When is Zeiss bringing a Digital Camera to the Market?

[xxfellinixx]

I'm ready to buy a Zeiss Ikon Digital Camera....Just wondering when it will be sold by Zeiss Co and who else will buy it as well!!!

 

[italy74]

Afaik, no digital Ikon is currently being developed by Zeiss. They said multiple Times in the past they were not interested to design one. That said, i'd gladly consider purchasing one if they would change their mind.

 

[gavinlg]

But seriously - a digital ikon with a full frame sony sensor, 400k screen, manual advance (or automated - don't really care) and an SD card slot and I'll pay 3.5k for the body.

 

[FrozenInTime]

Sony RX1 is about as close as it will get for now.
Sony will continue to make what they want - not what we traditional RF users want.
Zeiss seem happy just making lenses.

 

[cjbecker]

They do make a full frame digital camera with amazing quality. Its called the hybrid process.

 

[goo0h]

It ain't going to happen. Never. Either Sony or Fuji may one day come out with a FF sensor camera that can handle M-mount lenses via an adapter, but I seriously doubt Zeiss will ever come out with a camera with their name that they have to support.

 

[Harry Lime]

Zeiss is too busy making tons of money making lenses.

 

[italy74]

But seriously - a digital ikon with a full frame sony sensor, 400k screen, manual advance (or automated - don't really care) and an SD card slot and I'll pay 3.5k for the body.

Manual ADVANCE? Automated? Are you kidding ??? 😀 😀 😀

 

[Roger Hicks]

They've thought about digital cameras. They've even discussed it. But not full-frame. Ever, I think. After all, why would they?

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Zeiss is too busy making tons of money making lenses.

Among many, many other things.

Cheers,

RR.

 

[Godfrey]

Never say never, but I doubt it will be anytime soon.

The manual shutter cock thing? Not for me. Makes no sense to me on a camera that must have power to function anyway.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

Zeiss is a huge operation, unlike Leica. They do have the capacity to design a digital RF and subcontract the manufacturing to one of their partners at any time they choose to. The problem is, they have zero interest.

 

[Harry Lime]

I just don't see the upside for Zeiss in making cameras again.

Designing a camera from scratch is an expensive proposition. If I remember correctly the R&D for the M8 was around 20 million. And you have to get it right. The only reason why Leica survived the original disastrous incarnation of the M8, was because of their fanatically devoted user base. It was the M4-2 all over again.

The ZM cameras were based on Voightlander-Cosina bodies, so it's not like Zeiss had to start entirely from scratch.

Making cameras is a very, very competitive business with thin profit margins on the bodies.

Currently Zeiss is selling as much glass as they can make to Canon, Nikon, Leica and PL shooters and everyone in between with the proper adapter for their camera.

It just doesn't make sense for Zeiss to start competing from scratch with Leica and several of the Japanese manufacturers. It really doesn't sound like they need the aggravation.

 

[kdemas]

LMAO, love it!!!

But seriously - a digital ikon with a full frame sony sensor, 400k screen, manual advance (or automated - don't really care) and an SD card slot and I'll pay 3.5k for the body.

 

[Paddy C]

These threads pop up like weeds.

There are a boatload of great digital cameras out there. Find one that does the job, assume Zeiss will never make one, and you'll have cleared some space in your brain.

 

[xxfellinixx]

Ok... What digital camera should I buy? Please help me as I do not want to buy a Leica digilux. Thank you all for your input!!

 

[mbisc]

I just don't see the upside for Zeiss in making cameras again.

Carl Zeiss Oberkochen has never made cameras, ever. There was for a while (1945-1973 or so) Zeiss Ikon in Stuttgart, but they were a completely separate company (owned by the Zeiss Stiftung, though). Since then, Carl Zeiss Oberkochen has cooperated with camera manufacturers to build cameras for their lenses (Yashica to build the Contax line, and more recently Sony).

 

[jsrockit]

Ok... What digital camera should I buy? Please help me as I do not want to buy a Leica digilux. Thank you all for your input!!

What are your expectations?

 

[xxfellinixx]

I'm looking for good image quality... Some people say Canon G series.. but please keep the suggestions coming.. Thank you!

 

[Godfrey]

Ok... What digital camera should I buy? Please help me as I do not want to buy a Leica digilux. Thank you all for your input!!

I can't tell you. You have to define a) what do you want in a camera, and b) how much do you have to spend, then look for what cameras fit those requirements. There will likely be several that meet most if not all of your requirements and fit within your budget.

From that point, picking which one is right for you means studying the available options, handling them, and deciding what fits you best.

For me, one of my criteria was to standardize on a modest kit of M-bayonet lenses and stick within a particular range of body size and shape. The Ricoh GXR and then the M9 are my two digital system camera choices. The X2 suits my needs as a compact, fixed lens, "carry all the time" digital camera too. (I get a similar camera with the GXR when I fit the A12 28mm or A12 50mm camera units, but I prefer 35-40mm and like the X2 controls a little more.)