which camera for the zeiss 35mm 2.8 zm ?

[David Hughes]

Hi,

You say you tried the ZM on a M6 but were you just playing and dry firing?

I'm asking because I think the answer is an expensive M series body, never mind which one. But very much more to the point have you put a roll of film in it and then paid for 36 decent sized prints? The minimum is 5 x 7½" but at that small size I think it pointless to buy top of the range lenses.

So we are now talking 8" x 12" to utilise the lens at a low level and that is not a budget choice. Look at prices, do some sums and you might just be better off with digital. You already have a system and, I guess, a printer and that isn't a budget choice either if you want to get the best from a modern mirror-less system...

Apologies for this being a bit of a downer but you ought to be warned and I haven't even mentioned the slippery slope you get on once you've a Leica; It's a bottomless money pit, so be warned.


Regards, David

 

[Deleted member 65559]

David, the OP stated recently he's decided on an M2

 

[Huss]

Yeah I wish I bought a ZM Ikon when they were $700!

 

[gzisis69]

i would pleasantly use a fixed focal length rangefinder till i have the money for the lens and the m2 but is there any with a 35mm lens ?

 

[Huss]

i would pleasantly use a fixed focal length rangefinder till i have the money for the lens and the m2 but is there any with a 35mm lens ?

Konica C35
edit: 38mm lens....

 

[Ko.Fe.]

thanx for all your answers. i decided to go with a leica m2. i live in europe, from where would you suggest me to buy a repaired one ?

Why are you looking for repaired? Many film M, including M2 only needs servicing. If any.

i would pleasantly use a fixed focal length rangefinder till i have the money for the lens and the m2 but is there any with a 35mm lens ?

Olympus XA, if you could find working one and willing to accept its limited life span due to aged electronics.

 

[David Hughes]

Konica C35
edit: 38mm lens....

Nice lens on it even though it is a fraction too long. It also has a fascinating VF display; like a few others, it suggests Cosina or else they all bought the meter and display in...

The Olympus XA is the only rangefinder I know with a 35mm f/2.8 lens fixed to it.

It's an excellent but small rangefinder; expensive for what it is but there are a few specialists about who can repair them and they last and last being mostly made of metal and glass.

Regards, David


PS And I forgot to mentioning my previous post that a meter will be needed with some of the cameras mentioned. Metering is one of the black arts.


PPS Deardorff38 He's decided but not bought, as I see it.

 

[pirx70]

Why are you looking for repaired? Many film M, including M2 only needs servicing. If any.

Olympus XA, if you could find working one and willing to accept its limited life span due to aged electronics.

It's also a question of good luck or lack thereof. I bought my Zeiss Ikon new in 2009. In May 2019, my beloved camera won't turn on. Electronics dead, Zeiss repair set me back 320 euro. I bought my XA in 2012, it cost me 50 euro with A16 flash and the original box, and it keeps working without a problem. The lens is noticeably weaker, but I've got quite a few nice prints from it simply on account it's a camera you can have it in your pocket always and everywhere.

 

[dourbalistar]

i would pleasantly use a fixed focal length rangefinder till i have the money for the lens and the m2 but is there any with a 35mm lens ?

Yashica Electro 35 CC and 35 CCN.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

... i tried the leica m6 and the zeiss 35mm 2.8 ... im looking for the cheapest camera to attach the lens. ... i'm on a budget. which camera would you suggest ?

The ONLY answer is the CL - no more than around $400.

They can still be CLA'd for a reasonable price (DAG), and the effective RF base-length is roughly that of a CV Bessa. No 35mm framelines, but the 40mm framelines are close - and there is plenty of room around the edge.

 

[f.hayek]

The ONLY answer is the CL - no more than around $400.

They can still be CLA'd for a reasonable price (DAG), and the effective RF base-length is roughly that of a CV Bessa. No 35mm framelines, but the 40mm framelines are close - and there is plenty of room around the edge.

That might very well be the best option out there. I'd forgotten about the CL