Zeiss Ikon ZM Serial Numbers

[Colin G.]

Hi everyone.

I'm seriously considering buying a Zeiss Ikon. I would just like to know what are the current serial numbers for a new Zeiss Ikon body. I'm interested in this since I read a post on here about something being improved in the newer model viewfinders. If anyone has purchased one recently, or has any information about what are the latest Ikon serial numbers, please let me know.

I've tried to search this on the net, but I haven't been able to find any info.

Thanks, and hope you make this new year a great one.

 

[troym]

Is it clear that Zeiss is using consecutive serial numbers for the Ikon? You might try sending a question to Zeiss.

 

[Colin G.]

Good point. I sent Zeiss an email, so I guess I'll just have to wait to see what they write.

 

[jonmanjiro]

The Zeiss Ikon serial numbers are in batches that are separated by lens serial number batches.

The s/n's of bodies I've owned/still own are:

155272** (silver)
155293** (black)

155907** (black)
155920** (silver)
155930** (black)

156123** (black) (purchased new in March 2009)
156124** (black)

And as you can see from the s/n's of following lenses I've owned/still own, they are interspersed between the s/n's of the Zeiss Ikon bodies.

155332** Planar 50/2 (silver)
155340** Planar 50/2 (black)

155359** Biogon 35/2 (silver)
155364** Biogon 35/2 (black)

155408** Biogon 28/2.8 (black)
155409** Biogon 28/2.8 (black)
155412** Biogon 28/2.8 (black)

155457** Biogon 25/2.8 (silver)
155465** Biogon 25/2.8 (black)

156008** Sonnar 50/1.5 (black)
156015** Sonnar 50/1.5 (black)

156874** Biogon 21/4.5 (black)

I have no idea when Zeiss made the change, but suspect that any body with a serial number of 15590*** or later will have the improved finder. In use, I did not see any difference between the earlier s/n bodies and the later s/n bodies.

 

[gilpen123]

I sent an email to Stephen a few months back and apparently the improvement is more secure RF alignment. The early ones can easily be misaligned even straight out of the box .

 

[thomasw_]

I have owned a black ZI for a few weeks with SN.1561xxxx. A robust camera so far; I can't complain about anything except my strange preference for the leica mp film loading / unloading 😉 The vf is just the best for low light bar none.

 

[Doug]

Just to add to the record, here are serial number I've owned... (note a few Pentax K-mount lenses included) They do seem to join Jonmanjiro's neat sequence in fairly good order.

155298** Zeiss Ikon (black)
155330** Planar 50mm f/2.0 ZM
155373** Biogon 35mm f/2.0 ZM
155454** Biogon 25mm f/2.8 ZM
155748** Planar 85mm f/1.4 ZK
156008** Sonnar 50mm f/1.5 ZM
156058** Biogon 21mm f/4.5 ZM
156370** Planar 50mm f/1.4 ZK
156402** Distagon 18mm f/4.0 ZM (Silver)
156551** Distagon 28mm f/2 ZK

 

[Colin G.]

Thanks so much for the info. There were 2 bodies at the shop with serial #s 1557xxxx, and 1556xxxx. I'll give him a call to order one with something around 156xxxxx. I would just like to get a body now, but why not wait a bit and get one with an improved rangefinder, right? I've got other cams to hold me over until I can bask in the gloriousness of the ZI.

Also, I read quite a bit about the patch, LED display being difficult to see/disappearing in bright light. Has anyone tried to remedy the problem by adhering a window tint or something to the viewfinder? Or, am I just talking nonsense as this isn't a big deal?

Thanks again.

 

[Frankie]

Thanks so much for the info. There were 2 bodies at the shop with serial #s 1557xxxx, and 1556xxxx. I'll give him a call to order one with something around 156xxxxx. I would just like to get a body now, but why not wait a bit and get one with an improved rangefinder, right? I've got other cams to hold me over until I can bask in the gloriousness of the ZI.

Also, I read quite a bit about the patch, LED display being difficult to see/disappearing in bright light. Has anyone tried to remedy the problem by adhering a window tint or something to the viewfinder? Or, am I just talking nonsense as this isn't a big deal?

Thanks again.

I own a ZM with serial number 15610*** purchase new from Matuiya in summer of 2008. According to Jonmanjiro, it is the improved RF version...although I don't know how so. I have no problem with alignment and indeed the RF is the best in the business.

