Experimental photographer Matt Callow, aka Matt Blackcustard, was just interviewed by Michigan in Pictures. I’ve been following his work on Flickr and f295 for some time now and am consistently knocked on my ass. It’s an interesting read as he’s as good at talking about photography as he is at doing it.
You can see more of his work on his own Web site, mattcallow.com, Flickr, LiveJournal, and Tom Persinger’s f295 Pinhole Forum.
Photographer Jonathan Bailey has written a two-part article on the split toning of prints.
"…split-tones refer to both warm and cold tones simultaneously present in an image. Whereas conventional toning (sepia, for example) will render a print a uniform chocolate brown color, split-toning typically yields shades of reds and blues – occasionally even greens and violets – and therein lies the difference. The effects may range from subtle to extravagant. Generally speaking, split-tones are the result of chemical toners used after normal processing and fixing…"
Part one, Background and Historical Antecedents, is from the from the December 2000/January 2001 Issue of Camera Arts.
Part two, Processes and Procedures, is from the February/March 2001 issue of Camera Arts.
From Nikon’s press release:
"Nikon Corporation has launched the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, the world’s first macro lens equipped with Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Vibration Reduction (VR) systems.
"The new lens offers a host of Nikon’s advanced optical features and technologies such as Nano Crystal Coat, Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass and Internal Focusing (IF) . The AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is engineered for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras."
Focal length: 105mm (Picture angle, when used with Nikon DX format digital SLRs is equivalent to a 157.5mm on a 35mm format SLR)
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Minimum aperture: f/32
Lens construction: 14 elements in 12 groups (with 1 ED glass element and 1 Nano Crystal Coat-deposited lens element)
Picture angle: 23 degrees 20′ [15 degrees 20′ with Nikon DX format]
Attachment size: 62mm
Dimensions: (approx.) 83 x 116mm (3.3 x 4.5 in.)
Weight: (approx.) 790g (27.9 oz.)
Included accessories: 62mm Snap-on front lens cap (LC-62), Rear lens cap (LF-1), Bayonet hood (HB-38), Flexible lens pouch (CL-1020)
More poop here at Nikon Digital (sorry, you have to select the lens with their Flash thingie).
It will be available in March 2006 for "estimated selling price of approximately
US$799.00".
About frikkin’ time somebody came out with a macro lens with a stabiliser!
From Canon’s press release:
"Canon today releases its latest professional L-series prime lens: the exceptionally fast EF 85mm f/1.2 II USM. With the widest aperture of any lens in the current EF range, the new model becomes Canon’s definitive portraiture lens, offering extremely fine control over depth of field and consummate low light performance. With vastly improved auto focus speed, the lens replaces the popular EF 85mm f/1.2L USM. As with all L-series lenses, the EF 85mm f/1.2 II USM incorporates the very finest standards of precision optics.
EF 85mm f/1.2 II USM – €2,049
(end quote)
Check out sample images and complete press release & specs on dpreview.com.
Canon just launched a new mini-site dedicated to flash photography with the EOS/EOS Digital + Speedlite combo. It also has a Lighting Techniques section with diagrams and example photos that applies to flash in general.
Also, I strongly recommend that anyone using EOS flash—on film or digital bodies—read NK Guy’s excellent article, Flash Photography with Canon EOS Cameras, on photonotes.org, as many times as it takes to truly understand it. It’s long and complicated, but explains exactly how the whole system works, and has definitely helped me make better flash photos with the EOS system.
According to Fuji’s press release, the new Provia 400X Professional ISO 400 slide film features:
Brilliant color reproduction: Fujichrome Provia 400X Professional provides new levels of color saturation in ISO 400 class films.
Ultra-fine grain: Fujichrome Provia 400X Professional provides exceptionally fine grain for a 400 speed color reversal film (RMS: 11).
Rich tone reproduction: Fujichrome Provia 400X Professional produces smooth and continuous gradation from highlights to shadows, providing pleasing skin tone reproduction.
