Zeiss Ikon Rumors

[rover]

Can't wait for your report Huck. I suspect that this is going to turn out to be a great camera.

 

[peter_n]

I just got back from PhotoPlus Expo & will post my report tomorrow. But I will say that ZeissFan's comment is reflected in what I heard there. They attributed delays to demanding standards that were not met by initial prototypes. They specifically mentioned that a lot of work went into the rangefinder optics & mechanism.

Cheers,
Huck

So what does that say about the CV rangefinder optics & mechanism, if anything? I wonder if the Zeiss cams are being made on the same production lines and/or in the same factory as the CV bodies?

 

[rover]

Peter, the bodies are more or less completely different so if produced in the same facilities I have to assume they are not off the same lines. I believe at some point I read that the ZI and Bessas do not share their meters and shutters as I initially thought they did.

I tend to wonder about the CV rangefinder optics & mechanism too, but Zeiss designed their mechanism from scratch I think even before they approached Cosina as a vendor to build the body. My impression is that they build the ZI camera around the RF/VF they designed themselves and the lenses they wish to sell by the bucket loads.

 

[Huck Finn]

So what does that say about the CV rangefinder optics & mechanism, if anything? I wonder if the Zeiss cams are being made on the same production lines and/or in the same factory as the CV bodies?

Peter, simply that it took them a long time to get it right at Cosina - with emphasis upon the exacting standards at Zeiss. The comment was in response to my question about what improvements had been made to what I saw last year at PhotoPlus Expo. The initial reply was that the greatest amount of improvement was to the viewfinder/rangefinder.

My understanding from comments that Stephen Gandy made on cvug message board upon his return form Japan last spring was same factory, different production line.

Huck

 

[peter_n]

Yes I hear you about the different bodies, parts etc but unless the cams are built by robot there are people involved. Quality is a state of mind and I worked for a Japanese company for 3 years so I know how the real quality-minded companies think. They are absolutely obsessed and it is a wonderful thing to experience. I hate to say it but I don't think CV are at that kind of level.

 

[zeos 386sx]

"I would still love to know what Stephen Gandy saw at the factory when he went to Cosina." - Huck Finn

Maybe Cosina asked him to sign a Non-Disclosure-Agreement.