[Leica] RF Forum guy talks to Zeiss reps

[pklein at 2alpha.net (Peter Klein)]

"Huck Finn"  from the Rangefinder Forum went to PhotoPlus Expo in NYC.  He 
had a chat with the Karl Zeiss reps at the Hassleblad booth regarding the 
Zeiss rangefinder, and got to handle the mythical beast itself.  He got 
official answers to a variety of questions.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=151045#post151045

Two major points that interest me:

1.  Eye relief good, but 28mm frame not entirely visible with 
glasses.  35mm frame is entirely visible--just.  This of course is the 
finding of one person with glasses.  As we've seen, different people need 
different eye relief due to their prescription, shape of face, etc.

2. Here's a direct quote from the article re. a digital Zeiss RF"  "There 
are no plans for a digital ZI any time in the near future. The feeling at 
Zeiss is that the public expects to obtain the full benefit of Zeiss lenses 
& that this will not be possible until a full frame sensor is available. 
End of story."     :-(

Read the details in the link above.  Just reporting what I read.  No fact 
checking performed, nor grand jury investigation, nor jailing of reporters 
until they reveal their sources.

I'm curious what people think of Zeiss' stated reason for not planning on a 
digital RF.  It strikes me as a little suspicious. Many Leica users are 
well aware of the capabilities of Leica lenses.  Zeiss lenses are certainly 
in the same general league.   Yet a lot of Leica users are very interested 
in a digital M.  Some demand full-frame, many don't.

I've said this many times:  I'd own an Epson R-D1 now if it weren't for 
three things:

1.  The ~$3,000 price tag.
2.  The 1:1 viewfinder, which makes it impossible for me to use it with a 
lens shorter than 50mm (effective 75mm) when I'm wearing glasses.
3.  The QC problems.
4.  Oh, did I mention the $3,000 price tag?

That the R-D1 doesn't have a full-frame sensor and can't give the full 
resolution of Leica lenses is not the issue.

--Peter