The next major photo show in the U.S. is PMA 2010 (PMA is the Photo Marketing Association), February 23–25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, near Los Angeles. I keep hearing conflicting rumors about what the rumors are going to be, so I can't confirm whether any rumors you might have heard are actual rumors or not. Actually one rumor I've heard that won't seem to go away is that Nikon is preparing a digital M-mount rangefinder, with three manual-focus M-mount DX lenses including a 35mm-e ƒ/2. But it's a rumor.
Another rumor is that Olympus is coming out with its pro-level Micro 4/3 camera, and it will be smaller than the E-P1/2. Or, maybe not; because you can't trust rumors.
Mike
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can't trust rumors???
E-pl1 out will all specs and price 4/3rumors.com via engadget
Posted by: Heavywinds | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 11:36 AM
Is anyone rumoring about whether the Nikon will have a full frame sensor and video? If it did, and the rumors that I'm flat broke are false, I'll buy one!
Posted by: Paul | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 11:37 AM
Wow. A digital M-mount rangefinder from Nikon? Even if it had a DX sensor, it would still be a fascinating little camera. That's one heckuva surprise!
Posted by: Erik | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 11:37 AM
Well, I totally believe that last rumor! Of course it will waterproof, and be called the E-P ½ The only technical disadvantage is that when dunked in cold water it turns into a cute, but manual focus rangefinder.
Posted by: Carl Mosher | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 11:40 AM
Small correction, Mike. PMA will be the next major photo GEAR show.
The next big photo show in the U.S. would probably be the AIPAD show next month in NY.
Posted by: Ken Tanaka | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 11:43 AM
The Olympus rumor that I've heard/seen is a smaller, cheaper m4/3 camera, something more for the masses. IMO the best way to make a "pro" m4/3 camera is to release "pro" lenses, or at least more along the lines of the Panasonic 20/1.7 lens. Though a tougher, perhaps weather-sealed body would be appropriate.
Posted by: Andrew | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 12:01 PM
http://43rumors.com/
Posted by: Bob_W | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 12:14 PM
Olympus PEN E-PL1 w/flash and $200 price reduction:
http://gizmodo.com/5462364/olympus-pen-e+pl1-thankfully-includes-inbuilt-flash-and-200-cheaper-price-point
Posted by: Richard Chen | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 12:21 PM
Mike, you are having way too much fun!
Posted by: David Dyer-Bennet | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 12:38 PM
I like the Nikon M rangefinder rumour best......
Posted by: Andrew Lamb | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 12:47 PM
I hear that Taylor Hobson are getting in on the 5x4 plate pro-sports market with a 10 frames-per-hour speedback.
Posted by: James McDermott | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 12:56 PM
You can see Olympus' teaser ad here, with a glimpse of the top edge of the new camera:
http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_digital.asp
Note that a) it looks slightly more than palm size; b) it has a shoe; and c) it's on the digicam page, not the SLR/Pen page. So I'm guessing fixed lens. Retro styling. Question is how big is the sensor? And is there a viewfinder?
Posted by: robert e | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 12:57 PM
I heard a rumour that this year's rumours were even more inaccurate than last year's.
Sorry, but I can't divulge my source.
Posted by: Miserere | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 01:31 PM
The new little Olympus EP-L1 looks great. Small, light, simple....but no control wheel(s) :(
Posted by: GH | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 01:43 PM
The Nikon rumor has indeed a long life. It showed up first in May 2008:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59279
Posted by: Luc Novovitch | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 02:17 PM
Oops. Heavywinds is right, the new Oly is leaked! I am pleasantly surprised--it's a Pen (E-P1L): m4/3 EVIL, built-in flash, stabilized, accessory port (for EVF, microphones) and cheaper.
http://gizmodo.com/5462364/olympus-pen-e+pl1-thankfully-includes-inbuilt-flash-and-200-cheaper-price-point
Posted by: robert e | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 02:32 PM
Could you clarify what you mean by "M Mount"? Some are interpreting this as Leica M mount, but Thom Hogan has referred to an M or MX "mirrorless" mount that would be paired with a smaller-than-M/43 sensor.
Posted by: Lawrence Solum | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 02:51 PM
I have solid information that the next Olympus m4/3 body will include five new filters: Fine Art, Magazine, Press, Wedding, and Espionage. Finally, there will be a Pro camera for everyone.
Posted by: Matthew | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 03:00 PM
Nikon digital M-mount rangefinder. So would the lenses focus in the leica-canon direction or the nikon-zeiss-pentax direction ?
I'd actually buy one , especially if it had live view, which means it would never happen.
M-mount DX ????!
Posted by: hugh crawford | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 03:27 PM
Lawrence,
"M mount" means the standard Leica bayonet mount found on Leica rangefinders since 1953. No revisionist, obfuscatory terms here, if you please. M mount means M mount.
