Zeiss Ikon M-Mount Rangefinder Camera Body, Silver

Comments

1. John Kwok says:

   September 20, 2010 at 11:46 PM

   Review by John Kwok for Zeiss Ikon M-Mount Rangefinder Camera Body, Silver
   Rating:
   The Zeiss Ikon M-mount Rangefinder Camera is a stylish, classic update of Zeiss’s great rangefinder cameras from the early to mid 20th Century, most notably its venerable Contax line. Designed by Zeiss, but built in Japan by Cosina (Voigtlander) under strict Zeiss supervision, the Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera remains a viable, attractive alternative to those wishing to use a M-mount rangefinder camera, but can’t afford purchasing either a used or new Leica MP or Leica M7. It can be regarded as a cheaper alternative to the aperture priority automatic and manual exposure Leica M7, but unlike the M7, it has a few intriguing features of its own which should appeal to M-mount rangefinder camera photographers.

   The Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera has an extremely bright, high eyepoint viewfinder that has the best viewing (especially for someone like myself who wears glasses) I have seen yet from a Leica M-mount rangefinder camera that isn’t the venerable Leica M3. The viewfinder has a 0.74 X magnification that accounts for its excellent viewing (It also has a built-in diopter correction.). The viewfinder also has frame lines for 28mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm lenses, which display the focal length of the lens in use and are completely compatible with Leica M rangefinder lenses, except for 75mm lenses (Only the frame line for a 50mm lens will appear if a 75mm lens is mounted; for 90mm lenses, the 85mm frame line appears automatically.).

   The camera may seem a bit too light for those accustomed to Leica M rangefinder cameras, but it has a very well built magnesium-alloy body. Opening and closing the camera is through a latch key-like knob at the base of the camera (It also functions as a film rewind crank, so unfortunately, there is no option for attaching something like the Leica M motor, a Leicavit manual winder, or Tom Abrahamsson’s Rapid Winder.), but unlike Leica Ms, the camera back swings open to allow for film loading. The camera’s shutter isn’t nearly as quiet as those of past and current Leica M film rangefinder cameras, especially the M7′s, but it is certainly less noisy than the M8′s. It is based on a proven Japanese design that allows for shutter speeds in Aperture Priority or Manual Exposure modes from 1 to 1/2000 seconds, plus a flash synchronization speed of 1/125 second (Both the camera’s meter and shutter are powered by two MS76 silver oxide batteries, as is the case for every Leica M rangefinder camera from the M6 to the M7 and MP; however, if the batteries die out, the camera will cease to function.).

   As a long-time user of Leica M rangefinder cameras and lenses, I regard the Zeiss Ikon as a cheaper, more reasonably priced, alternative to the Leica M7. Others, however, may find it the perfect M-mount rangefinder camera for their collection of M-mount lenses, including the new Zeiss ZM line – virtually all of which are built in Japan by Cosina under strict Zeiss quality control – which are optically as superb as their more expensive Leica M equivalents, and in a couple of instances, optically superior.
2. kkrome25 says:

   September 21, 2010 at 12:36 AM

   Review by kkrome25 for Zeiss Ikon M-Mount Rangefinder Camera Body, Silver
   Rating:
   I bought the chrome-finished Zeiss Ikon a few years back, as I found it had more to offer me than the Leica M7. I’ll get to the facts:
   
   Its design layout is aesthetically-pleasing, but never hinders the photographic process.
   
   It has full manual-override and aperture-priority metering.
   
   Film loading is done quickly via a hinged back. I dread the thought of my M6 Leica’s baseplate plunging into an abyss, while I’m perched on a rickety rope bridge in the Himalayas. If the baseplate is lost, no photographs!
   
   It is lighter than the Leica M7, which is its feature-for-feature rival.
   
   The Zeiss Ikon uses Leica M-mount lenses and Leica M39 (thread mount) lenses with the proper focal-length adapter.
   
   The frameline is automatically shown through the viewfinder, along with the focal length number of the lens being used; compared to the Leica, which only shows the frameline/s (of the lens being used).
   
