Zeiss Ikon M Mount

[RattyMouse]

What's a good price today for a Zeiss Ikon rangefinder (M Mount)? KEH does not have any in stock that I can find and Ebay is showing $1200 and up. I can't recall what these sold for new so I am not sure what a decent price would be.

Thanks!

 

[mnemosyne]

Have you checked Ebay SOLD listings? That gives you a good idea of the actual market price. In my part of the world, a used Zeiss Ikon in fully working condition seems to go for 800-900 EUR, according to Ebay sold listings. This is about the same what you could except to pay for a used M6 TTL in good (but probably not perfect) cosmetic condition (again, in my part of the world). YMMV, of course.

 

[wy2l]

I'd also like to know which is recommended, and why: The silver, or black model?

 

[John Koehrer]

Back in the olden days, black was the "pro" color because it was less obvious. There was also a
premium on the price because the covers were painted and prone to being scratched.

Today most all cameras are black. I guess that would make a chrome finish a novelty and gather
those who would exclaim "Oooooo, shiny"

 

[natelfo]

A few months ago, I bought a brand new black Ikon ZM for $1,350. I think they went for $1,600 when they were still being made. A mint one going for $1,100 to $1,200 is typical. I like the black mostly just because I like black cameras, but it also does not stand out as much as silver. I have been out shooting with my silver Canonet and been asked "is that a Leica?", but with my black ZM, noone says a word. I have only ever shot with three 35mm rangefinders, a Leica M6 that my friend at work let me borrow, my ZM, and my Canonet. I wouldn't trade my ZM for any Leica, ever, but I surely wouldn't mind having a Leica to go with it. I'm not saying anything bad about the Leicas, because I wouldn't have bought the ZM if I hadn't enjoyed shooting the M6 so much, it's just that I like the Zeiss more for several reasons, mainly the incredible viewfinder, the 1/2000th shutter, and the fantastic meter.