meven
Well-known
I bought the ZM four times!!! I keep getting back to it. It's the best film RF out there.
Oh boy! A new ZM!
- Thread starter krötenblender
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I bought the ZM four times!!! I keep getting back to it. It's the best film RF out there.
whitecat
Lone Range(find)er
I am on my third ZM. I bought the black one then the silver twice. I have had 3 Leicas too. The ZM wins, especially with the viewfinder.
Joe Vitessa
Well-known
Which scanner?
Which scanner?
+1 Hey, OP -- Which scanner did you settle on?
And, yes, the Zeiss RF is one hell of a camera.
Which scanner?
+1 Hey, OP -- Which scanner did you settle on?
And, yes, the Zeiss RF is one hell of a camera.
krötenblender
Well-known
Hello, happy new year everybody,
well, isn't she a beauty...? 😀
Sorry for not answering the questions for so long. It took the german post nearly a week to transport the camera the few hundred kilometers. So I just got it yesterday and I wanted to wait before posting. Now I already a film through and are very pleased about the nice condition and handling. Looks much better than my previous copy, also silver but a limited edition.
It also came with a new side grip, which I shortly tested. But I think, this isn't for me, so I will sell it. I prefer my self made soft leather hand straps, which I use on all small cameras now.
😀 You have no clue, how jealous, if you knew the price - compared to what is asked for at Ebay from japanese offers...
Well, it won't be my main camera. It is only one of three RFs, I have (besides my M240 and a GF670), but I really like the shooting experience of it. I had it as my only backup for the M240 on a Japan trip in 2013, so I'm also very confident in its reliability.
Now I'm thinking about a very small and dedicated lens for it, so that it is pocketable. On my first ZM, I almost always used a silver Color Skopar 35mm, and I really liked that combination. Very small and light. My first one...
I was thinking also about one of Mr. Miyazakis creations, probably a 35mm Perar. I haven't made my mind up, yet...
I have now a different scanner. The first dedicated 35mm scanner I had, was a Reflecta Crystal Scan 7200. It was okay, but pretty slow and the results where never so good as I hoped for. For its price, it was a really great scanner, though. After I stopped using it, I tried some self made solutions with macro lenses and transparency units, a Leica BEEON with a M240 attached and so on... All of these were also tests for avoiding to buy a dedicated medium format scanner. Then I purchased the GF670 with its incredible lens and then I also needed a "real" scanner. For my older medium format I could somehow live with my own solutions, but then... So I baught this one:
Braun FS 120 - some say, it is the same as some other dedicated MF scanners, some say otherwise. I think, there is a difference. But anyhow, this scanner combined with my current Lightroom workflow did the trick. I am very pleased with the quality, and while I get usable 50-60 MPixels from a medium format negative, I get also very usable little less than 18 MPixels from a 35mm frame. It is not as clear as the images I got from my old M9 (also 18 MPixels), but different and very good quality. I really do like the results. Now I'm in the process of creating import profiles for the different films I use, when importing into Lightroom. For me, this is the way to go when digitizing film.
For analog cameras this is also true for me. No other camera with that many films. I think, I will rescan most of them with the new scanner setup, there may be some treasures buried.
Wow, generous gesture of the buyer, good deal for you. I noticed, the prices were really going up since I sold mine. Hold on to it. Yesterday and today, when I took it out, I enjoyed using it again very much. For this years summer trip to Japan, it will also be in my bag.
A beauty! Like the silver soft release.
Wow... I hope, I learn my lesson quicker. 🙄
well, isn't she a beauty...? 😀
Sorry for not answering the questions for so long. It took the german post nearly a week to transport the camera the few hundred kilometers. So I just got it yesterday and I wanted to wait before posting. Now I already a film through and are very pleased about the nice condition and handling. Looks much better than my previous copy, also silver but a limited edition.
It also came with a new side grip, which I shortly tested. But I think, this isn't for me, so I will sell it. I prefer my self made soft leather hand straps, which I use on all small cameras now.
😀 You have no clue, how jealous, if you knew the price - compared to what is asked for at Ebay from japanese offers...
Well, it won't be my main camera. It is only one of three RFs, I have (besides my M240 and a GF670), but I really like the shooting experience of it. I had it as my only backup for the M240 on a Japan trip in 2013, so I'm also very confident in its reliability.
