CameraQuest
12-24-2010, 11:48
Merry Christmas and a Happy Rangefinder 2011!
For rangefinder fans 2010 saw the introduction of various new lenses from Leica and Voigtlander, new megabux special edition M9's, the RF lookalike Fujica X100, the Fuji/Bessa 66/67 wide, and the popularization of rangefinder lenses used on M43 and Sony NEX digital formats.
What will 2011 bring?
You can count on more new M lenses from Voigtlander and Leica. Zeiss seems to be concentrating on its new lenses for SLRs. Eventually the M9 will be updated - in 2011? Will there be other M mount digital cameras? Doubtful, but who knows? I know I've been trying to talk a dark horse digital M camera maker into it (not Cosina) to no avail so far. With Mr. K's love of film I would be surprised to see a digital Voigtlander Bessa. I wonder if there will be new film 35mm Bessas. And of course more special edition M9's. Many complain about them, but the SE M9's serve a very useful purpose - they all sell out and help Leica stay a camera maker!
Additionally there are indeed private inventors working on Leica M digital body conversions. Time will tell if they make it to the market place.
The so called MIRRORLESS cameras (like RF cameras have mirrors!), aka M43, Sony NEX, and expected similar formats from other manufacturers look like interesting digital options for your RF lenses. I look forward to 2011 improvements on those formats. Many have speculated the excitement of the Fujica X100 retro styling will bring forth an interchangeable lens version. hmm. Nice thought, at least.
So rangefinders will be very much alive in 2011, and with more digital options than before, and probably more new film cameras as well!
To all a Happy 2011!
Stephen
For rangefinder fans 2010 saw the introduction of various new lenses from Leica and Voigtlander, new megabux special edition M9's, the RF lookalike Fujica X100, the Fuji/Bessa 66/67 wide, and the popularization of rangefinder lenses used on M43 and Sony NEX digital formats.
What will 2011 bring?
You can count on more new M lenses from Voigtlander and Leica. Zeiss seems to be concentrating on its new lenses for SLRs. Eventually the M9 will be updated - in 2011? Will there be other M mount digital cameras? Doubtful, but who knows? I know I've been trying to talk a dark horse digital M camera maker into it (not Cosina) to no avail so far. With Mr. K's love of film I would be surprised to see a digital Voigtlander Bessa. I wonder if there will be new film 35mm Bessas. And of course more special edition M9's. Many complain about them, but the SE M9's serve a very useful purpose - they all sell out and help Leica stay a camera maker!
Additionally there are indeed private inventors working on Leica M digital body conversions. Time will tell if they make it to the market place.
The so called MIRRORLESS cameras (like RF cameras have mirrors!), aka M43, Sony NEX, and expected similar formats from other manufacturers look like interesting digital options for your RF lenses. I look forward to 2011 improvements on those formats. Many have speculated the excitement of the Fujica X100 retro styling will bring forth an interchangeable lens version. hmm. Nice thought, at least.
So rangefinders will be very much alive in 2011, and with more digital options than before, and probably more new film cameras as well!
To all a Happy 2011!
Stephen