Photo Rumors » Zeiss

Carl Zeiss: revenue tops 4 billion EUR mark for very first time

PR admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:38:03 +0000

Carl Zeiss reported a record revenue of EUR 4.237 billion for the fiscal year 2010/11:

STUTTGART, Germany — 14 December 2011. Carl Zeiss has now presented its annual financial statements. In fiscal year 2010/11, the company generated revenues of EUR 4.237b (prior year: EUR 2.981b), an increase of 10 percent*. With a figure of EUR 607m, EbIT was clearly above the prior year's figure (EUR 423m).

“We have achieved record figures for almost all performance indicators,” said Michael Kaschke, President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG. “Carl Zeiss has remained on track to continued profitable and sustained growth and has further consolidated its position as a technology leader and global player.” Carl Zeiss generated 87 percent of revenue outside Germany. Particularly strong growth in revenue was posted in Asia (+12%*) and America (+11%*).

The entire press release can be found here.

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Zeiss cinema lenses roadmap for 2012

PR admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 03:28:47 +0000

Zeiss announced on Facebook and Twitter their plans for new cinelenses for 2012: new compact, lightweight zoom and prime CP.2 lenses plus a new line of anamorphics lenses. More details about those lenses will be revealed at NAB 2012. More information available at FDTimes articles (PDF file, coverage starts at page 16):

Zeiss anamorphic lenses will be lightweight and compact - smaller than the working prototype shown here

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Zeiss has no plans for a digital rangefinder camera

PR admin — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:21:07 +0000

We have not heard any updates on the rumored digital rangefinder from Zeiss in a while. Recently Zeissrumors published this email where a company representative clearly states that there are no plans for a new camera in the near future:

"Thank you for your inquiry to Carl Zeiss.
As a specialist for high performance lenses, we will continue to concentrate to develop, manufacture and distribute high-end lenses as perfect tools for many cameras in still photography and professional cinematography, like we do now for more than 120 years.
We never built any camera body, and we do not plan to do this within the next future.
But we plan to expand our current portfolio of lenses for further cameras systems in future."

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Some more pictures from the PDN PhotoPlus show

PR admin — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:57:51 +0000

In addition to the PDN report (see also this Nikon related post), here are some additional images from the show's floor.

What's inside the Panasonic GH2:

Fuji X10 with a lens hood:

The lens unit of the Fuji X10:

What's inside the Sony NEX-5:

and the Sony a55:

Sony NEX-7:

Sony NEX-5n:

Premium Carl Zeiss and G-Series lenses:

The Canon EOS 1Dx body:

The 3.2" LCD screen of the Canon EOS 1Dx:

Canon 7D video rig:

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens:

Canon printer in action:

HP DreamColor printer in action:

Minox DCC 5.1 camera ($199):

Pentax Q mirrorless camera:

The Q lenses are really small and light:

This year Ricoh cameras were part of the Pentax stand:

Ricoh GXR + A12 with optional EVF and Voigtlander lens:

One of the Lensbaby lenses for Micro Four Thirds cameras:

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2/25 lens with Canon mount, the price is expected to be around $1,700.00:

Carl Zeiss lightweight zoom LWZ.2 lens for HDSLR cameras:

What's inside a Zeiss lens:

Polaroid cameras:

Linhof 617 medium format panorama camera (kit price: $10,258.95):

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Carl Zeiss presents the Distagon T* 2/25 ZE and ZF.2

PR admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:59:33 +0000

The previously rumored Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2/25 lens is now official ($1,699.00). Full press release and samples:

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 27.10.2011.
Carl Zeiss presents the Distagon T* 2/25 ZE and ZF.2 moderate wide-angle lenses. The large image angle allows photographers to capture exciting perspectives. With its excellent imaging quality at all aperture settings, the lens flexes its muscles particularly for photo documentaries in interior rooms where space is at a premium, as well as for pictures of objects, architecture and landscapes. In many situations, a flash is an unwelcome feature — at family gatherings, in a museum or in a church for example. To capture the mood in such places, photographers gladly do without aggressive lighting and instead work with particularly high-speed lenses that enable short exposure times even under difficult lighting conditions.

