2. For the ZI I tend to use the Nokton 50f1.1. The 1:1 finder and the f1.1 are made for each other. The AE system can handle it well too - and for "available darkness" stuff - it works better than my brain when it comes to exposures.
The 35f2 ZM is top class optics. As good as anything from Leica.
I have the 50f1.5 C Sonnar and it is probably my most used 50, though mainly on a M2. For the ZI I tend to use the Nokton 50f1.1. The 1:1 finder and the f1.1 are made for each other. The AE system can handle it well too - and for "available darkness" stuff - it works better than my brain when it comes to exposures.
ljsegil
Well-known
Tom
Now I'm more confused than usual. What 1:1 finder are you referring to?
Larry
Now I'm more confused than usual. What 1:1 finder are you referring to?
Larry
dfoo
Well-known
Good advice Tom! My Ikon ran out of juice a couple of days ago when I went out to see the sunrise. I got one shot, and then dead. Luckily I had my M3 on me, so I was still good to go!