As expected our rumors about this camera were 100% accurate. Zeiss today announced the new ZX1 fixed lens camera and here are some key specs:

37,4 Megapixel Full Frame Sony sensor
35mm f/2.0
No distortion in RAW
4,3 inch Multitouch
Aluminum Body
Adobe Lightroom CC integrated in the camera!

Press text:

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 2018-09-27.

ZEISS ZX1 – That is the name of the newly developed mirrorless full-frame camera from ZEISS that was presented today in Cologne, Germany. Thanks to the ZEISS lens and a sensor developed in-house at ZEISS, the camera delivers first-class image quality combined with an operational concept and user experience that make the photographer’s jobs-to-be-done as intuitive as on a smartphone.

The ZEISS camera concept is just the first step to opening up a new world of possibilities for ambitious photographers – from taking the shot to editing the image and sharing it on the web.

SHOOT. EDIT. SHARE. – Harmonized hardware, software and optics for a seamless creative process

SHOOT: the ZEISS ZX1 features a newly designed, integrated ZEISS Distagon 35 mm f/2 T* lens with autofocus that has been perfectly matched to the 37.4 megapixel full-frame sensor developed in-house at ZEISS. The interplay between the lens and sensor ensures first-class picture quality with that typical ZEISS look.

EDIT: The ZEISS ZX1 enables photographers to professionally process RAW images directly on the camera thanks to fully integrated Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC. Moreover, the ZEISS ZX1’s unique user interface supports the user’s particular workflow without any interruption – providing direct access to the most frequently used functions via a 4.3″ multi-touch display.

SHARE: when the networked full-frame camera is connected, the user can upload selected images directly to the internet – without the intermediate transfer to memory cards or other external devices.
512 GB of internal memory provide sufficient space for approximately 6,800 RAW files (DNG) or over 50,000 JPGs – more than enough to handle photos, even during a longer trip, and giving the photographer the chance to let their creativity flow. Versatile connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C ensure that various peripherals can be connected. Over-the-air software updates keep the camera up to date without requiring a computer connection.

Designed with a passion for detail and a focus on the essentials

The design of the ZEISS ZX1 is characterized by its iconic shape with carefully crafted details. The overall form and reduction to just those elements that are absolutely necessary lay the foundation for an ergonomic camera and ensure easy handling. The symbiosis of hardware and software is exemplified by the newly defined user interface that utilizes the 4.3″ multi-touch display. The slightly bent screen separates the live view from the control elements, making camera operation comfortable and straightforward.

“We know that we exploring new ways and initially addressing a special target group with the ZEISS ZX1. With our concept we are focusing on ambitious, professional creatives who want to produce their photographic experiences quickly and efficiently, and inspire as many people on the Internet as possible. This requires a streamlined workflow in addition to high-end features. This is exactly what the concept of the ZEISS ZX1 offers,” explains Jörg Schmitz, Head of the Consumer Products business group at ZEISS.

ZEISS ZX1 available from early 2019

The ZEISS ZX1 will be available at selected dealers in early 2019. ZEISS will announce the recommended retail price at the start of the official market launch. Starting now, anyone interested in receiving information on exact availability can register at www.zeiss.com/zx1.

ZEISS ZX1 Image Download

ZEISS ZX1 Image Download

ZEISS ZX1 Image Download

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Zeiss also announced the new Batis 40mm f/2.0 lens (info on SonyAlphaRumors.com).

The chinese company Viltrox announced  three new lenses. One of them is the 85mm f/1.8 autofocs lens which will be available for Sony E and Fuji X mount cameras. Images via Optyczne.pl.

Viltrox PFU RBMH 85 mm f / 1.8 STM version for Sony FE (autofocus)

construction: 10 elements in 7 groups (1 ED lens)
minimum aperture: f / 16,
field of view: 15.58 degrees,
the minimum focusing distance: 0.8 m,
maximum reproduction ratio: 1: 8,
focusing: AF
the number of apertures: 9,
filter size: 72 mm,
dimensions: 80 x 92 mm,
Weight: 626 g,
EXIF data support and electronic iris adjustment,
HD Nano antireflection coatings,
price: USD 240.

Viltrox PFU RBMH 85 mm f / 1.8 STM version for Fujifilm X (autofocus)

construction: 10 elements in 7 groups (1 ED lens)
minimum aperture: f / 16,
field of view: 11.32 degrees,
the minimum focusing distance: 0.8 m,
maximum reproduction ratio: 1: 8,
focusing: AF
the number of apertures: 9,
filter size: 72 mm,
dimensions: 80 x 92 mm,
Weight: 636 g,
EXIF data support and electronic iris adjustment,
HD Nano antireflection coatings,
price: USD 240.

