It’s big rumor time and some of you reading the website may have “heard” some info they would like to share. There are two ways you can do it anonymously:

1) Use the “orange” contact form button you see on the right top of this site. You can avoid to share any info like name or email address and no IP info gets stored. If you like to become a “trusted” source just share a nickname so that I can recognize you in future. And if your rumor will become true I will know how to rank the rumors in future (SR1 til SR5).

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And for SAR readers this is the rumor recap so far:
SR5: New camera announcement on April 23
SR4: New E-mount camera announcement will follow in May
SR4: Either A-mount or/and RX announcement on April 23
SR4: A6000 successor is coming
SR4: RX100m4 with Four Thirds sensor
SR4: A7rII is in production
SR3: High Megapixel A-mount camera in development
SR5: Definitely a PRO E-mount camera in the works (release date unclear)

The Mitakon 85mm f/1.2 A and E-mount lens has been announced. It will cost $799 and ship in May for E-mount. The A-mouny version will ship later. Sample fotos can be seen at zyoptics.net. Full press release here:

Shenyang China, Apr 16, 2015 – The Mitakon Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2  is a ultra-fast portrait lens that delivers unbelievable optical performance. A maximum aperture of f/1.2 makes it extremely convenient for shooting without flash in low light conditions. Designed for the use of full frame cameras, the large aperture also provides fine control over depth of field for fascinating portrait photography. The truly circular aperture creates a shallow depth-of-field that brings attention to the subject and blurs the background, which is critical for portraits. The lens incorporates 9 elements in 6 groups with 2 pieces of Extra-low Dispersion elements & 4 pieces of High Refractive Index elements. This helps reducing aberrations and maintain excellent sharpness even at f/1.2. . Manual focus design and a click-less, silent aperture ring promote smooth handling and are especially well-suited to video applications. The lens is built of metallic enclosure with additional protective processing, which gives extra durability and aesthetic.

Pricing & Availability

Mitakon Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2 , ‘the Dream’ will be available in May at ZY Optics authorized resellers and at the official website (http://www.zyoptics.net/). Pre-order starts from 16th Apr in our official website.  The Recommended Retail price is USD 799. Free shipping & Stocks priority will be offered to those pre-ordered in our website.

There seems to be a firmware update in Japan which is not available in any other country.

Version 1.21 for the A6000: http://www.sony.jp/ichigan/update/ILCE-7_7R_7S_7M2_6000_win.html. European and US Sony stores only have version 1.20 yet.
Version 1.21 for the A7II: http://www.sony.jp/ichigan/update/ILCE-7_7R_7S_7M2_6000_win.html. European and US Sony stores only have version 1.20 yet.

Our reader Nippa from SonyAlphaForum tested the new firmware and says:

Apparently improves low light focusing in some instances. Can’t say that I see any difference but the update using Win7 went smoothly.

Our reader David says:

I updated my A7r recently to 1.21 from 1.20 and noticed much better low light AF with the 28/2. Haven’t checked other lenses yet. It’s been available in Japan for about five days. Weird that it’s not on other Sony sites yet

And Flavio said:

On the website says the 1.21 replaces 1.20 because was found a bug on the 1.20 where the camera don’t start.

I have no info yet if that’s a mistake on Sony side or if the firmware will be released within days for all other countries too.

Sony HVL-F32M Flash Review

Loxia 50mm review at Billdanby.
Rolling Sony A7II review at Planet-alpha.
Announcing the release of the 7sII!! (Instagram fool’s day joke).
Comparison between Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art vs. Sony 55mm f/1.8 vs. Zeiss Loxia 50mm f/2 (IloveHatePhoto)
Sony A7 II Review at Imaging Resource.
Sony A7II review at Mirrorlessons.

Don: “If you are having issues with the Flash Hotshoe on your a6000, here is a quick video to explain how to easily repair it.  This fix worked with strobes mounted to the camera as well as  radio triggers.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1vHxp3EZS8”

Christopher: “Sony A6000 + Sigma 30mm f/2.8 EX DN E + Gimp processing + Rouen cathedral bells recorded using the A6000: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dK8iB_h2cs“