New Zeiss Ikon camera to be manufactured by Sony

Sony is rumored to be making the next Zeiss Ikon camera which will feature a full-frame image sensor, but will not have an optical viewfinder, nor an LCD screen on the back.

The Zeiss Ikon series is a very old and very successful camera series by the Germany-based manufacturer. These rangefinder-style cameras were brought back to the market back in 2004, courtesy of Cosina. However, the latest Ikon products have been discontinued for years.

Nowadays, they would be considered niche products. Even though niche cameras are not regarded as solutions to troubled markets, it appears that the Zeiss Ikon series will make a comeback by the end of 2014 and that Sony will manufacture the camera.

This is a Zeiss Ikon 35mm rangefinder camera. Zeiss could bring back a similar camera with a little help from Sony this year.

Sony to manufacture the new Zeiss Ikon camera, which will be announced this year

This falls into the category of wilder rumors that are somewhat unlikely to occur. However, we have seen crazier things to become a reality after being rumored, such as the lens-style cameras. Oddly enough, these crazy things are almost always associated with Sony in recent times.

The latest mad product consists of a new Zeiss Ikon camera. It appears that will be manufactured by Sony, but it will come with the “Zeiss Ikon” brand, just like the other members of this line-up. Some notable examples are the Contina, Ikoflex, and Contaflex.

It appears that the shooter is on track to be announced by the end of 2014. It is unlikely that it will go on sale this year, so if it does become real, then it will become available sometime in 2015.

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the camera may not bear the “Ikon” brand, instead the device being simply designed as the legendary Ikon cameras.

Next-gen Zeiss Ikon camera will not feature an optical viewfinder, nor a rear display

Among the known specs of the new Sony-made Zeiss Ikon camera we can find a full frame image sensor and fully manual controls. Other than these, it is unclear what is going to be on the camera’s specifications sheet.

Nevertheless, the source has confirmed what the camera will not feature. The list of omissions includes an optical viewfinder and a display on the back.

This could mean that the shooter will employ an electronic viewfinder of some sort, in order to allow photographers to frame their shots.

It would be interesting to find out whether or not the Ikon will be shaped around the Sony A7-series platform. However, we have to remind you that this is just a rumor, so do not hold your breath over it.

Source: SonyAlphaRumors.