wizofz2k
Member
Carpe diem, I always say. That's how I got my ZM, years ago. And the NikonF6, recently (but we're not allowed to talk about those here!). 
Grab that camera while the windfall is fresh, and enjoy it: best r/f viewfinder one can buy, nowadays.
And yes: the LTM adapters vary which frame is set on the viewfinder, depending on the type of adapter. Three types cover all the range. Get one to match each LTM lens, it's much easier that way.
The M-mount lenses do this the same way:they set a little tab deeper or not in the right side of the mount - looking from the front - to select a given frame when the lens is mounted.
Doesn't mean you can't twiddle the frame lever after that to see what they all look like. It just means the one for the mounted lens will be selected by default.
Grab that camera while the windfall is fresh, and enjoy it: best r/f viewfinder one can buy, nowadays.
And yes: the LTM adapters vary which frame is set on the viewfinder, depending on the type of adapter. Three types cover all the range. Get one to match each LTM lens, it's much easier that way.
The M-mount lenses do this the same way:they set a little tab deeper or not in the right side of the mount - looking from the front - to select a given frame when the lens is mounted.
Doesn't mean you can't twiddle the frame lever after that to see what they all look like. It just means the one for the mounted lens will be selected by default.
italy74
Well-known
Hi Nuno..
sometimes I wonder.. if you could compare F6 and ZI how would they look to you? I know these are two different beasts but just for that I'd like to know the experience of someone has both.
sometimes I wonder.. if you could compare F6 and ZI how would they look to you? I know these are two different beasts but just for that I'd like to know the experience of someone has both.
wizofz2k
Member
oh man! Dino, I wouldn't be able to objectively compare them.
By that I mean: completely diferent beasts, different uses.
I'll give it a poke. But please take it with heaps of salt, no animals hurt performing this, etcetc, k?
the f6:
slr, so classic things like macro, extreme tele and such, dirt easy.
meter is a joy to use: precise, fast, matrix/cw/spot, programmable.
fast af. not that I use it much: I start focus with the f-l button and that's it. I'm told it has "smart follow focus": that's funny...
very little shake from the mirror: darn thing is well damped. not r/f class, but close.
mirror up: something I always liked in Nikon's pro bodies since the f2.
heavy, but not as much as I expected: a LOT less than the f5!
conspicuous! no hiding you're carrying it, although it's less bulky than f100.
uses all nikkor lenses back to AI, and meters with them in all modes.
has aperture/speed/flength burning between frames, can download shooting details to pc with a MV-1: it works a treat to update the exif of scans.
lenses are bulky as heck.
viewfinder is amazing: heaps of info, easy to follow.
flash control is outstanding. works with both old ttl flashes and new i-ttl: only slr in Nikon's lineup capable of that!
uses cr batteries without the extra grip: expensive... but there are alternatives.
without the slightest doubt the king of film slrs.
and I have quite a few to compare against...
the ZM:
small, unobtrusive, very, very light: folks smile when they see it.
lenses are very small and light and a full kit fits nicely in a couple of pockets.
viewfinder feels as big as f6 but only speed, focus patch and frames...
shutter is almost silent compared to f6.
can handhold it down to 1 sec, no way I can do that with the f6: 1/15 tops.
lenses are usually a LOT faster than current slr nikkors.
lens IQ usually rocks! slr lenses need to be very expensive to do that.
no aperture display in viewfinder. the only thing I hate about r/fs...
shutter is not as fast but 1/125 synch and 1/2000 max is plenty for me.
no ttl flash: no biggie but sometimes it's a nice to have.
ability to twiddle frames to see what another lens will do: I like that!
battery life a bit short.
meter/shutter works in 1stop increments: 1/3 stop divisions in the compensation for A-mode are just pie in the sky. this is not usually a problem with the films I use it with. others might have problems with it.
focusing is easy and precise even in almost dark, although I had to tune it myself.
the meter has a weird pattern: sort of horizontal oval, skewed to the left, relative to the frame in use. takes a while to figure out how to use it well.
did I mention most of the lenses kick ass in the IQ dept?
which one I prefer?
without a doubt, both!
By that I mean: completely diferent beasts, different uses.
I'll give it a poke. But please take it with heaps of salt, no animals hurt performing this, etcetc, k?
the f6:
slr, so classic things like macro, extreme tele and such, dirt easy.
meter is a joy to use: precise, fast, matrix/cw/spot, programmable.
fast af. not that I use it much: I start focus with the f-l button and that's it. I'm told it has "smart follow focus": that's funny...
very little shake from the mirror: darn thing is well damped. not r/f class, but close.
mirror up: something I always liked in Nikon's pro bodies since the f2.
heavy, but not as much as I expected: a LOT less than the f5!
conspicuous! no hiding you're carrying it, although it's less bulky than f100.
uses all nikkor lenses back to AI, and meters with them in all modes.
has aperture/speed/flength burning between frames, can download shooting details to pc with a MV-1: it works a treat to update the exif of scans.