(But it's just a rumor, remember.)
Mike
Posted by: Mike Johnston | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 03:27 PM
Mike,
until you mentioned the Nikon rangefinder it was not even a possibility, let alone a rumour!
Pity I still prefer film... but what a wonderful way to test whether Leica's rangefinder's need updating their focusing system: if someone else makes a rangefinder that sells well people are obviously happy with the darn thing without obvious commercial need to update.
Posted by: Federico Calboli | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 03:49 PM
Your sense of humor does make the whole site a pleasure to read... always.
Thanks for the fine moments at the end of long day.
(By the way, have you heard the rumor that "The Online Photographer" will be declared The Best Photography Blog on the Net" during the PMA 2010?)
Posted by: Bülent Celasun | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 03:51 PM
OMG, this is so funny. Now people are pointing to this post as confirming of the Nikon Digital M rumor, which it is, but totally miss the byline "You can't trust a rumor." Someone went as far as saying "If the rumor is true, he will have 2 Leica M9s to sell.." That's somehow assuming a) the rumor is true, and b) that it's better by some measure, than the Leica M9.
Mike, see what happens when you become a trusted source on the Interweb?!!
Posted by: Richard Man | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 03:56 PM
Matthew, don't forget the special filter for Internet Pornography; that's what truly rounds out a "pro" camera.
Posted by: Nick | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 03:56 PM
That would mean potentially opening a body to non-nikon lenses (i.e., Leica, Voigtlander, zeiss?); very un-nikon like, at least since the 1950's.
Would like to see it though (exspecially if it had some analog dials/controls...and if i could afford it).
Posted by: jay moynihan | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 04:24 PM
Mike, Nikon rumor is the best, just imagine that. With fantastic price - compared to Leica M9 - it could be first fresh rangefinder camera after Epson Rd1...
but it's just a rumor ...
Posted by: Vladimir Radivojevic | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 04:26 PM
nikon -Please please please.
Posted by: fotorr | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 04:28 PM
I heard someone has bought the rights to the Rollieflex and will be showing a fully manual digital version with a MF sensor.
Posted by: Eric Rose | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 04:30 PM
The M mount rumor is preposterous.
Why would Nikon want to offer support to a market for lenses other than their own proprietary mount? And why would they want to enter the comparatively nichey rangefinder market?
It would amount to a giant bonanza for Leica (and to a lesser extent, Zeiss and Voigtlander), and a big money-loser for Nikon.
Posted by: David S | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 04:52 PM
"The M mount rumor is preposterous"
Hey, tell that to the guy who started the rumor.
Mike
Posted by: Mike Johnston | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 04:55 PM
I'm dumping all my Leica bodies before the release of the new Nikon M-mount camera I've heard so much about! It's the only rational thing to do!
Posted by: Andy Kibber | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 04:59 PM
"I heard someone has bought the rights to the Rollieflex and will be showing a fully manual digital version with a MF sensor."
A digital TLR. I actually would like that. This is a joke i assume.....
Posted by: jay moynihan | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 04:59 PM
All this talk about Rumours...think I'll pull out my Fleetwood Mac* album tonight.
*not an Apple product rumor
Posted by: Jeff | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 05:01 PM
You know I was feeling a little depressed today. But I got a lot of chuckles out of a lot of these comments. Made me feel better. Thanks for that.
Mike
Posted by: Mike Johnston | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 05:19 PM
re: Luc Novovitch.
Actually, the Nikon digital rangefinder rumor is even older than that:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1021&thread=24836605
(and when I googled it, I found out the online photographer previously linked to this one, too!)
I'd suggest everyone take the Nikon rumor with a giant block of salt considering it's at least 2.5 years old.
Posted by: Tim | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 05:31 PM
I'm still waiting for the day Nikon shoves a full-frame sensor into the body of an FM2 or FM3A camera. One dial for ISO, one wheel for Aperture, and one more dial for shutter speed. Small, built like a tank, and simple.
Posted by: James Ha | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 05:35 PM
Olympus E-PL1 is real now, smaller and lighter than E-P1 and also has a pop up flash. It is not for pros tho, but it is great for compact user who want more quality and versatility.
Posted by: Enchezein | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 05:55 PM
Is the rumor of the demise of the (big) 4/3 format true or just somewhat exaggerated?
bd
Posted by: bobdales | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 06:52 PM
Rumor has it that Ken Rockwell is abandoning both digital and film now that he discovered stone chiseling.
Who knew that the old F2 really can be used as a hammer?
Posted by: Ken N | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 08:08 PM
Can I say that, other than Cosina and Leica, Nikon is the only other camera producer making 35mm rangefinder camera in 21st century? (Fuji is another one but Xpan was discontinued.) In fact, Nikon went all the way to study how can their "ancestor" make those camera and train their camera guys to make these S3-2000 and SP-2005.
