I would personally be quite happy with a Canon copy of the Nikon Zf.
What I think we will get:
Retro wrapped R6 mark II with maybe less video features.
24Mpix
3.69mpix viewfinder
IBIS
Upgrades I would like to see:
A nice set of small retro inspired primes (a set of three would be nice, 24/28mm f/2.8, 50mm f/2 and 85/100mm f/2.8). Modest apertures but small in size. They can be pricey to allow nice materials.
Higher megapixels. I think this is unlikely since it seems Canon is pretty set on having just 24Mpix or 45Mpix. And 45mpix would just drive the price too high.
Better viewfinder.
Focus on use-ability/feel over specs. Nicer materials, better screens and viewfinder.
Unless they mess it up, I am pretty sure I will buy one.
I sure hope Canon does more than copy the braindead ZF
Give it FULL manual controls without PASM confusion.
I'd much rather have a digital homage to the Canonete, though. Canon doesn't have any compelling RF glass to slap onto whatever they release if it's a small MILC. Canon has lost millions not chasing the X100...it's such an obvious camera to make.
OP: that all sounds good. I'd like to see them have the guts to make it a true AE-1 replica in that the form is as close to the original as possible with minimal physical changes. I.e. no front grip bulge and a subtle dial for changing aperture, since most RF lenses don't have an aperture ring. Include the film advance lever as a thumb grip.
They could also include an FD-RF adapter and let buyers hunt on the used market for FD lenses to adapt to it.
That said, I'd rather see a digital T90. Again, keep it true to the original as much as possible in respect to form and buttons/dials. They could even drop the rear display to keep it clean. Settings could instead be changed via the EVF or through an app on your phone. Basically do what Leica has done with certain niche of their minimalist cameras and improve the Canon app interface and usability to the level of Leica's.
OP: that all sounds good. I'd like to see them have the guts to make it a true AE-1 replica in that the form is as close to the original as possible with minimal physical changes. I.e. no front grip bulge and a subtle dial for changing aperture, since most RF lenses don't have an aperture ring. Include the film advance lever as a thumb grip.
They could also include an FD-RF adapter and let buyers hunt on the used market for FD lenses to adapt to it.
That said, I'd rather see a digital T90. Again, keep it true to the original as much as possible in respect to form and buttons/dials. They could even drop the rear display to keep it clean. Settings could instead be changed via the EVF or through an app on your phone. Basically do what Leica has done with certain niche of their minimalist cameras and improve the Canon app interface and usability to the level of Leica's. ...Show more →
Doesn't every RF lens have a control ring that can be used for aperture?
OP: that all sounds good. I'd like to see them have the guts to make it a true AE-1 replica in that the form is as close to the original as possible with minimal physical changes. I.e. no front grip bulge and a subtle dial for changing aperture, since most RF lenses don't have an aperture ring. Include the film advance lever as a thumb grip.
They could also include an FD-RF adapter and let buyers hunt on the used market for FD lenses to adapt to it.
That said, I'd rather see a digital T90. Again, keep it true to the original as much as possible in respect to form and buttons/dials. They could even drop the rear display to keep it clean. Settings could instead be changed via the EVF or through an app on your phone. Basically do what Leica has done with certain niche of their minimalist cameras and improve the Canon app interface and usability to the level of Leica's. ...Show more → RoamingScott wrote:
Doesn't every RF lens have a control ring that can be used for aperture?
True. It's funny, I never use that ring on any of my lenses and actually don't want an aperture ring on my RF system lenses...
Thinking about it a bit more, I don't have much confidence in the big Japanese camera brands to make a 'pure' retro re-release of an old classic. They'll throw too many modern 'bells & whistles' at it to pad the spec sheet. I dare them to think in terms of pure minimalism, like Leica.
Here's another thought: the camera could be a basic box with sensor and lens mount. The user could then pick from a range of front/back/top 'skins' that attach to the box in the form of whatever model appeals. AE-1, F-1 (both versions), A-1, T90, etc.
Retro cameras are not generally designed to compete with the company's current offerings but are offered more as a nostalgic collector's item that many Canon enthusiasts would like to own, but not so many would find affordable just to have sitting on a shelf.
Though such a camera would be quite functionally usable, its salability is based more upon its appearance than its functionality, so it's not likely that many would choose one over, or in place of a R62, R52, or R1.
jedibrain wrote:
I wonder if it would be upscale FF appealing to the nostalgic, or more consumer pointed APSc trying to grap the hipster content creator crowd?
It could also sort of be an R8MKII or similar class in between those two - similar to what you suggest with the R6II wrapping.
I guess we'll wait and see. I don't think they'll make it better than the R6 series in any spec though.
Brian
I think a FF would make more sense. Making it APS-C would limit the lens options severely.
And since R8 is cheap, making a retro FF camera under $2000 should be no problem.
matejphoto wrote:
I think a FF would make more sense. Making it APS-C would limit the lens options severely.
And since R8 is cheap, making a retro FF camera under $2000 should be no problem.
Certainly doable in FF at a price near the R8. Would just be a matter of what Canon actually wants the camera to be.
RoamingScott wrote:
I sure hope Canon does more than copy the braindead ZF
Give it FULL manual controls without PASM confusion.
I'd much rather have a digital homage to the Canonete, though. Canon doesn't have any compelling RF glass to slap onto whatever they release if it's a small MILC. Canon has lost millions not chasing the X100...it's such an obvious camera to make.
I was really hoping for a camera like this when I moved to Canon earlier this year. I'd prefer FF, but a travel-sized APC-S would probably have me reaching for my wallet as well.
Count me as a +1 for the Canonet, though I am such a sucker for faux-vintage that I will almost certainly pick it up even if it's the AE1 (as long as it's full frame).
