Tony Rose
Sponsor
Zeiss SW Bodies available in Black or Silver for $927.00 but will they sell?
We are having a BIG problem whether to stock the Zeiss SW bodies. Can you help me make this decision?
TR
We are having a BIG problem whether to stock the Zeiss SW bodies. Can you help me make this decision?
TR
Toby
On the alert
I think many people would go for the Bessa R4 now that's been announced. That would me my choice especially if they're priced at a similar level
I would choose the R4 also personally.
But......choice is good, and the price is only a few hundered bucks more than the R4.
Nachkebia
Well-known
I am also going for R4 for sure, but I think stocking couple of SW`s are not that bad idea, I am sure there are some mad people around 
back alley
IMAGES
i would have a hard time justifying buying this camera.
at a similar cost i would probably add the 50/1.5 lens to my kit instead.
but if i could afford it i would buy it just to have one and to leave the 25 zm and finder on it.
at a similar cost i would probably add the 50/1.5 lens to my kit instead.
but if i could afford it i would buy it just to have one and to leave the 25 zm and finder on it.
dexdog
Veteran
I am interested in the R4. Given that such a camera would be used primarly for 21 and 25 mm lenses, it would not get heavy use. The R4 is probably good enough for me.
Paul T.
Veteran
The original Ikon was functionally superior to the Bessas, becuase its rangefinder is markedly better. If you disallow the Zeiss's probably superior build quality, seems like with these cameras the boot is on the other foot, and the R4 will simply be a more useful camera, at a lower price.
Yes, it's easier to zone-fous a wideabngle lens, but why throw out the option of being able to focus, when the camera that will allow you to do it is acually cheaper?
Yes, it's easier to zone-fous a wideabngle lens, but why throw out the option of being able to focus, when the camera that will allow you to do it is acually cheaper?
K
Kyle
Guest
I voted yes. Not because I'm going to buy one, but because there will be two or three people out there who will want one.
S
Stephan
Guest
It's just not worth the cash, whatever else...
PlantedTao
Well-known
The Bessa R4 is a better buy for wideangle users.
Laurence
Established
If I was buying, it would be the R4. More versatility.
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
Yeah, it's hard to justify what's for all intents and purposes a Bessa L, albeit with M mount and autoexposure. I know they aren't being made anymore, but there are plenty out there still. I think it's really only going to be used for lenses wider than 21mm, which aren't RF coupled. I am sure it's a beautifully made piece, but rather a luxury.
BillBingham2
Registered User
Tony, while I love my Ls (I have too many of them), part of the reason is price point. The SW is just way out of line (IMHO) with what make the L such a success in RFF land.
If I were a ZI person, I could justify not spending almost a grand for her. I would just hunker down and spend the extra bucks for a full ZI.
If it was down in the $500 USD range, I would say yeah, stock one or two. But not at that price point.
You know, another question is how long is the delivery time on orders. You might just be the only person on the planet who stocks them, then there might be a reason to stock them for the first year.
Your milage might varrrrrrry.
B2 (;->
If I were a ZI person, I could justify not spending almost a grand for her. I would just hunker down and spend the extra bucks for a full ZI.
If it was down in the $500 USD range, I would say yeah, stock one or two. But not at that price point.
You know, another question is how long is the delivery time on orders. You might just be the only person on the planet who stocks them, then there might be a reason to stock them for the first year.
Your milage might varrrrrrry.
B2 (;->
Frank K
Member
I thought it would complement my ZI and considered buying it when it came out - it certainly is a different! - but then the R4M...
NIKON KIU
Did you say Nippon Kogaku
Wait for 6 months....they'll be discontinued and then you can stock them at half the present price!
I wonder if this camera would sell for $500?
Kiu
I wonder if this camera would sell for $500?
Kiu
JohnM
Well-known
Is there really anyone out there looking for a thousand-dollar Bessa L? Granted, the build-quality is in another orbit, but the question is probably still valid.
The answer is most likely no. When the camera was introduced, I didn't sense any excitement over it - especially compared to the R4 that I think will sell nicely to the RFF crowd and people like us.
I would compare the SW to those special Bessa T sets with the Heliars - seemed like vendors were stuck with them forever.
I don't think I would stock too many of 'em if I were you.
The answer is most likely no. When the camera was introduced, I didn't sense any excitement over it - especially compared to the R4 that I think will sell nicely to the RFF crowd and people like us.
I would compare the SW to those special Bessa T sets with the Heliars - seemed like vendors were stuck with them forever.
I don't think I would stock too many of 'em if I were you.
Bill58
Native Texan
Maybe I ought to buy one and it'll be a "collector" in a year or two? Seriously, the idea/ concept is great but the price is too high.
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
Hmm.. I do recall mentioning that I thought this was a cash grab initially; but hey, what do I know right??
Dave
Dave
mfunnell
Shaken, so blurred
I couldn't imagine any circumstance in which I'd prefer it t an R4. I would imagine that most would think similarly, and this thread seems to confirm that. If you don't mind a dead couple of thousand sitting around (as I suspect that's what would happen) a demo model and one to be sold (just in case) might be nice - if only to get people "in the door" and so maybe looking at other things you have on offer.
...Mike
...Mike