This topic is in the 2018 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2018Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
p.18 #1Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
I don’t follow. 
Care to explain?
Audii-Dudii wrote:
It is odd that they named it ZX1 -very optimistic- as if there will be ZX2, etc.I wonder if Zeiss hasn't already made all the profit they expected to earn from this project ... not in terms of money, of course, but in terms of exposure (which, as well all know, is fast becoming the international currency of photography these days and is even better than money!) <rolls eyes>
Care to explain?
Audii-Dudii wrote:
realVivek wrote
I suspect that they will shut down the project. There is no profit to be had with this camera.It is odd that they named it ZX1 -very optimistic- as if there will be ZX2, etc.
Apr 01, 2019 at 01:14 PM
p.18 #2Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
realVivek wrote:
I don’t follow.
Care to explain?
It is odd that they named it ZX1 -very optimistic- as if there will be ZX2, etc.I wonder if Zeiss hasn't already made all the profit they expected to earn from this project ... not in terms of money, of course, but in terms of exposure (which, as well all know, is fast becoming the international currency of photography these days and is even better than money!) <rolls eyes>
Many companies, in many different industries, go to the effort and expense of designing and building products they have no intention of ever putting into production (or at least full-scale production.)
Car manufacturers have their concept cars, high-end audio manufacturers their flagship or "halo" products, watch makers have their limited-editions, etc.
They do this for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from traditional promotion and marketing, to positioning their brand, showcasing the company's capabilities, testing the receptivity to new lines of products, training its junior staff ... the list goes on.
In this particular case, I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn one of the primary reasons Zeiss created the ZX-1 was merely to prove it could do so and in the process, remind the industry (and consumers) that they're more than just another optical company.
If it turns out the demand for a product is high enough, they also have the option of finishing the development work and putting it into production. This could explain why so much time has passed between their initial announcement and actual cameras turning up at camera stores for sale...
But what do I know, eh?
I don’t follow.
Care to explain?
Audii-Dudii wrote
realVivek wrote
I suspect that they will shut down the project. There is no profit to be had with this camera.It is odd that they named it ZX1 -very optimistic- as if there will be ZX2, etc.
Many companies, in many different industries, go to the effort and expense of designing and building products they have no intention of ever putting into production (or at least full-scale production.)
Car manufacturers have their concept cars, high-end audio manufacturers their flagship or "halo" products, watch makers have their limited-editions, etc.
They do this for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from traditional promotion and marketing, to positioning their brand, showcasing the company's capabilities, testing the receptivity to new lines of products, training its junior staff ... the list goes on.
In this particular case, I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn one of the primary reasons Zeiss created the ZX-1 was merely to prove it could do so and in the process, remind the industry (and consumers) that they're more than just another optical company.
If it turns out the demand for a product is high enough, they also have the option of finishing the development work and putting it into production. This could explain why so much time has passed between their initial announcement and actual cameras turning up at camera stores for sale...
But what do I know, eh?
Apr 01, 2019 at 04:08 PM
p.18 #4Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Most may have stopped reading at this clanger: 'We started about four years ago..'
Maybe they found the market for remote area PJs working exclusively with a 35/2 lens who are prepared to edit on a little screen (rather than have a professional job done back at base) was vanishingly small. The 500gb SSDs go for a hundred bucks (retail).
Maybe they found the market for remote area PJs working exclusively with a 35/2 lens who are prepared to edit on a little screen (rather than have a professional job done back at base) was vanishingly small. The 500gb SSDs go for a hundred bucks (retail).
Apr 01, 2019 at 05:28 PM
p.18 #5Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Any updates folks?
Early 2019/Q1 is slipping away...
Early 2019/Q1 is slipping away...
Apr 23, 2019 at 11:12 AM
p.18 #6Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Well, judging by the poll and overall reactions here, even if it doesn't get actually released in the end, not much folks are going to miss it.. 
Apr 23, 2019 at 12:32 PM
p.18 #7Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Tirpitz666 wrote:
Well, judging by the poll and overall reactions here, even if it doesn't get actually released in the end, not much folks are going to miss it..
If I were Zeiss, I would pay attention to this poll's results. We are the crowd that would actually buy one and I don't see much interest, except that most of us appreciate the concept and want easier ways to share our images.
Well, judging by the poll and overall reactions here, even if it doesn't get actually released in the end, not much folks are going to miss it..
