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Archive 2018Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
p.12 #1Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
If I wanted a 35mm fixed lens full frame camera with a Zeiss lens I'd get a Sony RX1. Not this joke of a camera.
An epic fail by Zeiss.
An epic fail by Zeiss.
Dec 15, 2018 at 07:58 PM
p.12 #2Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Just for thought. Cell Phones. Everyone wanted small. Now everyone wants big....
Just go with it. Doesn't Phase One have edits in camera?
Just go with it. Doesn't Phase One have edits in camera?
Dec 17, 2018 at 03:19 AM
p.12 #3Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Dear Zeiss,
I don’t know why you just don’t make a digital rangefinder , and compete against the Leica M cameras?
Keep it 37MP.
You could specify microlenses over a Sony sensor, and use a thin filter stack, or include IBIS with an ultra thin filter stack (but no micro lenses).
Use the internal processing electronics from Sony on license.
Design a body, which Cosina can manufacture for you, similar to the Bessa and Ikon’s they used to manufacture.
Use a battery with very decent capacity, similar to what the Leica M240 uses.
Then, internally inside the camera, have lens profiles available to choose for every Voigtlander VM, LTM and Zeiss ZM lens sold in the last 20 years. You then are able to absorb Voigtlander len users in one full swoop.
The videwinder can be similar to the Zeiss Ikon, going from 25mm onward.
Add, to top it off, add options to activate alternate additional frame lines (I.E. 25mm, 40mm, 85mm) for lenses where Zeiss and Voigtlander don’t always overlap.
Then, resurrect your Zeiss ZM line with new designs to compete directly against top Leica glass like your buddy Voigtlander is doing. Create a new 85mm f/2, 28mm f/2, 135mm f/2.8 to complement what you’ve already released...
You can port this 35mm f/2 Distagon over to start with into ZM mount.
Design them so they play well on full frame digital cameras with minimal corner smearing (you then are able to sell these lenses to Sony, Nikon and Canon FF mirrorless shooters..etc also you know)
Sell an optional EVF which plugs into the hot shoe, no different then early RX and NEX cameras. The EVF would be modern spec’d, and Sony has these for sale/ license also.
This new digital ZM camera, along with the new ZM lenses would sell 10x more at minimum, over this ZX1 you have created.
You would have many photographers who own rangefinder lenses clamouring to own this camera, including me!
Then, in a few years time, release your Zeiss Ikon ZM mkII with a 47MP sensor and new bells and whistles.
Let Sony be your sensor and tech inside you license, Cosina manufacturer the body housing and lenses for you, and all you need to do it’s lay down the designs, QC and market the heck out of it.
Zeiss...., I would sell all my Leica cameras, if you would just make something like this for us.
I would follow your new digital Zeiss Ikon ZM camera into the sunset, like Indiana Jones did after he found the Holy Grail, never looking back to Leica, if you would just create a bloody rangefinder digital camera!
I don’t know why you just don’t make a digital rangefinder , and compete against the Leica M cameras?
Keep it 37MP.
You could specify microlenses over a Sony sensor, and use a thin filter stack, or include IBIS with an ultra thin filter stack (but no micro lenses).
Use the internal processing electronics from Sony on license.
Design a body, which Cosina can manufacture for you, similar to the Bessa and Ikon’s they used to manufacture.
Use a battery with very decent capacity, similar to what the Leica M240 uses.
Then, internally inside the camera, have lens profiles available to choose for every Voigtlander VM, LTM and Zeiss ZM lens sold in the last 20 years. You then are able to absorb Voigtlander len users in one full swoop.
The videwinder can be similar to the Zeiss Ikon, going from 25mm onward.
Add, to top it off, add options to activate alternate additional frame lines (I.E. 25mm, 40mm, 85mm) for lenses where Zeiss and Voigtlander don’t always overlap.
Then, resurrect your Zeiss ZM line with new designs to compete directly against top Leica glass like your buddy Voigtlander is doing. Create a new 85mm f/2, 28mm f/2, 135mm f/2.8 to complement what you’ve already released...
