Between the Bessa R4M and the Zeiss Ikon

[The Dry Box]

Is the additional 600sgd worth it? I am new to rangefinder, but am intending to use the film camera for long term; for educational purpose and also as a hobby. I like first hand stuffs and uses a limited budget so leica is atm a luxury I cannot afford.

I understand that Cosina built "stuffs" for Zeiss, but Zeiss final produce are usually better build, with a higher price tag.Though I want to know does it actually matters? If the Bessa R4M is well build enough, surely I do not need anything better.

Would really appreciate it if anyone can share their experiences with the cameras. I am tilted towards the Bessa, but am giving the Ikon some thoughts.

thx
gerald

 

[Royale With Cheese]

Heard from some that the Zeiss Ikon RF is close to the M7

 

[ifirdauzi]

IMHO, they are different animals (based on finder magnification and frame lines)

R3A, ZI and M7 are compared here

 

[fuwen]

If u shoot frequent within 28mm to 50mm ZI is a good choice. If u shoot also frequently with compact 21mm and can live with lower magnification for 50mm then R4M/A is a good choice.

 

[Daikoku]

when i started out with rf, your concerns are similar to mine
shall not comment abt Bessa as i didnt use them before, i went straight to ZI
my comments about ZI
No regrets... Handsome camera, clean lines, very very accurate auto exposure..
sips on battery...even sometimes accidentally forgot to off the camera, also still
quite ok...Bright, bright, bright viewfinder even M6 also doesnt come close..
also it(viewfinder) doesnt flare that easily compared to M6..
Much much lighter the M6, on long trips almost feel like 2x ZI = 1x M6...
Film winding not as smooth as M6 though...
Notice i kept comparing with M6 and not other Leicas..
as thats what i had and used...
Hmm...what more can i think of....:think::think:

and uncluthered framelines....one of my fav points too

 

[pai]

comparing R4M and ZI, there's already two big differences. one is the ZI has autoexposure. two is that they have different framelines.

so if it's just these two cameras, stuff like what focal lengths you shoot with and whether you use the auto-exposure should be the biggest factors in terms of whether or not to get the zeiss.

aside from that, the bessas are very nicely built, and i don't have real complaints. the ZI is a very nice step up though. the view finder is bigger and brighter, longer rangefinder base means better focusing. the automatic frameline switching is nice to have, and i also find it easier to load than the bessa.

overall, everything is just a little better made. is it worth the extra money? will depend on individual i guess.

 

[The Dry Box]

Thanks everyone. The comments of the Zeiss is very helpful!

I gave it some thoughts I will settle for the Bessa R4M for now as a learning camera... I think while the ikon is a nice temptation, I need to note my current financial capabilities, and maybe settle for a Zeiss when things gotten more stable.
I already have a system layed out in my mind, that is with a 28mm f2, a 15mm f4.5, and a m43 body in the future with the 50mm(100mm equiv on m43, while the 15 becomes a 30mm). It is a more realistic system for me atm than Zeiss and leicas.

Come to think of it, I can also buy more films with the money I save.

Thanks all.

 

[cy_j]

Hi Dry Box,

What was the latest quote you got for the ZI, and which shop,if you don't mind, of course.

 

[singscott]

Actually between Zeiss Ikon and Bessa which have a quieter shuttler? And how they compare to leica's shuttler?

 

[xylestesins]

I'm usng an R2a right now and i love it.
If i had extra cash, i don't think i'll get another body either. Until i have an f1 noctilux or .95 canon on my bessa, i'm not going to pursue another body

Optics come first!

I'm not sure how this may help you but i'd just like to say that i love my bessa :lovegrin:

 

[fuwen]

Thanks everyone. The comments of the Zeiss is very helpful!

I gave it some thoughts I will settle for the Bessa R4M for now as a learning camera... I think while the ikon is a nice temptation, I need to note my current financial capabilities, and maybe settle for a Zeiss when things gotten more stable.
I already have a system layed out in my mind, that is with a 28mm f2, a 15mm f4.5, and a m43 body in the future with the 50mm(100mm equiv on m43, while the 15 becomes a 30mm). It is a more realistic system for me atm than Zeiss and leicas.

Come to think of it, I can also buy more films with the money I save.

Thanks all.

My experience with R4M ...

http://www.fuwen.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=73&Itemid=151

 

[The Dry Box]

Hi Dry Box,

What was the latest quote you got for the ZI, and which shop,if you don't mind, of course.

I didn't get any quotes. I got the figure 1600 from a forum search, but after viewing the thread further, a posters mention the prices will go up after the initial batch. I doubt I can find any at 1600sgd now.

I am not sure of the shutter sound, but I think you can find some vids on youtube to get an idea on how they sound.

 

[benny]

How about S$1250? It even comes with the original grip which is pretty hard to find here.

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=497213

Cheers,