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.3 #1Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
As a Leica Q user, I was interested in seeing what they'd come out with. And I'm gladly keeping my Q which is much better looking and smaller/lighter. At the very least they could have made it weather-sealed.
Sep 27, 2018 at 11:14 PM
p.3 #2Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
I wouldn't even say good concept. Not a practical device. One for the rich kids.
Sep 27, 2018 at 11:39 PM
p.3 #3Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
When one considers that Zeiss are all about tactile lenses and total control (except for Batis) then this is about as far on the opposite side of that scale as it's possible to go. Are we sure it's not an Apple - Zeiss collaboration ?
The Poll is missing a 'God awful I'm avoiding at all costs' or a 'not in this lifetime' option. IMHO it's not even a good concept so there's no where to put my vote.
The Poll is missing a 'God awful I'm avoiding at all costs' or a 'not in this lifetime' option. IMHO it's not even a good concept so there's no where to put my vote.
Sep 27, 2018 at 11:49 PM
p.3 #4Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Zeiss ditch this concept. Make a digital Contax T3.
Sep 28, 2018 at 12:18 AM
p.3 #5Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Yes, like the croc-skinned M cameras from some time back. Hollywood celebs will love it. It's a design concept camera, with the whole device developed in that vein, with that aim at the front of the design goals, with ergo and familiarity and even smoothness and functionality down the list. It's a 'concept' that takes photos and sends them off into cyberspace, and has a hard drive inside. Sounds rather robot-like when you see it that way, maybe. War zone photo journos?
'Lens optical formula: 8 elements in 5 groups (2 double-sided aspherical)'
This sounds very close to the RX1. RX1 is 8/7 with asph similar to this one (three, one 'advanced' sounds like two-sided) = perhaps four surfaces). ZX might be a 'developed' version of the Sonnar 35/2, as the cheesy front end and the barrel shape are close. The ugly font and font size don't help.
Separate hood from specs. The dials.. your right hand will be forced to hover instead of working rear panel controls. The dials are large diameter knurled numbers, top right. The only real good camera hold is on the right grip so, not so good. The surface of the body is very smooth aluminium, not so good in damp cold, gloves. Al dings easily too.
The camera will be very slow if your use case needs rapid ISO-s/s-aperture juggling. thing. Shutter speed dial maxes at 1/1000s with an 'H', ISO goes to 6400 also with an 'H', both have 'A' as well.
It's 65% heavier than RX1 v1, so it leaves behind the small compact category and forges new ground - the heavy slab connected computer 'something new'. It's not for most I suspect, esp RX1 owners, lol, as many are used to 42mp, 500 grams and the older lens is very well-liked. Unless the new ZX absolutely smokes everything, that changes everything if so.
It's got a sort of 'minimalist rubber plus metal' aesthetic. But it shows they are still doing something, but they might do better with just lenses, imagine an ILC like this effort? And lighten up everything, Zeiss, you look silly adding needless weight to lenses, and this FLC should be more like 650 grams. Look at the strap fasteners, if you can find them. The big blue ZEISS badge is a bit shouty. Overall, the ZX1 is also very cool in a kind of Keanu Reeves Matrix way. We'll see. Pricing must be responsible.
'Lens optical formula: 8 elements in 5 groups (2 double-sided aspherical)'
This sounds very close to the RX1. RX1 is 8/7 with asph similar to this one (three, one 'advanced' sounds like two-sided) = perhaps four surfaces). ZX might be a 'developed' version of the Sonnar 35/2, as the cheesy front end and the barrel shape are close. The ugly font and font size don't help.
Separate hood from specs. The dials.. your right hand will be forced to hover instead of working rear panel controls. The dials are large diameter knurled numbers, top right. The only real good camera hold is on the right grip so, not so good. The surface of the body is very smooth aluminium, not so good in damp cold, gloves. Al dings easily too.
The camera will be very slow if your use case needs rapid ISO-s/s-aperture juggling. thing. Shutter speed dial maxes at 1/1000s with an 'H', ISO goes to 6400 also with an 'H', both have 'A' as well.
It's 65% heavier than RX1 v1, so it leaves behind the small compact category and forges new ground - the heavy slab connected computer 'something new'. It's not for most I suspect, esp RX1 owners, lol, as many are used to 42mp, 500 grams and the older lens is very well-liked. Unless the new ZX absolutely smokes everything, that changes everything if so.
It's got a sort of 'minimalist rubber plus metal' aesthetic. But it shows they are still doing something, but they might do better with just lenses, imagine an ILC like this effort? And lighten up everything, Zeiss, you look silly adding needless weight to lenses, and this FLC should be more like 650 grams. Look at the strap fasteners, if you can find them. The big blue ZEISS badge is a bit shouty. Overall, the ZX1 is also very cool in a kind of Keanu Reeves Matrix way. We'll see. Pricing must be responsible.
Sep 28, 2018 at 12:38 AM
p.3 #6Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
thrice wrote:
I wouldn't even say good concept. Not a practical device. One for the rich kids.
Yes, it does scream hipster, doesn’t it?
I wouldn't even say good concept. Not a practical device. One for the rich kids.
