(FT5) A “rangefinder” company will release a MicroFourThirds product within few hours…enthusiastic
UPDATE 2: It’s 10pm London time now. I was told that there are only 1 hour left!
According to three of our trusted sources a company (not Panasonic or Olympus) will make an nice new product for MicroFourThirds. That company is expected to announce a new product within few hours. The new product will be produced by a company that also makes rangefinder cameras (IMPORTANT: this doesn’t mean they will come out with a rangefinder body! They also could make a lens or an accessory only!!!).
My “feeling” is that it is not a camera.
In a (maybe too enthusiastic) statement one source wrote that “it is a product that 99% of you want and 20% of you will really buy“. But again take that statement with a grain of salt! The product should be announced tonight between 11pm London time and 2am London time.
We made a list of the most important current rangefinder camera producers:
- Leica with the M-series
- Zeiss Ikon
- Cosina-Voigtländer with the Bessa
- Epson RD1 and RD1x
- Kodak Retina
- There are also Mamiya, Bronica and Fuji
We left out Nikon and Canon because we are sure they won’t make products for MFT! I don’t know if I missed mentioning other important companies…
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Guy
2 years ago |Let’s hope it’s a Zeiss Ikon
eric
2 years ago |Epson?
Marc de Maroix
2 years ago |It will be a Zeiss Lens : http://www.dpreview.com/news/1008/10082418carlzeissphotokina2010.asp
Luke
2 years ago |Epson made a nice one, but it is far from current. I think it’ll be a nice lens by one the companies mentioned. If it’s a camera…..and if it is a rangefinder-style body with toggles, dials and switches instead of endless menus (oh, why do I dare to dream…no one will make what I want)…….
YouDidntDidYou
2 years ago |pretty sure it will be a range of ultra fast Leica lenses with incredible performance but then many will bitch about the price…
mat
2 years ago |that definitely fits with the 20% actually buy angle…
Woodent
2 years ago |I would imagine that if we are talking about the body, that won’t be Zeiss, with their strong ties to Sony
Armin
2 years ago |I guess Zeiss or Epson.
Caba1a
2 years ago |I hope the Company is not from Japan.Different cultures make MFT more Interesting.
Camerageek
2 years ago |Kodak hasn’t produced a Retina since the 50′s.
IMHO I think this will be Cosina. They already make the Voigtlander Bessa, produced the Epson RD1 and current RD1x, and build the rangefinders that are sold under the Zeiss Ikon label, and make lenses for several manufacturers.
Guy
2 years ago |Aha, I think that YouDidntDidYou has guessed it.
Jeff
2 years ago |Fuji makes (film) rangefinder cameras.
I’d love to see Fuji in the nFT side
Jeff
Mattias
2 years ago |It is the epson viewfinder….
Caba1a
2 years ago |Ja! It has the biggest possibility!!!
ecle
2 years ago |I think there are enough micro 4/3 bodys on the market now.
Leica 25mm F0,95 would be nice
Caba1a
2 years ago |Ja! It has the biggest possibility!
mat
2 years ago |You left Fuji out of the mix. Though made by Cosina, they market the GF670/Bessa 3 medium format rangefinder. A possibility?
43rumors.com - Emagix Photography
2 years ago |[...] follower of the 43rumors.com website. Especially today. Their latest rumor is “(FT5) A “rangefinder” company will release a MicroFourThirds product in few hours…“. Isn’t that a great way to build tension, make your readers come back at least one [...]
iMikl
2 years ago |If it’s a lens, it’s AF hopefully!
Miroslav
2 years ago |A Cosina-Voigtländer fast lens for m4/3. Expensive, so not affordable to many.
Leica already makes that 45mm macro lens, therefore they are not new to the system.
Fuji had some rangefinder-like P&S bodies in the past ( E550 ), there’s a thin hope …
kevinparis
2 years ago |Given that the announcement times are morning time in Tokyo I am ruling out Leica and Zeiss – my bet will be Cosina/Voightlander lenses with native micro 4/3 mounts…. but who knows
hannes
2 years ago |Voigtländer Nokton ?
But the why the Japanese time? -> Cosina?
kevinparis
2 years ago |cosina are a japanese company that licesnces the voightlander name – their lenses are designed and made in Japan
Archer
2 years ago |Cosina or Fuji. Either one would make me happy.
mat
2 years ago |my bet is that our speculations will be more interesting than the actual product…
Elmasahe
2 years ago |I think you are probably right mat. I just hope that the product is something interesting.
reverse stream swimmer
2 years ago |I doubt we’ll see a new camera body vendor.
