Future of Zeiss Ikon?

[Neare]

Quieter shutter? Common, what a lame wish.

I would prefer to see the ZI get a data back. One that could print between frames, even on them. Have a world clock for 180 counties, stop watch, alarm clock perhaps even a GPS and temperature readout. Now that is a useful improvement 🙂

What about motorwinders? Frameline illuminators? 1:1 external viewfinders for 35mm and 50mm's? Fancy camera straps, bags, even Zeiss branded bowling shoes?! And we haven't even had special limited edition releases of the camera yet, we could have a titanium ZI body! Even a brass body would go down well...

Quieter shutter? Pffft.

 

[kshapero]

Another vote for an improvement in the meter readout ... it's the only minor niggle that I can really think of!

Maybe give the shutter 1/4000 capability!

Zeiss could take a cue from the Nikon FM3a on that score.

 

[kram]

Another vote for a improved meter readout. Being red/green colour blind, when I am using the camera outside I can't see the readout.
Slight improvements: built in dioptre adjustment, and a self timer.
A 1/4000 shutter speed would be 'nice' with my FM2N, I used ~4 times a year.

 

[Out to Lunch]

I've been using the camera in some extreme cold weather and to be honest...I folded before the camera did. The meter read-out...yes would be nice. If they did it would I buy a new camera. No. Regarding the 'future of the company'...if someone shows me the balance sheet I'll comment...other than that...it's all b*******.

 

[Keith]

Come to think of it if Zeiis did bring out a new Ikon with a few of the afore mentioned improvements I don't think I'd be a taker.

The current version is still the best film rangefinder available IMO and spending $1500.00 (or more) for a few minor improvements would be very low on my list of priorities.

 

[keepright]

Sorry... not quite clear on this. You mean, if you buy the latest (and only) model, you don't need to upgrade?

Quite unlike an MP, then.

I'm thinking that without the legacy of other models to compare it to, there's less opportunity to be dissatisfied with the way things are now, because there's nothing else to prefer from the way it was. Dials aren't in the wrong position, they don't turn the opposite way, this one isn't better that that one – it establishes its own baseline.

But then, I also bought my Ikon because I wanted a way out of the constant churn of the digital SLR market, so perhaps it's inevitable that I see it as an end point rather than as a step in a product's evolution. I don't disagree that there are ways that the Ikon can be improved, I just don't see the need to do it.

(Besides, what would they call it?)

 

[Roger Hicks]

I've been using the camera in some extreme cold weather and to be honest...I folded before the camera did. The meter read-out...yes would be nice. If they did it would I buy a new camera. No. Regarding the 'future of the company'...if someone shows me the balance sheet I'll comment...other than that...it's all b*******.

Dear Peter,

It's a trust, not a public (or private) company, so its main ambition is to stay in business and pay its employees. This means that they can take the long view.

The Party Line, at least as I understand it, is this: "We are not consumer camera manufacturers. We will license Zeiss names to companies whom we believe can make cameras or lenses to Zeiss standards, with Zeiss input on QC."

In other words (my interpretation), Zeiss ain't EVER going to make consumer cameras again, but they'll listen to anyone with a good idea as long as the financial risk to the Zeiss Foundation is negligible or non-existent.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I'm thinking that without the legacy of other models to compare it to, there's less opportunity to be dissatisfied with the way things are now, because there's nothing else to prefer from the way it was. Dials aren't in the wrong position, they don't turn the opposite way, this one isn't better that that one – it establishes its own baseline.

But then, I also bought my Ikon because I wanted a way out of the constant churn of the digital SLR market, so perhaps it's inevitable that I see it as an end point rather than as a step in a product's evolution. I don't disagree that there are ways that the Ikon can be improved, I just don't see the need to do it.

(Besides, what would they call it?)

OK, I see the argument. Thanks. But dissatisfaction is in the eye of the beholder. Is my MP perfect? No. Is it the best Leica I have ever owned? Yes, in the sense that it's the best compromise. Do I prefer it to the ZI? Yes, though my wife fractionally prefers the ZI, so that's down to personal taste.

As for not seeing the point in improvement, that meter read-out really isn't very good. Otherwise it's mosrly personal taste.

Cheers,

R.

 

[ZeissFan]

I think that photographers, particularly those used to or who grew up on digital, can begin to think that all cameras should follow a similar approach, which is the endless parade of new models.

