San Antonio, TX, US alt-process and pinhole bonanza

"Exploring Alternative Processes: Photography Exhibits, Installations, Events and Classes" at the Southwest School of Art & Craft, 300 Augusta St., San Antonio, Texas, United States

DATES: Thursday, 24 August – Sunday, 22 October, 2006

RECEPTION: Thursday, 24 August, 2006 at 5:30pm

Loads of alt-process and pinhole exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and classes: rawk! See the Pinhole Visions event page for details.

Justin Quinnell’s Mouthpiece pinhole book release and lecture

Justin Quinnell has put his foot camera into his mouth again and this time we can share his wonderfully inventive and and humorous pinhole photos with friends around the coffee table. In the words of his publisher, "Mouthpiece" is a surprising and extremely unusual book.

Justin Quinnell is one of the world’s leading pinhole photographers, and in this series he has used his mouth as the camera. The results are surreal, revealing and hilarious. He captures on film his visit to the dentist; portraits of friends and family; snakes, tortoises, alligators and angry cats; the everyday acts of having a bath, cleaning his teeth and eating his dinner.

Perhaps even more surreal though are his landscape photographs – icons of world travel, they include Sydney Opera House, Hong Kong, St. Marks Square in Venice, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.

Mouthpiece
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Dewi Lewis Publishing.
Language: English
ISBN: 190458733X
Price: £9-99

You can order the book from Amazon UK or Dewi Lewis Publishing. It will be available from Amazon on 2 September, 2006.

He’s also giving a lecture on pinhole photography called "New Light Through An Old Hole" at Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, United Kingdom on Thursday, 21 September, 2006 at 7:00pm:

In this public lecture to celebrate the publication of his new book "Mouthpiece" (Dewi Lewis Publishing) pinhole photography expert Justin Quinnell will discuss the science, history and contemporary approaches to this ancient imaging device.

The lecture will also include:

  • a replication of a classic Isaac Newton experiment,
  • an unnervingly scary demonstration of ‘Power drill portraiture;
  • and the use of a camera as a golf ball.

The evening will conclude with a demonstration on making pinhole cameras as well as the chance to have your portrait taken from inside the mouth of the artist himself, (For a donation to charity).

More info on here on Quinnell’s site.

Via Pinhole Visions

mooncruise* August 2006 issue 2.03 is up

Cover of mooncruise issue 2.03, August 2006

The August 2006 issue (Vol 2, Issue 3) of mooncruise*, an online magazine featuring photography and music by international artists, is now up and ready for viewing.

In this issue

PHOTOGRAPHY by: Christopher Wilson, Darek Siatkowski, David Cunningham, Ernesto Timor, Lok Jansen, Mark Craemer, Marko Schiefelbein, Megan Pinch, Nico Stinghe, Rick Stolk, Roman Caesar, Sophie Etchart, Tara Fallaux, and Tobias Slater-Hunt.

MUSIC by: In-Flight : Safety

mooncruise.com (requires Flash 8)

Zeiss Ikon SW superwide 35mm viewfinder camera

Carl Zeiss AG Press Release:

Oberkochen, August 15, 2006. The Zeiss Ikon SW is the 35mm precision camera for uncompromising superwide photographers. Its lens mount takes any lens with M bayonet, in particular the ZEISS high performance superwide-angle lenses Distagon T* 2,8/15mm ZM and the Biogon T* types from the ZEISS ZM range. An accessory shoe directly above the lens takes the corresponding superwide Viewfinder. A second shoe is built in to take a flash, a bubble level or other accessory. The electronically controlled metal focal plane shutter offers speeds ranging from 1/2000 sec. – 8 sec. in automatic mode (AE-lock is available) and 1/2000 – 1 sec. + B in manual mode. Fastest flash synchro speed is 1/125 sec.

The Zeiss Ikon SW offers the same extremely high image quality as the known Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera: far above today’s digital cameras. It is fully integrated into the Zeiss Ikon system. The Zeiss Ikon SW comes without the complex rangefinder and is therefore considerably more affordable than the rangefinder camera.

The Zeiss Ikon SW will be available as of October 2006. List price is 799,00 € (without VAT)

Technical Data

Camera type: 35mm camera with focal plane shutter and TTL light metering.

Film format: 24 x 36mm on 35mm film

Lenses: Intended to be used with short focal length types of the Carl Zeiss T* ZM-mount lens family in combination with an external viewfinder. Other M-mount lenses, including M39 screw mount lenses with an M – mount adapter can be used.

Exposure metering: TTL center-weighted metering at working aperture.

Metering range at ISO 100 and f/2: EV0-EV19 (f/2-4 sec., f/16-1/2000 sec.)

Film speed range: ISO 25-3200 manually set in 1/3 f-stop increments.

Exposure modes: AE with aperture priority or manual; AE lock option for a single exposure or for a sequence of exposures; exposure compensation +/-2 f-stops in 1/3 stops set at shutter speed dial.