Yes, it does scream hipster, doesn’t it?
Sep 28, 2018 at 12:46 AM
p.3 #7Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Gunzorro wrote:
Where is the category for "Hell NO!"
We are supposed to be polite and vote "good concept". Ho-hum. *cough cough*
Actually I don't think the design is bad, and I love this kind of dials. There just needs to be an EC dial as well. The most important dial.
Other than that, nothing about the camera interests me.
Where is the category for "Hell NO!"
We are supposed to be polite and vote "good concept". Ho-hum. *cough cough*
Actually I don't think the design is bad, and I love this kind of dials. There just needs to be an EC dial as well. The most important dial.
Other than that, nothing about the camera interests me.
Sep 28, 2018 at 12:57 AM
p.3 #8Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
This is clearly an ignorant lifestyle item for snobs, not a powerful camera for photographers.
P.s.: I protest the entry "No: good concept but not for me". This is NOT a good concept whatsoever.
P.s.: I protest the entry "No: good concept but not for me". This is NOT a good concept whatsoever.
Sep 28, 2018 at 01:18 AM
p.3 #9Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Well, it might be a precursor for an interchangeable lens system.
Sep 28, 2018 at 01:35 AM
p.3 #10Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Can easily win the "ugliest camera to be released in 2019" for me, plus, I'm angry because Zeiss spent time and resources to develop a compact 35/2 for this camera instead of giving us one for E-mount that almost everyone wants, so they have to go down in flames..
Sep 28, 2018 at 01:37 AM
p.3 #11Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Spyro P. wrote:
Well, it might be a precursor for an interchangeable lens system.
An interesting thought. Would they introduce yet another mount? Or license the FE-mount from Sony? Any other option seems just as unlikely to me.
Well, it might be a precursor for an interchangeable lens system.
An interesting thought. Would they introduce yet another mount? Or license the FE-mount from Sony? Any other option seems just as unlikely to me.
Sep 28, 2018 at 01:39 AM
p.3 #12Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
snappu wrote:
As a Leica Q user, I was interested in seeing what they'd come out with. And I'm gladly keeping my Q which is much better looking and smaller/lighter. At the very least they could have made it weather-sealed.
The irony is that this Zeiss product has exactly the flair of impractical lifestyle product for snobs that quite a number of Leica products have (esp the Leica T), while the Leica Q is IMHO the best product from Leica, after the M.
The Q still has some issues, but I'd take a Q over a ZX1 or any of the RX1 cameras any day.
And yes, if the camera was perfectly sealed except for the battery, save against getting dropped and useable underwater, not having a memory card slot and using an internal drive instead would make a lot more sense.
As a Leica Q user, I was interested in seeing what they'd come out with. And I'm gladly keeping my Q which is much better looking and smaller/lighter. At the very least they could have made it weather-sealed.
The irony is that this Zeiss product has exactly the flair of impractical lifestyle product for snobs that quite a number of Leica products have (esp the Leica T), while the Leica Q is IMHO the best product from Leica, after the M.
The Q still has some issues, but I'd take a Q over a ZX1 or any of the RX1 cameras any day.
And yes, if the camera was perfectly sealed except for the battery, save against getting dropped and useable underwater, not having a memory card slot and using an internal drive instead would make a lot more sense.
Sep 28, 2018 at 01:49 AM
p.3 #13Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Fred Miranda wrote:
On the official thread, I've read a lot of criticism of the ZX1's modern design but imo, Zeiss is just keeping it consistent with the design of their current lines. (Otus, Milvus, Batis, Touit)
This camera is the final nail in the coffin for the Zeiss that, until the introduction of the current lines you cite, I’ve always admired and respected: the Zeiss that gave us Contax G/CY/645, Zeiss ZM, and Classic ZE/ZF lenses, as well as those for various Hasselblad models, many of which I’ve either used or continue to use. Requiescat in pace.
On the official thread, I've read a lot of criticism of the ZX1's modern design but imo, Zeiss is just keeping it consistent with the design of their current lines. (Otus, Milvus, Batis, Touit)
This camera is the final nail in the coffin for the Zeiss that, until the introduction of the current lines you cite, I’ve always admired and respected: the Zeiss that gave us Contax G/CY/645, Zeiss ZM, and Classic ZE/ZF lenses, as well as those for various Hasselblad models, many of which I’ve either used or continue to use. Requiescat in pace.
Sep 28, 2018 at 02:01 AM
p.3 #14Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Already have the Q so no. what I really want is a FE35 f2/1.8 or FE28 f1.4 and then I would consider selling the Q. Personally I think the Q is the best digital camera Leica have made and it has the added bonus of stabilisation and macro mode which the Zeiss lacks.
Sep 28, 2018 at 02:34 AM
p.3 #15Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Not for me - RX1RII is my 'fast enough' 35 (ish) mm lens with character, alongside my A7RII - and if I really want to travel light - on its own. This will not tempt me away - but I do respect the innovation even though not to my personal taste. I will be interested to see where it goes or leads.
Sep 28, 2018 at 04:18 AM
p.3 #16Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Nops. I would rather consider the just announced Zenit camera with Zenitar 35/1 lens. I wonder why no similar poll started about this camera/lens combination since it is the better deal IMO.