If I were Zeiss, I would pay attention to this poll's results. We are the crowd that would actually buy one and I don't see much interest, except that most of us appreciate the concept and want easier ways to share our images.
Apr 23, 2019 at 02:00 PM
p.18 #8Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Fred Miranda wrote:
If I were Zeiss, I would pay attention to this poll's results. We are the crowd that would actually buy one and I don't see much interest, except that most of us appreciate the concept and want easier ways to share our images.
My guess is Zeiss is watching reception (polls like this), knows they are getting creamed in terms of feedback and reception. The comments sections are pretty negative on nearly everything I've seen where photographers can voice their opinion.
I think that's why there has been such little and guarded updates from Zeiss. Mostly marketing and interviews.
Tirpitz666 wrote
Well, judging by the poll and overall reactions here, even if it doesn't get actually released in the end, not much folks are going to miss it..My guess is Zeiss is watching reception (polls like this), knows they are getting creamed in terms of feedback and reception. The comments sections are pretty negative on nearly everything I've seen where photographers can voice their opinion.
I think that's why there has been such little and guarded updates from Zeiss. Mostly marketing and interviews.
Apr 23, 2019 at 02:34 PM
p.18 #9Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
nehemiahphoto wrote:
If I were Zeiss, I would pay attention to this poll's results. We are the crowd that would actually buy one and I don't see much interest, except that most of us appreciate the concept and want easier ways to share our images.My guess is Zeiss is watching reception (polls like this), knows they are getting creamed in terms of feedback and reception. The comments sections are pretty negative on nearly everything I've seen where photographers can voice their opinion.
I think that's why there has been such little and guarded updates from Zeiss. Mostly marketing and interviews.
It's a difficult situation for them. They can't back out now but already know there is a lot of negative feedback.
Fred Miranda wrote
Tirpitz666 wrote
Well, judging by the poll and overall reactions here, even if it doesn't get actually released in the end, not much folks are going to miss it..I think that's why there has been such little and guarded updates from Zeiss. Mostly marketing and interviews.
It's a difficult situation for them. They can't back out now but already know there is a lot of negative feedback.
Apr 23, 2019 at 03:11 PM
p.18 #10Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
They'll get somebody like Clooney to advertise it, and it'll do fine.
Apr 23, 2019 at 03:30 PM
p.18 #11Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Fred Miranda wrote:
If I were Zeiss, I would pay attention to this poll's results. We are the crowd that would actually buy one and I don't see much interest, except that most of us appreciate the concept and want easier ways to share our images.My guess is Zeiss is watching reception (polls like this), knows they are getting creamed in terms of feedback and reception. The comments sections are pretty negative on nearly everything I've seen where photographers can voice their opinion.
I think that's why there has been such little and guarded updates from Zeiss. Mostly marketing and interviews.It's a difficult situation for them. They can't back out now but already know there is a lot of negative feedback.
Exactly. Cancelling the launch would be a failure, but launching the ZX1 may also result in failure. Either way is embarrassing to Zeiss as a company, and bad in monetary terms.
They probably can't do it given the changes needed and how extended the timeframe would become, but I would love to see Zeiss listen the customer feedback and change the camera in a real way--larger sensor, smaller form factory, better battery, re-configure the lens for fast AF, remove the hard drive, etc. Oh well.
I just hope this show Sony there's still a market for the RX1R3.
nehemiahphoto wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Tirpitz666 wrote
Well, judging by the poll and overall reactions here, even if it doesn't get actually released in the end, not much folks are going to miss it..I think that's why there has been such little and guarded updates from Zeiss. Mostly marketing and interviews.
Exactly. Cancelling the launch would be a failure, but launching the ZX1 may also result in failure. Either way is embarrassing to Zeiss as a company, and bad in monetary terms.
They probably can't do it given the changes needed and how extended the timeframe would become, but I would love to see Zeiss listen the customer feedback and change the camera in a real way--larger sensor, smaller form factory, better battery, re-configure the lens for fast AF, remove the hard drive, etc. Oh well.
I just hope this show Sony there's still a market for the RX1R3.
Apr 23, 2019 at 03:31 PM
p.18 #12Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
nehemiahphoto wrote:
If I were Zeiss, I would pay attention to this poll's results. We are the crowd that would actually buy one and I don't see much interest, except that most of us appreciate the concept and want easier ways to share our images.My guess is Zeiss is watching reception (polls like this), knows they are getting creamed in terms of feedback and reception. The comments sections are pretty negative on nearly everything I've seen where photographers can voice their opinion.
