Buy a horizon, it does the same thing but you can find them for $300-400 depending on if it’s the metal original model, the plastic version or the modern re release that lomography made. The widelux would definitely make you life easier but the horizon can still get the job done
made in Germany probably means the price will be in the Leica range, and my biggest concerns will be deep pocketed collectors snatching all the stock as its produced
I doubt I will ever actually be able to afford this but I its the first thing I've actually wanted out of these new cameras, first camera I've wanted in a while actually, maybe if I become rich and famous I guess
Definitely interested in this one but I also will not likely be able to easily afford it. I kind of figured it will be priced like new Leica cameras. Less woud, of course, be great but considering what it is I do not think the expense is unreasonable, just too much for me. :( I hope--and expect--they will sell every one they make. Perhaps we'll get really lucky and the new one will loosen up the used market for the original one...
Count me in. I have a Noblex medium format scanning panoramic, but I don't use it much because of its size. I've considered buying an old WideLux, but I have been scarred off because, like many old cameras, they can be temperamental, and they are hard to get repaired. I would not mind paying a premium price for a premium camera like this. Good luck on this project!
This is what I'm the most exited for! I'm currently using my Mamiya 7ii with the 35mm adapter with not panoramic mask to get the sprockets, pure bangers.
Jeff has a great cameo in the film, Cold Feet, with Tom Waits, Rip Torn, Sally Kirkland, Bill.Pullman, Kathleen York, and Keith Carridine. It's big fun.
Been wanting one of these for ages. Almost got my hopes up seeing this thumbnail. Hearing those prices... not so much. I could get myself an OG Widelux for less than that so why bother buying a slightly modernised repro.
Since Pentax has stuck with DSLR I hope they make new film SLRs that are compatible with their current DSLR glass. I think this could be a super compelling reason for people to invest in Pentax which would be great since they're pretty niche.
Re cost: Here’s a point of reference. When Nikon released the now venerable F2 in 1971 even with their massive R&D and manufacturing capacity, with a photomic prism and the stock standard 50mm that was USD550 - purchasing equivalent today is about USD4500 So for a startup to reverse engineer, redesign, do the necessary materials tech R&D, source or create from scratch the optics, and make a product that is serviceable and sustainable for same sort of relative list price without a multi hundred million dollar manufacturing infrastructure behind it is going to be pretty phenomenal.
Yup.. When Nikon reissued the SP in 2005, it was $6250... Which is a mind bending $10,000 in 2024 dollars. That make a new Leica MP seem like a bargain. People complained about the $500 price point for the Pentax 17, but really cameras are expensive, and we have just been spoiled by $200 used SLRs.
@@musa7606but isnt we talking about 50-60 year old tech.. So I think they can make it for less... May be ricoh can do it. Their SLR cameras were cheap back in the days too
@@oblivion_007 A Nikon F5 was $5000 in 2024 dollars. And you don't get a cheaper F100 (still $2700 in 2024 dollars) without the premium product. A Ricoh GR IIIx is $1100... for a glorified point and shoot. That's not cheap, and that's proven tech they have been making for years. The Ricoh KR-10 cost $560 in 2024 dollars. So lets say they JUST reproduce this camera... You aren't going to get it for $560. That camera was made in a time of cheaper labor and a large ecosystem of mechanical cameras. I'd say the price is closer for $1500-2000. Maybe they get it a little cheaper, but remember, this company makes an $1100 point and shoot. And then there are the lenses. They probably reproduce the 50mm f/2 that came with it, likely with more modern optics, much like Nikon did with their S mount lenses. But otherwise, they will let you rely on the K mount ecosystem that is already there. A better bet might be an SLR based on the Pentax K-1, which still lets you use K mount and K mount AF lenses... Use available parts and lenses, but then you star pushing back to $2-3k.
@@musa7606 for that price no one will buy it because of used market. Cos we can get a used f5 for 500-1000 dollars now depending on condition. Only way forward is relaunch of cheap plasticky Film SLRs. If any one can do it, it will be from the likes of Cosina, ricoh/ pentax etc. Nikon & canon will never ever make film slr again.
