We've all heard every possible rumor about a new DSLR from Canon, so I'll avoid those.
Let me stick to Zeiss...
1) production examples of 2 new ZF lenses: 60mm f2.0 Makro-Planar, and 28mm f2.0 Distagon (this is really not that adventurous a rumor)
2) prototype ZF 21mm f2.8 Distagon
3) prototype Zeiss Ikon digital rangefinder. 12mp and full frame. (no reason why Leica should get all the attention)
3) The return of Contax (Zeiss is still in discussions with Kyocera and presumably others. The door has not been locked shut, and its about time some news came out)
Lotus, I think that 1 is a given, 3 might happen and 2,4 are wishful thinking, although it would be nice.
Guy, given your spelling habits, I am not sure if you meant what you said, ie. do not be surprised if Leica announces no new lenses for the R-system. While I hope that you are wrong, they are a small shop, and it is conceivable that you are right, ie. everyone is working on the M-system right now. However, I doubt we will see a Digilux 3, unless Panasonic also announces the twin camera. Usually Panasonic gets there first.
carstenw wrote:
Lotus, I think that 1 is a given, 3 might happen and 2,4 are wishful thinking, although it would be nice.
Agreed. #4 may be wishful thinking for this year. But a number of things don't add up in the Zeiss/Kyocera/Contax saga. To my thinking it is hard to say that Contax is dead and buried. Indeed, I have recently learned from a reliable source that there are "discussions going on between the two companies". It's been dead quiet for a while now and Zeiss is explicitly not commenting. A solution is being worked out and sooner or later we are going to be hearing about it. (hopefully sooner rather than later)
tracybaugh wrote:
I think he means Kurt Cobain. :D
Right, I was just kidding around, although it did bring back the great kidder himself, the one and only kidigital, Kurt Kamka, tadaa! (I have not figured out yet the best way to kid digitally...)
I was talking to a guy today who is close to people with Mamiya who claim that Mamiya will be releasing some new digital backs at Photokina. He didn't have many details but said they had cut a deal to buy chips from Creo at a discount - probably around 39MP. They'll have solutions for the 645AF in addition to the RZ and some other models.
I was also told that Canon purchased the lithography and related chip production hardware from Kyocera / Contax with the intention of producing MF sensors for themselves after Contax gave up on the idea. I haven’t verified this purchase. It would be interesting if it were true.
