NEWS: Presale Opens for WideluxX™

Kodachromeguy replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

Why? What is the issue with modern materials or the price?

Ibraar Hussain replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

Issue is that it’s very expensive for a novelty camera - much more so than a minty serviced original and more so than the original when new (adjusted for inflation), and to be honest I don’t like the distorted results anyway so don’t know why I bothered commenting

Walter Reumkens replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

I’m actually wondering about commenting on this at all, Ibraar... I’m only just hearing about the project now, even though the marketing campaign has been running for a while. And if sales don’t take off as planned, the production site in “Wetzlar, near the Leica factory” comes into play. The information on who actually has the expertise to build such a camera is scarce; one might even say it’s completely lacking. An actor from the US who has taken photos with the original Widelux, a wife who also takes photos, the editor of SilverBridge magazine, and a musician who can also write lyrics – they all give me the feeling that I’d rather spend my money on other things. Especially since there are no production documents whatsoever available for the old Widelux. All this following some research here in Germany, as the company headquarters and production site are located here, if you take a closer look at the advertising. But perhaps now, with this new clue as to the location of the production facility, more wallets will open. A place in the display cabinet will always be found. During my research, I also discovered that users of the old Widelux aren’t actually that satisfied; they’ve achieved better results with, for example, a Nikon F3 and the Nikkor Ai 3.5/15mm. So many of us would just need to have a rummage through our own collections. My shortest F-mount lens is a 17mm from Tokina. Perhaps I’ll give that a go, or try one of your recommendations for panoramic photography, Ibraar. Alternatively, there is also the option of buying an original in Japan, with CLA certification, a 30-day return policy with a full refund if you’re not satisfied, and eBay buyer protection...

Ibraar Hussain replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

I couldn’t agree more my friend Details about the construction and tooling is vague Modern materials usually means plastic or carbon - as I doubt any metal can be called modern. The novelty factor will attract people and everything as you said above I recently wrote an article about an Contaflex - the precision engineering die cast and milling gone onto that woukd make it unreachable if built today

JA replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

I kind of agree with you that its an extremely expensive gimmick. But "Especially since there are no production documents whatsoever available for the old Widelux." I don't think is really an issue. Reverse engineering is hardly a new science. I highly doubt its TheDude and chums tinkering over a card table with some hotglue and a 3d printer.

Colin O'S replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

You guys making such negative comments without really knowing anything about this project is kind of off-putting to me. They have explicitly said that there will be no plastic used in the production of the camera. You are right that it's being produced by a newcomer in terms of the camera industry, but it's not usual to come across someone with the breadth of knowledge, passion and groundedness as Marwan El Mozayen. I've also spoken to Charys Schuler in person last year when she visited London to mark the announcement of the camera, and I was impressed with her passion and commitment. I would advise you both to go and spend some time listening to a few podcasts where these guys talk about this project, and come back to post your negative comments after being informed a little better. Honestly, the comment about using a 15mm lens instead is laughable - you clearly don't get it.

Colin O'S replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

Let me soften my last comment a bit... I shouldn't have said you don't get it. Rather, I should have said that it seems not to be the camera for you. I had a Noblex camera for 20+ years until it was stolen - it works using the same rotating-lens principle. I loved that camera, became very familiar with the scenes and compositions where it excelled, and I made some really unique, wonderful photos with it. I am excited to see what photos I make over the next decades with this new Wideluxx.

Ibraar Hussain replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

You’re offended because we have an opinion? Gosh It’s just a thing, a camera, youve bought one, enjoy it when it arrives.

Christian replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

Sure, everybody should have their opinions. But yours show you both clearly have no clue about this years ongoing project... I would love to get my hands on one, I own a low-cost Russian built Horizon 202 which works quite the same way on a much lower quality approach (and results). Each to their own. But honestly, I also was quite surprised about those over-critical and non-objective comments... cheers, Chris.

Ibraar Hussain replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

No clue? I reckon I heard about it before you did. And seeing as you and you’re mate want to attack us personally For commenting on a camera - Want my honest opinion? I think it’s crap - and you lot are a bunch of mugs.- they saw you coming! ;)

Walter Reumkens replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

I think Ibraar has already covered everything on this subject. Marketing is only effective once the ambitious goals that have been announced have been achieved. So let’s turn all that talk into action. Let’s wait and see.

Ibraar Hussain replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

Absolutely!

Ibraar Hussain replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

And people are quick to be rude - personally rude, all because an inanimate object has been criticized or dismissed. They know nothing about us or our experience with such things. Why do they care so much what we think it say? It’s not as if we were talking about buyers/owners or them personally. If anyone gets personal with me they have got to be prepared to be torn a new one. Sorry, it’s how I’m like.

Gary Smith replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

You're right about the leatherette - even if it's only a knock-up/prototype they should have wanted it to be perfect.

Gary Smith replied:

Comment posted: 28/04/2026

We'll be relying on you for our inside scoop. I'm also wondering if they'll sell out the initial 350. I would think at that price point it would be a really niche item.