A body is so well integrated with the sensor, with live View, Video, CDAF/(PDAF) deeply integrated. There’s therefore no chance for a Kodak CCD sensor, MOS is the only future choice, which Kodak has stopped manufacturing.
My conclusion therefore is also that’s a lens/(lenses) to be announced tonight!
Considering the video future for the µFT, definitely Car Zeiss should be interested. Already working with Nokia and Sony, shouldn’t exclude Panasonic and Olympus.
hannes
2 years ago |My tip: Cosina 75mm 1.8 with MFT-mount
http://www.golem.de/1008/77419.html
I am among the 1% that don’t want it.
Marc
2 years ago |Cosina will offer the Voigtlander classic Nokton 40mm 1.4, as a portrait lens, with a M4/3 mount. Manual focus.
RW
2 years ago |I *suspect* it will be a new line of lenses (or maybe just a single lens) from Cosina – but I *hope* that it will be a decent viewfinder that is compatible with the GF-1.
The lack of options for providing clear visibility for the otherwise wonderful GF-1 is starting to really get me down – its making me consider ditching the m43 compacts altogether – and if I am going to move up to the GH-1 size-wise to get decent viewing, I might just as well move back to DSLRs with OVFs again.
Eric
2 years ago |You’re not going to want that for a portrait lens. That was the first M-mount lens I tried on my E-P1. I was fine with the sharpness above f/2, but the bokeh, well, if you like buttery smooth that is not the lens for you.
Nathan
2 years ago |It’ll be some crummy 900 dollar manual focus lens from Zeiss.
steve
2 years ago |European based company would not make a significant announcement like this when Europe is still asleep. This would rule out some of the lens speculation. I am sticking with Fuji for this announcement since they also sell film rangefinders.
Mistral75
2 years ago |Europe is asleep between 11am London time and 2pm London time???
spam
2 years ago |Fuji would be great, we could use some competition on sensors. I’m afraid it will just be a new Leica lens with mFT though. Making a rangefinder camera that would work (manual focus) with current MFT lenses would be extremely difficult and I can’t believe anyone would try that, except if they wanted to make their own lens series.
BS Artiste
2 years ago |The original post had the time as 11 PM to 2 AM London time and specified in the evening, which is 5 PM east coast US time. The AM and PM were reversed in the second post.
CRB
2 years ago |Hummmm…..just lost interest….
jmoh
2 years ago |Hi Folks,
Boring and There’s already lenses for the Micro 4/3 From Voigtlander and Now most likely Cosina….Yawn !!!
Thanks……James.
Jason
2 years ago |It’s gotta be a Leica, who cares if they said they don’t want to enter the MFT market, they make point and shoots, and MFT has better IQ than that. So yeah, they changed their mind. Too bad the price will be unattainable for most, ahhh, but 20% will want it.
It’s going to be a Leica, case closed.
Ranger 9
2 years ago |Of your list of rangefinder camera producers, the only ones that actually MAKE cameras are Leica and Cosina. Cosina builds the Zeiss Ikon and does the mechanical construction of the Epson R-D1x. But they also build lots of other weird, wild stuff that conceivably could apply to MFT (e.g. viewfinders, lens adapters) so as noted, the rumor might not turn out to be a CAMERA or LENS announcement.
What I had always heard was that Mr. Kobayashi, the boss of Cosina, is not interested in digital cameras at all (they only did the Epson as a contract manufacturer) so it’s unlikely we would see any MFT under their brand names.
My latest deliberately provocative prediction is that Leica will introduce a version of the X1 with its own limited line of interchangeable lenses, all ludicrously priced.
Nathan
2 years ago |If Fuji builds either lenses or a camera for Micro Four Thirds, I’d give that SERIOUS consideration. (if it had In body IS)
harryz
2 years ago |it will be adapter for Cosina lenses by Cosina. 99% want it, but 80% of them allready have ))
bokehman
2 years ago |I agree with RW: While I thoroughly enjoy the GF1, the lack of a decent viewfinder (EVF or optical) is seriously making me reconsider going back to, or purchasing another SLR kit. The portability of the mFT kit is exceptional, but using the craptacular clip on EVF really erodes the experience. The earlier rumours of a rangefinder-style mFT had me really excited, but it looks like it’ll just be a dream.
I bought a used GH1 and returned it a few days later. If I’m into that form factor, I may as well use my SLR.