LED display: Combination of 3 LED indicates shutter speed setting situation.
Shutter and shutter speed: Vertical-travel metal focal-plane shutter with electronically controlled speeds accurate to 1/12 f-stop.

Range in Automatic mode: 8 sec. to 1/2000 sec.

Range in Manual mode: 1 sec. to 1/2000 sec. in 1-stop increments; B.

Flash synch: Synchronization at 1/125 sec. and longer shutter speeds

Film transport: Rapid-wind manual advance lever, with ratcheted partial advance

Camera body: One-piece aluminum base structure, external magnesium covers, tripod thread 1/4 inch in base, two accessory shoes for external viewfinder and flash

Batteries: One CR 1/3 Lithium or two 1.5 V cells type LR44 or SR44

Dimensions: 138mm W x 72.5mm H x 32mm D (5.4” W x 2.9” H x 1.3” D).

Weight: 395g (13.9 oz.)

Carl Zeiss is a leading international group of companies operating worldwide in the optical and opto-electronic industry. Carl Zeiss AG is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The business groups, which each operate with sole responsibility, are generally ranked first or second in the strategic markets of biosciences and medical technology, system solutions for industry and optical consumer goods. They offer products and services for biomedical research and medical technology, system solutions for the semiconductor, automotive and mechanical engineering industries, as well as high-quality consumer goods such as camera lenses and binoculars. In fiscal year 2004/05 (ended 30 September) the Carl Zeiss Group generated sales totaling EUR 2,222 million. Carl Zeiss has 11,500 members of staff, including 3,300 outside Germany. The Carl Zeiss Group is directly represented in more than 30 countries and operates production facilities in Europe, America and Asia.

The eyeglass business now operates as Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH and is the number two eyeglass provider in the world. This company is owned 50:50 by Carl Zeiss AG and a private equity company.

Via PhotographyBLOG

Ilford Galerie FB digital paper

Ilford Photo press release:

Having long established its reputation for the production of market-leading black-and-white photographic paper, ILFORD Photo has now taken the whole genre onto a new level of archival and presentational excellence with the fusion of modern digital technology and true silver gelatine printing.

ILFORD Photo has announced the addition of a new paper to its range of specialist black-and-white photo products, which not only represents a major step forward in the production of high quality images, but also utilises the latest advances in digital processing. Called ILFORD GALERIE FB DIGITAL, this 315gsm fibre base baryta paper has been created for printing with digital laser printers, and is compatible with digital printers such as the Durst Lambda and Océ Lightjet models. This is the only paper in the world which utilises ILFORD Photo’s renowned fibre base baryta material, made famous by such products as Ilfobrom Galerie FB and Multigrade IV FB papers, with the ability to be exposed in digital laser printers (Lightjet and Lambda) writing directly from digital files. 

The optimised spectral sensitivity of ILFORD GALERIE FB DIGITAL, combined with the proven long term archival benefits of traditional fibre base black-and-white papers, provides the opportunity to create genuine silver gelatine prints from digital images. This unique combination makes ILFORD GALERIE FB DIGITAL the ideal choice for exhibition and fine art prints.

Initially being supplied in 100ft (30.5m) rolls in 20, 30, 40 and 50ins (51, 77, 102 and 127cm) widths for high-end prolab use, ILFORD GALERIE FB DIGITAL has been undergoing rigorous testing by a select handful of labs in North America and Europe.

Each lab has been extremely impressed at the quality prints which have been achieved, and is already recommending this paper for clients such as fine art collectors, museums, art galleries, photographers producing limited edition prints, and graphic design agencies.

"For the first time, fine art photographers can benefit from the best of both worlds," says ILFORD Photo chairman Phil Harris. "This unique product brings together the added creative benefits offered by digital manipulation, with the long established aesthetic and archival properties of true baryta base black-and-white silver gelatin prints."

Being launched at Photokina, ILFORD GALERIE FB DIGITAL will also be demonstrated via a series of exhibitions in the UK, Europe and the USA later in the year through to early 2007.

For more detailed information on ILFORD GALERIE FB DIGITAL paper and other fine black-and-white products from ILFORD Photo, visit www.ilfordphoto.com

Via PhotographyBLOG

Horseman 3D stereo camera

Direct Source Marketing (DSM) Press Release:

Horseman/Rollei Partnership Unveils First 3D Camera Built From the Ground Up

CONCORD, CA (August 9, 2006) – One of the most advanced 3D stereo cameras ever developed was announced today by Horseman, which is in a joint venture with Rolleiflex to develop professional level cameras and accessories. Called the Horseman 3D, the new camera features the ability to make stereo pictures of high-speed moving objects, such as flying birds, jumping animals, a spray of water, and indoor or night scenes. These kinds of shots were difficult with conventional stereo cameras, but are routine with the Horseman 3D because of a unique 24x65mm size electronically controlled focal plane shutter that allows perfect synchronization of right and left images up to 1/1000sec. shutter speed. This synchronization is possible thanks to a 24 x 65mm long blade, one piece metal focal plane shutter.

