New Konost Digital M mount Rangefinder Project

[Mcary]

Won't be the first one in line to get one but will follow its development and release and if everything looks good after the production has been in the hands of everyday users for a year or so will seriously look at getting one.

Price wise I'd be willing to spend $2500-3000

 

[Range-rover]

Does it come in black!

 

[PatrickT]

Interesting...thanks for the heads up!

 

[danielsterno]

the video on their web site shows it with leica lens….

 

[ruby.monkey]

That's a very neat idea. A true triangulating rangefinder with coincident-image focussing, that can offer the benefits of an EVF and perhaps avoid the fragility of a optical/mechanical set-up.

Still butt-ugly, though. :angel:

 

[ruby.monkey]

the video on their web site shows it with leica lens….

Their specs for the full-frame model say:

M-Mount Rangefinder Coupled

(Actually that's for both interchangeable-lens models, FF and APS)

 

[f16sunshine]

It's not that ugly for a proto-type/mock-up. Make it black and rubberized the grip.... I would bite with this form factor. 🙂

Hoping it happens 🙂

 

[Ko.Fe.]

They have specifications page for different planned models.
http://konost.com/?page_id=6714

Looks promising.
It seems digital RF will be visible in OVF, not a live view.
Makes more sense to me.
Camera seems to be nice and simple. M-mount, FF version - good!

Still early to say if I want it or no. No images from the camera yet.

 

[back alley]

ambitious project...i like the idea for sure and i don't mind the look at all...doesn't have to be retro looking...

 

[kxl]

Great concept, but change the form factor to look like the typical interchangeable lens RF's.

 

[Larry Cloetta]

I don't see anything wrong with "the looks", personally, but in my perfect world it's outward appearance would be as a black Nikon SP. I'd pay extra for that.
Seems an intriguing, promising approach, though. To me, at least.

 

[Daniel Teoli Jr.]

Very exciting!

It is more Leica-like than the Leica! Beautiful design!! Just make black ones.

It is sad that Leica has turned into a cam for the fondlers and not a serious doc cam any longer. OK, Leica is fine if you can shell out $30,000 +, but for average photogs Leica is sickly priced.

But...depends on price and sensor quality. If it has a screen on back, shoots as good or better than the Fuji, takes M lenses and is about $2500 I'm in for 1,2, or 5 of them. Will have to see how reliable they are. Maybe this company can make a 6mp FF back for the Hassy film cams for $2500.

 

[Jack Sparrow]

 

[seakayaker1]

Love the concept, love anyone who brings a FF Rangefinder to the market, competition is great for the consumer!

 

[David Murphy]

I applaud their efforts and wish them luck!

 

[f16sunshine]

Surely it's all just a mock up but, if not.... The first thing they need to change is the shutter dial.
Anyone notice that the bulb setting comes between 1/4000 and A[E] ??
A BIG no-no!

http://konost.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/konost_ff_slider_4.jpg

 

[dct]

Excellent approach.

BTW I'm really wondering why Leica didn't already go this way (true triangulating manual digital RF) as a new M evolution model (or side line of the M series). The basic idea is at least 10 years old, also discussed in many popular photographic fora: With an additional triangulating mini sensor you can leave at one dash the most complicated and delicate part of the mechanical RF apart and gain some place for other optical devices and electronic parts inside the camera body. Or change the body design completely.
(The mechanically jammed top of all true RF bodies was always told as reason, why there cannot be more innovation around the viewfinder)

Wondering if the Konost guys will achieve some success with their implementation approach.

 

[rluka]

Their prototype seems to be still in the stage of a module camera with only the screen.
A commenter mentioned about how none of the peoples in the video focus their lens, so it could still be a non-operational dummy.

Well, when this thing become reality and with affordable price, lets hope the waiting list won't be too long.
Don't want a "best camera that's never available to buy"

 

[Bille]

I have my doubts this camera will ever materialize. A 3D model and a website, impressive...
http://www.turbosquid.com/3d-model/electronics/camera?referral=revst

 

[Keith]

The thing is that as much as we here at RFF think this is a good idea I fail to see the demand amongst the general populace for such a tool. They generally want auto everything!

If it is successful it will have to be priced as somewhat of a niche product to be financially viable for the manufacturer ... and we all know what that means. Think back to what the RD-1 retailed for at it's release ... it wasn't a cheap camera by any stretch of the imagination! I can't see this hitting the market (if it actually materialises) for under three grand which is a lot less than an M240 granted but Leica does have a track record with digital that goes back to 2006 and they are only just starting to get it right IMO.

I note that Konost has a facebook page and has had for at least four months that I can make out ... it has less than 500 'likes' which tells me a lot about who does and doesn't want a camera like this. I'm not trying to rain on the parade here but a reality check tells me that success is unlikely in the current market.