   There is an autoexposure-lock button at the rear of the camera that only needs to be pressed once and let go; and another press of the button to deactivate, which is how it should be.
   
   The viewfinder is the brightest I’ve ever peered through, and I know for a fact that it’s brighter than the M6 Leica’s viewfinder!
   
   The price of a new Zeiss Ikon is only 33% of the price of a new Leica M7.
   
   Though the Zeiss Ikon isn’t as robust in build as the M7, it is a tough and dependable camera that utilizes high-quality materials for its construction.
   
   The shutter sound of the Zeiss Ikon is metallic, short, and high-pitched, which may carry to the ears of subjects in a fairly quiet environment. The extremely-quiet Leica M wins in this respect.
   
   The Zeiss Ikon is by no means a cheap alternative to any Leica M camera. It stands on its own merits as a fine professional-grade camera. It bears only the name of Zeiss Ikon; no model number or disembodied letters; just Zeiss Ikon, the one and only. Get one, because it is.
3. John Kwok says:

   September 21, 2010 at 12:55 AM

   Review by John Kwok for Ikon M-Mount Rangefinder Camera Body, Black
   Rating:
   Much to its credit, Carl Zeiss, in close cooperation with Cosina (Voigtlander), has help expand the current renaissance of 35mm rangefinder cameras by introducing and supporting the Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera and its line of superb ZM Zeiss lenses. The black finish version of the Zeiss Ikon M-mount Rangefinder Camera is an attractive alternative to those who are seeking a cheaper, but still, well-made alternative to the Leica M7 rangefinder camera. Zeiss listened to amateur and professional photographers who wanted a black finish version, introducing it approximately 7 months after the original introduction of the Zeiss Ikon. Other than the finish, the camera’s specifications are exactly the same as the original chrome finish version, whose technical details I noted in my 2006 Amazon.com review of that camera:

   “The Zeiss Ikon M-mount Rangefinder Camera is a stylish, classic update of Zeiss’s great rangefinder cameras from the early to mid 20th Century, most notably its venerable Contax line. Designed by Zeiss, but built in Japan by Cosina (Voigtlander) under strict Zeiss supervision, the Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera remains a viable, attractive alternative to those wishing to use a M-mount rangefinder camera, but can’t afford purchasing either a used or new Leica MP or Leica M7. It can be regarded as a cheaper alternative to the aperture priority automatic and manual exposure Leica M7, but unlike the M7, it has a few intriguing features of its own which should appeal to M-mount rangefinder camera photographers.

   The Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera has an extremely bright, high eyepoint viewfinder that has the best viewing (especially for someone like myself who wears glasses) I have seen yet from a Leica M-mount rangefinder camera that isn’t the venerable Leica M3. The viewfinder has a 0.74 X magnification that accounts for its excellent viewing (It also has a built-in diopter correction.). The viewfinder also has frame lines for 28mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm lenses, which display the focal length of the lens in use and are completely compatible with Leica M rangefinder lenses, except for 75mm lenses (Only the frame line for a 50mm lens will appear if a 75mm lens is mounted; for 90mm lenses, the 85mm frame line appears automatically.).

   The camera may seem a bit too light for those accustomed to Leica M rangefinder cameras, but it has a very well built magnesium-alloy body. Opening and closing the camera is through a latch key-like knob at the base of the camera (It also functions as a film rewind crank, so unfortunately, there is no option for attaching something like the Leica M motor, a Leicavit manual winder, or Tom Abrahamsson’s Rapid Winder.), but unlike Leica Ms, the camera back swings open to allow for film loading. The camera’s shutter isn’t nearly as quiet as those of past and current Leica M film rangefinder cameras, especially the M7′s, but it is certainly less noisy than the M8′s. It is based on a proven Japanese design that allows for shutter speeds in Aperture Priority or Manual Exposure modes from 1 to 1/2000 seconds, plus a flash synchronization speed of 1/125 second (Both the camera’s meter and shutter are powered by two MS76 silver oxide batteries, as is the case for every Leica M rangefinder camera from the M6 to the M7 and MP; however, if the batteries die out, the camera will cease to function.).

