Cosina-Epson Relationship

[JeffGreene]

This is probably already old news to all of you here, but I was talking to a local professional photo supplier here in Philly, and mentioned I was considering getting either a ZI or one of the new RD1s's. He told me to wait until Photokina and get the new Digital ZI. Apparently, Cosina and Epson have dissolved their corporate relationship in light of Cosina's new relationship with Zeiss. He told me that the "new" RD1s's are simply reworked RD1's. Epson is apparently going to dump their complete inventory by reducing the price by roughly 1/3(about $2k). According to him, Zeiss will be announcing a digital M of their own at Photokina based upon their partnership with Cosina. He said the Zeiss Digital M will be priced to beat the Leica model. Is this believable?

 

[sdai]

I wouldn't hold me breath, Jeff ... Zeiss has said many times that they won't build a digital Ikon unless it's full frame - which is not gonna happen soon ... just my humble two cents.

I agree that Epson is dumping their stock though and basically they can no longer source the 6MP CCD from Sony 'cause they don't make it anymore. 😉

 

[JeffGreene]

I mentioned the full frame issue to him, and he reiterated that he was told there would be a ZI digital M announcement at Photokina. He has been a pretty reliable source for me over the years. But, as you say, who knows!

 

[washy21]

That would be nice if it happened. I am going to get my feet wet with the RD1 which I have just got dratically reduced. If it turns out I like it then a Zeiss or Leica rangefinder would be just great.

If Epson can't source sensors - what would happen if it goes wrong under warranty ?

Anyway, sounds promising

 

[sdai]

They can't source a 6MP sensor doesn't mean that they can't do with 8MP or 10MP ... but like Jeff says, if Cosina is gonna make cameras for Zeiss exclusively ... then Epson has to find someone else, so who else is in the ball park? 😀

 

[ian_watts]

Personally, I doubt whether Epson have any further interest in digital rangefinders. I'd be very surprised if there is any kind of follow-up to the RD-1/s. It's true that the camera did 'win' one of those TIPA trade awards (though which new camera doesn't win one of those?) and I know many are very happy with their RD-1 bodies, but I'd imagine that Epson will have viewed the whole thing as a bit of a disaster. I think it proves to some extent the difficulty that companies can face when they get involved in products/areas that are not their speciality. Notwithstanding the factory QC, Epson clearly didn't know how to handle the RD-1.

 

[jlw]

I doubt that Cosina ever DID have a "relationship" with Epson other than that of contract manufacturer, the same relationship they've had with many other companies.

If Epson wants to exit the business, which wouldn't surprise me, there's no reason that it would involve a possible Z-I product.

 

[sdai]

If Epson wants to exit the business, which wouldn't surprise me, there's no reason that it would involve a possible Z-I product.

It's possible, jlw ... if Cosina signed up an exclusive deal with Zeiss which prevents them from catering competitors in the industry.