Zeiss Ikon size/weight

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dogless

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I’m considering the purchase of a black Zeiss ikon ZM rangefinder. I’ve never handled or fondled one though. My leica MP weighs a ton and I’m looking to replace it with the light weight Zeiss. My preference in the M series is with the smaller M2, M6 classic and MP models. The M6 TTL feels much larger to me when compared to the M6 classic. For those who have handled the MP or M6 classic and the new Zeiss Ikon, how does it feel with respect to its size and weight in comparison to the M cameras mentioned? I know the weight of the Zeiss is up to 200 grams lighter then the MP, but does it ‘feel’ physically larger or smaller or about the same?
 
It feels lighter than my M2 but it's still a hefty feel. Doesn't feel flimsy.
 
Lighter than the MP, well balanced with lens attached. The MP is colder to the touch than the ZI. I don't think there is a significant difference in size that I can feel. ZI has a great viewfinder though you need to center your eye more carefully to see the patch than the MP. I find that I like to take the ZI more than the MP. In all practicality, I don't think buying a ZI to replace the MP is unreasonable.
 
Like Dogless, I'm considering a ZI, or an additional M6 to add to a classic I own. There is nice solid feel to the M6, but eye relief and AE are a ZI temptation. I am just afraid that it will not feel as 'permanent' as an M6, which I'm certain will outlive many of us.
 
Thanks for the replies. I’ll be buying the ZI site unseen, so the feedback is important. I don’t equate weight with build quality. If leica would produce an MP that weighs 500 grams I’d be buying a new Leica, not a Zeiss. The added features are a plus with the Zeiss, but shedding un-necessary weight and size and retaining the m mount rangefinder design, is my main motivation. I’ve looked at the Voigtlander bessa models but feel that these cameras are a step or two behind the Zeiss designed ZI.
 
Hope you're buying it soon, Dogless. And maybe you'll post your impressions promptly, re: the above issues. I may follow quickly...
BTW, will it be black or chrome ?
Subhash
 
dogless said:
Thanks for the replies. I’ll be buying the ZI site unseen, so the feedback is important. I don’t equate weight with build quality. If leica would produce an MP that weighs 500 grams I’d be buying a new Leica, not a Zeiss. The added features are a plus with the Zeiss, but shedding un-necessary weight and size and retaining the m mount rangefinder design, is my main motivation. I’ve looked at the Voigtlander bessa models but feel that these cameras are a step or two behind the Zeiss designed ZI.
Click to expand...

I got a chrome one and will be selling my .58 MP. Will it last as long as a Leica?
Well, I'm 54 and I'm sure it will last as long as I do and that is all that matters.
The MP 'feels' different, maybe a bit smaller, but the ZI is just fine and the 1/2000 and AE is most welcome. Both are fine cameras. No, the ZI is not as well made as a Leica but I don't care. It is a nicer camera than the Bessa line. You get what you pay for.
 
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Without a lens, the body is light and nimble. Put a lens on it, and the "weight" difference effectively disappears. The weight difference between the M2 and ZI with the 35ZM biogon attached is only relevant if you look for it. I would highly recommend you put yourself in a position to handle the camera before purchase, if at all possible. I really like the camera, but I can see where others might not.

Jano
 
O.K. Jano. Where in SoCal can I check one out? Do you have an address for a couple of distributors in the area? The MP is much heavier then the M2 or M6 classic. Depending on the source the weight of the MP varies, Ive seen 710 grams listed. If the ZI is 500 grams, that's close to a half a pound difference. My favorite lens, 35mm summicron IV on the ZI would be a very light weight combo. As a reference, my carry everywhere camera is a contax T3. I like small and light!!
 
Don't get me wrong here, I really like the ZI, it's features are great but I do find it lightweight. It doesn't have the constitution of an M series leica (weightwise) but this just might be because I am use to a leica for so long now. The viewfinder however is magnificent, wish leica would have that, the specs compared to an M7 ot nice as well, as for the long-livety ... I don't think it will last as long as an M2, 3 or 4. Please not that the M7 isn't quite ol' leica engineeering either and for the price you pay I would definately go for the ZI. I have the 50mm ZI lens and it is truly a great lens.... can compete with a summicron anyday
 
the weight difference is mostly due to a change in the metals used , magnesium instead of brass.
i doubt that would be the deciding factor in longevity.

joe
 
Where in so cal are you?

I'd like to get a 35 summicron IV, but I think I need a longer lens first, like a 50 or more.

Jano
 
I would probably buy from popflash or cameraquest. Do they have items to fondle? Do they even have a walk-in store? I'm in San Diego. Thanks
 
In san diego.. hmm. I think cameraquest has a store, I think, give them a call. But they're up past the valley into the thousand-oaks area, same as popflash. If you were in OC, I'd offer to meet up for lunch or something and I could bring along mine.
 
Popflash has a store, from what I understand. Not sure that CameraQuest does. I email Stephen Gandy asking about it and I never received a reply. Like Jano said, both stores are a good drive for you. If you plan on making a day out of going up there, I'd be ready to possibly buy if you're that impressed with the ZI.

Freestyle Photo in LA has one in their showroom that you can check out. The drive to LA is a little closer, but the last time I was in there, it wasn't a demo, so there were no batteries in it, which meant you couldn't wind it up and dry fire it. For me, however, just looking through the finder and holding it was enough to get me hooked. Freestyle does also have one or two of the ZM lenses on display that you can look at as well. They are not a gray market distributor like Popflash or Cameraquest, though, and their prices are significantly higher.
 
Kyle (user of cameras twice his age) thanks for the info. I need to fondle before I buy (i'm talking bout camera gear). I won't buy until I sell my MP first. Then I'll take the trip north to fondle and probably buy. If I am totally un-impressed with the ZI, I'd buy back in to leica by purchasing an M6 classic and pocket the cash.
 
ZI vs. m4-p

ZI vs. m4-p

Hi, I just got an IKON today, it's a hair taller than my m4-p. it feels good in hand, but i also have a bessa r3a which has this bump on the back that I like and wish the zeiss had... BUT. I think the m4-p is the same size as the classic m6. the ZI is a little lighter and thinner front to back. so far so good.

good luck!

Mike


dogless said:
I’m considering the purchase of a black Zeiss ikon ZM rangefinder. I’ve never handled or fondled one though. My leica MP weighs a ton and I’m looking to replace it with the light weight Zeiss. My preference in the M series is with the smaller M2, M6 classic and MP models. The M6 TTL feels much larger to me when compared to the M6 classic. For those who have handled the MP or M6 classic and the new Zeiss Ikon, how does it feel with respect to its size and weight in comparison to the M cameras mentioned? I know the weight of the Zeiss is up to 200 grams lighter then the MP, but does it ‘feel’ physically larger or smaller or about the same?
Click to expand...
 
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