ZI production discontinued

[sojournerphoto]

Just noticed that the Zeiss website says that production of the ZI body is discontinued. Only available while stocks last.

It's unsurprising, but still a bit sad really. Two years ago the factory was fairly clear that a digital ikon wasn't coming, so unless they've found a sensor partner looks like the end of the line. I presume the lenses will continue as less expensive alternatives for other M-mount cameras.

Mike

 

[wakarimasen]

That's funny: -I just finished reading Roger & Francis' review here

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I thought that this was announced a few months ago

 

[robbeiflex]

This is old news, although recent enough that you may still find a new one in existing shop inventories if you are looking to buy a new one.

 

[sojournerphoto]

Subsequent web searching has revealed that it is, indeed, old news, c. Dec 2012.

There are still new ones in shops, so anyone who wants one should rush out and buy one now. It remains my favourite camera.

There isn't much new film stuff left it seems. I just bought Amazon's last, discounted, Nikon 9000 glass neg carrier. Hopefully I'll be able to get film long enough to use it...

Mike

 

[Pioneer]

That news was a bit sad when it first came out. Very good cameras though, I love them. Mine is still thumping happily along with not a single problem. It now has a partner sporting a CV 35/2.5. One day I may end up with a 35 Biogon 2.8 to pair it with.

 

[kxl]

My only film cameras (I have 2) these days. Both of mine are black; if a reasonably-priced silver one presents itself, I might be tempted.

 

[Art Vandalay]

Just bought a black ZI. Love it.

 

[goo0h]

Currently my gear is comprised of a black ZI, some Zeiss glass, and a Fuji GF670. Though, lately I've been using the GF670 all the time, but love both.

Alas, I realize one day I'll probably need to consider digital, and if I find something I really like, will probably at the very least augment my tools. I was pretty impressed with the feel of the OM-D E-M5 and the Sony A99. Really liked handling of that A99. Now I'm curious about the E-M1 just announced, which is sounding like it might be pretty nice. Of course I'd love a Leica-M, but no way in hell I'm going to spend, nor could justify spending, that much money. Besides, as much as I prefer primes, at times having the option for zoom would be handy.

Anyway, I digress. I believe the subject was our lamenting the loss of a fine, production film camera. . . .

 

[bennyng]

It's a real shame that it's discontinued. Hopefully servicing won't be a problem. Of late, prices seems to be creeping up for the ZI in Japan.

Cheers,

 

[thegman]

There isn't much new film stuff left it seems. I just bought Amazon's last, discounted, Nikon 9000 glass neg carrier. Hopefully I'll be able to get film long enough to use it...

Mike

I think there is more than you think, especially in medium and large formats. You can still buy brand new film gear from DHW Fototechnik (Rolleiflex), Fotoman, Alpa, Mamiya, Nikon, Lomography, Fujifilm, Walker, Tachihara, Gaoersi, to name just a few that came to mind.

Sure, it's not the massive range it once was, but there are new, interesting and affordable cameras out there. The Fotoman DMAX for example is curious, and even in the heyday of film, I can't think of anything quite like it.

I just bought a Fotoman 45SPS brand new from Fotoman, with it came a catalogue of their other products, many new and attractive cameras to choose from at non-appalling prices.

 

[froyd]

For those who've been in and out of B&H over the past dozen years, the whole story is told by the continually shrinking size of their film counter. Even the section for inkjet paper takes up more space.

 

[Out to Lunch]

I think this is an interesting appreciation of the Zeiss-Ikon ZI:

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/zeiss-.html

 

[sojournerphoto]

I think this is an interesting appreciation of the Zeiss-Ikon ZI:

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/zeiss-.html

Yes. The comment that it does all he wants and no more, together with the 'direct' experience of photographing with the ZI (and Leica as well) are why I keep 35mm film really.

The ZI is still my favourite camera, even though my silver one (Limited Edition - early production with the jumping framelines) has just gone back to Oberkochen for a second visit... this time because it won't turn on - last time because I dropped it.