   As a long-time user of Leica M rangefinder cameras and lenses, I regard the Zeiss Ikon as a cheaper, more reasonably priced, alternative to the Leica M7. Others, however, may find it the perfect M-mount rangefinder camera for their collection of M-mount lenses, including the new Zeiss ZM line – virtually all of which are built in Japan by Cosina under strict Zeiss quality control – which are optically as superb as their more expensive Leica M equivalents, and in a couple of instances, optically superior.”
4. Ronald Breeze says:

   September 21, 2010 at 1:02 AM

   Review by Ronald Breeze for Leica M8 10.3MP Digital Rangefinder Camera with .68x Viewfinder (Black Body Only)
   Rating:
   After 16 years of retail photography equipment sales I’ve demoed hundreds, if not thousands of cameras to purchasers. When I decided to invest in my own digital camera my criteria was to purchase a camera that was built solid, had an easy to use menu, excellent picture quality, the best optical lineup available, compact, unobtrusive and a bright simple viewfinder. Price was not going to be THE issue because I wanted to purchase a camera I would keep and not fall into the throw away world that has been created by the electronics industry.
   
   I had read the initial reviews of the camera and the howling by Leica film traditionalist and non-users about the IR issue. For those of you not familiar with the camera Leica opted to omit the infrared blocking filter on the sensor to maintain optimal sharpness when using the superb Leitz lenses. The omission of this filter causes some black synthetic fabrics to appear maroon in color. Leica opted to give purchasers of this camera two IR cut ultraviolet filters to put on the front of the lens to solve the problem. Leicas solution also caused Leica tradionalist to complain about putting a filter on the front of the lenses and although many of them had a standard uv on their lenses already this was made an issue that went way beyond its applications.
   
   I have been involved with film infrared photography for years and saw the potential IR capabilities of this camera as a benefit. No more loading, unloading and handling IR film in total darkness was a definite added bonus in a camera that already produced superb color and black and white images. That has proven to be true over the 8 months I’ve owned this camera.
   
   A major plus for the M8 is its simple and easy to use menus. I’ve witnessed so many potential purchasers of digital cameras roll their eyes when I start to demonstrate the convoluted menus and seen so many photographers miss a shot because they were trying to access a feature they needed. My only suggestion for improvement would be to include the choice of image type and saturation with the working “set” menu that way you would have everything regarding exposure under one roof.
   
   I’ve used Leica rangefinder cameras for years and am used to using a rangefinder in all types of photography situations, but rangefinders are not for everyone and I would highly suggest that anyone considering this camera, who has no experience with rangefinders and is presently using an SLR, to find a dealer where you can either rent the camera or return it within a time period if you are not happy with it. It is not for everyone.
   
   I’m more than happy about my investment in this camera, have not experienced any of the complaints I’ve read about it, appreciate the added bonus of the IR potential and if I have any complaints it is about the shutter sound that one user likened to a nail driver gun. Leica please try to make the M8 shutter as quiet as your film cameras.
   
   I highly recommend this camera to anyone who can afford an investment into a superb digital camera that will not be a throw away, who have a collection of Leica lenses and want to go digital and anyone interested in the simplicity and photographic involvement in using a Leica rangefinder.
5. Fiddler415 says:

   September 21, 2010 at 1:49 AM

   Review by Fiddler415 for Leica M8 10.3MP Digital Rangefinder Camera with .68x Viewfinder (Black Body Only)
   Rating:
   This digital Leica is more like a traditional film camera than a digital camera. You must be totally in control of focus and exposure, change lenses rather than zoom, and THINK when you shoot. The images that result can be stunning. After 40 years of shooting with Leicas and loving every moment of it, this was an exciting break through. It is a real Leica camera that just doesn’t use film. It is expensive, but some things are worth the money. This camera is worth it if you are a Leica shooter and wish to use your wonderful lenses on a ditigital camera. My lenses were purchased in 1969 as a college graduation gift and work just fine.
6. Gordon Yonehara says:

   September 21, 2010 at 2:01 AM

   Review by Gordon Yonehara for Leica M8 10.3MP Digital Rangefinder Camera with .68x Viewfinder (Black Body Only)
   Rating:
   I commend Leica for developing the M8 for the enjoyment of the small but loyal rangefinder community. The only thing I will say about SLR vs rangefinder is that what the rangefinder can do what it does exceptionally well. But the photographic community has recognized SLR’s are far more flexible and I suspect every M8 owner has an SLR for what the rangefinder doesn’t do.