The optical experts have now virtually eliminated the chromatic aberrations on these lenses through a special design and selection of materials. Selected types of glass and two aspheric surfaces prevent color fringes from appearing on high-contrast edges. "The Distagon T* 2/25 elegantly combines a compact design with a large initial aperture," explains Christian Bannert, Senior Director of Product Development in the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss AG.

Lens elements meticulously crafted to minimize stray light and reflections in the lens, and theCarl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating to increase light transmission enable high-contrast image rendition and color saturation.

The previously available Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 will continue to be on stock and supplements the new Distagon T* 2/25.Therefore, this new lens is also the first 25-mm lens of Carl Zeiss for theEF-bayonet.

The Distagon T* 2/25 will be available end of 2011 at a recommended retail price of €1217 (excluding VAT)*.

Technical Data:

Focal length	25 mm
Aperture range	f/2 to f/22
Number of lens elements/groups	11/10
Focusing range	0.25 m - infinity
Angular field** (diag./horiz./vert.)	81° / 71° / 51°
Coverage at close range**	219 × 144 mm (close-up)
Image ratio at close range	1 : 5.9 (close-up)
Filter thread	M67 × 0,75
Length with caps	95 mm (ZF.2) 98 mm (ZE)
Diameter	71 mm (ZF.2) 73 mm (ZE)
Weight	570 g (ZF.2) 600 g (ZE)
Mounts	ZF.2 (F bayonet) ZE (EF bayonet)

Sample images taken with the new Carl Zeiss presents the Distagon T* 2/25 (click on image for larger view):

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Rumor: also a new Zeiss Distagon 16mm f/2.8 lens

PR admin — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:03:10 +0000

In addition to the rumored Zeiss Distagon 25mm f/2.0 lens, there could be a second new Zeiss Distagon 16mm f/2.8 lens:

"Oh, by the way, for those who's interested in astrophotography and ultra-wide angle, Zeiss will be releasing a 15mm/2.8 soon, and it will be available in both ZE and ZF mount, for more details, please wait for Zeiss official announcement."

The original source also confirmed the 25mm f/2 lens:

"Finally ... Zeiss ZE 25/2, while the previous 25/2.8's advantages are color rendition and macro capability on film, the newer version is better in image resolution and uniformity)".

Via ZeissRumors

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Rumor: New Zeiss Distagon 25mm f/2.0 lens coming in October

PR admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:48:35 +0000

The current Zeiss Distagon T 25mm f/2.8 lens

According to this FM forum post, Carl Zeiss will be releasing a new Distagon 25mm f/2.0 lens this month:

"Yes, I have an idea about the new 25. It will be announced in October, so keep an eye for the Zeiss website. And if everything goes well, delivery of the first production batch will be in Germany right before Christmas."

The current Zeiss Distagon T 25mm lens has a f/2.8 aperture.

Via Zeissrumors

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This is the Carl Zeiss 24/1.8 NEX lens

PR admin — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:34:10 +0000

Just few hours before the announcement - this is the new Carl Zeiss 24/1.8 NEX lens:

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Quick weekend links

PR admin — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 19:24:25 +0000

Fuji and Sony are on a acquisition spree to boost returns.
What a 268-Megapixel sensor looks like.
Many users are not happy with the new Final Cut Pro X.
Nokia claims its new N9 is 'the fastest image-capturing phone' yet. The optics are provided by Carl Zeiss.
Wireless follow focus is here:

Sneak peek into JAG35's wireless Follow focus from jehu Garcia on Vimeo.

Just a Quick peek into our unreleased wireless system. This a working prototype unit, not perfect we still have some work but it works and its coming soon.

This AMP Camera can record HDR video:

AMP Digital Video from Mike Tocci on Vimeo.