Viltrox PFU RBMH 85 mm f / 1.8 for Sony FE (manual focus)

construction: 10 elements in 7 groups (1 ED lens)
minimum aperture: f / 16,
field of view: 11.32 degrees,
the minimum focusing distance: 0.8 m,
maximum reproduction ratio: 1: 8,
focusing: MF
the number of apertures: 9,
filter size: 72 mm,
dimensions: 79 x 92 mm,
Weight: 665 g,
HD Nano antireflection coatings,
EXIF data support and electronic iris adjustment,
price: USD 200.

Viltrox PFU RBMH 20 mm f/1.8 dla Sony FE (manual focus)

• konstrukcja: 12 elementów w 9 grupach (1 soczewka asferyczna, 4 soczewki ED)
• minimalna przys?ona: f/16,
• pole widzenia: 56.31 stopnia,
• minimalna odleg?o?? ostrzenia: 0.25 m,
• maksymalna skala odwzorowania: 1:8.3,
• ogniskowanie: MF
• liczba listków przys?ony: 14,
• rozmiar filtra: 82 mm,
• wymiary: 76.8 x 102 mm,
• waga: 775 g,
• pow?oki antyodbiciowe HD Nano,
• brak styków,
• p?ynna, manualna regulacja przys?ony
• cena: 280 USD.

And here it is the long time rumored Zenit M-mount camera! Below you can see a real world picture of the camera just posted by ShvabeRus:

Press text:

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Zenit and Leica Present Joint Production Camera

Krasnogorsky Zavod, manufacturer of the Russian brand Zenit, in cooperation with Leica Camera AG, German manufacturer of premium cameras and optics, designed a new digital rangefinder camera Zenit M. The Shvabe Holding, part of Rostec, has presented this product at Photokina 2018, the largest international trade fair for the photographic and imaging industries held in Cologne.

One of the participants of the project is Krasnogorsky Zavod (KMZ Zenit), a leading designer of photographic equipment in Russia, is now part of Shvabe. The Zenit M is technically based on the Leica M Type 240 platform, but was modified both in terms of hardware and software.

The camera is equipped with Zenitar 35 mm f/1.0 lens, completely designed and manufactured in Russia, 100% of its components and materials are Russian-made. The lens creates an image that doesn’t require processing, has unique bokeh and soft focus effect.

The design of Zenit M copies designs of the legendary Zenit and Zorky cameras, it’s a full-frame rangefinder camera made for shooting under various conditions.

The official presentation took place with participation of Andreas Kaufmann, major shareholder and chairman of Leica Camera AG supervisory board, Alexey Patrikeyev, CEO of Shvabe, Ivan Ozhgikhin, Deputy CEO of Shvabe, and Vadim Kaliugin, CEO of KMZ Zenit.

“Zenit and Leica cooperation forms a unique alliance between long-term experience in optics manufacturing and modern technologies of Russia and Germany. With this project we for the first time declare launch of world famous Russian brand Zenit into the new segment of photography equipment market,” said Alexey Patrikeyev, CEO of Shvabe.

Zenit M will be available from December 2018 in Europe and from January 2019 in Russia at both Zenit’s online store and selected photo shops.

“On purchasing the camera and the lens the users will get not only a high-quality device with elaborate ergonomic design and high optical characteristics, but a really smart camera which will provide high image quality,” reported Vadim Kaliugin, CEO of KMZ Zenit.

At Photokina 2018 Shvabe also presents the whole line of Zenitar and Helios lenses manufactured by KMZ Zenit as well as historic models of SLR and rangefinder cameras. This exposition is also completed with products of another Shvabe enterprise, LZOS. Along with other showpieces the leading manufacturer of space and astronomy optics demonstrates mirror-meniscous telescopic photo lens MC Rubinar-10/1000 with high light transmission and image contrast.

via Cision

REFLEX announced that it’s going to launch a new Kickstarter project for three manual focusing Full Frame lenses. These will be available as native mount version for all four Full Frame mirrorless system cameras:

Ahead of the anticipated release of the Reflex model I. later this year and in a Photokina 2018 preview special, we are proud to present to its audience, the first in a line up of three full frame lenses; The Reflex 40mm f/1.8 comes ahead of a 75mm f/1.8 and a 24mm f/1.8, completing a series of large aperture primes.

The Reflex I accompanying lens series have been optimized for both SLR and mirrorless photography with a compact form factor, carrying a double gauss lens design that signs for an organic look and smooth bokeh, making it a light and ideal daily shooter for both analog and digital photography. Furthermore, it features a clicked/step-less aperture ring for videography and cine adaptation and a large focus-ring rotation angle which enables for highly accurate focusing.

