New Zeiss Ikon (Cosina) rangefinder

[Jeff Canes]

Shutterbug January 2005 has reports on the Photokina fair; one of them is about the new Zeiss Ikon rangefinder that will be distributed by Hasseblad. IMO With the shrinking film market it seem odd to me that market need another high-end model film camera. Does look to be a nice camera


http://www.zeissikon.com/

http://www.hasselblad.se/products/level2.asp?secId=1141

 

[ksmattfish]

With the shrinking film market it seem odd to me that market need another high-end model film camera.

I think that the market for rangefinder cameras is different than the SLR market. That crowd tends to prefer cameras constructed of metal, without too many bells and whistles except for excellent glass. It's competing with Leica, which will probably continue to produce new, expensive film cameras for decades to come.

 

[aggiezach]

looks beautiful!!


Zach

 

[terri33 4]

I just reserved mine!

















......ok, I'm lying. [sigh]

 

[DocFrankenstein]

I no dig rangefinder. Kamera haz to be prizm insaid

 

[mygrain]

I no dig rangefinder. Kamera haz to be prizm insaid

FREAKINSTEIN!!!!!!

Leica's rule!!!! And this is the first I've heard about the Zeiss. Thanks for the post Jeff!! I'm glad to see them pushing it!!! makes me feel all warm inside.

 

[John Orrell]

ksmattfish is right: rangefinders attract a different audience and market who don't go for the bells and whistles and pixel counts. Look at Leica: they've only recently introduced a rangefinder with aperture-priority auto-exposure (M7) and even that was too radical for some, hence the 'new' MP

Mind you, even though my heart is with film, I'd love to have a play with that new Epson RF which can take Leica lenses (drool)

 

[Jeff Canes]

With the shrinking film market it seem odd to me that market need another high-end model film camera.

I think that the market for rangefinder cameras is different than the SLR market. That crowd tends to prefer cameras constructed of metal, wi---------.

You’re right it is a different market. Although it still seem like a crowded market to me, because Rollei is also now marketing a new rangefinder.
http://www.rollei.de/en/produkte/produkt_detail.cfm?id=2265&name=Classic_Cameras

B&H currently has 5 brands of new rangefinder; Leica, Rollei, Contax, Voigtlander, and Nikon

 

[ksmattfish]

With the shrinking film market it seem odd to me that market need another high-end model film camera.

I think that the market for rangefinder cameras is different than the SLR market. That crowd tends to prefer cameras constructed of metal, wi---------.

You’re right it is a different market. Although it still seem like a crowded market to me, because Rollei is also now marketing a new rangefinder.
http://www.rollei.de/en/produkte/produkt_detail.cfm?id=2265&name=Classic_Cameras

B&H currently has 5 brands of new rangefinder; Leica, Rollei, Contax, Voigtlander, and Nikon

Another characteristic of rangefinder aficianados is that they tend to be rich! So that they can afford to have 2 of each!

 

[Jamie R]

Still feels like a long time away before it's out in the market - get saving Terri!

No silly digitoy presents from Santa Claws for me please! The Leica M system is too heavy a rangefinder system to be fully portable (the Leica III is a different matter though). This looks really good - reviving Zeiss Ikon for the younger generation has got to be a good thing. The MTF curves for the lenses look awesome; Zeiss lenses too....well well!