@@oblivion_007 "Only way forward is relaunch of cheap plasticky Film SLRs" Correct. That's why we have a $500 Pentax 17. This is the first step. "Cos we can get a used f5 for 500-1000 dollars now depending on condition." And this is the catch 22 of the film camera buyer. We all want new film cameras, but we aren't willing to pay for them. Its a good thing the used market is plentiful....
as a Widelux F8 user for a few years I hope they offer: more aperture settings, especially f16. a focusing mechanism, even two set distances would be helpful. a more accurate viewfinder. a better film rewind knob with a flip out lever arm to avoid tearing the skin off my fingers. That's really it, I love my F8
Michael Von Graffenreid is the best person to ever touch a widelux. the very first person I've ever had the privilege to see ever with a widelux camera. if you look him up and fall in love with his work, make sure you pay homage and let everyone you know going forward that I put you on. lol
I would love to have one of those. But I look at it this way - I would use that for landscapes pretty exclusively. At that price point I could just keep shooting the camera I have and take another trip to an interesting location. The travel is always going to be worth more to me than the novelty of a Widelux. I don't think the Wideluxx is going to be worth the price of admission to the average person. Unless you already make Jeff Bridges money, it may not be worth buying Jeff Bridges' camera.
I knew it would have to be $2k-$3k. Okay I was hoping for closer to $2k. I still have not bought a Leica yet and for that money I could get a CLA’d M4 (OG with the self timer and engraved top, not the M4-2 or M4-P). Of course those need a lens so more $$$. A new freshly made M6 is $6k and has the ostentatious 🔴 red dot and says Leica on the front of the camera too (besides the dot). I like the subdued M4 and the fancy engraving that can only been seen by me and anyone too close to me so as to be looking straight down upon the camera top. BUT if this is built like a gem and is high quality then sooooo worth it. I’m tired of throw away stuff. My 1980s Canon New F-1 needs repair or at least CLA. I could probably buy another that is just as nice for the price of fixing mine (or maybe even less!) but I want my camera to continue going. Maybe it got jealous of my F3P (not HP). The F4 sure is a looker and feels great but the viewfinder display sucks (I love the analog needles in the F-1 series) and the back light button is the absolute worst. Otherwise I am pleased by my F3P, FM3a, N8008s, and N90s. I have AI/AIs and AF-D lenses to share amongst them. My F-1n and F-1N have 70’s lenses I bought in the 90’s but my 620/630/RT are EF mount so oh well. Do I need an F4 or EOS-1V or EOS-3? That’s $ that could go to the new wideluxx !
Hi there, I know someone who knows someone. I've heard rumors that Canon, Nikon and OM Systems (possibly a new brand creation from Olympus) are working on new film cameras. However, they're each approaching it differently. They have different intentions and levels of commitment to their projects. Plus, they're not all at the same stage of development. And some of them are not even sure if they'll make it to the end. Canon, in particular, is making good progress and aims to release a full-frame camera with a retro design around the turn of 2025/2026. You're welcome!
I started putting money back when I first heard the announcement. I just assumed it to be around $4000-ish. Definitely pricey, and considering they're basically having to start from scratch it's almost guaranteed to be pricey...
There's probably no way to produce it in Germany for under 3000 eur. The originals were pretty expensive when they were new. I have the KMZ Horizont. While mine is serviced and works well, I can also see the appeal of a better quality one. But I paid 70 eur for mine. I use it so little, that if it was thousands, I couldn't rationalize owning it. I take maybe one or two rolls a year with it. Fun but definitely a novelty for me.
I'm definitely interested but also definitely priced out. Personally, I can't morally defend spending that much money on anything other than a car or housing. Very cool, but there's no shame in going without.
If it gets above $2k, this is going to be hard to justify as a piece of working kit unless it becomes your schtick and main camera. There are panoramic options out there, and it may be inelegant, but you can run 35mm through some medium format backs. $3k+ this is just a rich man's toy.
If its over 1k i rather look into getting an old one. 3K for a camera that will have a fixed lense is absurdly high for the average user. Jeff used it for fun at first and then tied to be more creative. Making it 3k is taking away the fun and creativity because it is forcing only experienced photographers and it will be the downfall. We saw a resurgance in photography thanks to cellular cameras and how they made an average user experience photography, we started getting some unique ideas because of this. A camera needs average users to push forward creativity. I could go on and on but the point is made.
you can buy the original for way less. Why bother spending that much on the new one. It'll be pretty much the same, unless they add some crazy features to it that you absolutely need.
We don’t need to re invent the weel. More overpriced re-productions of what is available anyway in mint condition and at least working properly. I have read of innovation, of a wide angle camera which uses an iPhone 📱 to help compose and meter the shot. I do not want to put the website, to risk a load of Gen Z buying them for a trend, then it raises the price. Rather than trying to improve, taking amazing photos which draw the eye. Film is already an insulting rip off in price. More re issued bling for people to pose with, imo.
