snaggs said:
Zeiss released a press release in german where they stated that with gigabit film, they achieved 320/line pairs with their new Ikon lenses. Thats 3 wave lengths of light.. you'll never see a result much better than that. Sure thats probably shooting test charts.. but still, the guys shooting their digital test shots dont mind using test charts to show the resolution for colour 🙂
What is also interesting, is that even though Cosina are making it, Zeiss are intending to challenge Leica head on. Its not intended to be a "value" camera, but rather the best. I wonder if they'll be making a new shutter to try and achieve this.
Daniel.
Daniel, I'm taking the Zeiss promotions with a grain of salt. Yes I believe that they achieved 320 or 400 lpm with 50 ISO gigabit film, but I don't think this will matter with my pictures - or anyone else's. Yes, I believe that they want this to be a premium featured camera. It is & I'm excited about it. But despite, their claim in Shutterbug of "spare no expense", it seems clear that this is built to a price point midway between the Bessa & Leicas. It also seems that the price is affected by their marketing strategy of involving 3 different companies in the project, so not all of the improved spec's are value added vs. a Bessa.The exorbitant prices for the auxiliary viewfinders & lens shades - higher even than Leica - also suggest that there is an added premium for the Zeiss name.
One example, the VC LH-5 vented lens shade, built for the VC 40/1.4 Nokton, fits the Zeiss 35/2 Biogon perfectly & sells for $45. However, the Zeiss lens shade for the 35 Biogon sells in USA for $127! Even in Hong Kong, it's selling for $79. The 2 look identical to me in pictures. I know that the Zeiss shade is spring loaded & I don't know if the CV shade is, but this doesn't make it worth 2 or 3 times the price.
Another example, the Zeiss auxiliary viewfinders cost $491. The only thing unique about them is frame lines for the extra close focusing of the Zeiss wide angle lenses & maybe T* coating. They're more than 3 times the cost of the excellent CV finders & about $100 more than Leica finders. They may be competing with Leica, but they're competing for who can charge the highest prices on the extras as well.
I don't see Zeiss coming out with a Leica-type shutter because this is an in-house production by Leica. Very expensive to produce. Something comparable would drive up the cost of the ZI & I think they're happy in their price niche. It's a big selling point for them. Besides, I think that the Leica shutter as a feature is way overblown. Pros shot with clunky SLR shutters for decades & got great pictures. It's rare in my experience that shutteer noise matters & when it does, even my Canonet isn't quiet enough - & it's quieter than a Leica. There are silent cameras on the market for those situations. Just my personal preference, like anyone else's.
I love the camera & there's no competition for its specs at that price but the Zeiss marketing has at times been over the top & there is some premium for the name brand.
