Zeiss Ikon ZM build question

cotdt · Apr 29, 2008

dxphoto said:
Here is the source
"The aluminum alloy chassis used in the FM10 can be traced back more than twenty-five years to the Cosina CT-1. Cosina has a long history of producing equipment to specification for other camera companies. Other famous name SLR cameras that were built around the CT-1 chassis include the Canon T60, Nikon FE10, Olympus OM2000, Ricoh KR-5 and Yashica FX-3. They differ primarily in their outer cosmetic plastic body panels, lens mounts and nameplates. This chassis is also used, in heavily reworked form, as the basis for the recent Rollei 35RF, Zeiss Ikon and Cosina's own Voigtländer branded Bessa R series of 35 mm film rangefinder (RF) cameras as well as the unique Epson R-D1 digital rangefinder camera in magnesium alloy."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_FM10

Not sure if it is accurate, since wiki is prone to inaccuracies because anyone can write on it.

ah so i guess you are right. i thought the FM10 was rather flimsy when i handled it but the zeiss ikon is reported to feel solid and smooth in operation.

elekm · Apr 29, 2008

A close examination of a Bessa-R2 and the Zeiss Ikon would lead me to believe that they share the same sub-chassis. There also is some sharing of other parts: exposure-lock button (their actual operation differs), some caps and some knobs and probably the lens mount.

The Zeiss Ikon's body is indeed very rigid.

I haven't handled a Bessa lately, but the use of more metal should give those models more stiffness. There was flex in earlier bodies especially with the plastic back.

Donald Boyd · Apr 30, 2008

The R2's back has some flex.

zenrhino · Jun 1, 2008

I got to handle a Zeiss Ikon last week at B&H. A beautiful, solid camera with an outstanding viewfinder. The only reason I didn't get it is because I shoot left-eyed and the meter/shutter speed indicator is on the left side out of view for me. Otherwise I'd have walked out with one of those and a Nokton.

Oddly enough, the cheaper (in price and feel) R2/3 has its metering on the bottom but I didn't like the feel of the body at all.

Tom Hoskinson · Jun 1, 2008

PVia said:
Hi all...

I have not seen this camera in person yet...on the silver model, is the top of the camera (where the film advance and shutter speed dial sits) made of metal or plastic?

I guess I'm wondering because I've seen a photo of the black one, and it looks very plastic-like in black...so it got me wondering...

Thanks!

I have a Zeiss ZM and both the top and bottom plates are made of metal.

BTW, this topic has been previously addressed on APUG.

k_jupiter · Jun 1, 2008

I think they are really nice cameras... but what a itty bitty little negative.

Ya think Zeiss might have plans for a 5x7 or an 8x10 rangefinder?

tim in san jose

Tom Hoskinson · Jun 1, 2008

k_jupiter said:
I think they are really nice cameras... but what a itty bitty little negative.

Ya think Zeiss might have plans for a 5x7 or an 8x10 rangefinder?

tim in san jose

Nah!

I'm sticking with my Mamiya 7 II and my Graphics

Anupam Basu · Jun 1, 2008

On the FM10 connection - the original Bessa L was derived from the FM10, so those roots are there, but the bessa build has evloved and gotten better over time, so I wouldn't expect the general crappyness of the FM10's build.

Anupam Basu · Jun 1, 2008

k_jupiter said:
I think they are really nice cameras... but what a itty bitty little negative.

Ya think Zeiss might have plans for a 5x7 or an 8x10 rangefinder?

Yeah! Find the decisive moment, set up the tripod, fidget with the dark slide ...

k_jupiter · Jun 1, 2008

Anupam Basu said:
Yeah! Find the decisive moment, set up the tripod, fidget with the dark slide ...

Ummmm... That is essentially what Henri CB did. He would find the location, compose the perfect photo, and sit and wait for something to happen. He saw potential. He harvested great photographs.

Unlike Weegee who often seemed to make it happen and captured it on a Speed Graphic.

tim in san jose

df cardwell · Jun 2, 2008

Here is a good story about the genesis of the Zeiss Ikon:

http://www.zeiss.com/C12567A8003B58B9/Contents-Frame/51174405A82B6ADCC125722900400C68

Chazzy · Jun 2, 2008

k_jupiter said:
I think they are really nice cameras... but what a itty bitty little negative.

Ya think Zeiss might have plans for a 5x7 or an 8x10 rangefinder?

tim in san jose

I've thought about trying the Zeiss Ikon rangefinder, but I agree. Why the big fuss over miniature format? This teeny-weeny negative fad will never last.

Tom Hoskinson · Jun 2, 2008

Chazzy said:
I've thought about trying the Zeiss Ikon rangefinder, but I agree. Why the big fuss over miniature format? This teeny-weeny negative fad will never last.

Too right, Chazzy!

I need to go fondle my 8X10 now.

Anupam Basu · Jun 2, 2008

Fondle the 8x10. Make photographs with the teeny-weeny!

Seriously, they are different beasts - when you need 35mm, you need 35mm. Period.

Chazzy · Jun 2, 2008

Has there been any news about faster lenses coming out for the Zeiss Ikon? Like a 35mm/f1.4? Leica beware!

Anupam Basu · Jun 2, 2008

Strangely, Zeiss went the other way with a 35/2.8. CV have the only 35/1.4 now beside the Summilux, I think.

Tom Hoskinson · Jun 2, 2008

Chazzy said:
Has there been any news about faster lenses coming out for the Zeiss Ikon? Like a 35mm/f1.4? Leica beware!

I have a CV 35/1.2 Nokton Aspherical mounted on my ZM - and I love it!

BTW, I also have the 50/2 Planar and the 50/1.5 C Sonnar

Zeiss Ikon ZM build question

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