Besides high-speed stereo shots, the camera is ideal for studio photography, weddings, pets, recording academic research, and criminal investigation.

Features of the 35mm split-image Rangefinder focal plane camera include aperture priority AE system, automatic film winding and precise rangefinder focusing that allows quick stereo snapshots. A pair of sharp 38mm F2.8 lenses give crisp and vivid stereo pictures. The camera only weighs 900 grams.

"What makes the Horseman 3D truly unique is its high level of precision, which comes from its integrated metering and advanced shutter system," said Richard Dischler, head of US sales for Direct Source Marketing. "In addition, this is the first 3D camera that has been built from scratch and not had 3D added on to an existing system."

Direct Source Marketing was created as a result of the joint venture between Komamura Corporation, a long time distributor of Rollei and Horseman products in Japan, and Franke & Heidecke, the Germany-based manufacturer of Rollei products. DSM is the U.S. distributor of the partnership’s medium and large format Horseman and Rollei professional cameras.

The Horseman 3D will be available at retail outlets later this month. For more information, go to www.dsmww.com.

(Announcement blogged previously)

Via PhotographyBLOG

Diner photography show at KMOCA, Kingston, NY, US

THE DINER SHOW @ kmoca ON SATURDAY

this saturday
august 5th, 5-7pm

kmoca is pleased to present

THE DINER SHOW
images of the diner in art

this is kmoca’s first group show, but first…

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN DINER

Amidst the hustle and bustle of 19th century American urban life, the diner was born.

What started as a basket with sandwiches and coffee became a lunch wagon that could remain open late into the night when proper restaurants were closed. As the popularity of such wagons grew, several companies began improving upon their design so as to allow customers to come in out of the elements.

As local governments began passing ordinances governing the operation of these wagons on city streets, some vendors began setting up in semi-permanent locations. It became common to do business out of old trolleys or dining cars taken from railway trains. The word "diner" itself is an abbreviation of "dining car."

The classic streamlined design was something that began to appear in the 1930s as diners tried to improve their image. Diners were something that were often able to stay in business during the Depression because they were an affordable place to eat.

The boom times after World War II created an even greater demand for diners, and new man-made materials that had been developed during the war (Formica etc.) went into commercial production and were quickly utilized in diners throughout the country.

As America entered the Space Age in the 1950s, styles changed with the times. Diners which had started out as railway cars not long before were displaying details that would look more at home on a rocket ship.

This same time period saw a vast increase in chain restaurants. Diners would have a tough time competing with franchised fast food places, so by the 1970s many diners were shifting gears once again and trying to appear more like restaurants in order to stay in business.

In recent years, nostalgia has prompted many diners to return to earlier designs. Chain restaurants have also gotten into the act and many are designed to be reminiscent of the classic American diner.

One thing that hasn’t changed since the invention of the diner is the most obvious: people gotta eat. Whether it’s midday or midnight, there are thankfully still plenty of independently owned diners right here in our area, dishing out that comfort food that helps keep us feeling at home in our hometowns.

KINGSTON IS A DINER TOWN

We’ve lost some over the years. A family favorite on Academy Green is now a dialysis clinic. The Elm Diner on Greenkill was carted away years ago. The Royal went eastward to Springfield, Vermont a couple of years ago—we ate there recently, it’s doing fine.

We still have a wonderful variety to choose from. Dietz is a perennial favorite. Broadway Lights did the retro thing and came out on top. Check out the Trolley Diner on East Chester if you want to get a real glimpse into diner history.

There are many nearby diners that are well worth checking out, most notably The Red Hook Diner.

Lunch counters may be slightly different creatures, but favorites like Dallas Hot Weiners certainly have the same spirit and are worth including.

WHAT DOES THIS ALL HAVE TO DO WITH KMOCA?

This is KMOCA’s first group show. We wanted it to be inclusive, which is one reason we picked diners as a theme:

Diners are for everyone, and so is this show. The show features the work of about a dozen artists. photographs, paintings, sandblasted images, sculpture and more… please join us for the opening reception this Saturday, the show runs until August 26.

People who might want to be involved in future group shows at KMOCA are invited to come to this first group show to introduce themselves. And all diner fans are especially welcome.

kingston museum of contemporary arts
105 Abeel Street, Kingston
regular hours Saturdays 12 – 4pm

www.kmoca.org

for more info about diners, there are many websites to choose from.
www.dinermuseum.org for example is where much of the preceding
information was gleaned.

**************************************************
SAVE THE DATE:
Monday night, August 14th
kmoca presents a live performance by Austin-based PETER & THE WOLF a band which is saving fuel costs by touring by sailboat, no kidding.

Via gardengal