ZI Limited Edition - Any Problems

[casualuser]

I am contemplating a ZI. I have noticed several limited editions for sale and wanted to know the user's experience. I seem to recall a number of quality control issues and returns going on for the first several months. Is there a model or seriel no. range I should avoid? Thanks. (I have a Bessa R2M and a Nikon FM3A now.)

 

[yzblog]

I have a limited edition item ( Nr. 0293)
Never had a problem, but that is just one example 🙂

 

[Joerg]

No problem whatsoever with my limited ZI.

Ciao

Joerg

 

[ljsegil]

Ditto, no problems at all #651.
LJS

 

[Bnack]

I did had a problem with a part of the shutter speed dial mechanism that broke. I've sent it back under warranty and I'm patiently waiting to get it back. It was Limited Edition # 0120. That being said, don't let that discourage you. It's a fantastic camera and I'm hoping that my problem was a bit of a fluke issue.

 

[casualuser]

Anyone else. Has everyone who had problems moved on to another camera, so satisfied with the Zeiss response that they don't speak out anymore, or is just too early still for the ZI crowd to respond?

 

[lemos]

my zeiss is going strong 🙂

 

[FanMan]

Anyone else. Has everyone who had problems moved on to another camera, so satisfied with the Zeiss response that they don't speak out anymore, or is just too early still for the ZI crowd to respond?

perhaps everything is already said here ...

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51573

 

[casualuser]

perhaps everything is already said here ...

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51573

If you are correct, then that is very reassuring. I should consider stepping up.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

Mine is 005X. I bought it 'used,' and only about a month ago, but i really like it.

 

[jjovin]

I had a range finder adjustment on #0480.
Otherwise it is as good as it gets.

 

[Joe Vitessa]

I've got 0442. Great camera. No problems.

 

[Papercut]

I have the black version, but in case there are worries about the build quality I should share my experience.

I am usually quite gentle on equipment, but recently, due to a strange concatenation of circumstances, I took a spill on a sidewalk while my ZI was on a wrist strap. The camera hit the concrete quite hard and there is now a "nice" scar through the paint on the lower left edge (film rewind side). No dent at all, just went through the paint and scarred the metal chassis. But ... to my immense relief, the camera is fine -- viewfinder and focusing are all still SPOT on even at close range and wide open.

I know some people have worried about the build quality of the Zeiss because it lacks the heft of a Leica, but from my experience, weight is not entirely synonymous with toughness and quality. I give the Zeiss 5 stars for toughness. Mine simply goes with me everywhere (though not on a wrist strap anymore!).

 

[Bnack]

despite having issue with mine (mentioned above) I would still highly recommend this camera. I'm supposed to be receiving my brand new ZI tomorrow, having sent in my old one a week ago. Assuming it shows up this week, I'd say they dealt with the issue quite well. It will still be my primary camera.

 

[jjovin]

I reported earlier that, so far I only had the range finder adjusted on my Ikon and otherwise everything is fine.
I dropped it yesterday from about 0.5 meter hight on my kitchen tile floor. Luckily, it was in a Zeiss ever ready case and after an extensive examination nothing appears wrong with it.
I feel stupid to allow myself such a slip but after this experience I highly recommend the Zeiss ever ready case. It may not look as nice as a Luigi case, but man, it does it job perfectly.

 

[lemos]

Limited Edition Nr. 0842

 

[45-Otto]

I've got #0010. The rangefinder sort of stuck/clicked once when it had been sitting for about 4 months otherwise no problems in over three years.

 

[jbf]

Ok I've gotta be honest, I've had some issues.


Here they are:

Strap lugs deteriorating after four months usage.

Leatherette has started to get gummy and peel near the edge where my forefinger always touches.

Keep in mind I shoot film like its no body's business. I've probably put well over a few hundred rolls through it since i've had it.

Besides that it's going strong. No mechanical issues whatsoever.

But I am going to be sending it back to zeiss when I get back from my study abroad in france (where i'm at now). Getting the lugs and leatherette replaced under warranty.

 

[Papercut]

In about two months I've put about 35 rolls through mine, mostly in the outdoors and rather warm conditions .... and I have fairly sweaty hands. Like jbf above, I've noticed the leatherette is starting to wear already on the corners/edges and it is starting to feel just a little "tacky" (gummy). It's not awful yet, but I bet I'll be putting on some Griptac from cameraleather.com long before I hit 100 rolls -- which means probably in another 5-6 months or so.

Given how cheap recovering cameras is (and how simple the cut-out for the ZI is), I don't consider this to be a huge problem and someone with very dry hands may not have this problem at all (or not as quickly as me). Still, I thought I'd second jbf's experience with the leatherette.