Photokina

[evan clarke]

What?

No updated version of the inexpensive "cube?"

That would be a nice toy to have but, at $1,500, it's just toooooo costly!

Now, that Technika 3000 is a sweet looking camera.

Cheers

I would give up my camera before I give up my Cube!! It doesn't need an update!!..EC

[400d]

Bokeh, anyone?
1700mm f4

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0610/06...eiss1700f4.asp

[Capocheny]

I would give up my camera before I give up my Cube!! It doesn't need an update!!..EC

Hi Evan,

Yeah, I heard people who have them LOVE them... I'm sure it's a great tool to have in the ole kit bag.

One day....

Cheers

[Patrik Roseen]

Assuming it's not a joke...

On the web-site it says:
The ZEISS Apo Sonnar T* 4/1700 was developed by Carl Zeiss for a customer with very high demands and a special interest in long distance wildlife photography.

Long distance wild life photography, ...at a weight of 256kg I guess this would be mounted on a Jeep or something (possibly a privat tank)...Would be interesting to see the complete setup with the 'control tower' for this monster and the photographer desperately following a moving animal while looking into the WLF of the Hasselblad...probably sitting on top of the whole thing. ;-)

[GPS]

Impossible with 256 kg to have it on those 3 wires hanging at Photokina! Unless it's a maquette.
Why not a simple Nikon 1200 mm? Not too much a difference from a 1700mm.

[tim atherton]

Why not a simple Nikon 1200 mm? Not too much a difference from a 1700mm.

on a Hassy?

[GPS]

on a Hassy?

Why not? It's custom made anyway. At least you could use it on a normal tripod. The only difference is the smaller speed - there he would need to use some higher ISO speed, that's true.

[400d]

Seriously, I think I see Hindenburg in those pics..

[Rainer]

The Alpa 12XY looks very interesting (but out of my range). I downloaded the photos and it seems like it is... a large format camera for the high-end digital world. A large paltform that allows you to -- perfectly -- stitch six high-res medium format digital back captures. Beautiful machining too.

I'm surprised it hasn't gotten more attention here.

I think the 12XY really is the future dream machine for the architectural and interior guys who can justify the cost (i certainly can not ...).
5000 EUR only for the body which is a (very well) machined "metal plate" with shift possibilities. 2500-4000 per lens, 2000 for a 6x9 back, >15.000 for a digital back...

Some other manufacturers may do similar things marginal cheaper, but in terms of design, engineering, finish, usability they won´t reach the 12xy.
Sounds like a commercial, i know, but i was truly impressed with it.
What impressed me even more was the kind and helpful attitude of the Alpa guys, i also had the pleasure to talk to Mr. Capaul-Weber himself. Nice guys.
BTW: all 12xy´s of the first production is already sold out. Waiting time for new orders is 6 months minimum...

[GPS]

...Some other manufacturers may do similar things marginal cheaper, but in terms of design, engineering, finish, usability they won´t reach the 12xy. ...

Tastes are personal but let's see some facts. Usability?? The ready to shoot camera weight is more than 4kg... That limits the usability as a handheld machine... The new Arca Swiss R camera is certainly an adversary to count with!
The Alpa wants to create and bangs on the idea that it is the camera that makes pictures. I'm afraid, it is just a half of the truth... Personally I await the Arca Swiss R with more interest.