   Why only 3 stars? In general, the design has not addressed M issues of the past. Battery and memory card access from a non-hinged baseplate is silly. Multiple frameline display is a poor compromise. I would have liked to have seen a “zoom” finder buit into the body. Ths would allow projection of a dedicated frame line of consistant size regardless of the lens focal length. I would keep the frame line preview option though. A light booster or LED for the frame line for low light situations is also not present.

   New issues. The shutter, motor advance noise, and trigger release are crude when compared to the quiet silky feel of the M2. Not providing a cover for the LCD is a great oversight. The option to use AA or other standard size battery is frustrating. While I have not come across a need for the IR-UV cut filters, promised but not yet rec’d, I’m frustrated sizes for out of production lenses are not offerred. The same comment applies to bit coding (although I’m not sure how important this is). On the one hand the marketing pitch is to the loyal Leica user, but on the service and support side we are only interested in customers that buy the current products.

   Having said all of that, the feel and size are great. As with all of the Leica rangefinders it is an unsurpassed street shooter.

   The build quality is of course superb, at obvious cost. I fear that in the rapidly developing digital age (non standard memory formats, detector formats, batteries) investment in the M8 may not yield the long term payback enjoyed by the prewar and M Leicas of the past. Hopefully the M8 has been designed for the ease of future upgrades and modifications. If not, perhaps a lower cost (lower quality) digital body M would have been a better option for the consumer.
   
7. John Kwok says:

   September 21, 2010 at 2:40 AM

   Review by John Kwok for Leica M8 10.3MP Digital Rangefinder Camera with .68x Viewfinder (Black Body Only)
   Rating:
   Earlier today I had the opportunity to handle and use a chrome Leica M8, using the camera to take some outdoor color digital pictures in both ambient, and less than ambient, lighting conditions. I’m not usually one to succumb to hype about a new camera, but this time it was unquestionably almost love at first sight. Leica’s new M8 digital rangefinder camera carries on the great tradition of Leica M rangefinders which started back in 1954 with the venerable Leica M3, but also offers many features that will be useful to the discerning digital photographer. For those familiar with Leica M rangefinder cameras (or either the Zeiss Ikon and the late Konica Hexar rangefinder cameras), the controls remain almost exactly the same as those for recently produced Leica M film rangefinder cameras such as the M6, M6 TTL, M7 and MP. Ergonomically it most closely resembles the Leica M7, having a similar shutter speed dial, but with speeds up to 1/8000 second and flash synchronization at 1/250 second; the highest speeds I have seen for any M-mount rangefinder camera. The M8 contains a low noise Kodak-designed CCD digital imaging sensor with a maximum resolution of 10.3 MP; the 1.33 X crop factor of the digital imaging sensor means that a 50mm lens will more closely resemble a 70mm lens, or a 28mm lens will resemble a 32mm lens; in either instance, this will not be a serious issue for those familiar with digital SLRs like those from Nikon that have a 1.5 X crop factor. The camera has a somewhat generous range of ISO speeds from 160 to 2500, with ISO 160 as the default setting.

   The Leica M8′s technical specifications will surely please both traditional users of Leica M rangefinder cameras as well as those new to them. It offers both aperture priority automation and manual exposure modes reminiscent of the Leica M7′s. In aperture priority mode, shutter speeds range from 30 seconds to 1/8000 second; in manual mode, shutter speeds range from 4 seconds to 1/8000 second plus B for exposures of any duration longer than 4 seconds. In flash mode, flash synchronization speeds range from B to 1/250 second, and there is the option of first or second shutter curtain synchronization for creative flash photography effects. Digital images are storeable in SD cards up to 4 GB; these images can be stored under ADOBE’s DNG (Camera manufacturer-independent digital negative format, which is better known as RAW format) or two different versions of JPEG compressed files. The camera back has a 2.5 inch large bright LC-Display with a resolution of 230 pixels (In actual usage, I was quite impressed with the quality of the images I had taken after viewing them on this display panel.).

