New EVIL Body for R lenses?

[rosuna]

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The company that makes the X1?

 

Sanyo? They build many of Panasonic compacts, isn't...

 

... bad news... Panasonic has bought Sanyo factories...

[mooky]

Seems most likely to me. I'd think the market for the camera would be much bigger if it can use more lenses than just R or the hypothetical AF-R.

 

I agree. IF Leica is the first - even with Panasonic - it would be a tempting purchase because of the FF and resultant image quality. If it's a good design and proves to be as rugged as any of the FF DSLR's out there now it has the opportunity to really influence the digital market.

 

EVIL's are out there now, and they don't seem to be a 'flash in the pan' - the SLR design is looking antiquated in the market - even if they produce excellent results. IMO, there just seems to be something in the wind, and whoever aces it first can ride a pretty big wave.

[NZDavid]

Yes indeed, cameras like Panasonic's G1 and G2 have been widely acclaimed by the magazines as the next big thing. More compact lenses are one advantage. Granted, but who actually likes using the EVIL viewfinder? I have looked through a few and they are a lot fuzzier than an optical finder. And a lot slower and dimmer in low light. But even modern SLR pentamirror finders, especially for APS cameras, and smaller and dimmer than those of the film era, for example the OM1 and, of course, the Leicaflex. One step forward, two steps back...

[AlanG]

Yes indeed, cameras like Panasonic's G1 and G2 have been widely acclaimed by the magazines as the next big thing. More compact lenses are one advantage. Granted, but who actually likes using the EVIL viewfinder? I have looked through a few and they are a lot fuzzier than an optical finder. And a lot slower and dimmer in low light. But even modern SLR pentamirror finders, especially for APS cameras, and smaller and dimmer than those of the film era, for example the OM1 and, of course, the Leicaflex. One step forward, two steps back...

 

 

I think the EVFs and the AF in EVIL cameras have to improve some to match the DSLR's performance in some applications. It might be hard to come up with a way to get typical existing FF and APS lenses to focus quickly unless phase detection technology can by included. (This is why the current EVIL cameras have small lenses with lighter AF elements that can be focused back and forth rapidly to accommodate the contrast detection system.)

 

I tried the Olympus clip on EVF and found it quite nice. Since you can magnify and focus manually, and actually get a brighter image in low light on an EVF, there are some advantages to it. An articulating EVF or LCD or even a removable EVF or LCD that can run tethered would be handy for some things. I could certainly see some photographers having a regular DSLR and a smaller full frame EVIL body that can use the same lenses (and more) and be employed as a back-up or when it is simply a better choice.

 

Anyhow, on-sensor phase detect is here now. The only questions are will it work on larger sensor (I don't see why not) and when will it be available in EVIL cameras.

 

http://dpreview.com/news/1008/10080505fujifilmpd.asp

[dkCambridgeshire]

 

Not made by ... more likely made for that designer rather than manufacturer ... because the designer eg Leica, probably does not have the manufacturing resources themselves.

 

And unfortunately, this would lead to inevitable QA problems.

 

dunk

[jaapv]

Can anyone really imagine them getting into bed with anyone other than Panasonic?

Leica is not monogamous...

They have used Sony sensors, talk about Dalsa, have worked with Minolta, Kyocera, Fujitsu, Panasonic, Sigma, Zeiss, and many others

[stunsworth]

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I'm referring to their rebadged bodies not components. I can't see them selling Panasonic p&s cameras and say a Sony dSLR at the same time.

[Angora]

I'm not expecting a good viewfinder with this supposedly upcoming EVIL, but if it offers full-aperture metering for R lenses, well... that solution might be better than a Canon + adapter.

 

Let's see...

[mooky]

Here's a hypothetical question perhaps best answered by the 'tech-folk'.

 

If the EVIL finder is clip-on, doesn't that allow for new designs to be brought out as the they improve? In other words couldn't they be up-graded?

 

Obviously, if it was completely an 'in-camera' design, then that would be impossible but the other way around might be an easy upgrade - just clip-on the latest and greatest finder technology as it's developed - this would seem ideal - but again, I'm not the tech -guy.

