Buying Ikon new or used

swmlon · 04-08-2012

I've finally come to the decision that I will buy a rangefinder camera again after having sold my Leica M6 many years ago. I've set my sights on the Ikon, but now I am wondering whether I should buy the camera new or used. Assuming I can get a used on in as new or mint condition, the only thing the new one would have is the 1-year warranty, whereas the used I can save up to £300.

So the question is should I buy it new now, or wait until I can get one used either through here or by other means.

Opinions?

thegman · 04-08-2012

I'd say with used, you can save more than £300, quite a lot more in fact. However, if you want truly new/mint condition, I'd say buy new. I bought mine for about half the new price, but it had a small scratch. Did not bother me in the slightest, but if that sort of thing bothers you, then the used market may not be right for you.

swmlon · 04-08-2012

I'm not worried about cosmetic issues, as long as all the necessary parts are in order. The big issue is trying to find one used in the UK.

thegman · 04-08-2012

Try The Classic Camera, eBay, Aperture Photo, maybe Robert White. Or just order from overseas, I do it all the time, most of my cameras have probably come from Japan, China, or Taiwan, never been a problem. I seem to not get asked for import duty from these countries, even if the value is marked on the parcel. When I order from the states, I always seem to get stung.

The strong pound is to our advantage when buying from overseas, especially the USA.

shambla · 04-09-2012

I picked up a near mint used Ikon about 2 years ago and from my personal experience at least I wouldn't worry too much about reliability - I've used mine quite heavily and had no real problems with it. Also remember that if you get one used from the UK shops mentioned above by thegman (obviously excluding ebay) you will get a 6 month warranty.

Ffords currently have a mint used Ikon with box etc for £929 and would again give you 6 months warranty. No personal connection with the shop, but I have always found them good to deal with in the past.

EdwardKaraa · 04-09-2012

I have 2 and bought them both new. I could have got them used, but my dealer gave me an offer I couldn't refuse.

steveyork · 04-09-2012

What's the warranty on a new ZM? Buy new or from a store that gives at least a 6 month warranty, because of the electronics.

jonmanjiro · 04-09-2012

I've bought, used, and sold six or so used Zeiss Ikons, and only had a minor RF misalignment with an early serial number (1552xxxx) one. All the rest worked perfectly during the time I owned them. The RF mechanism was supposedly slightly improved during the course of production, so I'd rather go for a later serial number (1559xxx, 1560xxx, 1561xxx etc) camera if I could find one.

Rhoyle · 04-09-2012

Beware that lenses are in short supply at the moment.

TobiasL · 04-09-2012

I bought mine about a year ago, it was like new and for nice price too. I would highly recommend buying used and most photographers seem to take good care of their equipment, in my experience any way.

I only buy used now unless I can't find them like it was with ZM 50/2 and ZM 35/2.8 that I bought from Robert White in UK, they had them both in stock too.

thegman · 04-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveyork

What's the warranty on a new ZM? Buy new or from a store that gives at least a 6 month warranty, because of the electronics.

I can see some places say 3 year warranty, and some say 1 year. My Bessa had a 3 year warranty, so I'd be surprised if the Ikon had less than that.

I'd be pretty sure it was 3 year, but I'm sure a dealer can confirm.

shambla · 04-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegman

I can see some places say 3 year warranty, and some say 1 year. My Bessa had a 3 year warranty, so I'd be surprised if the Ikon had less than that.

I'd be pretty sure it was 3 year, but I'm sure a dealer can confirm.

As far as I know the warranty on the Ikon bodies is 1 year and on the ZM lenses is 3 years, but I might be wrong on this. I think that the ZM lens warranty used to be 2 years, so maybe they have also extended that on the body too.

sojournerphoto · 04-09-2012

I have two Ikons I bought used in the UK. One, Limited edition, cost £1,000 including my zm c-sonnar 50 and the other was £750 I think. Both were as new in appearance and function, but one needed a strap (Voigtlander 'luxury' cloth is great) and function perfectly.

I dropped the le once and knocked the rf out of alignment and the same camera's on-off switch locked off after a series of beach sessions. Otherwise perfect.

The camera is a delight to use.

Mike

swmlon · 04-10-2012

Thank you all for your comments, I have decided to opt for a used Ikon (found on ffordes). Now I need to decide between the 35 Biogon or 35 Nokton, any thoughts?

sojournerphoto · 04-10-2012

Just get the 2/35 Biogon and be happy

Mike

thegman · 04-10-2012

The 35mm Biogon is supposed to be very good, either the f/2 or f/2.8 version. I've used the 35mm Nokton f/1.4, and if you want the speed, then it's very good value. If you can afford the Biogon, and don't need a fast lens, then I'd be all over the Biogon. Wherever I've used Zeiss lenses, I've liked them.

swmlon · 04-10-2012

I'm leaning to the 2/Biogon as well and just get shooting

steveyork · 04-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by swmlon

I'm leaning to the 2/Biogon as well and just get shooting

Yes, that. F/2 on a rangefinder is very useable indoors.

neopan · 04-13-2012

On the used market, do the black and silver (non limited) Ikon bodies sell for about the same price in similar conditions?

bobyl573 · 04-15-2012

I bought mine used from Adorama a couple of weeks ago in E+ condition. Aside from the tape on the package being opened, I can not for the life of me figure out how it was used. looked like a brand new camera with the new camera smell, not a scratch or knick. Price was very good as well.

My point being you can probably find a used one in a very good condition and may be worth over purchasing a brand new one. make sure the seller is reputable and maybe even a good return policy in case the condition was not what you expect.

wakarimasen · 04-30-2012

Funny, I can't find used ZM cameras or lenses anywhere here in the UK. Does this mean that they are very good or just scarce?
Best regards
RoyM

caasols · 04-30-2012

Steve from FFordes sometimes has used ZM's.. he was about to sell mine, but I sold it to a fellow photographer in Australia. I sold mine (limited edition 0117/1200) in mint condition with still 2 years warranty for 710£, with shipping and payment fees.

The best place to get the ZM (starter kit) in Europe was Fotologisch (http://www.fotologisch.com/) in Germany. They used to sell tem for 1400€, body plus 50mm f1.5 lens, but since Zeiss stoped producing the silver ones, they stoped dealing these kits. Why don't you mail them? Maybe they can hook you up.

In my opinion, the used market for these cameras has been going up, today I saw a used black ZM today going for 950€ on ebay. I think if you're a bit patient and look around, you can get a good deal for 850€ in Europe, just search the forums.

If you want a new one, FotoMundus in Germany sells the Chrome for 1099€.

bensyverson · 04-30-2012

I really wanted to buy one new... I know it sounds silly, but I believe in "voting with your dollars." I thought a new Ikon sale would be more more vote of support for the future of film.

But then I saw a demo unit NIB from a reputable dealer, and couldn't resist the $600 discount. I still feel conflicted about it. But I'd rather give Kodak $600 at this point.