Now I'm thinking about a very small and dedicated lens for it, so that it is pocketable. On my first ZM, I almost always used a silver Color Skopar 35mm, and I really liked that combination. Very small and light. My first one...
I was thinking also about one of Mr. Miyazakis creations, probably a 35mm Perar. I haven't made my mind up, yet...
I have now a different scanner. The first dedicated 35mm scanner I had, was a Reflecta Crystal Scan 7200. It was okay, but pretty slow and the results where never so good as I hoped for. For its price, it was a really great scanner, though. After I stopped using it, I tried some self made solutions with macro lenses and transparency units, a Leica BEEON with a M240 attached and so on... All of these were also tests for avoiding to buy a dedicated medium format scanner. Then I purchased the GF670 with its incredible lens and then I also needed a "real" scanner. For my older medium format I could somehow live with my own solutions, but then... So I baught this one:
Braun FS 120 - some say, it is the same as some other dedicated MF scanners, some say otherwise. I think, there is a difference. But anyhow, this scanner combined with my current Lightroom workflow did the trick. I am very pleased with the quality, and while I get usable 50-60 MPixels from a medium format negative, I get also very usable little less than 18 MPixels from a 35mm frame. It is not as clear as the images I got from my old M9 (also 18 MPixels), but different and very good quality. I really do like the results. Now I'm in the process of creating import profiles for the different films I use, when importing into Lightroom. For me, this is the way to go when digitizing film.
For analog cameras this is also true for me. No other camera with that many films. I think, I will rescan most of them with the new scanner setup, there may be some treasures buried.
Wow, generous gesture of the buyer, good deal for you. I noticed, the prices were really going up since I sold mine. Hold on to it. Yesterday and today, when I took it out, I enjoyed using it again very much. For this years summer trip to Japan, it will also be in my bag.
I Can relate to the OP, I am on my second ZI, this time a silver limited edition.
A beauty! Like the silver soft release.
Wow... I hope, I learn my lesson quicker. 🙄
iamamro
Newbie
I was lucky enough to buy my Zeiss Ikon ZM from a member of this forum. Beautiful condition it was too. And not the mad prices that they go for in the wild.
I have yet to buy from decent lenses - but I have an MS Optical 28mm, and 40mm Leitz Summicron-C - which are lovely.
I really have a problem with scanning. I wish I could find a non-awful way to scan my negatives. Sadly all the "good" scanners aren't made any more - and I can't afford the ££££/$$$$ that they go for second hand (with no guarantee that they'll work!).
So, congratulations to the the Original Poster!
I have yet to buy from decent lenses - but I have an MS Optical 28mm, and 40mm Leitz Summicron-C - which are lovely.
I really have a problem with scanning. I wish I could find a non-awful way to scan my negatives. Sadly all the "good" scanners aren't made any more - and I can't afford the ££££/$$$$ that they go for second hand (with no guarantee that they'll work!).
So, congratulations to the the Original Poster!
krötenblender
Well-known
My scanner does not really compete against a wet mounted drum scanner or a high end Nikon film scanner, but it is pretty good and miles ahead of flatbeds and many others. And it is still in production, so you can buy it new, as I did. There is are good and affordable ways to digitize the ZMs output.
ikoflex
Newbie
Krötenblenders former ZM lives in my camera bag since last year and is frequently used with pleasure 🙄
krötenblender
Well-known
Thank you, nice to see it again!
Rangefinder 35
Well-known
I have bought ZM recently, and it arrived at my door a couple days ago, so I didn't have time to shoot it yet. Black affair clad in Italian leather. And the price was much lower than comparable listings. I was thinking to use it with my M6, and sell my M4, as I have too many cameras to play with and nowhere to play. Yes, the viewfinder is very nice, but it certainly doesn't have the feel of Leicas. Is it sturdy enough to take it backpacking, let's say for few weeks in South America?
krötenblender
Well-known
Congratulations to the new toy!
No, it doesn't have the Leica-Tank-Feeling, but that is one of the reasons, why I chose it over an M7. It's much lighter in the bag and when I'm walking the whole day, I want to carry only as little weight as possible.