“chip” … “digital workflow” … idk where to begin. Or if I should. I’ve lost faith in humanity. This started off with the point being a precision premium marvel of manufacturing. May I suggest that Rolex improve their watches by using quartz crystal technology! And add a nice big digital display!! 😂😂
@nickpalance3622 I do get it! Though the practical side of me would like the film replaced with a scanner chip. For as much as I enjoyed the film era, we're in the digital era. Rotary phones were charming, but most of us need and use cell phones. These days, the electronics wouldn't cost much and would be reliable and practical. BTW, I do own and use a mechanical watch, though I have to keep adjusting it to either a quartz watch or network time.
3 to 4k fam? that's crazy :(
life is unfair
I’d rather learn to repair a vintage one.
@@Kwright304more idiots to buy an over priced new generation
Buy a horizon, it does the same thing but you can find them for $300-400 depending on if it’s the metal original model, the plastic version or the modern re release that lomography made. The widelux would definitely make you life easier but the horizon can still get the job done
I would happily pay $3500 for a truly quality panoramic camera that lives up to the widelux.
made in Germany probably means the price will be in the Leica range, and my biggest concerns will be deep pocketed collectors snatching all the stock as its produced
You can get same panoramic shots with zenith horizons for quite cheap
This is true. The Horizon is around $300 price range and has the view finder above the lens for centered photos.
I doubt I will ever actually be able to afford this but I its the first thing I've actually wanted out of these new cameras, first camera I've wanted in a while actually, maybe if I become rich and famous I guess
Definitely interested in this one but I also will not likely be able to easily afford it. I kind of figured it will be priced like new Leica cameras. Less woud, of course, be great but considering what it is I do not think the expense is unreasonable, just too much for me. :(
I hope--and expect--they will sell every one they make. Perhaps we'll get really lucky and the new one will loosen up the used market for the original one...
Count me in. I have a Noblex medium format scanning panoramic, but I don't use it much because of its size. I've considered buying an old WideLux, but I have been scarred off because, like many old cameras, they can be temperamental, and they are hard to get repaired. I would not mind paying a premium price for a premium camera like this. Good luck on this project!
This is what I'm the most exited for! I'm currently using my Mamiya 7ii with the 35mm adapter with not panoramic mask to get the sprockets, pure bangers.
Same here. So good to use that glass for 35mm also 👌🏻👌🏻
I have the widelux too and i love it. very nice and unique pictures
Daamn, I've always wanted one of those, so awsome to here I could get a new one
Jeff has a great cameo in the film, Cold Feet, with Tom Waits, Rip Torn, Sally Kirkland, Bill.Pullman, Kathleen York, and Keith Carridine. It's big fun.
Been wanting one of these for ages. Almost got my hopes up seeing this thumbnail. Hearing those prices... not so much. I could get myself an OG Widelux for less than that so why bother buying a slightly modernised repro.
Since Pentax has stuck with DSLR I hope they make new film SLRs that are compatible with their current DSLR glass. I think this could be a super compelling reason for people to invest in Pentax which would be great since they're pretty niche.
Film cameras are popping🎉🎉🎉
Sure, I would be interested 'cause I already like the Widelux. The price will defeat me from ever owning one.
Re cost: Here’s a point of reference.
When Nikon released the now venerable F2 in 1971 even with their massive R&D and manufacturing capacity, with a photomic prism and the stock standard 50mm that was USD550 - purchasing equivalent today is about USD4500
So for a startup to reverse engineer, redesign, do the necessary materials tech R&D, source or create from scratch the optics, and make a product that is serviceable and sustainable for same sort of relative list price without a multi hundred million dollar manufacturing infrastructure behind it is going to be pretty phenomenal.
Yup.. When Nikon reissued the SP in 2005, it was $6250... Which is a mind bending $10,000 in 2024 dollars. That make a new Leica MP seem like a bargain. People complained about the $500 price point for the Pentax 17, but really cameras are expensive, and we have just been spoiled by $200 used SLRs.
@@musa7606but isnt we talking about 50-60 year old tech.. So I think they can make it for less... May be ricoh can do it. Their SLR cameras were cheap back in the days too
@@oblivion_007 A Nikon F5 was $5000 in 2024 dollars. And you don't get a cheaper F100 (still $2700 in 2024 dollars) without the premium product.
A Ricoh GR IIIx is $1100... for a glorified point and shoot. That's not cheap, and that's proven tech they have been making for years.