   I used a current 50 Summicron-M lens with the chrome Leica M8; both borrowed from Leica Camera USA’s marketing director, Christian Erhardt; I was especially impressed with the excellent contrast and resolution of the digital images I had obtained (Traditional Leica M users may find amusing that the memory card is loaded, like 35mm film, by opening the base plate and inserting the card into a slot directly beneath the rangefinder window.). Speaking of the rangefinder window itself, it now has a magnification of .68 to accomodate frame lines for 24mm to 90mm lenses; I had no problem seeing through it, or reading the displayed shutter speed information, even though I wear glasses.). The only potentially major problem I see with the M8 is its relatively loud, though muted, metal shutter (It is based on the shutter currently used in the Leica R9 SLR camera); which makes a muted “thud” sound every time the shutter is pressed (Incidentally, I believe that it is noisier than the built-in motor winder which in continuous mode, offers 2 frames per second.); in stark contrast, the Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera is noticeably quieter, though not nearly as quiet as the Leica MP, and especially, the Leica M7 rangefinder cameras.

   Will the Leica M8 prove to be a resounding success? I believe it should sell well to those who can afford buying an expensive, interchangeable lens digital rangefinder camera, and want the best image quality possible from a digital camera. Professional photographers, especially those working under low-light conditions in which camera shutter noise should be kept at a minimum (e. g. a theatrical performance or chamber music recital), may not find the Leica M8 a suitable professional-grade digital camera. However, I strongly suspect that the Leica M8 will have a loyal following amongst both long-time Leica aficionados and those interested in using an interchangeable M-mount lens digital rangefinder camera.
8. Carbonadam says:

   September 21, 2010 at 2:52 AM

   Review by Carbonadam for Leica M8 10.3MP Digital Rangefinder Camera with .68x Viewfinder (Black Body Only)
   Rating:
   The best rangefinder camera I ever used before this one was a small Olympus. I still have that camera even though i do not shoot film any more. I just love it for it’s simplicity and graceful design. Before that the only other camera that resembled a rangefinder that i used was some instamatics as a kid.

   This is not for everyone. I scrounged every penny and bought a used one in excellent condition. I have been shooting for 23 years now and I figured i earned the chance to have a big boy camera. It’s not perfect. It exhibits grain above the 600 ISO and there is the whole IR filter thing with the magenta casting. Still that camera is made like a house of bricks and only reminds me of a very heavy minolta my dad gave me when I was 16.I used to drop that camera all the time. This feel like it would not mind being dropped. It almost feels like you could throw it and it would be OK.

   Now today with all the bells and whistles on every camera and megapixel wars going full steam this camera does not enter the fray. It is the first of it’s kind from Leica, (Epson made one that is not as good some years back) and it sets the standard for this type of camera. it is actually alone in it’s class. The only other one out there is its slightly more expensive older brother the 8.2. The M 8.2 has the same resolution. It’s improvements are a sapphire crystal (only a diamond can scratch it) back and a quieter shutter as well as better denting for dials and a”S” full auto mode. F stops and focus are fully manual in both models.

   These are MANUAL cameras. They require looking, focusing, working the camera to get it to do what you want it to do. Depth of field, framing, exposure. These are all in your hands. Now while there are SLRs out there that do all this too, they are not rangefinders. There is no mirror in a rangefinder. less vibration. Smaller lenses, less obtrusive camera all around. It almost has an antique appearance. Were it not for the LCD screen on the back it looks 75 years old. The LCD is for menu and reviewing only. Shots are framed in the viewfinder, which is way brighter than SLRs.

   Now this is not the only camera I own. This is a special camera. A camera for taking to a new city. For a walk in the fall woods. For taking some pictures of the family. This is NOT an action camera. It does not even take SDHC cards, only just plain old SD. This camera requires that you slow down, take a deep breath and make a single image as if your life depended on it.

