Is there a consensus here on the alt forum board regarding the overall performance and design of the Zeiss Ikon (not the SW wide angle version, the standard version.) I haven't read or seen any recent threads on the camera and was wondering how the members here rated the camera
It it truly a budget gap filler between the Bessa R** models and a late model Leica M as I've read?
If someone has a link to reviews other than Shutterbug's review I would be interested to read them.
I don't own one so I cannot comment on personnal experience but those who own a ZI rave about it. That being said it's hard to beat the Voigtlander's for their price. These are truly handsome cameras.
i don't/haven't owned one, but i've messed with a few and was VERY impressed. If i were to get into serious rangefinder usage, the Ikon would be my main camera. It has an amazing finder, very nice patch, and it's affordable. I've heard of people getting them out of the box and the finder being a little off- so if you buy one make sure you get it from a good seller, that is willing to help you out (replacement or swap out) if that is the case.
I have read a Bessa vs. Ikon vs. M7 review, and the general conclusions were that the Bessas were great, but the Ikon and M7 are in another class, being very close to each other, with the Ikon having as good a construction, and a nicer, bigger, brighter finder (not by much, but still), but many other small details being better on the Leica. I don't think you could go wrong with any of these three. Keep in mind that the Ikon is better for those who wear glasses, given its larger viewfinder opening.
I have an Ikon. Can't compare it to much as I've never owned a Leica, just shot one (M6TTL) for a few weekends.
The Ikon finder is huge. I wear glasses and have trouble seeing the whole 28mm frame. If I take them off it's an amazing wide-angle view, very 'involving' as they say. Unfortunately I have terrible astigmatism so getting a corrected eyepiece isn't really feasible.
The Leica is out for me pricewise (for now), but I'm awful tempted by the Ikon, but I know the Bessas are a very nice bang for the buck option, so its a tough choice. As it always is, eh?
Does it have to be the Zeiss Ikon? I just recently purchased a Nikon S2 rangefinder with 5.0cm f/1.4 lens. The prices for that combo are hovering around $1000 give or take $100 for condition and type. I have the all chrome version and it 's a well built camera and produces nice images. I did buy a Voigtlander VC II light meter which is a nice accessory, but you could use sunny 16 too I suppose--I did for one roll of film and it worked just fine.
Interesting final line "If the ZI can evolve beyond being seen as an upgraded version of the Bessa and a cheaper cousin of the Leica M, than we have a interesting new player on the stage of the CRF theatre."
Bear in mind that since the RF is based on the concept of triangulation, the rangefinder base length (distance between the two RF 'windows') and the resulting secondary effective base length (a factor of VF magnification and physical BL) has a direct effect on your ability to focus accurately with fast and/longer lenses.
The greater the physical base distance, the more accurate the focus. Effective (vs actual) base length = the actual BL * VF magnification factor. The longer the BL and the greater the VF magnification, the more accurate your focusing will be with shallow DoF is an issue.
In terms of PHYSICAL BL, IIRC the three RFs in question rank in ascending order as follows (with a big jump between the Bessas and the more closely tied ZI and Leicas):
Bessa/RD1
Leica
Ikon
Effective BL will vary by body model as the Leicas and Bessas come with varying VF magnifications
Just something to keep in mind depending on what style of shooting you do.
as far as EBL goes, the Ikon has an amazingly wonderful ability to focus faster lenses like the Noct and 75Lux. I can't remember exact numbers but it is at least as long, i think longer, than the Leica.
The Finder, also, is great. I have heard many users on RFF saying you can use the whole finder to frame/estimate a 25mm lens (which the ZM 25 is great). If i were to get another RF, it would/will be the Ikon.
I have an Ikon and I love it. I also have a Bessa R3A. The Bessa is an excellent camera and very light. The 1:1 finder is perfect for right-eyed shooters (I am not one) and even with the shorter baselength I can easily focus a 40/1.4 accurately.
The Ikon, however, is in a totally different class. The meter readout is much easier to read in bright light and the finder is superior to any Leica M. It's not as solid feeling (heavy) as an M, but I find that the weight is perfect for me. I haven't used the Bessa since I got the Ikon, so let me know if you want to buy a Bessa.
I think the M7 is way too expensive. If you don't want AE, then you might be able to find some decent deals on an M6. Personally I'd rather have the Ikon than an M6.
