Want a ZI but.....

[gilpen123]

I want to get a used ZI but the issues on strap eyelet coming off and some VF popping out or getting misaligned. Are these still issues with new units or just the older ones? Please advise as I am really looking at getting it new or used. Thanks.

 

[thomasw_]

I have only heard of the RF misalignment as quite common on the ZI, not the other two. Apparently there is a way to realign the ZI RF as a DIY. There was a thread on the procedure recently.

 

[clicker]

I have owned two Zeiss Z1 rangefinders, both of which had misalignment problems. Maybe I was unlucky or maybe there is a real issue here.

 

[gilpen123]

Yes it seems that there are many issues of VF misalignment even out of the box. When I got my R3a, I made sure I checked and the 1st body has the horizontal alignment way off. The 2nd though is perfect.

 

[noimmunity]

I've put mine through heavy use (3-400 rolls easily) in the year I've had it. No problems with the issues mentioned.

Only issue is paint loss on the frame advance lock and wear on the wimpy leatherette covering. No RF alignment probs, and I've used it in plenty of outdoor festivals.

I think the eyelet problems were with early production models, but I could be wrong. Based on the feedback, it is would be recommended to check the RF alignment before purchase. But even if that's not possible I think you can still purchase mail order with confidence. (And remember to check infinity by focusing on something several kilometers away).

Good Luck!

 

[noimmunity]

Quick! buy the one that is in the classifieds! At least you can inquire about the RF alignment and get a straight answer right away!

Or check KEH for the used body. They will do a very inexpensive overseas shipping called Fedex Postal Service. It would probably cost US$20 to where you are. And if you don't like it, you can return it!

Or Matsuiyastore, great people there, too.

Or try Tony Rose at popflash. There were some used bodies there, too.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Many people worry about RF alignment unnecessarily, and Stephen Gandy has said as much in the past.

If you're buying new by mail order just ask them to take the camera out of the box and check it for you before shipping.

And if you want to check infinity alignment yourself remember that our photographic infinity is not the same as a physicist's concept of infinity. The length of a city block or across a field is fine. I use a flagpole the other side of the square; and I understand Leica uses a target 50m away (not Alpha Centauri) for their QA.

 

[gilpen123]

Yes I believe it is worth checking by Cosina why the VF easily fall out of alignment. I saw some post that says once the VF is aligned, put a clear nail polish to keep it from misaligning. I guess this is an easy fix for the factory, they only have to recognize the problem. The ZI specs to me is very good except for these minor irritances which could have been addressed in the factory. I am really afraid to buy one without inspection except of course from users in the RF forum who can vouch for it. I guess this is the reason why there are legions of Leica users out there.

 

[gilpen123]

Well actually you can not use a camera well if it's not in it's right condition. I have and still am using my Nikon manual cameras and is very satisfied with them. I tried the R3a as my very first RF and I'm doing fine with it with exception of the difficult to see 40 framelines and washing out of the RF patch in bright light conditions, oh and the LED as well.

 

[Papercut]

I haven't owned a Bessa R3a to compare, but the LEDs in the ZI are a bit tough to see at times: namely in bright light and for people who wear glasses (me).

On the other hand, I've fallen onto concrete with my ZI taking a hard hit to the bottom left corner ... and the RF is still spot on, accurate at all ranges and at all apertures (even f1.4 on my Canon 50mm).

 

[mfogiel]

If you can buy a new ZI, AND you have a competent service in the Philippines, then it is better, but I can tell you by experience, that when it comes to alignment, there are basically two good solutions: the factory or DIY. The RF of the Ikon is so precise, that lots of people mistake the non alignment at "infinity" for a problem - in fact if you want to check it, shoot it at 1 meter and see the result - if it is ok, then there is no issue at any distance.
The Ikon is a bit more delicate than Leicas for getting out of alignment, but I feel the difference boils down to how many bumps it will take to make it happen, so Leica or Ikon, it does not matter. As a general recommendation, I would say, a Luigi case with grip makes wonders to protect the camera from the bumps, further dampen the shutter sound, make for a better handling and also by stabilizing the play of the lug rings, protecting them from wearing out. If you do not wear glasses and are happy with slow shooting (no AE) an M6 is also a valid camera, although much more cumbersome to load.

 

[uhligfd]

And what if the body gets bumped enough in mail transit to mis-align the VF?

Sending this body back might not work too well either. ...

Unless you have a repairman in your town or can do it yourself ... : Trouble!

 

[jbf]

I had my first ZI drop from a height of at least 4 feet onto concrete with a "slam" and the alignment didnt even blink. It was still dead on and working perfectly.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

If I look at some of my photos and the focus is off I make sure to be more careful next time.

I do not get the tiny screwdrivers out and fiddle, nor send the camera back to the supplier and then tell people that the rangefinder on that model is delicate.

These cameras are coming out of Japan (the place where they build Lexus cars) from a well-established camera manufacturer working to the specification of a very well-established camera company. Why would anything be incorrect?

 

[gilpen123]

Well the VC is fine but same as the ZI the LEDs are difficult to see in bright light so I just guesstimate the my shutter speed is within the range using A mode. With many years shooting manual film cameras, I can more or less guess what kind of light I'm shooting into. Here are my 1st shots with the VC and a 1.4 Nokton

 

[gilpen123]

Sorry I put in the wrong link in the 1st shot, here it is. I was inside bankok new airport used HP5 and have it scanned by the lab at low res.

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

If you do not wear glasses and are happy with slow shooting (no AE) an M6 is also a valid camera, although much more cumbersome to load.

People often talk about modern Leicas being difficult to load, but I find my M6 much easier to load than my ZI. Plunk the film in and put the bottom back on.

As for alignment, when I got my ZI it was significantly off at infinity. I sent it back to the shop and they set it straight. It's been fine since.