zeiss ikon sw

[milch]

hi, im looking for an ikon sw and need suggestions.

i now use a 50's biogon 4,5/21 mounted on a leica m2.
the adapter(contax rf->m39 and then m39->M) i use is no rangefinder coupling, but very happy with it.

im not sure that i should find an ikon sw or not.
if i do, what is a reasonable price for an ikon sw, either new or used?
black or chrome? is it black paint the same as leica black paint?
and will the 50's biogon 4,5/21 metering on the sw? not sure if its rear element is too deep?

i also interest in current biogon 4,5/21 zm too.
is it the same optic design as the 50's one?

thanks, J.

 

[back alley]

i use the zm 21/4.5 on a r4a, pretty much as a set kit.
for the $$ i think the r4a is a better deal.
i saw a used sw on the popflash site last week, can't recall the price though.

joe

 

[mfogiel]

milch,
Unless you are a collector, sell your Biogon, and get the Bessa R4A+ the Biogon 21/4.5 ZM, as suggested by back alley - this is the most advanced, versatile and cost effective combination. A cheap alternative, would be to keep your lens and buy a Bessa L (screwmount) - this way you would avoid a second adapter, and an external VF. These Bessas sell used for around 100 USD. I'd get the Ikon SW only if you will be an intensive user of lenses shorter than 21mm - I have a black one and it is quite pretty, though a bit more "glossy" than a black M7 for example.

 

[milch]

thanks for the suggestions. i now discover the r4a.

thomas, i have other lenses, 3,4/21 sa and 2/35 asph, and not a hardcore 21mm guy. :]
in fact, im finding a lighter body, the sw is a choice.

 

[BillBingham2]

J,

The suggestion of a Bessa L is my first choice for a finderless body. Very light weight and can be found for around $100 USD. Well worth it. An L and a CV 25/4 were my carry everywhere kit for many years. You will not find better for weight and at that price you can get two and not even touch the SW price point (I think you might be able to get five). It has a built in meter which is handy.

While it's not light weight you might look in to an old Leica MDa. Here is a link to one that sold a few days ago on EvilBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=330271167600

While it will not be as light, she will handle the exact same as your M2. I would bet that you can get a CLA from Ye at a very reasonable price.

B2 (;->

 

[ZeissFan]

The only downside of the Bessa-L is that it can only use LTM lenses. You can't use M mount lenses on the Bessa-L.

 

[Tom A]

The old 21f4.5 protrudes sufficiently to block the meter on the SW. A better choice would be the Bessa-L as mentioned or even a Bessa T which has the M bayonet mount on it.
Ideally the R4M or A is the best choice, but again, the the deep rear lens does fool the meter. With the R4M it is no problem as you simply go "manual" until you decide on the new ZM 21f4.5 Biogon!
I tried the 21f1.4 on my R4M and though not as big as I expected it to be, it still blocks about a quarter of the finder! However, it is a 1.4!!!!! It is also VERY pricey at about $5000. I still have to admit that I lust for it though.

 

[FrankS]

How about an MD/MDa/MD2 as the body for a wida angle?

 

[Roger Hicks]

The old 21f4.5 protrudes sufficiently to block the meter on the SW. A better choice would be the Bessa-L as mentioned or even a Bessa T which has the M bayonet mount on it.
Ideally the R4M or A is the best choice, but again, the the deep rear lens does fool the meter. With the R4M it is no problem as you simply go "manual" until you decide on the new ZM 21f4.5 Biogon!
I tried the 21f1.4 on my R4M and though not as big as I expected it to be, it still blocks about a quarter of the finder! However, it is a 1.4!!!!! It is also VERY pricey at about $5000. I still have to admit that I lust for it though.

Dear Tom,

I thought it was 5000 euros? Or $7000?

It didn't seem to me to cut off much more than a 21/2.8 Elmarit-M on a Leica, but that's from memory: my Elmarit-M was stolen in Moscow some 15 years ago.

Cheers,

R.

 

[milch]

thanks all. i now change my mind. im looking for a zm 4,5/21.

hi Tom, is your adapter (biogon 4,5/21 to m mount) rangefinder coupling?
mine is not, cant find a rf coupling one.

 

[Tom A]

Milch, my adapter is a copy of the Orion adapter from the early 50's and does couple to the rangefinder.
Roger,I found that the 21f1,4 does block a bit more than the 28f2.8 - it is longer, but with a smaller hood, but the lengths of it prorudes consideably into the finder. Not enough to dissuade me from lusting after one though. I think the Euro price is including VAT and crap like that. I was quoted "around $5000" in the Africa Room at Leica Photokina. I have no idea why i want one, but it is causing heavy drool and thoughts of , most likely unprintable negatives, shot a f1.4.
It was also a pleasure to meet face to face with you and Frances at Fruh in Cologne. Hope we can repeat this at some later date.
Tom