   Once you get one in your hands, hold it for a few minutes, mess with it, you will be humbled. Any one can buy a Best Buy camera and take dozens of shots in focus. This requires that YOU do the work. When you look at your pictures you take from this, you can rest assured they are your photos, not the computers. You have to put skill, knowledge, and even a bit of your soul into this camera to get some decent shots. I have been at it now for a while and I can say, I am humbled. I am sure I’ll make some nice images with it, but I will have to work for them. When I get them, they will be all the more satisfying.

   If all that I am saying seems like nonsense then please don’t contest, just move on. This camera is expensive for a reason. It’s made by hand by people who have been making cameras since before time began. This is a German camera and the lenses are the other 1/2 of the equation here. The best glass in the world. The M8 & 8.2 takes almost every M lens going back decades so you have a lot to choose from and if you are a M user from the film era all you need do is save for the body.

   This camera has enough megapixels to produce decent prints at a decent size for the rest of your life.

   Save up, it’s worth it.

   Added note: Now SDHC cards can be used. I have a 8gig one in the camera now and it works fine.
9. Zeek says:

   September 21, 2010 at 3:39 AM

   Review by Zeek for Leica 14869 Camera Protector Half Case for M8 Digital Rangefinder Camera
   Rating:
   One thing to note with this case: while sturdy enough it does NOT have the slight gripping ridge pictured on front in the photo above and is instead smooth leather on all sides. This is unfortunate because the camera is not light and with a weighty lens the extra leverage would have been a welcome addition. FYI, the Leica website does not indicate this additional grip panel either.
10. Ohiogolfer says:

    September 21, 2010 at 3:56 AM

    Review by Ohiogolfer for Bushnell Medalist Laser Rangefinder
    Rating:
    I just purchased the Bushnell Medalist range finder a week ago. I did this after researching most of the popular golf GPS products and the
    
    golf range finders.

    Specifically, the Bushnell Medalist range finder is a “WINNER”. I
    
    lowered my score right away. Not by hitting the ball better, but by avoiding the traps (I can measure where they are). I was aslo able to
    
    pick the right club for the right distance.

    I found the range finder to be very, very accurate. After a week
    
    at my main course, and playing three other difficult golf courses,
    
    I play with a new “Tiger” like confidence.

    The summary follows:

    Positive:

    1) Accuracy
    
    2) Small size ( you can mange with one hand, although you need two to
    
    get a “steady” reading. The “Pinseeker” mode almost eliaintes this
    
    issue though.
    
    3) Cost (it is worth the value of $299)
    
    4) Battery life (it has not blinked after a week of daily use) 9 volt
    
    replaceable battery
    
    5) Universal use (it works on ALL courses – no maps, PC, or SD memory
    
    issues)
    
    6) If you are in a scramble, guess who is the most popular player?

    Negative:

    1) The case is too flimsy. It loks good, but is not rugged enough.
    
    Mine tore after 3 day. I bough a camera case for it that is much
    
    more durable and is portable enght for both my portbale cart,a nd
    
    a riding cart.

    That’s it. if you are on the limb about what to buy. Buy a range finder. You’ll not regret it.
11. Mr 3Putt says:

    September 21, 2010 at 4:32 AM

    Review by Mr 3Putt for Bushnell Medalist Laser Rangefinder
    Rating:
    I was finally able to get out and field test my Bushnell Medalist Pinseeker while sneaking in 27 holes.

    Long story short: It performed flawlessly.

    Long story long…:

    It instantly picked up all 18 weather beaten red winter flags from just about anywhere.

    Example 1. I had 297 left into a par 5, it snagged the information instantaneously. I know my old 400 Bushnell was useless from that range.

    Example 2. 189 yards left into a par 4, the red flag was limp and there was a hillside 28 yards behind the pin. Information was instantly “pinseeked”.

    Example 3. 179 yard par 3, lots of “clutter” and trees behind the stick. Shoot, zip, got the number.