While being presented at Photokina in a native Reflex AR-i, Sony E and Canon EF mount, mirrorless versions will also become available in Nikon Z, Canon RF and Leica/Lumix L mount or to Fuji X and Micro 4/3 via adaptors with the EF version. The lens will be launched on Kickstarter mid November and will ship January 2019.

Anticipated retail price will be under $400.

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Via Chassimages. Thanks Mistral!

Press text:

Hasselblad expands its X1D lens lineup with three new XCD lenses, including XCD 1,9/80, Hasselblad’s fastest lens ever

Increasing the capabilities of the X1D-50c mirrorless medium format camera, Hasselblad adds three new lenses to its XCD lens family, including the XCD 1,9/80, with the largest aperture of a Hasselblad lens ever, the XCD 2,8/65 and the XCD 2,8/135 telephoto lens with X Converter 1,7. The three new lenses and one dedicated teleconverter expand the XCD family to nine different focal lengths.

The XCD 1,9/80 represents a major milestone for Hasselblad with an impressive f/1,9 aperture, Hasselblad’s largest lens aperture, offering an extremely shallow depth of field and light-gathering ability. Thanks to Hasselblad’s optical design expertise and rigorous calibration standards, the XCD 80mm boasts superior optical surface precision, avoiding poor bokeh results or out of focus highlights often seen in high aperture lenses with aspherical surfaces. The lens’ distinct twin motor drive provides quick autofocus performance, while offering a precise manual focus experience. Maximizing the artistic potential of X1D image makers for a stunning shooting experience with a field of view similar to 63mm on a full frame system, it is especially suitable for portrait, nature and product photography with its ability to produce pleasing bokeh through excellent subject isolation and shallow depth of field.

The XCD 2,8/65 is the ideal standard lens in any X System photographer’s kit. With a 50mm full frame equivalency, it’s designed to achieve the ‘normal’ focal length and mimic the human field of view. Thanks to its f/2,8 maximum aperture and 0.5 m (20 in.) minimum focus distance, the XCD 65mm is the versatile option for street, travel and general photography.

Growing the telephoto range, the XCD 2,8/135 and X Converter 1,7 expand the reach of Hasselblad’s X1D-50c. Available as both a paired kit or as a stand-alone lens, the XCD 135mm and dedicated teleconverter have been designed as a cohesive unit to ensure no decrease in image quality when the teleconverter is used. Without the teleconverter, the XCD 135mm has an aperture range of 2,8-32 and a field of view similar to 105mm lenses on full frame cameras and features a minimum focus distance of 1 m. With the X Converter 1,7, the lens’ focal length grows to 230mm (178mm full frame equivalent) with a f/4,8 maximum aperture and minimum focus distance of 1.05 m. The telephoto focal length is ideal for portrait, outdoor, and landscape photographers looking to document details and subjects with stunning image quality.

Like the other XCD lenses, the XCD 80mm, XCD 65mm and XCD 135mm feature an integral central shutter, offering exposure times from 60 minutes to 1/2000s with full flash synchronization through the entire range.

The XCD 80mm, XCD 65mm and the XCD 135mm lenses are now available for pre-ordering and will begin shipping in December 2018.

The XCD 80mm lens has an MSRP of €3,990, $4,845, £3,690, JPY¥ 576,000 (excl. VAT) / CNY¥ 38,500 (incl. VAT).

The XCD 65mm lens has an MSRP of €2,290, $2,750, £2,090, JPY¥ 331,000 (excl. VAT) / CNY¥ 22,100 (incl. VAT).

The XCD 135mm lens has an MSRP of €3,390, $4,050, £3,090, JPY¥ 489,000 (excl. VAT) / CNY¥ 32,700 (incl. VAT).

The XCD 135mm lens with X Converter 1,7 has an MSRP of €3,990, $4,845, £3,690 , JPY¥ 576,000 (excl. VAT) / CNY¥ 38,500 (incl. VAT).

For full specs, sample images and more info, please visit:
www.hasselblad.com/x-system-lenses/xcd-19-80mm/
www.hasselblad.com/x-system-lenses/xcd-28-65mm/
www.hasselblad.com/x-system-lenses/xcd-28-135mm/

The camera system on top is now officially discontinued

As reported first by L-rumors Sigma unveiled their L-mount strategy:

1) Make FF Foveon L-mount camera in 2019
2) No more SA mount cameras
3) Continue to develop and produce SA mount lenses
4) SA-L and EF-L mount adapters to be released in 2019
5) First Sigma L-mount lenses will be released in 2019. First they will make L-mount version of current lenses and then also develop special L-mount lenses only
6) L-mount conversion service will start in 2019

Will you miss the SA mount? Of course not! Now let’s hope Sigma can fix the camera handling on their next L-mount FF Foveon…