Nikon F or Zeiss Super Ikonta A

[RanceEric]

It's been quite a while since I've posted to the forum. Unfortunately is a sad subject.. I have to get rid of a camera to cover some bills. But can't decide which to part with.. Both are so beautiful.. Either my Zeiss Super Ikonta A (531) or my black Nikon F... Someone help me choose..

 

[Robert Lai]

I didn't vote, as I own both a Nikon F (chrome), and a Super Ikonta A. Both are great cameras.

What features make a Super Ikonta A more valuable?

Coated Opton Tessar lens
Shutter with flash synch
Accurate RF without vertical displacement
Non-distorted struts
Intact leather (esp. bellows), chrome, paint.

What makes a Nikon F more valuable?

Nippon Kogaku labelling
or red dot serial number
Black color?
Plain prism, or working meter finder
Intact leather, paint, metalwork (no dents)

Only you know which one of these cameras will be more difficult to replace in the future.

 

[RObert Budding]

It depends on what you shoot. I'd keep the Nikon for action and for low light. Everything else medium format. So what matters most to you?

 

[Ronald M]

Keep an interchangeable lens camera.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

I've had to make some hard decisions recently and basically cut almost all my gear just to make it back to the east coast and survive.
I voted to keep the Nikon as it's a bit more utilitarian and when you can afford to get another Ikonta, you could use the replacement as an excuse to get a full 6x6 model.
As long as you still have your Nikon rangefinders though, all is well! 😀

Phil Forrest

 

[thegman]

For me, I keep the medium format cameras, but it really depends on what you shoot and use the most.

 

[RanceEric]

Good points. I love the Ikonta, but the F is more practical and is used a lot more.. The Ikonta it is then... 🙁

As long as you still have your Nikon rangefinders though, all is well! 😀

Phil Forrest

Phil, I will never get rid of the Nikon rangefinders. My SP is my baby... Not unless I'm replacing them with models in nicer condition. Haha 😉

 

[pschauss]

If the Super Ikonta is in good condition I would keep it because it will be much easier to replace the Nikon when your financial situation improves.

 

[Vickko]

If it is a nice black Nikon F, I'd keep it. A nice one is hard to find, and expensive when you do.

And it is more versatile than the Super Ikonta.

 

[leicapixie]

Selling a film camera at this time? Think you may be dissapointed.Specially a roll film camera. I would not bother to sell my cameras, I was offered a reasonable price for a Leica M. When i saw what i could buy, some plastic wonder of the week, i quietly went home..
I have added over the last few years, SLR's in mint condition, each one around $10~20. I see folks asking for more on their Leica bodies and lenses.
Whether they sell is another story. Hang onto both.
There is no better made camera than an F.
My Leicas don't come close.