What new Voigtlander RF or SLR product would you like to see?

nektar · Sep 21, 2015

Reissue the CV 28/3.5. Simple enough, no? 🙂

Rayt · Sep 21, 2015

I would like to see a range of tiny lenses maybe f3.5 that are single coated medium in contrast with good handling like the current Summarits, in a heavy brass mount and tabbed ala 50/2.5 Color Skopar.

ernesto · Apr 28, 2016

Digital Bessa Arch

Digital Bessa Arch

Well the Digital Bessa is an old dream, and Cosina is probably working on something like that. But Sony with the A7 and even all the Nex line had advanced so much that it is difficult to think what could be done with Cosina Technology that could surpass any of those models...

Cosina / Voightlander have never produced such a huge quantities as Sony or other brands, so their difference is that: A smaller market.

That could be a disadvantage for many, but it could be turned into an advantage: Sony have to satisfy a massive target, so their designs are focused to that mass market, and they cannot focus on specific professional needs, but on popular needs only.

For instance considering this, and the great ability of Cosina Voightlander in fine mechanics craftsmanship (which is being dissapearing in the plastic era of other brands) they could focus on products for specific markets that would surpass the available designs, and position the brand on top of the best.

I had come with one idea, which I am sure it is not the greatest idea, but it will give a view of how to produce a product that could compite with the main camera monsters and win them in certain field!

Here the proposal for a Digital Bessa PC (Perspective Correction) for Architectural Photography:

This is a professional camera for architecture. It will surpass all the existing camera models because of its unique characteristic: A Shifting sensor, to manipulate perspective, taking the best from the unique Wide Angle Professional Collection of Voightlander Lens in VM mount: The equipment will be completed with the 10mm the 12mm the 15mm and a 21mm lens.

It should be a sturdy metalic Bessa body with a digital viewfinder (no back LCD screen) and simple functions. No apps that make special effects nor photo style modes, nor stitching panoramas and so) Manual and programed modes. It would use an APS (24x16mm) sensor and VM mount. The characteristic that will make the diference would be the precision Shifting sensor in vertical axis and or horizontal axis. The mechanism should be mechanical as in a view camera. Since the sensor covers only a part of the full frame, there will be plenty of space for perspective correction.
A 24 MP sensor would be enough since all the resolution will be used in the final image after perspective correction.

This will be a camera that will not need to be produced in the quantities of Sony NEX and that could never be produced by Sony, but it could be produced by Voightlander to position the brand at the top of the available technology for professionals focused in Architectural Photography which is a smaller market.

Ernesto

ernesto · May 6, 2016

ernesto said:
Digital Bessa Arch

And it should have levels for horizontal and vertical composition, which could be observed in the exterior of the camera as well as through the viewfinder.

Accordingly the circular field of a full frame lens, as the new Voightlander 10mm Hyper Wide in VM mount, in case of using an APS-C format sensor, the shifting could be of 10.23 mm in vertical axis and 8.34 mm in the horizontal axis. There would be possible to adjust both values at the same time, performing a full perspective correction.

This will be a dream for architectural photographers.

Darthfeeble · May 6, 2016

pvdhaar said:
How about a 25-35-50 Tri-Skopar? But only if it's compact. Doesn't even need to be f2-f2.8, if it's f4 is fine. Just make it the ideal travel solution. Complete with a matching multi focal length finder to get it to work on a Bessa-T... Wouldn't that be nice?

Second the motion.

Darthfeeble · May 6, 2016

Another vote for resurrecting the Epson R-D1. The 24mp APS sensor would be fine, a full frame sensor would be above and beyond. It would probably require a fatter body and I don't think that would be a good idea.

ernesto · May 9, 2016

Full frame Digital with Small Sensor

Full frame Digital with Small Sensor

Perhaps Cosina Voightlander can make a Digital Bessa for full frame photography using a small sensor.