Spoons
2 years ago |Oooo, outsider chance it could be Cosina/Epson? Maybe Leica will introduce some MFT stuff. They originally said they’d never make a digital rangefinder and we have the M8 and M9 now so who knows!
RW
2 years ago |I think that mat’s prediction is likely spot on (that our speculations will be more interesting than the actual product).
xaxa
2 years ago |Leica to do some lenses as they did previously in 4/3?
Joseph
2 years ago |It may be some kind of expensive 2/3″ cine lenses on m4/3 mount for Panasonic AF100, which primarily designed for HD video but can also be used for photo taking, that’s why it is wanted by 99% of us but can be afforded by only 20%
my 2 cents
2 years ago |I suspect it’ll be cosina with some m43 lenses. definitely not particularly exciting to me.
fotomik
2 years ago |It’s Zeiss, they said earlier today that new “accessories” are coming our way. Sounds almost the same?
chaosteo
2 years ago |wild guess.
Rangefinder companies also include Mamiya, Fuji and Bronica
chaosteo
2 years ago |Also Konica Hexar Digital?
NativeFloridian
2 years ago |A quick observation and theory: In the recent Panasonic video camera announcement there appeared to be Carl ZEISS prime lenses on the left of the advertisement. It seemed strange that they would be included, unless…
Perhaps this is a sign that ZEISS will be partnering with m43???
Ultimately though, I will be disappointed if the “big announcement” is an expensive lens for m43 made by Zeiss or Leica. I am even more concerned that a “rangefinder company” might feel that autofocus is not necessary. I believe the majority of m43 users are AND will continue to be point-and-shooters. For this market, any lens over $500 does not make much sense IMHO. The market penetration for a lens that expensive would likely be well under 20%. For that kind of money, I’d rather continue using my adapted manual Canon FD f1.4 lens which i purchased for $28 shipped.
mat
2 years ago |The Zeiss lens on the video camera is likely just because Zeiss is such a big player in the cine lens market.
Microrumores
2 years ago |[...] [...]
Jonathan
2 years ago |What about Ricoh?
fr0z
2 years ago |I also think that it is zeiss -> http://photorumors.com/2010/08/24/carl-zeiss-%E2%80%9Cwe-will-present-new-lenses-and-for-the-first-time-accessories-at-photokina/
lander240
2 years ago |Zeiss-
He is already with SONY.
And NEX is competing with MFT.
Leica-
Body=impossible.
Lens=ultra fast but nothing new, and why would Leica hinding this “secret” for such long time?
Kodak-
It has been disappeared in the major for such a long time and they need a shocking appearance if they are coming back. Note that Oly’s E-1 sensor is from Kodak. And we shouldn’t worry much about the video thing as those Kodak latest cheap compacts with CCD sensor can shoot HD video. Maybe a vintage-style MFT camera sticked with a over-priced Kodak sensor? God knows.
Epson-
Body=Not too possible as their R-d1X is STILL in production, why would they offer a MFT body which can use M-Lens via an adaptor?
Accessories=EVF!? Do you want it?
Cosina-
Body=If there will be one, then it may have something to do with Epson, which I don’t expect much on this.
Lens=No Ziess’ but Voigtlander’s, which will be cheap as they are. But it is much unlikely because there will be more than 20% people want it.
Fuji-
Body=Maybe? Fuji has been a part of 4/3 alliance for decades but nothing has been out. Maybe it’s time for some nicely contribution? Note that Fuji’s APS-C line has no new product for a very long time, Fuji may have spent the time on this MFT body and sensor?
Lens=Rarely? If Fuji really release MFT Lens, no matter how slow and over-priced they are, I will buy it.
Let’s dream.
Henry
2 years ago |“Leica-Body=impossible.
Lens=ultra fast but nothing new, and why would Leica hinding this “secret” for such long time?”
I totally agree with you. Likely a lens. A Leica 4/3rds body is highly unlikely.
qfe
2 years ago |It’s going to be an adapter for the Ultra Prime series of Carl Zeiss cinematographic lenses.
These lenses were on the AG-AF100 m4/3 camera ad along with a green adapter (http://www.43rumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Ag-AF100.png). As far as I know, the green adapter has not been officially announced — so here we are!
Les
2 years ago |If it’s Zeiss, then it’s probably a MFT mount for their Compact Prime and Lightweight Zoom cinema lenses.
I doubt 20% of “us” would buy these, so I am likely wrong.
