Finally gave in (Or, soon-to-be Ikon owner)

JeremyR · 08-12-2006

Greetings,

I was bitten by the rangefinder bug when a friend loaned me one of his M6's for a month or so. I was hooked immediately, although as much as I enjoyed shooting with the M6, I knew that aperture priority would be a big help for my shooting style. With the M7 out of my economic reach (given that I have a fairly complete DSLR kit), I started eyeing the Bessa R3A for a while. However, I was increasingly tempted by the Ikon, primarily for its superior RF baselength (since wide open and close up is how I like to shoot!)

With the appearance of a slightly used Ikon on CameraQuest--a bit of a discount from the brand-new price and still with a one-year-warranty--my fate was sealed. It should be on its way by now and with any luck I'll have it within the week

It will still be some time before I'm able to pair it up with any truly legendary glass such as from Zeiss or Leitz; in the meantime I've collected a Canon 50mm/f1.2 (along with the elusive hood) and expect to pick up a Nokton 40mm/f1.4 sooner or later (realizing that the Ikon lacks 40mm framelines, but I really enjoy that focal length).

Anyway, I immensely enjoy shooting candid portraits, and my experience with the M6 suggests that I'll prefer the Ikon to the DSLR for that purpose. I'm really looking forward to it, and I'm thrilled to join the family of Ikon users!

Cheers,
Jeremy

rover · 08-12-2006

Welcome to the gang Jeremy. Sounds like you did your homework, I am sure you will enjoy your new camera.

Avotius · 08-12-2006

how much did you pick it up for? im looking into a newish used ikon too since the m7 is a ways out of my reach and dont want a bessa

JeremyR · 08-12-2006

In this case the asking price was $1100 (US), for which I got Mr. Gandy to throw in a Voigtlander case. The only other used example I've seen was one on eBay a couple of weeks ago that ended up going for $1000 and change. Either price is a reasonable discount from the $1300-or-so selling price new, but there aren't that many used examples around yet. (It's also rare to find used Bessa R2A/R3A's, and those have been around a while longer and presumably are more numerous.)

As a little side comment, it's a little ironic (to me, anyway) that I've bought two digital SLRs in the past, but the most expensive camera body I've ever bought was this Ikon. Guess I've got this rangefinder bug bad!

Cheers,
Jeremy

back alley · 08-12-2006

nothing against digital slr's but the zi is head and shoulders above most of the plastic wonders when it comes to handling, simplicity of clean design and the finder makes focusing a pleasure.

whitecat · 08-13-2006

You won't reget it. I have had a number of Leicas and I just love the ZI, especially for the finder. Good choice!

JeremyR · 08-13-2006

Thanks, I am looking forward to it. I'm also eager to see how my copy of the Canon 50/1.2 performs, as I haven't had a body to mount it on since I received it!

Cheers,
Jeremy

JeremyR · 08-14-2006

The Ikon arrived today, and boy does it look good. I can see why the viewfinder is so highly regarded! I'm definitely looking forward to putting the first roll through it (as well as the tenth roll, and...)

triplefinger · 08-14-2006

welcome, I love my ZI, if that canon lens(1.2) looks a little soft wide open, don't be shocked! there are many many lenses. Enjoy!

JeremyR · 08-15-2006

I don't expect a whole lot of sharpness at f/1.2 but we'll see

If it performs well at f/1.4 I'll be happy (and "well" is relative--it's not after all a $3000 Summilux!) I expect to pick up a Nokton 40/1.4 sooner or later, and--if I'm not satisfied with the Canon--a Nokton 50/1.5 or maybe even the Sonnar 50/1.5 will be within reach.

Of course I also have an M6-shooting buddy from whom I may be able to borrow some Letiz glass from time to time.

Cheers,
Jeremy

gelmir · 08-16-2006

Happy shooting, Jeremy.
I've got an Ikon too, and can't tell how much i love it.
The viewfinder is sooooo great

anselwannab · 08-16-2006

Ah, the old "Why don't you borrow my M6 and try it out?" trick. It works on dDLR'ers every time. WhhhoooHaaaHaaaHaaa.

Got a film scanner, or are you going to go chemical?

Don't worry, you'll end up with an R3A and an M7 anyway!

Mark

JeremyR · 08-17-2006

Yeah, I fell for the old "Why don't you borrow my M6 and try it out?" trick

Anyway, I do already have a film scanner (an older Canon FS2720U), which I may trade up for something a little better. But that doesn't mean I won't at some point descend further into the craziness and set up a darkroom in my basement.

As for the M7, I guess it's possible one day, but I think I'd have to have more money than I knew what to do with!

Cheers,
Jeremy

triplefinger · 08-17-2006

Welcome to the ZI crowd... don't pine for the m7, just go pick one up after you've had your ZI for a while. the weight, the film loading and the lesser viewfinder might confirm your (ZI) desicion.

I was dying for an MP, bought one, and sold it. weight was the major consideration.

enjoy!