In the previous image we can see that only a fraction of the sensor is being used at a given time, so why would you need a full frame sensor.
Perhaps a small sensor mounted in a sliding mechanism, analogue to a shutter, which could move along the full frame, could capture a full frame image, at a fraction of the cost.
It would be a good combination of digital and mechanical tech!

Here a good sample: http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2...anner-50mm-lens-amazing-130-megapixel-scancam
http://www.sensorsinc.com/products/linescan-cameras
Another example made with an Epson Scanner: http://petapixel.com/2014/12/29/medium-format-camera-made-using-parts-epson-scanner/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTsT42bCS6o

This could be a great idea to increase resolution by adjusting the speed of the scanning sensor!

Ernesto

maggieo · May 9, 2016

A digital Zeiss IKON would be perfection. With a lens selection menu. Oh, and how about a Summicron-sized f2 35 and 50 Zeiss or Voigtlander lenses, in black and chrome, to go with it.

Jason Sprenger · May 13, 2016

Yet another request for a digital RF with the finder from the Zeiss Ikon.

I recommend skipping the rear display entirely, using Wifi with smart-phone apps for image review, live-view, and camera settings beyond shutter speed and ISO.

Them that want a screen have more options; them that don't, get a leaner RF package.

maggieo · May 13, 2016

I like the way you think, Jason.

Jockos · May 13, 2016

Maybe a collapsible 50mm f2 that focuses to down to .7m.

AFAIK there are no collapsible 50mm lenses that gets closer than 1m.

When focusing this close, it's also important that design doesn't focus shift, which unfortunately a lot of CV lenses do..

Maybe some kind of modern triplet design, like for my 4x5 I have a 210mm Rodenstock Geronon, those are great for portraits!

Ronald M · May 14, 2016

No CV product. Everyone I purchased has been a problem.

ernesto · Jul 3, 2016

A Digital Contax

A Digital Contax

I have two wishes for Mr. B. Kobayashi:

First, a new contax digital full frame.

Second, to be able to collaborate as Industrial Designer for Cosina Voightlander.

Bellow, a sample of both wishes:

Here a brochure of the new Full Frame Digital Contax IVd Camera:
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Contax IVd Brochure.pdf

Here the design concepts involved:
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Contax IVd Design Memory.pdf

And some images:

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera1_B.jpg

The Body with ZM mount

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera2_B.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera2_BS.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera2_BST.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera2_C.jpg

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera3_B.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera3_C.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera4_B.jpg

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera4_C.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera4_CS.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera5_B.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera5_C.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera6_B.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera6_BH.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera6_BS.jpg

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera6_CS.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera7_B.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera7_BS.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera7_C.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera7_CS.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera8_B.jpg

No rear Screen.

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera9_BH.jpg

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera9_BS.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera9_CH.jpg

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera10_BS.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera10_CH.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera10_CS.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera11_B.jpg

Note that the Film or Sensor plane has been displaced towards the front of the camera, together with the ZM mount, to make space for electronics behind the sensor and inside the viewfinder, without the need of thickening the full body.

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera12_B.jpg

At the left, the Viewfinder Mode Selector, OR (Optical Rangefinder) DV (Digital Viewfinder) C (Combined Viewfinder)
At the right the Frame Lines selector (to be used in the OR mode only.

Main Digital Menu Command: Back Dial with inner 5 ways Button, and at the right: two extra customizable buttons.

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera13_C.jpg

Contax IVd with Special Edition Amedeo adapter, to a colapsible Clasic Sonnar f= 5 cm 1:2

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera15_C.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera16_S.jpg

Digital Self Timer, with light and lever signals.

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/camera18_B.jpg

Customizable Front Dial and 5 ways Button

ernesto · Aug 8, 2016

Bessa Perspective Correction

Bessa Perspective Correction

I have another two wishes for Mr. B. Kobayashi:

First, a new Bessa PC (perspective correction) digital shifting APSc format and VM mount.

Second, to be able to collaborate as Industrial Designer for Cosina Voightlander.