A fun video that introduces the AMP Camera Technology and gives a sneak preview of the GEN II camera features. AMP captures three images with the exact same exposure time, at the exact same moment in time. A custom blending algorithm is used to combine the images to produce a true HDR image for each frame in the video. Of course, we can't display true HDR images (yet) so tonemapping is left to the user. For this video, we chose a wide variety of commercially-available tonemappers, just to get the idea across that all the HDR data really is there for every frame. AMP is a trademark of Contrast Optical Design & Engineering, Inc.

Fujifilm Infomercials : FinePix X100 production plant:

At NAB Birger Engineering demonstrated functioning concept models of a new lens mount system for both the Sony NEX-FS100 and the Panasonic AF-100 cameras that will allow wireless follow focus. See this video for a detailed presentation of this product:

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Zeiss not happy about babyPrimes lenses

PR admin — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:17:49 +0000

Update: it seems that Kelvinkamera is in even deeper troubles since (elegantly) is using photographs on their website without permission. The owner of the photograph happened to be a PhotoRumors reader.

A week ago Kelvinkamera announced their own line of Zeiss babyPrime lenses. Those are regular Zeiss lenses with a custom made housing for aperture and focusing control:

Carl Zeiss ZF.2 high quality optics inside, robust and reliable construction for professional use.
Full-Frame coverage (24 x 36mm) for all the focal lengths 18 to 100mm (50and 100mm makro).
No need for adapter solutions anymore, special custom stainless-steel interchangeable mounts.
Four different mounts available (EF, F, E and MTF Mount), open to future applications.
Improved ergonomics with left and right side meter/feet, iris scales with enhanced graphics.
Consistent front diameter of 95mm, for simplified use of lightweight 4X4/4x5,65 matteboxes and filters.
Independent filmmakers price range, different set choices and upgrades.
Special ultra-lightweight dedicated clip-on matte box available with the different kit solutions.
Custom rehousing engineering made in Italy.
Estimate delivery for the end of July 2011

It seems that Carl Zeiss AG is not very happy with this development and released this statement few days ago:

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
We would like to address a report that has been released by the company Kelvinkamera+ on June 5th regarding Carl Zeiss as an e-mail press release. This report contains several statements that need to be clarified for the benefit of our customers. We would be very grateful to receive your support in this undertaking.
In the report, the company Kelvinkamera+ has announced a new line of lenses to be called “Carl Zeiss babyPrimes.” It also states that the company has reached an agreement with Carl Zeiss. Furthermore, the report declares that the manufacturer has already worked on an earlier project at Carl Zeiss (DigiPrimes). This gives the impression that the babyPrime lenses were created together with, or with the approval of, Carl Zeiss.
However, these statements do not reflect the truth. Since Carl Zeiss enjoys a very good reputation in camera lenses of high quality and performance we would like to clarify the situation for the benefit of our customers:
Carl Zeiss is in no way involved in the babyPrimes project or product of and does not maintain a relationship to the manufacturer.
The company Kelvinkamera+ or the quoted persons were not and are not in any form involved in the DigiPrime project or other projects at Carl Zeiss.
Carl Zeiss cannot confirm that the optics used in the advertised product line are from Carl Zeiss, nor can we confirm that these optics meet the typically high standards of a Carl Zeiss lens
All Carl Zeiss lenses are subject to extreme specifications, tests and measurements to ensure the respected Carl Zeiss Quality from their development to production to use. In this case, it is not permitted to label these products as “Carl Zeiss” lenses.
We would like to emphasize that Carl Zeiss cannot accept any liability for products that have been altered through unauthorized modifications. Therefore these products cannot be covered under the international warranty of Carl Zeiss.
For 120 years, Carl Zeiss lenses have been known for their outstanding performance, quality and reliability. In manufacturing these lenses, we take advantage of everything that is optically and mechanically possible to create an extraordinary product experience from development to production to use of the lens. This is just one of the many reasons for the outstanding reputation enjoyed by the name ZEISS among photographers and moviemakers around the globe.In case you have further questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

Via Zeissrumors

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Interview with Senior Vice President of the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss

PR admin — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:58:30 +0000

In this interview with Dr. Winfried Scherle, Senior Vice President of the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss, you can get some interesting insights about the company and their lenses. Did you know for example that Zeiss is a non-profit foundation that reinvests all profits back in R&D?

