Zeiss Ikon Digital?

[Nemo]

Zeiss declared a Zeiss Ikon Digital will be a reality only when full format is possible... and now you have the Leica M9 (somewhat disappointing).

So my question is if Zeiss representatives have declared something regarding a possible project for a Zeiss Ikon Digital. Are they working on something? This is the question.

[ikonomid1960]

I certainly hope they do have a digital ZM almost ready...:rolleyes:
Until they do, I ordered a Panasonic GF1 and a ZM 21/4.5 to kind of "test the waters" using Zeiss ZM lenses with a digital body (Novoflex adapter needed). Will post first results as soon as I get the "system" working.
To fire up the conversation, I was always wondering if ever a camera manufacturer will come up with a camera body which would permit exchange of imaging sensors as technology advances... We used to be free to choose the film of our liking/needs in the past, right? Exchanging Camera CPUs/chips needed for image processing would also help...Even better: via different camera backs permitting use of either 35 mm film or a digital sensor at will. Staring at my Contax IIa removable back makes me think would be possible today-maybe not economically enticing. But: if well-built and reliable, it would win over the hearts of enthusiasts! Any thoughts comrades?

[Nemo]

The new Ricoh GXR does just that.

I only want a Zeiss Ikon Digital with a full frame CMOS sensor. I have a M8 camera and it is unreliable (i will send it to Germany for repair for the second time), the image quality is good only until ISO 320, the LCD isn't good, it doesn't focus properly, the technical service is a disaster... etc, etc... I want japanese electronics in a rangefinder camera as soon as possible. The lenses is the same story: I returned a 24mm Summilux because the aperture ring had a play and Leica was unable to fix it after 5 months in Solms (5 months!!!!). My 35mm Summilux backfocuses wide open and has focus shift... My 75mm Summilux backfocuses wide open... we are talking of lenses of more than 3.000 euros each (more than 4500 euros the 24mm)...

[bwcolor]

Zeiss doesn't have the technology and the folks that make their cameras don't either. They would lose lots of money.

Right now, the GXR looks like the best bet, but both Nikon and Canon are bound to come out with mirrorless cameras. The real question is, will they go all the way and use a large sensor and downsize their lenses, or will they keep the same lenses, thus requiring the longer back focus distance, resulting in questionable advantage..well, I guess that the mirror vibration is gone.

Forget Zeiss..bad fit. Lastly, love my two Ikons and Zeiss lenses, so I'm not anti-Zeiss at all.

[ikonomid1960]

I have attached to my GF1 a Biogon 21/4.5, a Distagon 25/2.8, and a Sonnar 50/1.5 ZM lenses. (Novoflex and Voigtlaender adapters). Not only does the outfit look nice, but produces excellent results (ok, you must remember a bit the good old rangefinder contax days!). But dont tell me she doesnt look good!

[Brian]

They do look good. I've used the original Sonnars on my M8 amd EP2. The M8 has a 5cm F1.5 CZJ Sonnar on it now, converted to Leica mount.

[Contarama]

I would like to see a Zeiss Ikon Digital for the masses...around a 1000 bucks for a body and lens...maybe micro 4/3...with a lens similar in make up and focal length to a Canon FD 55mm f1.2 ASPHRICAL...that is just me though :)

[ikonomid1960]

Agreed upon, Contarama! But they have to team up with a camera manufacturer...Panasonic is taken by Leitz, Sony, well, that could be it! A series of NEX Zeiss lenses (E-mount, right?).. but I see Sony are abandoning Zeiss, G-lenses and stuff... I would also gladly pay 800-1000 euros for a digital Zeiss-branded body! (EVF, autofocus, manual aid focus, hotshoe not taken by EVF, support for the manual ZM lenses should come natural)

[bwlover]

I wish that is these few years Zeiss will put out a new ZM Digital produce

[Brian]

It would be nice- but is not an easy task. Kodak put a lot of work in the sensor used in the M9.

I use Zeiss lenses with the M9, it has a 1939 CZJ 5cm F1.5 Sonnar on it now. I had the C-Sonnar 50/1.5 on it this morning.

[ikonomid1960]

Today I managed at last to test my ZM Biogon 21/4,5 on a GF1 with the (free) ISO 12233 target which I printed large enough (90x140cm) so that the camera-to-target distance was 1,25m. To my untrained amateur eye, looks like one can get at the center of the field even over 2000 lp/ph at f4,5 or 6,3-but look at the f16-struggles at 1600! (more apparent at the originals...)

[ikonomid1960]

ISO/ASA setting was 400... so at 100 might be better...