I think that's why there has been such little and guarded updates from Zeiss. Mostly marketing and interviews.It's a difficult situation for them. They can't back out now but already know there is a lot of negative feedback.Exactly. Cancelling the launch would be a failure, but launching the ZX1 may also result in failure. Either way is embarrassing to Zeiss as a company, and bad in monetary terms.
They probably can't do it given the changes needed and how extended the timeframe would become, but I would love to see Zeiss listen the customer feedback and change the camera in a real way--larger sensor, smaller form factory, better battery, re-configure the lens for fast AF, remove the hard drive, etc. Oh well.
I just hope this show Sony there's still a market for the RX1R3.
I would think if the RX1R2 was a huge success, we'd see the RX1R3. No follow up on the 2 most likely indicates it did not sell as well as Sony liked.
Fred Miranda wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Tirpitz666 wrote
Well, judging by the poll and overall reactions here, even if it doesn't get actually released in the end, not much folks are going to miss it..I think that's why there has been such little and guarded updates from Zeiss. Mostly marketing and interviews.
They probably can't do it given the changes needed and how extended the timeframe would become, but I would love to see Zeiss listen the customer feedback and change the camera in a real way--larger sensor, smaller form factory, better battery, re-configure the lens for fast AF, remove the hard drive, etc. Oh well.
I just hope this show Sony there's still a market for the RX1R3.
I would think if the RX1R2 was a huge success, we'd see the RX1R3. No follow up on the 2 most likely indicates it did not sell as well as Sony liked.
Apr 23, 2019 at 05:25 PM
p.18 #13Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Fred Miranda wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Tirpitz666 wrote
Well, judging by the poll and overall reactions here, even if it doesn't get actually released in the end, not much folks are going to miss it..I think that's why there has been such little and guarded updates from Zeiss. Mostly marketing and interviews.
They probably can't do it given the changes needed and how extended the timeframe would become, but I would love to see Zeiss listen the customer feedback and change the camera in a real way--larger sensor, smaller form factory, better battery, re-configure the lens for fast AF, remove the hard drive, etc. Oh well.
I just hope this show Sony there's still a market for the RX1R3.
I don't see it the same way. It was not a very good idea and if it was a good idea then maybe it wasn't well executed. It's quite forgettable and not coming out with it will not impact Zeiss whatsoever. Now, bringing a doorstop with a lens and connectivity will negatively impact them. Changing the concept and design might be in order.
Apr 23, 2019 at 05:30 PM
p.18 #14Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
This was a concept mistake from the beginning. Zeiss needs to stick with lenses. It will be interesting to watch them try to save face on this. In the mean time they could do the "hey look over here" thing and release those top secret ALON lenses
Apr 23, 2019 at 05:56 PM
p.18 #15Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
bwcolor wrote:
If I were Zeiss, I would pay attention to this poll's results. We are the crowd that would actually buy one and I don't see much interest, except that most of us appreciate the concept and want easier ways to share our images.My guess is Zeiss is watching reception (polls like this), knows they are getting creamed in terms of feedback and reception. The comments sections are pretty negative on nearly everything I've seen where photographers can voice their opinion.
I think that's why there has been such little and guarded updates from Zeiss. Mostly marketing and interviews.It's a difficult situation for them. They can't back out now but already know there is a lot of negative feedback.Exactly. Cancelling the launch would be a failure, but launching the ZX1 may also result in failure. Either way is embarrassing to Zeiss as a company, and bad in monetary terms.
They probably can't do it given the changes needed and how extended the timeframe would become, but I would love to see Zeiss listen the customer feedback and change the camera in a real way--larger sensor, smaller form factory, better battery, re-configure the lens for fast AF, remove the hard drive, etc. Oh well.
I just hope this show Sony there's still a market for the RX1R3.I don't see it the same way. It was not a very good idea and if it was a good idea then maybe it wasn't well executed. It's quite forgettable and not coming out with it will not impact Zeiss whatsoever. Now, bringing a doorstop with a lens and connectivity will negatively impact them. Changing the concept and design might be in order.
