Schneider-Kreuznach announces it’s ceased development of all MFT lenses, compact cameras

Two years ago, Jos. Schneider Optische Werke GmbH, more commonly known by its Schneider-Kreuznach brandname, excitedly announced it was in the process of developing lenses for Micro Four Thirds camera systems. Two months after the initial announcement, the German optics manufacturer revealed three prototype lenses for Micro Four Thirds systems at Photokina 2012: a 14mm f/2.0, 30mm f/1.4 and 60mm f/2.4 macro. Since then, we hadn’t heard much, and now we know why.

An image of the three prototype lenses Schneider-Kreuznach showed off at Photokina 2012.

Last week, Schneider-Kreuznach announced during its press conference that it is no longer looking to get into the Micro Four Thirds lens market, as part of a restructuring program that will focus on putting more research and development funds into industrial imaging markets, rather than the mirrorless camera market. In the press release, Schneider-Kreuznach states:

Schneider-Kreuznach has discontinued the production of simple compact cameras as well as its plans to produce MFT lenses for mirrorless system cameras.

Instead, Schneider-Kreuznach will be focusing on the automotive, security and medical technology industries, ‘where optical systems are gaining importance.’ Specifically, the press release notes the company will focus on high-precision sensors and components for ‘complex testing systems for optical quality control’.

This isn’t a nail in the coffin for mirrorless systems by any means, but it appears Schneider-Kreuznach isn’t confident the mirrorless market is a large enough -- or growing fast enough -- segment to spend time and capital on.

(via Photo Rumors)