I am confused: the new Zenit M digital rangefinder camera is designed in Russia, made in… Germany?





This is coming from Dpreview on the new Zenit M digital rangefinder camera:

“Zenit was responsible for the external design, and everything else is done at Wetzlar.”

“The Zenit M will be available in a black or chrome finish, and will be shipping later this year or early 2019 for ‘between 4-5,000 Euros’ kitted with the Zenitar 35mm F1.0.”

What? Can you explain to me what is going on here? A Zenit designed camera, made in Germany for 4-5,000 Euros with the 35mm f/1 lens? Wasn’t this supposed to be a “cheap” version of the original Leica M? Who is supposed to be the target market of the Zenit M?

5,000 Euros are about 5,870 USD. The price of an M 240 id $6,000. How much would the Zenitar 35mm f/1 lens cost?

Update – see also this post:

Is the Zenit M digital rangefinder camera only a limited edition run?