You can port this 35mm f/2 Distagon over to start with into ZM mount.
Design them so they play well on full frame digital cameras with minimal corner smearing (you then are able to sell these lenses to Sony, Nikon and Canon FF mirrorless shooters..etc also you know)
Sell an optional EVF which plugs into the hot shoe, no different then early RX and NEX cameras. The EVF would be modern spec’d, and Sony has these for sale/ license also.
This new digital ZM camera, along with the new ZM lenses would sell 10x more at minimum, over this ZX1 you have created.
You would have many photographers who own rangefinder lenses clamouring to own this camera, including me!
Then, in a few years time, release your Zeiss Ikon ZM mkII with a 47MP sensor and new bells and whistles.
Let Sony be your sensor and tech inside you license, Cosina manufacturer the body housing and lenses for you, and all you need to do it’s lay down the designs, QC and market the heck out of it.
Zeiss...., I would sell all my Leica cameras, if you would just make something like this for us.
I would follow your new digital Zeiss Ikon ZM camera into the sunset, like Indiana Jones did after he found the Holy Grail, never looking back to Leica, if you would just create a bloody rangefinder digital camera!
Dec 18, 2018 at 04:42 PM
p.12 #4Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
candreyo wrote:
This new digital ZM camera, along with the new ZM lenses would sell 10x more at minimum, over this ZX1 you have created.
You would have many photographers who own rangefinder lenses clamouring to own this camera, including me!
You left out the price point at which this dream should become reality.
I suspect we'd all be in for a rude awakening once brought back to reality. This is Zeiss... makers of Otus.
Also wondering how bad a nightmare RF calibration will be at ~50MP. Not to say it can't be done...
That said, I would welcome a revised and digitally optimized ZM refresh. But suspect the average price point would move to where the ZM35/1.4 resides. Then again, if Cosina keeps releasing VM lenses like their most recent offerings, I probably won't be that wowed by anything from Zeiss.
This new digital ZM camera, along with the new ZM lenses would sell 10x more at minimum, over this ZX1 you have created.
You would have many photographers who own rangefinder lenses clamouring to own this camera, including me!
You left out the price point at which this dream should become reality.
I suspect we'd all be in for a rude awakening once brought back to reality. This is Zeiss... makers of Otus.Also wondering how bad a nightmare RF calibration will be at ~50MP. Not to say it can't be done...
That said, I would welcome a revised and digitally optimized ZM refresh. But suspect the average price point would move to where the ZM35/1.4 resides. Then again, if Cosina keeps releasing VM lenses like their most recent offerings, I probably won't be that wowed by anything from Zeiss.
Dec 18, 2018 at 11:07 PM
p.12 #5Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
rscheffler wrote:
You left out the price point at which this dream should become reality. I suspect we'd all be in for a rude awakening once brought back to reality. This is Zeiss... makers of Otus.
If Zeiss is going to make something ridiculously expensive, it should at least be something we would actually want, even if we can't afford it. Not this ridiculous ZX1 concept.
You left out the price point at which this dream should become reality.
I suspect we'd all be in for a rude awakening once brought back to reality. This is Zeiss... makers of Otus.If Zeiss is going to make something ridiculously expensive, it should at least be something we would actually want, even if we can't afford it. Not this ridiculous ZX1 concept.
Dec 18, 2018 at 11:14 PM
p.12 #7Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
interesting how much emotion about a camera that
nobody had in their hands
or?
nobody had in their hands
or?
Dec 19, 2018 at 01:50 AM
p.12 #8Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
rsrsrs wrote:
interesting how much emotion about a camera that
nobody had in their hands
or?
Very interesting in deed, isn't it time for a group therapy.
interesting how much emotion about a camera that
nobody had in their hands
or?
Very interesting in deed, isn't it time for a group therapy.
Dec 19, 2018 at 05:35 AM
p.12 #9Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
This was humor.
Instead of Zeiss creating a new rangefinder camera I would suggest that Voigtländer/Cosina makes one themselves at a better price point.
Instead of Zeiss creating a new rangefinder camera I would suggest that Voigtländer/Cosina makes one themselves at a better price point.
Dec 19, 2018 at 05:42 AM
p.12 #10Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
rsrsrs wrote:
interesting how much emotion about a camera that
nobody had in their hands
or?
If laughing about something is an emotion, I’m guilty.
interesting how much emotion about a camera that
nobody had in their hands
or?
If laughing about something is an emotion, I’m guilty.
Dec 19, 2018 at 10:17 AM
p.12 #11Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Apparently 76% feel the ZX1is at least a "good" concept as of today's date. Count me in that percent too. Personally I am glad to see someone attempt to break the 1980's DSLR mold and try to get up to speed with what mobile phones provide millions of photogs across the globe for some years now. Maybe the ZX1 first iteration might not be perfect in all eyes for one reason or many others, but I remember similar first reactions, naysayers to the original A7r. Sony IMO took that mirrorless sensor above and beyond many expectations. Now it's time to do the same for the process itself. Amazingly nobody bats an eye doing all of this on a small mobile phone. But stick a proper sensor size in there, add a grip and call it a camera and that seems to cause a stir with some 🤔
Dec 19, 2018 at 10:47 AM
p.12 #12Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
I would take a ZX1 mini.
Similar in size to RX1R II but with Zeiss' concept. But it must have a viewfinder and EyeAF!
Similar in size to RX1R II but with Zeiss' concept. But it must have a viewfinder and EyeAF!
Dec 19, 2018 at 11:00 AM
p.12 #13Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Same here on the mini. 
Oh and no. I do not want to be able to call anyone from my camera
Oh and no. I do not want to be able to call anyone from my cameraDec 19, 2018 at 11:03 AM
p.12 #14Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
LBJ2 wrote:
Apparently 76% feel the ZX1is at least a "good" concept as of today's date. Count me in that percent too. Personally I am glad to see someone attempt to break the 1980's DSLR mold and try to get up to speed with what mobile phones provide millions of photogs across the globe for some years now. Maybe the ZX1 first iteration might not be perfect in all eyes for one reason or many others, but I remember similar first reactions, naysayers to the original A7r. Sony IMO took that mirrorless sensor above and beyond many expectations. Now it's time to...Show more →
I totally agree. Rather than put Zeiss through the cleaners on their innovations, maybe we should be encouraging them and putting the screws to our traditional camera makers for not pushing their products.
Apparently 76% feel the ZX1is at least a "good" concept as of today's date. Count me in that percent too. Personally I am glad to see someone attempt to break the 1980's DSLR mold and try to get up to speed with what mobile phones provide millions of photogs across the globe for some years now. Maybe the ZX1 first iteration might not be perfect in all eyes for one reason or many others, but I remember similar first reactions, naysayers to the original A7r. Sony IMO took that mirrorless sensor above and beyond many expectations. Now it's time to...Show more →
I totally agree. Rather than put Zeiss through the cleaners on their innovations, maybe we should be encouraging them and putting the screws to our traditional camera makers for not pushing their products.
Dec 19, 2018 at 11:18 AM
p.12 #15Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
LBJ2 wrote:
Apparently 76% feel the ZX1is at least a "good" concept as of today's date. Count me in that percent too. Personally I am glad to see someone attempt to break the 1980's DSLR mold and try to get up to speed with what mobile phones provide millions of photogs across the globe for some years now. Maybe the ZX1 first iteration might not be perfect in all eyes for one reason or many others, but I remember similar first reactions, naysayers to the original A7r. Sony IMO took that mirrorless sensor above and beyond many expectations. Now it's time to...Show more →
Most concept cars never make it to market, but perhaps a few things carry over into the next generation of cars. Most of what this camera represents should never be carried into a production model. The idea of making the camera more functional is a good idea, but the execution on this one makes the complete package undesirable. I admit to liking minimalist cameras. One of my favorite cameras is the Leica M3. On the flip side, I appreciate being able to occasionally tether my A9 wirelessly.