Be aware the Zeiss RF has more reach than a Leica M. A few blocks away is not yet infinity...more like across the bay in where I live.

Also, as should be in fine optics, your eye should be centered in the eyepiece...or the RF patch may not appear. The extra-good eye relief in the superb Zeiss RF encourages sloppiness.

Also be aware that many lenses physically rotate and thus focus beyond the infinity marking...and the ZM will correctly respond, taking the blame. In any case, no lens under 135mm even at maximum aperture will have hyper-focal distance beyond 215m. It is all sharp beyond...so don't sweat it. Learn DoF.

I have posted a procedure in checking close focusing and is easy to do...even in a camera shop. http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1203296&postcount=22

As to LED displays disappearing under bright sun light, it happens to all such camera types. It is sunny 16 anyway, so shoot away and don't worry about it. Such lighting condition does not change fast.

Don't self-inflict the "must center the needle" neurosis that many never got over. Film has latitude, development and printing can be munipulated...

 

[jonmanjiro]

I own a ZM with serial number 15610*** purchase new from Matuiya in summer of 2008. According to Jonmanjiro, it is the improved RF version.

It's only an educated guess on my part based on the description for a Zeiss Ikon body (s/n 15590xxx) listed on Ebay by Pop Flash that described the rangefinder as being "improved". The auction was listed several months ago. I don't remember exactly when.

I've never seen Zeiss Ikon bodies in the 1553xxx to 1558xxxx range, so assumed the serial numbers jumped from 1552xxxx directly to 1559xxx.

 

[lemos]

1552xxxx silver ikon zm (limited edition for what it's worth)

1553xxxx planar 2/50

 

[Bob Michaels]

FWIW:

I have body 15526600 which is silver
I have body 15593881 which is black
I have 2/35 lens which is 15536312 which is black
I have 2/50 Planar lens which is 15531698 which is silver

Is there some reason we are supposed to not be disclosing the complete serial number? I hope this is not some identify theft thing where all the money from my bank account will disappear overnight because I told you the serial numbers of some photo equipment.

 

[Colin G.]

Okay, so, the serial numbers I quoted above are incorrect. I guess there was some miscommunication with the shop owner and myself (I'm an English speaker living in South Korea). The numbers are 15610495 and 15611173. Sorry about that.

Also, I got an email back from Zeiss. There was no mention of serial numbers or whether or not they're consecutive. However, there was this about the rangefinder, "All of our ZI cameras were checked individually, especially regarding the rangefinder calibration. Because of a small number complaints regarding this issue, we concentrated the controls. The camera and it's rangefinder had never been changed."

I guess that means they've increased their quality control.

Lastly, I picked up a brand new silver ZI, serial number 15611173, and a LNIB silver Planar last night. Put a test roll through it this morning (shot it in about 30 minutes) and already got the prints back. Wow! That Planar is sharp! I love the light weight, ease of handling, and magnificent viewfinder. However, I have noticed that the superimposed image doesn't align perfectly with the actual image at infinity (at a distance of about 2km). The pictures are sharp enough though. I'll have to do some more testing, hopefully there's a moon tonight. Anyways, glad to be part of the ZI owners club.

 

[Jim Evidon]

I just got a response from Zeiss concerning the serial numbering and rangefinder problems:
Dear Mr. ------,

Thanks for your request.
Due to improper handling during transport, a few ZI cameras reached the customer with a misaligned rangefinder.
To minimize this risk, we extended the quality control before shipping the camera.
The rangefinder of the camera has never been changed.
Because we cannot influence what happens to the cameras after they left our house, we will never be able to make 100% sure that the rangefinder is aligned accurately.
It is also not possible to tell by the camera´s serial number of a used model about its condition regarding rangefinder adjustment.

If you have a ZI camera with a misaligned rangefinder, you can always return it to our distribution partner in your region to get it serviced.

The ZI Limited Edition is equipped with the special engraving on its top cover plate (with a additional number), and the camera comes with a leather bag in its original packaging.


Best Regards

Bertram Hönlinger

 

[TWoK]

I have two black ZIs:
15590932
15613640

 

[keepright]

Sorry for kicking up an old thread, but I thought I should add my recent acquisitions. These were a special order and came directly from Zeiss's US distribution centre.

1559458* - Black Ikon body;
1560008* - Black 1,5/50 C-Sonnar