lenses are bulky as heck.
viewfinder is amazing: heaps of info, easy to follow.
flash control is outstanding. works with both old ttl flashes and new i-ttl: only slr in Nikon's lineup capable of that!
uses cr batteries without the extra grip: expensive... but there are alternatives.
without the slightest doubt the king of film slrs.
and I have quite a few to compare against...
the ZM:
small, unobtrusive, very, very light: folks smile when they see it.
lenses are very small and light and a full kit fits nicely in a couple of pockets.
viewfinder feels as big as f6 but only speed, focus patch and frames...
shutter is almost silent compared to f6.
can handhold it down to 1 sec, no way I can do that with the f6: 1/15 tops.
lenses are usually a LOT faster than current slr nikkors.
lens IQ usually rocks! slr lenses need to be very expensive to do that.
no aperture display in viewfinder. the only thing I hate about r/fs...
shutter is not as fast but 1/125 synch and 1/2000 max is plenty for me.
no ttl flash: no biggie but sometimes it's a nice to have.
ability to twiddle frames to see what another lens will do: I like that!
battery life a bit short.
meter/shutter works in 1stop increments: 1/3 stop divisions in the compensation for A-mode are just pie in the sky. this is not usually a problem with the films I use it with. others might have problems with it.
focusing is easy and precise even in almost dark, although I had to tune it myself.
the meter has a weird pattern: sort of horizontal oval, skewed to the left, relative to the frame in use. takes a while to figure out how to use it well.
did I mention most of the lenses kick ass in the IQ dept?
which one I prefer?
without a doubt, both!
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freeranger
Well-known
Its Friday!Wonderful wife has read your advice and agrees that I should "Carpe Ikon"Off to Leicashop early next week with all my pocket moneyLife is good...have a great weekend!
italy74
Well-known
Thanks, Nuno, among your many spots I found some really useful (one for all: the difference of handholding among F6 and ZI: shooting decently at 1 sec is waaay good!); actually "to steady" my F6 I use the 3 points technique (but it applies almost only for "horizontal" shots): I press it against my left shoulder with the right hand and the left hand on it for more pressure; the 3rd point is my forehead, just above my right eye. Recently, I can confirm that I got some decent/useful portraits in ambient light at 1/15-1/20s with a 50mm just using that technique.
I'm not sure if with the ZI I'd be able to do the same (NO mirror vibration but I also wonder how I could apply the same technique described above.. the F6 fits exactly the distance between my forehead and shoulder, my D200 is already a tad shorter and more problematic: i.e. I risk to get a wryneck for nothing )
I'm not sure if with the ZI I'd be able to do the same (NO mirror vibration but I also wonder how I could apply the same technique described above.. the F6 fits exactly the distance between my forehead and shoulder, my D200 is already a tad shorter and more problematic: i.e. I risk to get a wryneck for nothing
)
italy74
Well-known
OT: Just for the sake, I tried the "game" above with the D200 and even if I can confirm it's more difficult to fix it, these are the shots you could be able to judge:
Look at the frame on my right - For what I see, with this technique I can go down to 3 stop less than the FL used
28mm 1/25s - F/2.8 (aov of 42mm - all shots partially cropped)
F/4 - 1/15s
F/5.6 - 1/8s
F/8 - 1/4s
F/11 - 1/2s
now at 50 mm ( = aov of 75mm - all crops)
F/2.8 - 1/30s
F/4 - 1/15s
F/5.6 -1/8s
F/8 - 1/4s
F/11 - 1/2s
Look at the frame on my right - For what I see, with this technique I can go down to 3 stop less than the FL used
28mm 1/25s - F/2.8 (aov of 42mm - all shots partially cropped)
F/4 - 1/15s
F/5.6 - 1/8s
F/8 - 1/4s
F/11 - 1/2s
now at 50 mm ( = aov of 75mm - all crops)
F/2.8 - 1/30s
F/4 - 1/15s
F/5.6 -1/8s
F/8 - 1/4s
F/11 - 1/2s
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taxi38
Taxi Driver
From what youve said the fuji is just a flirtation, rent it for a week and youll realise it was never for you,a roll in the hay,but the zeiss;now theres a camera that can cook.
freeranger
Well-known
I like your logic...My wife can't cook and I've never been tempted to try out a rental
if the zeiss can cook...mana from heaven!
wizofz2k
Member
(one for all: the difference of handholding among F6 and ZI: shooting decently at 1 sec is waaay good!); actually "to steady" my F6 I use the 3 points technique (but it applies almost only for "horizontal" shots): I press it against my left shoulder with the right hand and the left hand on it for more pressure; the 3rd point is my forehead, just above my right eye. Recently, I can confirm that I got some decent/useful portraits in ambient light at 1/15-1/20s with a 50mm just using that technique.
I'm not sure if with the ZI I'd be able to do the same (NO mirror vibration but I also wonder how I could apply the same technique described above.. the F6 fits exactly the distance between my forehead and shoulder, my D200 is already a tad shorter and more problematic: i.e. I risk to get a wryneck for nothing
Great technique Dino, thanks for that! I'll definitely give it a try with the f6.