Apparently 76% feel the ZX1is at least a "good" concept as of today's date. Count me in that percent too. Personally I am glad to see someone attempt to break the 1980's DSLR mold and try to get up to speed with what mobile phones provide millions of photogs across the globe for some years now. Maybe the ZX1 first iteration might not be perfect in all eyes for one reason or many others, but I remember similar first reactions, naysayers to the original A7r. Sony IMO took that mirrorless sensor above and beyond many expectations. Now it's time to...Show more →
Most concept cars never make it to market, but perhaps a few things carry over into the next generation of cars. Most of what this camera represents should never be carried into a production model. The idea of making the camera more functional is a good idea, but the execution on this one makes the complete package undesirable. I admit to liking minimalist cameras. One of my favorite cameras is the Leica M3. On the flip side, I appreciate being able to occasionally tether my A9 wirelessly.
Dec 19, 2018 at 11:34 AM
p.12 #16Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Fred Miranda wrote:
I would take a ZX1 mini.
Similar in size to RX1R II but with Zeiss' concept. But it must have a viewfinder and EyeAF!
That's the issue here. If the ZX1 was reasonably compact, 98% of the negative comments that are being made would go away.
I would take a ZX1 mini.
Similar in size to RX1R II but with Zeiss' concept. But it must have a viewfinder and EyeAF!
That's the issue here. If the ZX1 was reasonably compact, 98% of the negative comments that are being made would go away.
Dec 19, 2018 at 11:39 AM
p.12 #17Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
LBJ2 wrote:
Apparently 76% feel the ZX1is at least a "good" concept as of today's date. Count me in that percent too. Personally I am glad to see someone attempt to break the 1980's DSLR mold and try to get up to speed with what mobile phones provide millions of photogs across the globe for some years now. Maybe the ZX1 first iteration might not be perfect in all eyes for one reason or many others, but I remember similar first reactions, naysayers to the original A7r. Sony IMO took that mirrorless sensor above and beyond many expectations. Now it's time to...Show more →
The way that the survey is setup, the only way to answer "No" I won't by the ZX1 has a built in "good concept but not for me." I would bet that most (including me) don't think that the ZX1 is a good concept.
Apparently 76% feel the ZX1is at least a "good" concept as of today's date. Count me in that percent too. Personally I am glad to see someone attempt to break the 1980's DSLR mold and try to get up to speed with what mobile phones provide millions of photogs across the globe for some years now. Maybe the ZX1 first iteration might not be perfect in all eyes for one reason or many others, but I remember similar first reactions, naysayers to the original A7r. Sony IMO took that mirrorless sensor above and beyond many expectations. Now it's time to...Show more →
The way that the survey is setup, the only way to answer "No" I won't by the ZX1 has a built in "good concept but not for me." I would bet that most (including me) don't think that the ZX1 is a good concept.
Dec 19, 2018 at 12:06 PM
p.12 #18Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
I guess I just look at holding my camera and iPad to do the same thing as the one ZX1"might" be able to do and to me... that's progress. Nevermind the cost of owning both the iPad and the camera.
I can't defend the relative size of the ZX1without holding the camera in my own hand to see if the size is justified or not. It does however look like it is ergonomically designed to support in camera editing and distribution while holding the camera.
I agree with other comments that it would be nice to see this concept in a smaller form factor and I'll bet other manufacturers are thinking the same.
Should this concept camera be released to consumers? It sure looks like Zeiss had every intention to do so...albeit the blackout of information, marketing since the announcement sure gives cause to wonder what Zeiss is thinking or doing about the ZX1 concept themselves.
P.S. Other than maybe Sony, I wonder who else is behind the ZX1 concept?
Edited on Dec 19, 2018 at 01:34 PM · View previous versions
I can't defend the relative size of the ZX1without holding the camera in my own hand to see if the size is justified or not. It does however look like it is ergonomically designed to support in camera editing and distribution while holding the camera.
I agree with other comments that it would be nice to see this concept in a smaller form factor and I'll bet other manufacturers are thinking the same.