Bellow, a sample of both wishes:

Based in the previous post:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2608700&postcount=783

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_01_Black_Biogon.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_01_Black_Sonnar.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_01_Chrome_Biogon.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_01_Chrome_Sonnar.jpg

Here a Black Bessa PC with the brand new Hyper Wide Heliar 10mm and a new ergonomic handgrip.
Note the bubble level on the top, which is also visible through the viewfinder, which could be very usefull when shooting hand held images.
The possibility of perspective control at unsurpassed levels.

Here a sample of the kind of perspective which could be captured using the Voightlander Super Wide 15mm.
Residential Tower in Buenos Aires by Rafael Viñoly PC architects.

The mechanical shifting gear, commanded through two wheels with automatic locks.
One for the Y axis and the other for the X axis.

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_03_Chrome_Sonnar.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_03_Grip_B.jpg

Shifting possibilities in both Y and X axist inside the 35mm image circle.

A cutaway showing the mechanical shifting mechanism.
The axis of the lens is being projected in the digital viewfinder through a vertical and horizontal lines.
The lines will be centered when the shifting mechanism is not activated, and will be not centered when perspective control is being used.
These lines serves as references to align the horizon of the scene.

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_03_Grip_C_SinLente.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_03_Grip_CC.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_04_Black_Biogon.jpg

The first miniature camera for architectural photography which could use any classic M Lens, for perspective correction.
In this case an old Sonnar f:2

A Chromed Bessa, with the new ergonomic handgrip, and a dedicated Hyper Heliar 10mm halph chromed and halph black

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_06_Black_Biogon.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_06_Black_Sonnar.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_06_Chrome_Biogon.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_06_Chrome_Sonnar.jpg

The perfect equipment for perspective correction for the first time in a compact system.

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_06_Grip_C.jpg

The new Bessa PC, without the lens, showing the APSc sensor shifted in the vertical axis.
Note the new ergonomic grip, inspired in the classic Linhoff Technika Grip

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_06_Grip_CC.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_07_Black_Biogon.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_07_Black_Sonnar.jpg

http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_09_Grip_C_SinLente.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_09_Grip_CC.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_10_Black_Biogon.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_10_Black_Sonnar.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_10_Chrome_Biogon.jpg
http://4dempire.com/lacalledesign/Bessa_PC_10_Chrome_Sonnar.jpg

Here another view of the shifting mechanism.

Darthfeeble · Aug 8, 2016

A selection of reasonably fast, pretty darn sharp M mount lenses. Oh wait, they do that. Well how about a reasonably inexpensive wide medium format camera? Oh that too. You spoiled it by excluding the digital Bessa R dammit. Bring back the R-D1. It's the only thing missing from the lineup.

ernesto · Oct 18, 2016

I would love to have a Digital Widelux type camera.
Now it could be done with a narow vertical sensor which could rotate 140 degrees together with the lens.
Perhaps a Joint Venture between Panon and Cosina / Voightlander could revive a legend in superwide panoramic photography.

The change from analog to digital, stopped somehow photo equipment evolution, but perhaps now that consumer camera market is being killed by cell phones,

it is time to go on in the original path for photo enhusiast (professional and amateur).

thawkins · Oct 18, 2016

Bessa R series with M3 build quality!

Juan Valdenebro · Oct 18, 2016

Now that Leica seems to be about to offer a 28 5.6 (good for street use) at $2000 or more, what about a compact, DISTORTIONLESS slow 35... I bet it would be sold now and in the future...
Even on a fixed lens RF, using your already existent machinery... It seems possible from a bussiness point of view...
A camera with a wide, close to 1:1 viewfinder with 35mm framelines only, would be a pleasure... (Back door and 1/2000th were clever for Bessas' sales...)
Cheers,
Juan

Archlich · Oct 18, 2016

For now, body wise, anything.

I'm under an impression that Cosina may never make a new camera again...

Huss · Oct 18, 2016

Wow Ernesto, great work!!

What new Voigtlander RF or SLR product would you like to see?

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