I bet if Nikon has to make an old Mount, they would make Nikon-S mount and get the lens revenue, rather than Leica Mount one.
Posted by: Dennis Ng | Tuesday, 02 February 2010 at 11:13 PM
I got my email from Olympus this morning. Trying to figure what is missing (compared to EP-2) and whether the evf will be second rate compared to one for EP-2. I will seriously have to consider this as my second mu43 body because of price.
Posted by: Ron W | Wednesday, 03 February 2010 at 08:08 AM
Mike - with your great influence and the power of this web site do you think the TOP community could bring the Nikon rumour to reality? should we have a letter writing campaign or plan to join hands around Nikon HQ until they release the camera we all want - I would love to see this!
Posted by: Colin | Wednesday, 03 February 2010 at 08:17 AM
"Mike - with your great influence and the power of this web site do you think the TOP community could bring the Nikon rumour to reality?"
No, I don't! Any power I am alleged to have is...greatly exaggerated.
Mike
Posted by: Mike Johnston | Wednesday, 03 February 2010 at 08:50 AM
"Who knew that the old F2 really can be used as a hammer?"
They were pretty good hammers when they were new!
Posted by: Hugh Crawford | Wednesday, 03 February 2010 at 10:52 AM
http://www.pcworld.com/article/188387/olympus_pen_epl1_handson_micro_fourthirds_for_the_whole_family.html
Posted by: Player | Wednesday, 03 February 2010 at 11:10 AM
having just coughed up for an m8, the nikon rumour is bound to be true...
Posted by: brian david stevens | Wednesday, 03 February 2010 at 12:53 PM
Ah, the poor Nikonian masses, of which I am admittedly one. We've had so very little to be excited about in such a very looooonnngggggggggggggggggg time.
Throw us a bone Nikon, dammit.
Posted by: Sherlock Holmes | Wednesday, 03 February 2010 at 04:53 PM
"Rumor has it that Ken Rockwell is abandoning both digital and film now that he discovered stone chiseling."
It is rumored that Canon is coming out with a special version of his favorite camera (right now), the S90 Rockwell Edition.
It has one setting (program) only shoots jpegs, and only in super-saturated color.
Posted by: jay moynihan | Wednesday, 03 February 2010 at 05:33 PM
"The M mount rumor is preposterous.
Why would Nikon want to offer support to a market for lenses other than their own proprietary mount? ...
It would amount to a giant bonanza for Leica (and to a lesser extent, Zeiss and Voigtlander), and a big money-loser for Nikon."
Of course, there are not now, and there have never been, any third-party lenses for the F mount. No Zeiss ZF, no Voigtländer, no Sigma, no Tamron, no Tokina, no Vivitar, no Kiron...
My ZF Distagon must surely hail from some parallel universe.
Posted by: Chris Lucianu | Wednesday, 03 February 2010 at 05:50 PM
No more Rockwell-bashing, folks. Not a sport that is encouraged around here.
Mike
Posted by: Mike Johnston | Wednesday, 03 February 2010 at 06:07 PM
An APS-C Nikon M-mount rangefinder? Now that would be something.
But I have a hard time believing Nikon would make a camera I would want to purchase.
Posted by: Driver8 | Wednesday, 03 February 2010 at 06:39 PM
About the wish (and unluckily even not a rumour) on Rolleiflex "Twin Mirror" thing, this kind of concept is not that far off if one looks at the Sony M1 attempt. The key is whether you want to hold the camera at arms length but not in front of you and instead in front of your belly. With a built in hood (and live view on a 3" LCD) this can be done. Well, they have done it with a size of key ring (and charge a lot for that Rolleiflex MiniDigi AF5.0). But it can be for real (at least APS-C size) and if the lens is good (and interchangable), it might have a chance.
Posted by: Dennis Ng | Wednesday, 03 February 2010 at 11:22 PM
Are you sure you don't mean the Sony DSC-R1 , not the M1?
The R1 is just about perfect for waist level work with one of the best lenses ever. It is a little slow however and suffers from an awkward grip.
The two latrts Sony aps-c cameras work prety well in live view mode as waist level cameras once you figure out a way to hold them.
I keep talking to the guy at megaview about building a back for a Rolie or Mamyia TLR. One of these days maybe...
Posted by: Hugh Crawford | Thursday, 04 February 2010 at 02:58 AM
Nikon did make that lovely revival SP in 2005. Wouldn't that be a nice starting point for a full frame digital rangefinder camera? It wouldn't look any more retro than an M9.
And furthermore...
I too would love to see a digital back for my old 2.8F. I understand the concern that a digital back would push the camera forward but my Rollei is already about six inches out of plumb from where it was when I first got it.
I blame Sam Amato's home made sausage for that situation.
Posted by: Mike Plews | Thursday, 04 February 2010 at 05:51 PM