Still using your Zeiss Ikon ZM?

[Archiver]

The Ikon was my first rangefinder, bought new in Hong Kong in early 2008, along with the Biogon 28/2.8. I used it quite a bit alongside digital cameras until I bought the M9 in 2010. Some months after, I bought the M7.

Zeiss28mm - Cloud Tower by Archiver, on Flickr

To be honest, I've been getting sick of the weight of the M9 and the M7. Goodness, it's hard to admit because I love these cameras. For a few years I've been using smaller digital cameras more than the M's, like the Oly EM-5, the Ricoh GXR with M module, and over the last few months it's just been the Ricoh GR and/or the Panasonic LX7.

But I miss 'full frame'. I miss the look that a 35mm negative or sensor produces. I miss the rangefinder experience. And as much as I love my Leica cameras for the fondling and shooting, they are just that bit too heavy to carry all day in a shoulder bag.

CV35/1.4 - They emerge from hiding by Archiver, on Flickr

So, it's May 2014 and I've pulled out the Ikon, and it's like a new camera all over again. It doesn't have the haptic qualities of the M7 but it doesn't have the weight, either. And the viewfinder! It's like a window into an enhanced parallel dimension!

CV 25/4P - Golden by Archiver, on Flickr

Just need to get some new batteries (another downside of the totally electronic Ikon, but hey) and I'm good to go.

Who is still using their Ikon?

 

[varchs]

Hello @Archiver I am using my ZI ZM Biogon 35/2 combo since I got it last year.
Coming from a SLR experience I am having great time, and I am looking photography in a more relaxed manner.
I do not think that I will ever need another camera, as for photo notes for my work I am using a small IXUS 70.

I am sure that there are many RFF film lovers that still use and will use their ZI ZM.
All my best,
Vas

 

[Archiver]

Hi, Vas. Good to know you are enjoying your Ikon so much. The Ikon made me fall in love with rangefinder shooting, and while moving to Leica seemed like the natural progression, I just want a lighter camera!

The irony is that since getting my M9, I have bought more Zeiss lenses which I have not used on the Ikon at all, so it's time to remedy that. I just checked the fridge and I discovered a whole box of Provia that I bought years ago, as well as several rolls of Portra 400 UC, XTRA 800, and lots more. Looks like I don't have to buy more film for a while.

 

[magicianhisoka]

My love affair with the ikon isn't that long. Got it since Oct 2013 and I used it extensively during my 3 week trip in Taiwan. Got enough material for a book before the finicky rangefinder went off alignment. Took 2 months to have it sent from Singapore to Japan and adjusted before reaching my hands again. But now that it is back, making it work double time to make up for lost time! The viewfinder is to die for. Though I do wish the shutter sound were more "shnicky" like a Leica 😛

 

[goo0h]

I'm still using mine. I changed the skin to the griptac a while ago, have a grip, and not too long ago finally bought the Voigtlander 35mm/F1.2 II. I've taken it twice to Peru. I also have the ZM 50/F2 and the ZM 35/F2. I still use the 50/F2 when needing a tad bit more reach. Recently augmented my kit with the Fuji GF670, which I'm also quite fond of. I think before too much longer will need to get my ZI CLA'd.

Actually, where are folks sending their ZI for CLA?

Now considering getting the Sony A7r.

 

[judsonzhao]

Last roll of RDPIII, ZI with ZM 50/1.5

 

[Gareth Rees]

To answer your question...no I haven't got one, but I'm thinking about it...a limited edition one.
But I still use my Zeiss Ikon Contax 111a and even my 35mm orthometar lens on it...but I am tempted by the ZI and M lenses.
Time will tell.

 

[Monochrom]

it doesn´t sound strange to me...the zeiss ikon is far superior than the m7...i had an m7 for a month...let it go quickly, expensive and heavy...

But i do prefer the m9 to the ZI, but are totally diferent cameras...on film the ZI can´t be beaten.

 

[kxl]

I still both of my ZI's. I will keep at least one of them for as long as I shoot 35mm film. The question for me is how much longer will I be shooting film, since I have gone mostly digital.

 

[xyz3450]

Last roll of RDPIII, ZI with ZM 50/1.5

Green Line & Clarke Park.....nice images....

 

[goo0h]

This is a great thought, I would like to have one more!
;-)

yeah, I kind of regret not getting a second one while they were still available. For film being dead, sure seems like stock for the ZI ran out pretty quickly after they announced the demise.

 

[bobby_novatron]

Sad to hear they've discontinued this camera! Shame, isn't it?

Like others mentioned above, I quite like the portability / weight of the Zeiss compared to the Leica M7.

This shot was taken with my black Zeiss Ikon, with a Leica Summarit-M 35/2.5 lens. 81A warming filter, Kodak Portra 400.

 

[Pioneer]

Still Going Strong

Still Going Strong

My ZI is still going strong and I love it. Over two years on it now. The paint on the wind on lever is wearing and there are wear spots showing on the leather. Have given up counting the rolls I've put through it and it is still shooting smooth.

I think my favorite lens for it has to be the ZM Sonnar 50/1.5 but I am also fond of the Color Skopar 35/2.5.

I have finally sold the M7, I just never used it. The ZI was just so much lighter that everytime I picked up the M7 I put it back down. I don't know if the ZI will last as long but it has sure impressed me so far.

As for service, contact Zeiss New Jersey and they can help you with both the ZI, the lenses and the GF670. Actually a very helpful bunch.

 

[kshapero]

One the many rigs I regret selling.

 

[Bob Michaels]

...... Who is still using their Ikon?

Why not? They still work exactly like the first one I bought when they were introduced. Just what I needed then and nothing has changed.

 

[judsonzhao]

Green Line & Clarke Park.....nice images....

bingo! Moved away from Philly, missing it

 

[kossi008]

I am!

I am!

Have had mine since 2010 now and am still using it regularly. An R4A has snuck alongside it and is always stealing the 21/4.5, 25/2.8, and 28/3.5 off it, but apart from that... it's just so great!

 

[hellomikmik]

Sold it, paid one-month rent.

 

[Art Vandalay]

I do and love it. Pair it with the Planar 50, C-Biogon 35 or a Canon 50 1.4. Never lets me down.

 

[android]

Bought the ZI when they were first released, loved it, but found myself using it less and less. A couple of years later I sold it. Went through a ton of cameras over the next few years (inc. an M6) before desperately searching for another ZI some time after Zeiss stopped producing them.

Luckily came across what seemed like one of the last on BH Photo. I have a few cameras in the dry cabinet but usually it's the ZI that comes out at the weekend. The viewfinder is stunning, the camera is light. Love it. This weekend it's loaded with a roll of Lomo purple and the lens is a Canon 50 1.4 ��

Edit: Sorry for the massive image! Will resize.