=====How can Minolta afford to develop a range of lenses like this for
their 35mm SLR cameras? Remember that the OM line-up includes a lot
of lenses that were designed and introduced more than 20 years ago
(this doesn't mean they aren't excellent lenses). The only real Zuiko
lenses that Oly have released since the late 1980's (I don't count
the ones released with the OM 2000) are the 35-80 F2.8, and the
180/2, 250/2, 350/2.8 (admittedly they are all pretty neat lenses!).=====
In my most humble opinion,
I believe that Minolta is using the AF bodies to work up a complete
system of lenses for pro digital use.
Olympus however does not have any reason to support digital with
manual focus lenses because the market is AF.
It is not practical for them to develop a digital body for Zuikos.
One reason I feel this way about Minolta is the way they discontinue
and introduce bodies.
They have a $300 camera for entry level to build consumer loyalty and a $600
camera for the step up to semi pro. Then the 9, state of the art!
But many fairly new designs have been discontinued or replaced.
Lots of new lenses and not many bodies to choose from.
I think the 9 will have a digital back soon.
Then a complete digital body for those lenses.
Olympus is banking on cameras with built in zoom lenses like the C 2500.
Personally, I feel that new photography equipment is in a state of limbo.
Digital, coming on the heels of AF has gotten the manufacturers and buyers
unsure of how to go with a new generation system. I am one of them.
Charlie Loeven
Las Vegas, Nevada
< This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
< For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >
|