f/otographer
New member
I have been thinking a lot about photography recently and about gear, Sony gear specifically. I must admit that much of my thought has been centered around what I would personally like to see in a new product. I very much enjoy using my NEX 7, and will continue to do for the foreseeable future, but there are things that I would like to see implemented in upcoming products. I think Sony is uniquely placed among manufacturers to bring products like this to market.
I would like to present 3 ideas for new Sony cameras and to hear your opinions on them. Are the ideas technically sound? Do they interest you? Do you think the market would support them? I am looking for any feedback you may have.
Camera 1
a.Sony apsc or FF mirrorless specifically for manual focus lenses
b.All metal, retro (traditional style) in either a rangefinder or SLR style
c.Lots of real buttons and dials
d.Flange to focal distance of around 26mm (No, it will NOT use e mount lenses, as it is not a NEX but rather a specific specialty camera for manual focus lenses) This flange/focal distance will move the lens away from the sensor but still allow the use of Leica M lenses and any other old glass with a larger F/F distance.
e.Possible accesories? Sony made adapters for the more popular lenses made to very tight tolerances, styled to match the camera. Maybe a basic set of Sony made (Zeiss?) prime lenses, all metal and manual focus. No more then four or five lenses at most.
Camera 2
Basically as above, but an apsc camera with a built in Speedbooster like glass arrangement (by Zeiss? licensed from Metabones?) in the lens mount. Again, Sony would offer specially made adapters with tight tolerances. Flange/Focal distance would have to be figured out and I am not sure if rangefinder lenses could be used. This camera would benefit from the extra stop gained by using the built in Speedbooster. Manual focus aficionados would jump for joy the world over.
Camera 3
Another apsc mirrorless, but this time not necessarily retro or traditional. This would also have a built in Speedbooster but rather would be made specifically for the Alpha mount AF lenses. Body style could be NEX like, or not. Would definitely be smaller then a traditional DSLR. Anyway, the SB would give it most of the benefits of FF at a reduced cost.
Cameras 1 and 2 would cater to the re emerging Manual Focus movement that has gained momentum recently. Specialty cameras? Niche cameras? Possibly. But I believe this would be no riskier for Sony then bringing out the RX1 and would help strengthen the position that they are not just bringing out the same old cameras over and over like the Big 2. Cameras like this would be a great compliment to the NEX line and I think they would sell quite well. I would buy one.
Camera 3 is probably much more viable and could easily be brought to market fairly quickly. Again, it would strengthen Sonys position and offer an innovative option for A mount lenses.
Blue sky mining? For sure. I would love to hear your opinions positive or negative.
I would like to present 3 ideas for new Sony cameras and to hear your opinions on them. Are the ideas technically sound? Do they interest you? Do you think the market would support them? I am looking for any feedback you may have.
Camera 1
a.Sony apsc or FF mirrorless specifically for manual focus lenses
b.All metal, retro (traditional style) in either a rangefinder or SLR style
c.Lots of real buttons and dials
d.Flange to focal distance of around 26mm (No, it will NOT use e mount lenses, as it is not a NEX but rather a specific specialty camera for manual focus lenses) This flange/focal distance will move the lens away from the sensor but still allow the use of Leica M lenses and any other old glass with a larger F/F distance.
e.Possible accesories? Sony made adapters for the more popular lenses made to very tight tolerances, styled to match the camera. Maybe a basic set of Sony made (Zeiss?) prime lenses, all metal and manual focus. No more then four or five lenses at most.
Camera 2
Basically as above, but an apsc camera with a built in Speedbooster like glass arrangement (by Zeiss? licensed from Metabones?) in the lens mount. Again, Sony would offer specially made adapters with tight tolerances. Flange/Focal distance would have to be figured out and I am not sure if rangefinder lenses could be used. This camera would benefit from the extra stop gained by using the built in Speedbooster. Manual focus aficionados would jump for joy the world over.
Camera 3
Another apsc mirrorless, but this time not necessarily retro or traditional. This would also have a built in Speedbooster but rather would be made specifically for the Alpha mount AF lenses. Body style could be NEX like, or not. Would definitely be smaller then a traditional DSLR. Anyway, the SB would give it most of the benefits of FF at a reduced cost.
Cameras 1 and 2 would cater to the re emerging Manual Focus movement that has gained momentum recently. Specialty cameras? Niche cameras? Possibly. But I believe this would be no riskier for Sony then bringing out the RX1 and would help strengthen the position that they are not just bringing out the same old cameras over and over like the Big 2. Cameras like this would be a great compliment to the NEX line and I think they would sell quite well. I would buy one.
Camera 3 is probably much more viable and could easily be brought to market fairly quickly. Again, it would strengthen Sonys position and offer an innovative option for A mount lenses.
Blue sky mining? For sure. I would love to hear your opinions positive or negative.