Hurlblog Interview Zeiss Scherle 052411 H264 720p from Shane Hurlbut, ASC on Vimeo via Hurlbutvisuals

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Sony NEX roadmap: 7 new E-mout lenses to be launched by 2012

PR admin — Sun, 15 May 2011 15:58:48 +0000

Sony NEX lens (E-mount) roadmap

In addition to the already existing E-mount lenses, Sony is planning to release 7 more for their mirrorless NEX system by the end of 2012:

30mm f/3.5 Macro lens
new portrait lens 50mm f/1.8
new Carl Zeiss wide angle lens 24mm f/1.7
new telephoto zoom lens 55-200mm f/4-5.6
new medium telephoto lens
new high performance standard zoom
new wide angle zoom

Click on the above image for larger view of each of the lenses listed.

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Zeiss introduces Compact Prime CP.2 lenses with MFT and E mounts

PR admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 01:36:25 +0000

Carl Zeiss will present E and MFT mounts for their Compact Prime CP.2 lenses at the NAB Trade Show in Las Vegas from April 9-14, 2011. The Compact Prime CP.2 lens series for PL-, EF-, F-mount, Micro 4/3 and A-mounts were already announced during Photokina.

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 30.03.2011

During the NAB Trade Show in Las Vegas from April 9-14, 2011, Carl Zeiss will present two new mounts for the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses:
the E mount and the MFT mount. The MFT mount is particularly suitable for the new corresponding professional camcorders, while the brand-new E mount is perfect for the new Sony cameras like the Super 35 mm NXCAM camcorder. The MFT mount has been available since March. The new E mount is expected to be available beginning in June. Exactly a year ago, Carl Zeiss introduced the Compact Prime CP.2 series during the NAB Show in Las Vegas. They are the first lenses with interchangeable mount developed specially for filming with HDSLR cameras. Since then, there has been significant demand for these lenses among cinematographers and still photographers adding new video services. Carl Zeiss is now adding a new chapter to its Compact Prime CP.2 success story.

“With these new mounts, we respond to many of our customers’ wishes asking to use the lenses on these new HD video cameras,” said Holger Sehr, Product Manager for Cinematography lenses at Carl Zeiss AG, Camera Lens Division. “Thanks to the interchangeable mounts, now for five different camera systems — PL, EF, MFT, F and E mount — our Compact Prime CP.2 lenses deliver superb flexibility, can be used in many different market segments, and are attractive for both end-customers and rental houses.”

With the interchangeable mount and the 24x36 mm full-format image circle illumination, these latest members of Carl Zeiss compact lens family are extremely versatile. During the NAB Show, Carl Zeiss will present all nine fixed focal lengths of Compact Prime CP.2 series from 18 to 100 mm, which thanks to the new mounts can be used for a wide range of cameras — from SLR to professional camcorders through to professional cine and television film cameras. Moreover, the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses are highly compact with a robust construction, so that they can withstand any demand of cinematographers and photographers on the set.

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Zeiss now shipping Compact Prime CP.2 F & MFT lenses

PR admin — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:31:59 +0000

Zeiss today posted on their Twitter account that shipment of the Compact Prime CP.2 F & MFT lenses will start this week. The CP.2 product line was introduced in September of 2010. The different lens versions cost between $3,900 and $ $4,900. More info from zeiss.com:

Interchangeable mount allows a mix of HDSLR systems with traditional cine cameras
Full-frame coverage (24 x 36mm ) for focal lengths 21 to 100 mm, including a 50 mm macro lens
Common aperture of T2.1 for the standard lens set
No need for adapter solutions anymore
Four different mounts available (PL, EF, F and MFT mount)
High stability due to support bracket, which is included for additional lens stability
Sweet spot effect with APS-C sensors

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Zeiss 85mm f/2.0 T* ZM Sonnar lens to be discontinued?