    Of course all of the par 3′s and every approach flag was easily attainable. I also used the scan mode to shoot trap lips, dog legs, hazard boundaries and anything else I saw.

    I don’t know if it’s been redesigned but, the battery door wasn’t even a consideration. I had read some others had an issue with the door coming off. I may put a small strip of gorilla tape over it, just in case.

    If you’re on the fence about which Laser unit to buy, I absolutely recommend this one.
    
12. J. Barnett says:

    September 21, 2010 at 4:48 AM

    Review by J. Barnett for Bushnell Medalist Laser Rangefinder
    Rating:
    I purchased the Bushnell Medalist Pinseeker and love it! It is nice and light, uses a single 9 volt battery, which is nice. No charger required so I will just keep a spare battery in my bag. So simple to use, press the power button center the circle on your target and press the button for a second and bam you have your yardage. I currently have a Sky Caddie 2.5 GPS rangefinder and had an earlier model before. The nice part about the Bushnell rangefinder is that you can target in anything on the course not just the yardages that Sky Caddie has entered, you don’t have to connect to a pc and download course info and of course there is no annual fee. If you don’t mind those things and like a small gps that you can wear on your belt get a Sky Caddie, if you do, get yourself a Bushnell Medalist!
13. Craig Charlton says:

    September 21, 2010 at 5:16 AM

    Review by Craig Charlton for Bushnell Medalist Laser Rangefinder
    Rating:
    I have used the Medalist for five rounds now, and I’m very happy with the results. On the first outing I was having the same difficulty with stability that others have reported. I found it a bit inconvienient to have to rely on bracing against the cart, especially since there were cart-path-only restrictions in place. Being an advanced amature photographer, I’ve often used a mono-pod to support my cameras. I gave it a try with my Medalist and it proved to be the ideal solution. The pod with Medalist attached, slips easily into a club slot in my bag, but I need to be careful about slinging the bag around, or letting it drop. I attached the case, using a lanyard, to the mono-pod, and slip the case off and on the Medalist, just as I would a club cover. This offers some protection, but the case is not extremely padded, so I still need to take care. When needed, I pull the unit out like a club, flip the lever to extend the leg, and take my reading with perfect stability. Throw it back and the bag and grab the correct club. Works very well for me!

    I love that I can read distances to pins and bunkers on any course without ever having to purchase gps downloads. Plus I can read distances to fronts and backs of bunkers, trees, rocks or what have you. And it works whether I have a tree cover or cloud cover as well. All I need is a line of sight. The Pinseeker function seems to work nicely also. I am still taking a couple of readings at the pin, just to build confidence that I am actually reading the pin and not something else. All in all, I am very happy with my purchase.
14. M. Peterson says:

    September 21, 2010 at 6:02 AM

    Review by M. Peterson for Bushnell Medalist Laser Rangefinder
    Rating:
    Just purchased this rangefinder a couple of weeks ago. I have used it twice on the golf course. It is nothing short of fantastic! It is easy to use snd I have had no problem locking in on flags from as far away as 250 yards. The accuracy is remarkable. I have no doubt that this device will help to lower my handicap.
15. bowhunter 1 says:

    September 21, 2010 at 6:07 AM

    Review by bowhunter 1 for Leupold RX-1000 TBR Digital Laser Rangefinder, Mossy Oak New Break Up, Black/Grey
    Rating:
    Optics are super sharp especially in low light, very accurate and compact, magnetic flap on pouch noisy if not careful, red rectical is bright with three levels but a little hard to see in bright conditions. Best rangefinder for the money!
16. Robyn says:

    September 21, 2010 at 6:23 AM

    Review by Robyn for Leupold RX-1000 TBR Digital Laser Rangefinder, Mossy Oak New Break Up, Black/Grey
    Rating:
    I bought this range finder for a gift for my husband and he is extremely happy with it. The red read out is very bright and easy to see in all conditions. The Leupold RX-1000 Rangefinder is small and compact which makes it easy to carry. It’s not complicated to use. A small comment, that means a lot to a bow hunter, is the carrying case has a magnetic clasp (not velco) that is completely silent when opening. I highly recommend this Rangefinder.