Improved color image stability: Fujichrome Provia 400X incorporates new-generation color couplers for significantly improved long-term color image stability (anti-fading characteristics) compared to current 400 speed color reversal films.
(end quote)
Also mentioned in the Provia 400X brochure (PDF) is "minimal change in color intensity and tonality throughout the -1/2 stop to +2 stop range (EI 280-1600), and extending even to +3 stops (EI 3200) in certain conditions." Nice!
I can’t wait to see what this stuff does when cross processed and pushed. I like to use crossed and pushed Provia 400F for pinhole work on overcast days, but it does get insanely grainy. Hopefully this will be a little less severe. (I actually like its grain-the-size-of-boulders characteristics, but it’s nice to have a choice.)
With all this strife for film companies and product lines of late, it’s nice to see new stuff coming out!
Provia 400X will be available in 135-36 and 120 formats. The film code appears to be RXP.
According to Fuji’s press release, T64 Professional tungsten-balanced ISO 64 color print film features:
Smooth, natural gradation: T64 Professional has been optimized to yield natural tones and continuous gray balance for smooth, accurate reproduction of subtle gradation from highlights through shadows under delicate tungsten light.
Excellent color fidelity: In addition to optimizing spectral sensitivity, Multi-Color-Correcting-Layer technology achieves characteristics that closely mimic the spectral sensitivity of the human eye. Combined with new-generation color couplers, this gives T64 Professional one of the highest levels of hue fidelity, including delicate colors beyond the reach of existing films, making this film most suitable for the stringent color reproduction demands of commercial photography and the photographing of paintings and other artwork.
Color image performance: Incorporation of new-generation color couplers gives T64 Professional significantly improved color image stability and resistance to fading compared to prior generation color reversal films.
Ultra-fine grain: With the incorporation of Multi-Structured Sigma Crystal Technology, new T64 Professional achieves one of the highest levels of ultra-fine grain with an RMS granularity of 7, giving it an impressive ability to express the delicate textures, dimensions and subtle gradations that are required to achieve professional results under tungsten lighting.
Superb push/pull processing suitability: New T64 Professional exhibits minimum variation in color and gradation during push/pull processing over a range of -1/2 to +1 stop, providing an expanded range of photo taking opportunities, as well as facilitating fine adjustments in exposure and density during processing.
(end quote)
T64 is available in the following formats: 36 exposure 35mm, 100′ 35mm bulk roll, 120, 4×5, 4×5 QuickLoad, and 8×10.
Read the T64 brochure (PDF) at Fuji.
From Kodak’s press release:
"Kodak has significantly reduced the static attraction of its processed professional and consumer 35mm capture films worldwide. Recent photofinishing tests indicate that the humidity-independent static protection of this new 35mm film support yields frames with nearly 65 percent less printing dirt or white spots – a common frustration among lab owners. This new support will produce cleaner images and, in turn, streamline consumer and professional lab workflows and cut production time.
"KODAK 35mm film with antistatic support will begin shipping to retailers this month."
Hopefully less static = less dust, and that is awesome!
Kodak has updated the Portra 800 color print film emulsion. It "…now reproduces skin tones and colors with more accuracy under a variety of light sources. This high-speed film also features finer grain, improved sharpness and exceptional under-exposure latitude."
I hope this last bit is true, I’ve found that the existing version of the emulsion really doesn’t like it if you’re the slightest bit under. More tolerance would be excellent for use in toy cameras where you have little, if any, exposure control other than the ISO of the film.
Koday say that the updated version will start shipping later this month.
Read the complete press release at Kodak.
"On the 22nd of December 2004, Kyle Van Horn taped a disposable camera to a piece of black foamcore and inscribed upon it the following message: ‘ATTENTION POSTAL WORKERS! Please help us with our project. As this camera travels across the country we want photos of all whom it encounters. Please take a photo before you pass it along. Thank you!’"