Zeiss is rumored to announce a new Otus 85mm f/1.4 lens for the 2014 Photokina show in September. Two new Otus lenses (including a fast f/1.4 wide angle model) were already mentioned last year in interview with Zeiss reps.
Zeiss currently has only one Otus lens - the Distagon T* 55mm f/1.4.
→ Google patented a camera embedded in contact lenses.
→ Panasonic filed a patent for a high resolution light field camera.
→ Tamron filed a patent for a 15-50mm f/1.4 lens designed for 1/1.7" sensor.
Fujifilm announced a new TCL-X100 1.4x tele-conversion lens designed for the Fuji X100 cameras (US price is not yet announced):
"Fujifilm is proud to announce the launch of the TCL-X100, a tele-conversion lens designed specifically for the FUJIFILM X100 and X100S cameras. The lens attaches directly onto the camera and increases picture taking versatility by multiplying the fixed focal length by approx. 1.4×, converting it from 23mm (35mm in 35mm equivalent) to a 33mm fixed focal length (50mm in 35mm equivalent)."
Additional information can be found here.
Fujifilm also launched new accessories for the X-T1 mirrorless camera: new handgrip, a grip strap, an extended eyecup and cover kit:
Pentax (or Ricoh Imaging to be precise) published several sample images taken with their new Pentax 645z medium format camera ($8,498.00):
The Pentax 645z camera is now officially announced and all previous rumors are now confirmed, including the US price of $8,500 and the new 645 lenses for the US market.
The new 645z is already available for pre-order at B&H and Adorama.
Update: sample images taken with the 645z camera can be found here.
Pentax 645z quick specs:
Additional coverage:
Sigma officially announced the release of the USB lens dock for Pentax and Sony mounts. Currently the USB dock is available only for Nikon, Canon and Sigma mounts. With the USB dock you can perform lens firmware updates and focus adjustments. Many of the new Sigma lenses (including the latest 50mm f/1.4 Art) are compatible with the USB dock. Shipping will start on April 25th.
A new version 1.2.0 of the Sigma Optimization Pro software will also be released on April 18th and will include a profile for the new Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens ($949):
Pentax 645 FA lens roadmap (click for larger view)
In addition to the new 645z camera that is rumored to be announced tomorrow, Pentax will also introduce 13 FA series 645 lenses to the US market. The new lenses are already listed with prices on the B&H website:
