Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/12/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]It is true that the Zeiss Ikon is similar to the M7, but I think it is closer to the now defunct Hexar RF. I have been using a black ZI for a while and I like a lot of the features on the camera. It has what most likely is the best finder ever on a rangefinder camera. The eye-relief is nothing short of sensational, even with glasses I can easily see the 28 frame and in a pinch, you can use the 25mm lens and use the outside frame lines of the 28 as a guide. The camera is very smooth with a film advance that is soft, so soft that it took me a couple of rolls to realize that the film actually was moving through the camera! The AE-lock will hold the reading for 20 seconds or until you press the button again. Exposure system seems right on the button (based on approx. 15 rolls so far). It is a lighter camera than the M's but it is not a flimsy camera, it feels solid and comfortable. I have run a variety of lenses through the camera, both Zeiss Ikon lenses and Leica/Voigtlander lenses. There have not been any instances of problems with back-focus, even with 90 Apo-AA wide open and close focus. The frame-lines key in properly with Leica lenses and there is a nice legend for each frame set-up that tells you what it is. The negative aspects are generally small things; the bottom rewind is not something that I like, did not like it on the M5 and I still don?t like it on the ZI. The lock for the back is a bit flimsy in my opinion. I haven't opened it by mistake yet, but it could happen. The shutter speed indicator is situated on the left hand side of the finder and can be difficult to see, particularly in bright light. The M7 has a better long exposure system, that 32 second count down is a thing of beauty whilst the ZI runs out of steam at 1 second. One major flaw is that it lacks a 75 mm frame, the 85 frame can be used in a pinch, but the problem is that the Leica 75's have their frames engaged together with the 50 frame, so on the ZI you are stuck with the 50 frame and no manual switch to get the proper frame (like the R2A/R3A). Of course, you can tape the preview lever to the 28/85 position but that looks a bit tacky! It is a viable alternative to a M7 at about 1/2 the cost and the finder does make it a very attractive proposition. Of course, you can buy several R2A/R3A's for that kind of money and if you are an occasional AE user, that?s the way I would go, particularly if you are a fan of the 75/1,4 or 75/2 (which admittedly I am). Season's Bests to everybody Tom A ---------- Tom Abrahamsson Vancouver, BC Canada _www.rapidwinder.com_ (http://www.rapidwinder.com)