McPix
2 years ago |I bet on Cosina, maybe Fuji – hopefully no Leica or Zeiss, just because these would be too expensive
WT21
2 years ago |I’m betting this is a HUGE letdown. I mean monumental.
SiB
2 years ago |I’m with you 100%!
qfe
2 years ago |PS: The Carl Zeiss Ultra Prime Series is also known as the ARRI Ultra Primes. Very, very, very expensive stuff… very exciting for film makers but not for still lovers
BS Artiste
2 years ago |11 PM to 2 AM London time would be around 5 PM close of business on the US east coast. I have not followed the announcements in the camera market in the past. Do camera companies normally announce new products after stock markets have closed for the day?
philippecr
2 years ago |Damn I love the pool result of the previous article…
“Canon says we quit DSLR and join MFT (11%, 197 Votes)”
Sorry. but i really ROFLed… lol…
bilgy_no1
2 years ago |I voted that one, just because it’s so funny and unlikely… I guess that’s why admin included it…
Inge - M.
2 years ago |Yes, Canon MFT camera and new 120 mp. sensor later to day. LOL
nug
2 years ago |It has to be Tokyo- 2 am GMT + 9hrs is Japan morning.
So, Cosina/Voigtlander.
lajicska
2 years ago |What a big tam-tam for “nothing”. As the time of release is aproaching, the “big news” gets more realistic, ending up with a chilli-villi 1000$ prime, MF lens….
Shame 4/3rumors
zaza22
2 years ago |The most unexpected one might be Phoenix, the Chinese manufacturer, making Phoenix 205E Rangefinder in the past that have the potential to make first MIC interchangable lens camera.
Another possible one might be Rollei, somebody borrows her name to make a low cost body and mark it up with the brand value.
The last one, Yashica? XD. I think her F521 is far more better!
Brian
2 years ago |I think there’s nothing to be excited about. Since only 20% of us will buy it.
infared
2 years ago |Your rumor lists “a new” company. Um…to my knowledge none of the companies mentioned could possible be considered new. Are there any “new” rangefinder camera companies? (maybe its a typo)
I would bet from the info that it is a Zeiss (or possibly Leica) lens, especially since the teaser says that it will be something all of us will want and few will buy. Zeiss and Leica lenses tend to be very expensive and always drooled over. My two cents.
mihai
2 years ago |Nobody mentioned Kyocera!!! They made Contax G1 and G2 (electronic rangefinders). A Contax G1-D would make me sell everything photo I have plus a kidney (still I may be one of the remaining 80%)
iMikl
2 years ago |Contax G-Series!!! Good point
IllegalFun
2 years ago |remember this is a rumours site…
ok 3 ‘sources’ have siad it will be a rangefinder company… I think it could be a company like panasonic or Olympus..
I just hope that I will be one of the 99% who will want it!
otherwise it will be a let down
Vall
2 years ago |I honestly think it’s Leica with their m4/3 lens. Noctilux for m4/3? Then there should be one good reason why 99% of users would want one and only 20% could get it.. Price!
jt
2 years ago |My guess is a crazy expensive lens that almost no one will buy.
BS Artiste
2 years ago |The quote says 20% “will” buy, not “could” buy. “Could” means able to, financially or otherwise. “20% will buy” is a pretty high market penetration level.
Camerageek
2 years ago |A Contax G would require Zeiss’s participation as they own the name
iMikl
2 years ago |hmmm, that would make sense… did they use the Contax name recently? Why not for a digital camera line… just dreaming!!!
Juan R.
2 years ago |It may be the claimed solution for Leica R users.
A camera which allows them to use their lenses and the AF through an adapter compatible with m4/3 standar
If so, I will sell my Leica M8
760studios
2 years ago |I hope it’s a 4/3 mount 24mm f/.75 priced at $100.
Davide Del Vento
2 years ago |Then 101% will buy, not 20%
Yang Korea
2 years ago |I guess it will be Zeiss lens (probable MFT version of high quality Zeiss arriflex PL lens)..
Andrea
2 years ago |If you write Kodak Retina and Zeiss Ikon, you should then add Canon and Nikon…..
Tobias W.
2 years ago |Minolta used to produce rangefinder cameras.
But I still think it’s going to be a fast Leica branded 25mm prime lens.
Do
2 years ago |Afaik Minolta sold it’s camera department to Sony, who made the Alpha line out of it.
Jason
2 years ago |Hurry up man, where’s the update…….. Hurry, hurry, hurry…. cannot wait any longer!
xaxa
2 years ago |Minolta is Sony now