PR admin — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 21:37:43 +0000

A reader sent me a tip that the Zeiss 85mm f/2.0 T* ZM Sonnar lens is no longer listed on zeiss.com website:

Maybe a replacement will be announced soon?

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Carl Zeiss also joins the Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group

PR admin — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:15:10 +0000

Just 3 days after Schneider-Kreuznach, Carl Zeiss also announced that they are joining the Micro Four Thirds system standard group. Back in September of 2009 Zeiss announced a Micro 4/3 versions of their Compact Prime CP.2 lenses.

Maybe after all, the m4/3 standard will survive even without the backing of the heavyweight category (Nikon & Canon). What do you think?

Full press release after the break:

Carl Zeiss AG joins the Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group

Announced jointly by Olympus Imaging Corp. (President : Masaharu Okubo) and Panasonic Corporation in 2008, the Micro Four Thirds System standard has rapidly grown in popularity. Now, support for the standard is expanding with the decision of Carl Zeiss AG to join the Micro Four Thirds System standard, and the company is releasing lenses compliant with the standard.

For more than 160 years, the lenses of Carl Zeiss AG have been defining the state-of-the-art in optical technology. Now, as Carl Zeiss AG joins the Micro Four Thirds System group, ZEISS HD Video lenses will be available to users of Micro Four Thirds cameras, contributing to a vastly expanded product line and enhancing the joys of digital imaging with the Micro Four Thirds System.

As the originator of the Four Thirds System and Micro Four Thirds System standards, Olympus Imaging Corp. will continue to develop and enhance the product lineup for both standards to meet the diverse needs of our customers.

Carl Zeiss AG

A long-established optical systems manufacturer based in Germany, founded in 1846 by Carl Zeiss. It develops and manufactures a large variety of optical products such as astronomical telescopes, microscopes, eyeglasses and optical sight devices as well as high-class camera lenses.

Outline of the Micro Four Thirds System standard

The Micro Four Thirds System standard was designed and developed to maximize the performance potential of digital imaging technology, and to extend the benefits of the Four Thirds System standard for digital camera systems.

When compared to the Four Thirds System standard, the primary distinguishing features of the Micro Four Thirds System standard are:

Approximately 50% shorter flangeback distance (mount-to-sensor distance)
Lens mount outer diameter approximately 6mm smaller
Electrical contacts in mount increased from 9 to 11

* Image sensor diagonal dimensions are the same for both Four Thirds System and Micro Four Thirds System standards.

The Micro Four Thirds System standard enables users to enjoy the same high image quality of the Four Thirds System's 4/3-type image sensor in a much more compact body, and also take advantage of significantly more compact lenses, particularly in the wide-angle and high-power zoom range. The Four Thirds System standard offers the benefits of compact, lightweight performance, and the new Micro Four Thirds System standard takes this still further to enable development of ultra-compact interchangeable lens type digital camera systems unlike anything seen before. The new Micro Four Thirds System standard also incorporates a greater number of lens-mount electrical contacts for the support of new features and expanded system functionality in the future.

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Rumor: Sony, Zeiss lenses are going up in price in the US

PR admin — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:47:23 +0000

I received some reports that Zeiss and Sony lenses will be going up in price in the US on February 1st, 2011. Not sure if all lenses will be impacted or what exactly the price increase will be (expecting to get a price list later today or tomorrow).

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New Zeiss 25mm f/2 Distagon lens is coming

PR admin — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 19:44:38 +0000

The current Zeiss Distagon 2/35 and 2/28 lenses

According Diglloyd (paid subscription site) Zeiss will release a new 25mm f/2 Distagon lens (source):

"A new 25mm f/2 Distagon is coming that will likely behave more like the 21/2.8 Distagon."