[jankap]

In theory, yes. There should be an defined interface at first. Some - originally not defined - additions can be upgraded afterwards. Other features don't.

Think of the M-bajonet, this is a standard interface. In 1950 the identification of lenses was not thought of. This could be added. But autofocus can not be added, for instance.

So my answer is. it depends.

Jan

[GreyCoupe]

Gee, I would love it if they followed through with something for R users. I still exercise my Rs when I get a chance. I bought one of the panasonics that take the adapter--and I can get the combination to make good images, but R lenses feel like dead weight hanging off the face of the panasonic. It may be my imagination but it makes me feel as if I am not holding the camera steady at all.

 

Fingers crossed for a good R solution at Photokina next month.

[lct]

I'm not expecting a good viewfinder with this supposedly upcoming EVIL, but if it offers full-aperture metering for R lenses, well... that solution might be better than a Canon + adapter...

I would rather expect some auto brightening a la G1.

[koiroy]

Can someone clue me in on this, I am not up to date on the Leica digital solution for R lenses.Like all of us I have been waiting for years to bring out my R lenses again to connect with a digital back.

Is Leica going to do one? Is there another option I can use now? I would love to be able to get

my investment of my lenses working again...but haven't shot film for 10 years.

 

Regards,

 

koiroy

[jaapv]

What about a Leica Zeiss- cooperation for an R-compatible Contax? Would give Zeiss their own body too.

[dkCambridgeshire]

Can someone clue me in on this, I am not up to date on the Leica digital solution for R lenses.Like all of us I have been waiting for years to bring out my R lenses again to connect with a digital back.

Is Leica going to do one? Is there another option I can use now? I would love to be able to get

my investment of my lenses working again...but haven't shot film for 10 years.

 

Regards,

 

koiroy

 

Many months ago Leica hinted at a possible R solution digital camera but since then no official statements have been made. Forum members, being aware of the EVIL MIRRORLESS trend being followed by other manufacturers, are assuming that maybe Leica could make a digital R solution announcement for Photokina ... but nobody knows for sure. However, in the past Leica have provided clues in their videos eg hints of an M9 in a video before the official announcement. So maybe if an announcement is due, we might see a clue first. But all this is supposition and wishful thinking.

 

dunk

[hoppyman]

The first board meeting should be interesting

What about a Leica Zeiss- cooperation for an R-compatible Contax? Would give Zeiss their own body too.

[rob_x2004]

Well, its going to have to be holtus boltus panasonic which means it will come with more appropriate matching lenses anyway, or, someone has noticed Solms standing up new R (or other) lens runs.

 

If you are going to cobble second rate solutions together with adaptors you can do that already.

[rob_x2004]

Yes indeed, cameras like Panasonic's G1 and G2 have been widely acclaimed by the magazines as the next big thing. More compact lenses are one advantage. Granted, but who actually likes using the EVIL viewfinder?

 

 

I do. Maybe you havent tried the sub five hundred dollar FZ series. You can drive the whole camera without taking your eye from the viewfinder. You learn a new technique to take advantage of the electronic focusing and it is exceptional in low light. The tall end EVF and tall end performance is probably already there from the (pro) video movie side, and will probably, hopefully soon, trickle down into the stills units. I guess at the moment the big boys still have sales dollars tied to the optical and arent in a hurry to cut their own throats.

[stunsworth]

Well, its going to have to be holtus boltus panasonic which means it will come with more appropriate matching lenses anyway, or, someone has noticed Solms standing up new R (or other) lens runs

 

Which is why I said that I thought Panasonic would release a full frame EVF camera that used the R mount. Panasonic would then have full frame, 4.3 and p&s camera ranges. There's clear definition between those ranges, and using the R mount would mean they wouldn't have to develop their own or pay royalties to another manufacturer - they may even get the R mount 'for free' in exchange for building a red dot version of the camera.

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[lct]

...I thought Panasonic would release a full frame EVF camera that used the R mount...

Full frame or APS?