Should this concept camera be released to consumers? It sure looks like Zeiss had every intention to do so...albeit the blackout of information, marketing since the announcement sure gives cause to wonder what Zeiss is thinking or doing about the ZX1 concept themselves.
P.S. Other than maybe Sony, I wonder who else is behind the ZX1 concept?
Edited on Dec 19, 2018 at 01:34 PM · View previous versions
Dec 19, 2018 at 12:10 PM
p.12 #19Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
chez wrote:
I totally agree. Rather than put Zeiss through the cleaners on their innovations, maybe we should be encouraging them and putting the screws to our traditional camera makers for not pushing their products.
I love meaningful innovation, but IMO the ZX1 has too much form over function. Unfortunately, my idea of good looking doesn't jibe with Zeiss - the camera looks ergonomically difficult at best. Zeiss's latest efforts (the ZX1 and choices made in the Batis lineup) feel like Apple's efforts after Jobs died and Johhny Ive became their driver of "innovation."
LBJ2 wrote
Apparently 76% feel the ZX1is at least a "good" concept as of today's date. Count me in that percent too. Personally I am glad to see someone attempt to break the 1980's DSLR mold and try to get up to speed with what mobile phones provide millions of photogs across the globe for some years now. Maybe the ZX1 first iteration might not be perfect in all eyes for one reason or many others, but I remember similar first reactions, naysayers to the original A7r. Sony IMO took that mirrorless sensor above and beyond many expectations. Now it's time to do the same for the process itself. Amazingly nobody bats an eye doing all of this on a small mobile phone. But stick a proper sensor size in there, add a grip and call it a camera and that seems to cause a stir with some 🤔I love meaningful innovation, but IMO the ZX1 has too much form over function. Unfortunately, my idea of good looking doesn't jibe with Zeiss - the camera looks ergonomically difficult at best. Zeiss's latest efforts (the ZX1 and choices made in the Batis lineup) feel like Apple's efforts after Jobs died and Johhny Ive became their driver of "innovation."
Dec 19, 2018 at 12:13 PM
p.12 #20Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
smpetty wrote:
I totally agree. Rather than put Zeiss through the cleaners on their innovations, maybe we should be encouraging them and putting the screws to our traditional camera makers for not pushing their products.I love meaningful innovation, but IMO the ZX1 has too much form over function. Unfortunately, my idea of good looking doesn't jibe with Zeiss - the camera looks ergonomically difficult at best. Zeiss's latest efforts (the ZX1 and choices made in the Batis lineup) feel like Apple's efforts after Jobs died and Johhny Ive became their driver of "innovation."
I actually think the opposite. It's has a lot of new function built in ( internal ssd, direct WIFI, integrated LR ) and it's the form I'm more concerned about. Too big and heavy for my likings. Now if it was a medium format system...then it might shine.
I like the concepts and for a trial balloon it's not bad. Hopefully more to come in the future. I'd love to see how far one can push the bounds away from the 70's DSLR model.
chez wrote
LBJ2 wrote
Apparently 76% feel the ZX1is at least a "good" concept as of today's date. Count me in that percent too. Personally I am glad to see someone attempt to break the 1980's DSLR mold and try to get up to speed with what mobile phones provide millions of photogs across the globe for some years now. Maybe the ZX1 first iteration might not be perfect in all eyes for one reason or many others, but I remember similar first reactions, naysayers to the original A7r. Sony IMO took that mirrorless sensor above and beyond many expectations. Now it's time to do the same for the process itself. Amazingly nobody bats an eye doing all of this on a small mobile phone. But stick a proper sensor size in there, add a grip and call it a camera and that seems to cause a stir with some 🤔I actually think the opposite. It's has a lot of new function built in ( internal ssd, direct WIFI, integrated LR ) and it's the form I'm more concerned about. Too big and heavy for my likings. Now if it was a medium format system...then it might shine.
I like the concepts and for a trial balloon it's not bad. Hopefully more to come in the future. I'd love to see how far one can push the bounds away from the 70's DSLR model.
Dec 19, 2018 at 12:49 PM