A Japanese reader told me this:

I’ve noticed the A7IV is eligible for Sony Japan’s “cashback” program. Essentially, all purchases of Sony A7IVs directly from Sony are discounted by up to 60,000YEN (or roughly $400) from the original list price.
Offers like this are typically made only when a new camera is around the corner. The offer stands till the end of July.

While cashback promotions for the A7IV are fairly common in the EU and the US, this is the first time we’ve seen something like this in Japan. According to my sources the Sony A7V launch is expected to happen sometimes in late 2025. But hopefully I can get a final launch date soon.

You can now preorder the new 35mm f/1.8 PRO autofocus FE lens at Meike Global (Click here).

And the new 24mm f/1.4 FE will be available for preorder in late July ( 600 grams, minimum focus 0,27cm and 72mm filter thread, for E/Z/L mount)

Loving the LK Samyang 14-24mm f2.8 Schneider-Kreuznach — So Much Fun

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
World Backup Day (Explora)
Dynamic vs. Condenser Mics: How to Choose the Right Microphone for Podcasting (42West)
This Week in Camera News with DPReview: Adobe Camera App, OM5-II and the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8
Sony Is Nervous!! – Nikon Z5 II First Impressions… (Jason Hermann).
Premium für die Massen?! | Viltrox 85mm F1.4 Pro im Test (ValueTech).
Top 10 Photography Spots to Visit This Spring (42West)
The Best Epson Printers for All of Your Printing Needs (Explora)

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From July 8 to July 11, Amazon will run a massive Prime Day sale (Click here). They alreayd have some storage deals running like:

• Lowest price ever on the Crucial X9 4TB Portable SSD drive.
• Lowest price ever on the Lexar 1TB SSD disk.

Sony RX1R II: The Only Sony Camera Becoming a Collector’s Classic

Most Sony digital cameras lose value over time. But there is one clear exception — the Sony RX1R II.

In 2020, used RX1R II prices hit rock bottom around $1,850. Now, in 2025, the camera trades for around $2,200–$2,400 — a rare climb in value for any Sony model. The RX1R II is now seen as a true collector’s item — with a long tradition, unique features, and sex appeal. Even younger generations are rediscovering this masterpiece.

RX1R II Price History (2015–2025)

Overall increase from lowest price: +26.32% (from ~$1,850 to ~$2,400).

Why the RX1R II is Gaining Popularity Again

1. Most compact full-frame fixed lens camera on the market — there is still nothing quite like it.
2. Most affordable full-frame fixed lens camera available — and demand for such cameras is booming.
3. No replacement model in 10 years. It is no longer in production and rare — much like Bitcoin :)

The RX1R II will likely reach $2,600–$2,650 by 2030 — unless Sony surprises the market with an updated RX1R III. The demand among collectors and photographers remains very high.

Google Trend Analysis

Top markets: Japan, Germany, UK, USA. Audience: majority male 30–50, pro photographers, collectors, YouTubers. Popular search terms: “RX1R II vs Leica Q”, “RX1R II sample photos”, “RX1R II sharpness”, “RX1R II best settings”.

RX1R II vs Leica Q3: How Do They Compare?

The Leica Q3 is the RX1R II’s closest modern rival — and costs more than double. Here’s how they compare:

• Price: RX1R II (~$2,400) is far more affordable than Leica Q3 (~$4,500–$5,000 used)
• Size: RX1R II is much more compact and pocketable — Leica Q3 is bigger, heavier
• Lens: RX1R II — 35mm f/2 Zeiss vs Leica Q3 — 28mm f/1.7 Summilux (with crop modes)
• Sensor: Q3 wins with 60MP modern sensor — RX1R II still delivers beautiful 42MP images
• Autofocus: Q3 is faster — RX1R II aging but still accurate for slower subjects
• Battery life: Leica Q3 clearly better — RX1R II’s biggest weakness is small battery
• Menu/UI: Q3 is more modern — RX1R II could benefit from Sony’s latest UI

Summary: If you want the smallest full-frame fixed lens camera with timeless style — RX1R II still wins. For those needing 60MP, faster AF, and better battery — Leica Q3 is king (but expensive and big).

Used Price Comparison: RX1R II vs Leica Q3 vs Ricoh GR III vs X100VI

Why the RX1R II is Unique

• No other compact full-frame with a fixed lens delivers this balance of size and image quality.
• Timeless design — a digital classic, appreciated more and more over time.
• Build quality, Zeiss optics, film-like shooting feel.
• Appealing to collectors and pro photographers alike.
• A camera that holds — and even grows — in value.

What We Would Love to See in a Future RX1R III

• New 61MP sensor (like Leica Q3)
• Best AF in class
• Improved battery life
• Updated modern Sony menu
• Keep the iconic 35mm f/2.0 Zeiss lens design

In the end, the Sony RX1R II is the standout in Sony’s digital lineup — the only model with true collector’s value. And I hope Sony will release a new version soon!