Six months ago Sony released the Distagon T* 24mm F/2 ZA SSM lens and the new 25mm f/2 Distagon may have a similar design:

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Zeiss is doing very well: they just had the most successful year ever in the company’s history

PR admin — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 02:40:14 +0000

Zeiss released their financial results for the fiscal year 2009/10 and they are doing pretty good:

Revenues increase 42 percent to just under three billion euros
Key figures above level of record year 2007/08
Fiscal year 2009/10 was the most successful year ever in the company’s history
Revenues total 2.98 billion euros
Incoming orders hit 3.2 billion euro mark for first time
EbIT at 423 million euros
Carl Zeiss invested EUR 291 million into its research and development activities during the past fiscal year (compared to EUR 284 million from last year)
12,971 employees (compared to 12,872 from last year)
The camera and lens group generated revenues of EUR 312 million (compared to EUR 304 million from last year)

Full press release after the break:

STUTTGART/Germany, 02.12.2010.

The Carl Zeiss Group concluded fiscal year 2009/10 with an increase in revenues of 42 percent over the previous year. The high-tech group of companies has reversed the trend of the previous year that was characterized by the global economic crisis and is now on track to renewed growth. The Carl Zeiss Group presented its provisional financial statements during its annual press conference in Stuttgart.

Growth in all key figures
The Carl Zeiss Group generated revenues of EUR 2.98 billion, an increase of 42 percent over the previous year (EUR 2.1 billion). Incoming orders totaled EUR 3.2 billion, 52 percent more than last year's figure (EUR 2.1 billion). “Fiscal year 2009/10 was the most successful year ever in the company’s history. Only one year after the most severe economic crisis for decades, Carl Zeiss is now very well positioned and successful in the competitive arena,” explained Dr. Dieter Kurz, President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG. "Not only were we able to equal our performance of record year 2007/08, but we also succeeded in achieving our best-ever figures.” All business groups were profitable and have contributed to the good result.”

The company has achieved further growth in all regions of the world. Business outside Germany accounted for 88 percent of total sales (last year: 83 percent).

EbIT (Earnings before Interest and Taxes) lay at EUR 423 million (last year: minus EUR 67 million).

The company's earning power is reflected in the gross cash flow, which also lay at a high level. It totaled EUR 506 million (last year: EUR 76 million), equating to 17 percent of revenues (last year: four percent).

The equity ratio increased four percentage points over the previous year to 33 percent (last year: 29 percent), continuing the positive trend of recent years.

Overall, Carl Zeiss has a solid foundation on which to further pursue its long-term growth strategy: on the balance sheet date, the company had cash and cash equivalents of EUR 1.285 billion (last year: EUR 977 million).

Net liquid assets amounted to EUR 884 million (last year: EUR 478 million). “Carl Zeiss’ stable financial base and its high degree of independence from the developments on the financial markets are of special benefit to the company in its investment and portfolio strategy. This is underscored by our acquisition of Carl Zeiss Vision,” says Dr. Michael Kaschke, Member of the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG and future President and CEO.

Investments in property, plant and equipment
The company invested a total of EUR 53 million in plant, property and equipment (last year: EUR 80 million). This compared to depreciations totaling EUR 96 million (last year: EUR 95 million).

Investments in research and development total 10 percent of revenues
Carl Zeiss invested EUR 291 million into its research and development activities during the past fiscal year (last year: EUR 284 million). This corresponds to 10 percent of revenues (last year: 14 percent). Carl Zeiss generates half its revenues with products that are less than three years old. During the reporting year the company applied for 294 new patents. Overall, Carl Zeiss holds approximately 4,000 patents around the globe.

Headcount almost unchanged
On the balance sheet date (30 September 2010), 12,971 people worked for the company across the globe (last year: 12,872), including 8,292 (last year: 8,307) in Germany. On the balance sheet date, the Carl Zeiss Group in Germany also had 445 trainees (last year: 451).

Trends in the business groups
The Semiconductor Technology Group benefited from the rapid and clear recovery of the semiconductor market during the fiscal year. Sales revenues rose 207 percent to EUR 1.187 billion (last year: EUR 386 million).

The Medical Systems and Microscopy Groups also reported a positive trend during the 2008/09 crisis year. In the past fiscal year they were able to record renewed growth that was clearly above the respective market average.