Three weeks in the backpack, though... I don't know. I would not take it as my only camera. My first ZM was often with me, when I went on tour with my bicycle. I had it in my front-bag of my handlebar, so it got quite a few bumps. Most times it was no problem, but one day, the finder was completely off, so I had to send it to Zeiss. Not a problem really, but you should be aware, that the finder might get out of calibration on a rough tour.
No, it doesn't have the Leica-Tank-Feeling, but that is one of the reasons, why I chose it over an M7. It's much lighter in the bag and when I'm walking the whole day, I want to carry only as little weight as possible.
Three weeks in the backpack, though... I don't know. I would not take it as my only camera. My first ZM was often with me, when I went on tour with my bicycle. I had it in my front-bag of my handlebar, so it got quite a few bumps. Most times it was no problem, but one day, the finder was completely off, so I had to send it to Zeiss. Not a problem really, but you should be aware, that the finder might get out of calibration on a rough tour.
froyd
Veteran
Since you already have cameras with built in meter, and even AE, if you need it, I'd keep the M4 and sell the M6. You'd get more money from the M6 sale and have a faster shooting machine when you need it.
Out to Lunch
Veteran
I bought both the silver and black ZM versions when in 2009, Popflash was offering them at great prices. Happy I never sold them. I used them mostly when in SE Asia where it is still possible to develop/scan film at a reasonable cost. Recently, I found interesting developing/scanning options in Germany and plan to try that in the coming year.
krötenblender
Well-known
Can you tell more about that? I live in Germany and I get a roll of C41 developed for 2 Euros. E6 and BW ist much more expensive. I scan myself and I'm very satisfied with the results, but I'd like to know alternatives.
jmilkins
Digited User
Congrats Krotenblender (poor frogs;-) )
I'm very fond of my ZI, which has its own ergos centred on that fabulous finder. Not a Bessa, not a Leica, but with its own character.
But for my 40s, it would fully replace the R3A as my AE cam I think. It is wonderful with the 35mm C-biogon.
It is light but solid. I took mine motorcycling through rough roads in East Timor. Sure - a bit of paint wear on the top deck where I had not realised it was rubbing against another cam, but no RF issues.
I'm very fond of my ZI, which has its own ergos centred on that fabulous finder. Not a Bessa, not a Leica, but with its own character.
But for my 40s, it would fully replace the R3A as my AE cam I think. It is wonderful with the 35mm C-biogon.
It is light but solid. I took mine motorcycling through rough roads in East Timor. Sure - a bit of paint wear on the top deck where I had not realised it was rubbing against another cam, but no RF issues.
Pioneer
Veteran
I really don't think you need to worry about backpacking with the ZI. Mine is now going on 3 years old with many backpacking trips into the Utah, Nevada and California mountains. None for 3 weeks but several 3 and 4 day trips. I have never had any problems with the camera.
I actually chuckle when I hear people talk about the "Leica-Tank-Feeling." A Leica is a heavier camera to be certain, but to be totally honest I have had more problems with the "uber reliable" Leica than I have ever had with my Zeiss Ikon. I actually feel more comfortable packing the ZI than the Leicas.
But obviously, YMMV, everyone has different experiences. The ZI is no more perfect than a Leica.
I actually chuckle when I hear people talk about the "Leica-Tank-Feeling." A Leica is a heavier camera to be certain, but to be totally honest I have had more problems with the "uber reliable" Leica than I have ever had with my Zeiss Ikon. I actually feel more comfortable packing the ZI than the Leicas.
But obviously, YMMV, everyone has different experiences. The ZI is no more perfect than a Leica.
kossi008
Photon Counter
Yes it is! ... Nah, just kidding. Mine just came back from an inspection by Zeiss Oberkochen, because the film advance lever was completeley stuck after a film change. They solved the problem by magic (when they tried, it just worked again - embarrassing).
So I do have my reservations about mechanical hickups now, but I don't own a Leica to compare with. What sold me on the Ikon is the finder (I compared to a friend's M7, and the decision took all of 1 second)...
Skiff
Well-known
You can get E6 development at dm drugstores for only 1,95€.
At Rossmann drugstores for only 2,55€.
At http://24h-fotoservice.de/ (it is a very good professional lab with mail order service) it is only 4,50€.
There are many more excellent lab options in Germany, too.
In no other country excellent lab quality is so cheap and easily available.
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