Sep 28, 2018 at 04:50 AM
p.3 #17Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
not for the likely price they will ask for it.... if they sell if for 600 euros, I may be interested...
Sep 28, 2018 at 04:54 AM
p.3 #18Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Looks like Zeiss made this for the young crowd who care about sharing right away with friends on FB and other media sources, not us "enthusiasts". That may be fine, but the young crowd will not be able to afford such a tool and continue to use their cell phone. The price is based on us old guys purchasing it, and thats a mistake.
Sep 28, 2018 at 04:59 AM
p.3 #19Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
So reading this thread, many people here actually claim this is a great "concept".
How exactly is it a great concept to have an oversized compact camera that is downright optimized for being slippery ?
How exactly is it a great concept to be limited to a touch screen for most input operations ? That wont work with the eye to the viewfinder, will be problematic in cold conditions, and in general tends to be slower than having physical controls.
How exactly is it a great concept wanting to edit your images on a 4.x inch 720p monitor on the backside of your camera ? I mean any meager 11 inch 1080p tablet would be a better choice.
How exactly is it a great concept to put an expensive 500 GB SSD inside a camera, but no card slot ? I'd wager even two card slots would have been a lot cheaper than the 500 GB SSD, and you have to have the camera switched on and connected to your computer via cable to get to your images - with cards you can just get a card reader for any read speed you want, because if theres a faster connection you can just get a new card reader. I wouldnt mind so much if there was only a single card slot and the SSD would operate as the backup, but as the only available option this isnt a very practical solution with current technology.
If you like that, sure go ahead. I dont find any of this very practical.
Plus of course, this thing is really ugly. Sigma Quattro and Fujifilm GFX 50S with grip levels of ugly.
genji wrote:
This camera is the final nail in the coffin for the Zeiss
Apparently you are unaware that regular photography is really more something of a hobbyist pastime for Zeiss ? They care so little about it, much of their production is outsourced to Cosina in Japan. I own three Zeiss lenses for Nikon F - Classic 28/2, 35/2 and 100/2 macro - all are Made in Japan and thus actually by Cosina.
How exactly is it a great concept to have an oversized compact camera that is downright optimized for being slippery ?
How exactly is it a great concept to be limited to a touch screen for most input operations ? That wont work with the eye to the viewfinder, will be problematic in cold conditions, and in general tends to be slower than having physical controls.
How exactly is it a great concept wanting to edit your images on a 4.x inch 720p monitor on the backside of your camera ? I mean any meager 11 inch 1080p tablet would be a better choice.
How exactly is it a great concept to put an expensive 500 GB SSD inside a camera, but no card slot ? I'd wager even two card slots would have been a lot cheaper than the 500 GB SSD, and you have to have the camera switched on and connected to your computer via cable to get to your images - with cards you can just get a card reader for any read speed you want, because if theres a faster connection you can just get a new card reader. I wouldnt mind so much if there was only a single card slot and the SSD would operate as the backup, but as the only available option this isnt a very practical solution with current technology.
If you like that, sure go ahead. I dont find any of this very practical.
Plus of course, this thing is really ugly. Sigma Quattro and Fujifilm GFX 50S with grip levels of ugly.
genji wrote:
This camera is the final nail in the coffin for the Zeiss
Apparently you are unaware that regular photography is really more something of a hobbyist pastime for Zeiss ? They care so little about it, much of their production is outsourced to Cosina in Japan. I own three Zeiss lenses for Nikon F - Classic 28/2, 35/2 and 100/2 macro - all are Made in Japan and thus actually by Cosina.
Sep 28, 2018 at 06:43 AM
p.3 #20Are you getting the Zeiss ZX1?
Sauseschritt wrote:
...They care so little about it, much of their production is outsourced to Cosina in Japan. I own three Zeiss lenses for Nikon F - Classic 28/2, 35/2 and 100/2 macro - all are Made in Japan and thus actually by Cosina.
I prefer to think that they switched production to Japan (during the Contax era), because they were assured of adequate QC (c.w. German production) and higher profit, not because they don't care about photography. In fact, Zeiss is one of the most responsive companies to questions from random users (like me). That shows me that they do care about photography, maybe not so much about where it's made. Similar weird, odd, and rebranded cameras from (associated with) Leica and Hassy have repeatedly signaled imminent company death, yet they still seem to be OK.
...They care so little about it, much of their production is outsourced to Cosina in Japan. I own three Zeiss lenses for Nikon F - Classic 28/2, 35/2 and 100/2 macro - all are Made in Japan and thus actually by Cosina.
I prefer to think that they switched production to Japan (during the Contax era), because they were assured of adequate QC (c.w. German production) and higher profit, not because they don't care about photography. In fact, Zeiss is one of the most responsive companies to questions from random users (like me). That shows me that they do care about photography, maybe not so much about where it's made. Similar weird, odd, and rebranded cameras from (associated with) Leica and Hassy have repeatedly signaled imminent company death, yet they still seem to be OK.
Sep 28, 2018 at 06:53 AM