I don't see how releasing products that are a flop in the eyes of the photog community and/or a poor return on investment helps Zeiss. Reputation matters to companies like Leica and Zeiss enormously. Duds don't help.
nehemiahphoto wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Tirpitz666 wrote
Well, judging by the poll and overall reactions here, even if it doesn't get actually released in the end, not much folks are going to miss it..I think that's why there has been such little and guarded updates from Zeiss. Mostly marketing and interviews.
They probably can't do it given the changes needed and how extended the timeframe would become, but I would love to see Zeiss listen the customer feedback and change the camera in a real way--larger sensor, smaller form factory, better battery, re-configure the lens for fast AF, remove the hard drive, etc. Oh well.
I just hope this show Sony there's still a market for the RX1R3.
I don't see how releasing products that are a flop in the eyes of the photog community and/or a poor return on investment helps Zeiss. Reputation matters to companies like Leica and Zeiss enormously. Duds don't help.
Apr 23, 2019 at 06:12 PM
p.18 #16Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
nehemiahphoto wrote:
bwcolor wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
If I were Zeiss, I would pay attention to this poll's results. We are the crowd that would actually buy one and I don't see much interest, except that most of us appreciate the concept and want easier ways to share our images.I think that's why there has been such little and guarded updates from Zeiss. Mostly marketing and interviews.
They probably can't do it given the changes needed and how extended the timeframe would become, but I would love to see Zeiss listen the customer feedback and change the camera in a real way--larger sensor, smaller form factory, better battery, re-configure the lens for fast AF, remove the hard drive, etc. Oh well.
I just hope this show Sony there's still a market for the RX1R3.
I didn't say that releasing this design will help Zeiss. I said that it would be a camera soon forgotten. Zeiss would move on and so would the rest of us.
Apr 23, 2019 at 07:37 PM
p.18 #17Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
nhsonyshooter wrote:
This was a concept mistake from the beginning. Zeiss needs to stick with lenses. It will be interesting to watch them try to save face on this. In the mean time they could do the "hey look over here" thing and release those top secret ALON lenses
What's the purpose of ALON when you can use LaSF? https://refractiveindex.info/?shelf=glass&book=SCHOTT-LaSF&page=N-LASF9HT In addition, isn't the main problem finding low-refractive elements for correction rather than high-refractive elements for light collection?
This was a concept mistake from the beginning. Zeiss needs to stick with lenses. It will be interesting to watch them try to save face on this. In the mean time they could do the "hey look over here" thing and release those top secret ALON lenses
What's the purpose of ALON when you can use LaSF? https://refractiveindex.info/?shelf=glass&book=SCHOTT-LaSF&page=N-LASF9HT In addition, isn't the main problem finding low-refractive elements for correction rather than high-refractive elements for light collection?
Apr 23, 2019 at 08:01 PM
p.18 #18Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Would a mirrorless Zeiss Ikon M-mount body have received a more favourable response? Or is the obsession with adapting M/LTM-mount lenses to Sony/Canon/Nikon/Panasonic mirrorless cameras restricted to FM members?
Apr 23, 2019 at 08:40 PM
p.18 #19Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
AcuteShadows wrote:
What's the purpose of ALON when you can use LaSF? https://refractiveindex.info/?shelf=glass&book=SCHOTT-LaSF&page=N-LASF9HT In addition, isn't the main problem finding low-refractive elements for correction rather than high-refractive elements for light collection?
Think the purpose is fairly clear!
https://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr3-zeiss-rumored-to-launch-a-new-pancake-lens-series-first-lens-will-be-a-35mm-f-1-8-with-alon-elements/
nhsonyshooter wrote
This was a concept mistake from the beginning. Zeiss needs to stick with lenses. It will be interesting to watch them try to save face on this. In the mean time they could do the "hey look over here" thing and release those top secret ALON lensesThink the purpose is fairly clear!
https://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr3-zeiss-rumored-to-launch-a-new-pancake-lens-series-first-lens-will-be-a-35mm-f-1-8-with-alon-elements/
Apr 23, 2019 at 08:43 PM
p.18 #20Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
A Zeiss M mount sounds great to me, but I don't know that I would purchase one despite owning ten, or so rangefinder cameras. After years of Sony, I would have to see some advantage and without question, rangefinder focusing is not nearly as accurate as with the Sony. Small size and some sensor/lens magic, ultra high resolution HD sensor, EVF and a killer electronic shutter would get my attention. Of course, likely this would be a Sony and not Zeiss camera.
Apr 23, 2019 at 08:56 PM