In fact, a good camera is a good camera. I don't think there are perfect cameras, because each of us has our own likes and dislikes. There can be some general concepts, such as dials that are too tightly sprung or viewfinders that are too small or quality control that is lacking.

As for myself, I would rather see a well thought design than an endless parade of incremental upgrades. I'd rather enjoy what I have than constantly focus on what I don't have, which all too often is what happens with digital. And the "rumor" sites feed into this mentally.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I think that photographers, particularly those used to or who grew up on digital, can begin to think that all cameras should follow a similar approach, which is the endless parade of new models.

In fact, a good camera is a good camera. I don't think there are perfect cameras, because each of us has our own likes and dislikes. There can be some general concepts, such as dials that are too tightly sprung or viewfinders that are too small or quality control that is lacking.

As for myself, I would rather see a well thought design than an endless parade of incremental upgrades. I'd rather enjoy what I have than constantly focus on what I don't have, which all too often is what happens with digital. And the "rumor" sites feed into this mentally.

Exactly -- except, of course, that a better camera is a better camera.

Slow, incremental upgrades are fine. I didn´t get a new Leica in 20 years or so (1982-2002), because I didn't really care for the M6 over the M4-P (and I couldn't really afford one, and the meter wasn't worth that much to me). Now, I find it hard to imagine how the MP could be much improved as far as I am concerned: I don't expect ever to buy another new film Leica.

Likewise, although I'm sure the M10 will be a better camera than an M9, whenever we may see it, I doubt that the likely improvements will tempt me to buy it when it comes out; price/demand, again.

There are after all two kinds of buyers for new Leicas: those who can afford everything, easily, as it comes out, and those (like me) for whom a new Leica is a very major investment. When the M10 comes out, it will be the camera that both categories buy, the former as a matter of course and the latter because it's what's available when they finally summon up the money and the courage to buy a new Leica.

Cheers,

R.

 

[full lumen]

Exactly -- except, of course, that a better camera is a better camera.

Slow, incremental upgrades are fine. I didn´t get a new Leica in 20 years or so (1982-2002), because I didn't really care for the M6 over the M4-P (and I couldn't really afford one, and the meter wasn't worth that much to me). Now, I find it hard to imagine how the MP could be much improved as far as I am concerned: I don't expect ever to buy another new film Leica.

Likewise, although I'm sure the M10 will be a better camera than an M9, whenever we may see it, I doubt that the likely improvements will tempt me to buy it when it comes out; price/demand, again.

There are after all two kinds of buyers for new Leicas: those who can afford everything, easily, as it comes out, and those (like me) for whom a new Leica is a very major investment. When the M10 comes out, it will be the camera that both categories buy, the former as a matter of course and the latter because it's what's available when they finally summon up the money and the courage to buy a new Leica.

Cheers,

R.

Whilst it would be nice to have some minor improvements, wider range of shutter speeds, better read out in the viewfinder, DX coding for setting the ISO, and frames for a 135mm maybe, none of these are essentials for me and probably would not tempt me to buy a mark 2 model. The current ZI is sufficient for my needs for what I want out of a rangefinder camera. As for a digital ZI I am not holding my breath.

 

[italy74]

My opinion about it:
- give the Zeiss Ikon a G2-like viewfinder, which adapts its magnification depending on the lens mounted, showing framelines one at a time from 28 to 135 (35 - 50 - 85/90 - 135); check patch and metering as already mentioned; add a spot-meter, if you're good enough
- give it the possibility to shoot without any battery and reach 1/4000s
- give it the possibility to manage TTL flash at least until 1/250s if no more.
- give it the possibility to record shooting data between frames, as even the (comparatively) cheap F80s can do - I think a mechanical (battery independent) option is feasible here.
Of course, some features are battery dependent yet while I can deal with them in the case battery dies, I want to be able to shoot anytime.

Would it be a dream thinking of a Zeiss Ikon Mark II with all this for less than 2,000€ ?

 

[traveler_101]

Just a brief question: what percentage of the film rnagefinder market does Zeiss Contax control? Anyone know? They aren't a significant player would be my guess.

 

[Neare]

Just a brief question: what percentage of the film rnagefinder market does Zeiss Contax control? Anyone know? They aren't a significant player would be my guess.

Considering that the only players are VC, Zeiss and Leica... regardless of their sales they play a significant part.
Remember that most Leica film bodies are sold on the used market not new, so the company themselves takes no profit. As far as I'm aware, the ZI body is selling well and Zeiss is doing even better with the ZM lens lineup.