The Ricoh KR-10 cost $560 in 2024 dollars. So lets say they JUST reproduce this camera... You aren't going to get it for $560. That camera was made in a time of cheaper labor and a large ecosystem of mechanical cameras. I'd say the price is closer for $1500-2000. Maybe they get it a little cheaper, but remember, this company makes an $1100 point and shoot.
And then there are the lenses. They probably reproduce the 50mm f/2 that came with it, likely with more modern optics, much like Nikon did with their S mount lenses. But otherwise, they will let you rely on the K mount ecosystem that is already there.
A better bet might be an SLR based on the Pentax K-1, which still lets you use K mount and K mount AF lenses... Use available parts and lenses, but then you star pushing back to $2-3k.
@@musa7606 for that price no one will buy it because of used market. Cos we can get a used f5 for 500-1000 dollars now depending on condition. Only way forward is relaunch of cheap plasticky Film SLRs. If any one can do it, it will be from the likes of Cosina, ricoh/ pentax etc. Nikon & canon will never ever make film slr again.
@@oblivion_007 "Only way forward is relaunch of cheap plasticky Film SLRs"
Correct. That's why we have a $500 Pentax 17. This is the first step.
"Cos we can get a used f5 for 500-1000 dollars now depending on condition."
And this is the catch 22 of the film camera buyer. We all want new film cameras, but we aren't willing to pay for them. Its a good thing the used market is plentiful....
as a Widelux F8 user for a few years I hope they offer: more aperture settings, especially f16. a focusing mechanism, even two set distances would be helpful. a more accurate viewfinder. a better film rewind knob with a flip out lever arm to avoid tearing the skin off my fingers. That's really it, I love my F8
I’d love to get a new version of this camera
Michael Von Graffenreid is the best person to ever touch a widelux. the very first person I've ever had the privilege to see ever with a widelux camera.
if you look him up and fall in love with his work, make sure you pay homage and let everyone you know going forward that I put you on. lol
Thanks for a mini-rabbit hole! Just watched a short video about his New Bern project. That book is on sale right now for 50% and I just ordered it.
oh nice, thats pretty exciting news! Price is nuts though
I would love to have one of those. But I look at it this way - I would use that for landscapes pretty exclusively. At that price point I could just keep shooting the camera I have and take another trip to an interesting location. The travel is always going to be worth more to me than the novelty of a Widelux.
I don't think the Wideluxx is going to be worth the price of admission to the average person. Unless you already make Jeff Bridges money, it may not be worth buying Jeff Bridges' camera.
I knew it would have to be $2k-$3k. Okay I was hoping for closer to $2k. I still have not bought a Leica yet and for that money I could get a CLA’d M4 (OG with the self timer and engraved top, not the M4-2 or M4-P). Of course those need a lens so more $$$. A new freshly made M6 is $6k and has the ostentatious 🔴 red dot and says Leica on the front of the camera too (besides the dot). I like the subdued M4 and the fancy engraving that can only been seen by me and anyone too close to me so as to be looking straight down upon the camera top.
BUT if this is built like a gem and is high quality then sooooo worth it. I’m tired of throw away stuff. My 1980s Canon New F-1 needs repair or at least CLA. I could probably buy another that is just as nice for the price of fixing mine (or maybe even less!) but I want my camera to continue going. Maybe it got jealous of my F3P (not HP). The F4 sure is a looker and feels great but the viewfinder display sucks (I love the analog needles in the F-1 series) and the back light button is the absolute worst. Otherwise I am pleased by my F3P, FM3a, N8008s, and N90s. I have AI/AIs and AF-D lenses to share amongst them. My F-1n and F-1N have 70’s lenses I bought in the 90’s but my 620/630/RT are EF mount so oh well.
Do I need an F4 or EOS-1V or EOS-3? That’s $ that could go to the new wideluxx !
Hi there, I know someone who knows someone. I've heard rumors that Canon, Nikon and OM Systems (possibly a new brand creation from Olympus) are working on new film cameras. However, they're each approaching it differently. They have different intentions and levels of commitment to their projects. Plus, they're not all at the same stage of development. And some of them are not even sure if they'll make it to the end. Canon, in particular, is making good progress and aims to release a full-frame camera with a retro design around the turn of 2025/2026. You're welcome!
Any supporting evidence you can link me for this?