No, with the ZI you can't do that. What I do with it is this:
Use left hand below, index finger doing the focus ring, other fingers under camera body, classic "leica" pose. BUT, I land the left thumb against my mouth, just under nose.
Right hand is on camera, but right thumb is on my right temple. Arms both tucked in, so they wobble with body.
That way, the ZI is locked to my head and I can get speed as low as 1/2 sec handheld without any major shakes. And a lot of the 1secs go through ok, if I'm leaning against something reasonably stable or sitting down. Hopefully, my head moves a lot less than my hands...
Stu W
Well-known
I read that the AIG execs are going on a worldwide camera buying junket via private jet this weekend with their windfall er I mean bailout. Stu
"The execs have no bread. Let them buy ZI's!"
freeranger
Well-known
Hold up a second...I never revealed that I was an AIG exec.
...who gave you this information!!!!
...who gave you this information!!!!
italy74
Well-known
Nuno
try shooting with your left eye. Much less riskier. I found it a viable and valid alternative.
try shooting with your left eye. Much less riskier. I found it a viable and valid alternative.
freeranger
Well-known
Thanks for the advice
Thanks for the advice
Well, I've just got back from Vienna, where I took your advice and got myself the ZI.
Those who recommended it to me were spot on. It is a wonderful camera to use and look at...even the wife is rather captivated by it.
I took along my 50mm Nokton and 35mm skopar to play with. This is the first time I have felt comfortable focusing the Nokton wide open. The viewfinder is just amazing. Here are some photos:
Very first snap. Unwrapped in McD's..son more impressed with his donut!
Very dark in St Stephen's Cathedral. Easy to focus by candlelight!!
Thanks for the advice
Well, I've just got back from Vienna, where I took your advice and got myself the ZI.
Those who recommended it to me were spot on. It is a wonderful camera to use and look at...even the wife is rather captivated by it.
I took along my 50mm Nokton and 35mm skopar to play with. This is the first time I have felt comfortable focusing the Nokton wide open. The viewfinder is just amazing. Here are some photos:
Very first snap. Unwrapped in McD's..son more impressed with his donut!
Very dark in St Stephen's Cathedral. Easy to focus by candlelight!!
italy74
Well-known
Enjoy it I'm just envying you
italy74
Well-known
Great technique Dino, thanks for that! I'll definitely give it a try with the f6.
No, with the ZI you can't do that. What I do with it is this:
Use left hand below, index finger doing the focus ring, other fingers under camera body, classic "leica" pose. BUT, I land the left thumb against my mouth, just under nose.
Right hand is on camera, but right thumb is on my right temple. Arms both tucked in, so they wobble with body.
That way, the ZI is locked to my head and I can get speed as low as 1/2 sec handheld without any major shakes. And a lot of the 1secs go through ok, if I'm leaning against something reasonably stable or sitting down. Hopefully, my head moves a lot less than my hands...
Confess I should see that if it's different from SLR.. and should try because I guess it's easier to do than to explain..
sojournerphoto
Mentor
Yes, it's a lovely machine and, like you, my wife thinks it's lovely. She likes the viewfinder and focus and it's lighter than the dslrs... plus a lot prettier.
I hope you have a long and fruitful ownership - just watch out for the creeping desire to start aquiring zeiss glass
Mike
freeranger
Well-known
Thanks. Yes, I am making a great mental effort to keep out any thoughts of new lenses (for the time being).
Its a little like being a character in the movie, Village of the Damned
"Brick wall...brick wall...brick wall...biogo...damn!!!!"
wizofz2k
Member
Congrats, freeranger!
I've got St.Stefan on my books to visit one day with the ZM: love that cathedral! Was there in the
90s and never forgot it.
Ah yes, lenses. Before you go for the zeiss glass, take a tour with the CV Ultron 35/1.7 and the new Nokton 35/1.4: both are amazing in their little way. I actually like the Ultron better for colour, but I'm weird...
Amazing quality, for such an accessible price.
Maybe one day I'll be able to afford the CZ85 and the28 Biogon, but for the time being it's CV all the way. Exept for the Minolta 90/4: another mind-blowing one!
Anyways, have HEAPS of fun and push that ZM: it loves it!
I've got St.Stefan on my books to visit one day with the ZM: love that cathedral! Was there in the
90s and never forgot it.
Ah yes, lenses. Before you go for the zeiss glass, take a tour with the CV Ultron 35/1.7 and the new Nokton 35/1.4: both are amazing in their little way. I actually like the Ultron better for colour, but I'm weird...
Amazing quality, for such an accessible price.
Maybe one day I'll be able to afford the CZ85 and the28 Biogon, but for the time being it's CV all the way. Exept for the Minolta 90/4: another mind-blowing one!
Anyways, have HEAPS of fun and push that ZM: it loves it!