With revenues of EUR 754 million, the Medical Systems Group, most of which is made up of the publicly listed company Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, recorded a successful fiscal year. Revenues increased seven percent over the previous year (EUR 706 million).

The Microscopy Group generated revenues of EUR 397 million (last year: EUR 365 million), corresponding to a growth of nine percent.

During fiscal year 2009/10, the Industrial Metrology Group generated revenues of EUR 292 million, still four percent less than last year’s figure (EUR 304 million) – chiefly due to the late recovery of the automotive industry, which did not begin until spring 2010.

The businesses with camera and cine lenses, binoculars and spotting scopes, planetariums and optoelectronic systems from the Carl Zeiss Group is the domain of the Consumer Optics/Optronics Group. During fiscal year 2009/10, this business group generated revenues of EUR 312 million (last year: EUR 304 million), an increase of three percent over the year before.

Eyeglass lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss Vision concluded the fiscal year with revenues totaling EUR 881 million (last year: EUR 879 million). In fiscal year 2009/10 the business of the Carl Zeiss Vision Group is valued at equity in the financial statements of the Carl Zeiss Group in accordance with the latter’s 50 percent interest in the company. On the balance sheet date the Carl Zeiss Vision Group had a global workforce of 11,586 employees (FTEs), including 1,052 in Germany.

Effective 1 October 2010, Carl Zeiss acquired the voting rights held by private equity company EQT and therefore now has 100 percent control of the world's second largest eyeglass lens manufacturer. Consequently, from fiscal year 2010/11 onward, Carl Zeiss Vision will be integrated into the Carl Zeiss Group in the form of the “Vision Care” business group and, like the other five business groups, will operate as an independent entity. “This is the biggest single investment in the company’s history and is a very good addition to our portfolio,” said Dr. Kurz. “The transaction offers benefits to the Carl Zeiss Group as a whole because, within the Carl Zeiss portfolio, the eyeglass sector will deliver stable contributions largely independent of market cycles and a positive operating result.”

New leadership
President and Chief Executive Officer of Carl Zeiss AG, Dr. Dieter Kurz, will leave the Executive Board at the end of 2010 as planned. He has been a Member of the Executive Board since 1999 and President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG since 2001. The Supervisory Board has appointed Dr. Michael Kaschke to the position of President and CEO, effective 1 January 2011. Dr. Kaschke has been a Member of the Executive Board since 2000, was responsible for finance and will continue to oversee the Medical Systems and Microscopy Groups in the future. Thomas Spitzenpfeil has been a new Member of the Board since 1 October 2010. Most recently, he was a Member of the Board of the Austrian company Zumtobel AG. Spitzenpfeil has assumed responsibility for finance at Carl Zeiss and the Consumer Optics/Optronics Groups. Together with Dr. Hermann Gerlinger, who has been a Member of the Executive Board and responsible for the Semiconductor Technology Group and production since 2006, Dr. Michael Kaschke and Thomas Spitzenpfeil will form the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG from 2011.

Outlook
Carl Zeiss is gearing up for global structural change and the volatility of the markets. “The company is excellently poised for the future,” said Kurz. “Carl Zeiss has a broad, well-matched portfolio and a strong balance sheet. The business groups are expanding their leading market positions. During fiscal year 2010/11 we successfully overcame the impact of the global economic crisis on the company. Carl Zeiss is prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Carl Zeiss assumes that the market uncertainty will remain. “Nevertheless, we expect a stable development of all business groups and therefore a further contribution to corporate value enhancement,” said Dr. Michael Kaschke. “We are focusing on our innovative power and strong brand, our broad portfolio and the international and flexible footprint of the Carl Zeiss Group."

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No more Zeiss ZK lenses for Pentax k-mout cameras

PR admin — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 20:59:07 +0000

Cosina announced on their website that they will no longer produce Carl Zeiss ZK lenses series (for Pentax k-mount SLR cameras). Current models will be sold until they run out of stock.

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