Certainly very interesting and something I would want but for 3-4 thousand, I might just get a used Xpan or the Fuji version
If you want a cheaper Version of the Widelux try out the Horizon S3 Pro ✌️
I started putting money back when I first heard the announcement. I just assumed it to be around $4000-ish. Definitely pricey, and considering they're basically having to start from scratch it's almost guaranteed to be pricey...
There's probably no way to produce it in Germany for under 3000 eur. The originals were pretty expensive when they were new.
I have the KMZ Horizont. While mine is serviced and works well, I can also see the appeal of a better quality one. But I paid 70 eur for mine. I use it so little, that if it was thousands, I couldn't rationalize owning it. I take maybe one or two rolls a year with it. Fun but definitely a novelty for me.
I'm definitely interested but also definitely priced out. Personally, I can't morally defend spending that much money on anything other than a car or housing. Very cool, but there's no shame in going without.
If it gets above $2k, this is going to be hard to justify as a piece of working kit unless it becomes your schtick and main camera.
There are panoramic options out there, and it may be inelegant, but you can run 35mm through some medium format backs.
$3k+ this is just a rich man's toy.
Lots of people can afford $3k for toys, they are just choosy about which ones they buy.
I think given the market 3 to 4k is reasonable given that there will be no plastic parts. Thanks for the update!
it's still 2024 and you're optimizing search terms, gratz
Came for the price, left for the price.
I hope it Don't be so expensive like You said
I paid 3k for my xpan + the 45mm, a price in line with the market, if it will cost 3/4k i simply don't see the point
a little steep :D
Nikon isn't gonna touch film, they've already dumped DSLR's for mirrorless like a bad habit and left it to die
In theory Nikon and all other mirrorless manufacturers could make rangefinders with their current mirrorless lenses. Not likely though.
3 to 4 k seems way too steep for what the project is intending to do. I can see 2 at the highest.
If its over 1k i rather look into getting an old one. 3K for a camera that will have a fixed lense is absurdly high for the average user. Jeff used it for fun at first and then tied to be more creative. Making it 3k is taking away the fun and creativity because it is forcing only experienced photographers and it will be the downfall. We saw a resurgance in photography thanks to cellular cameras and how they made an average user experience photography, we started getting some unique ideas because of this. A camera needs average users to push forward creativity. I could go on and on but the point is made.
What does it mean? Simple... you get what you pay for....
Aren't the originals less?
I saw some for $1800-2800, but then you are also dealing with older cameras. Hopefully, the new ones are better engineered and have warranties.
3-4k? ill go buy the pentax 67 instead
you can buy the original for way less. Why bother spending that much on the new one. It'll be pretty much the same, unless they add some crazy features to it that you absolutely need.
$3000 to $4000... Woof, well I guess in my life I'll never have one lol.
I would consider trying to save for a $1k new pano film camera... $3k tho? Jesus Christ
Hilarious, operating a Widelux with fingers in front of the swing lens 😂
I hope this will be cheaper because it's a reproduction and should be simple to produce without electronics. And because I want one 😂
start saving my pennies?? Nah I just wont get it
"High Quality"? Most every camera made in the last 40 years blows away the 17 and the 35. As for the Luxx, just get a horizon for a couple hundo.
$4k? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
We don’t need to re invent the weel. More overpriced re-productions of what is available anyway in mint condition and at least working properly.
I have read of innovation, of a wide angle camera which uses an iPhone 📱 to help compose and meter the shot.
I do not want to put the website, to risk a load of Gen Z buying them for a trend, then it raises the price. Rather than trying to improve, taking amazing photos which draw the eye.
Film is already an insulting rip off in price.
More re issued bling for people to pose with, imo.
Xpan would be the best return film camera if made affordable . Widelux is garbage .
Too expensive.
Sorry. Not buying.
It would be amazing if they could use a scanner chip instead of film. The advantage of the scanner chip would be the digital workflow.
“chip” … “digital workflow” … idk where to begin. Or if I should. I’ve lost faith in humanity. This started off with the point being a precision premium marvel of manufacturing.
May I suggest that Rolex improve their watches by using quartz crystal technology! And add a nice big digital display!! 😂😂
@nickpalance3622 I do get it! Though the practical side of me would like the film replaced with a scanner chip. For as much as I enjoyed the film era, we're in the digital era. Rotary phones were charming, but most of us need and use cell phones. These days, the electronics wouldn't cost much and would be reliable and practical. BTW, I do own and use a mechanical watch, though I have to keep adjusting it to either a quartz watch or network time.
Crazy price ….always for the rich ones 🫠