Category: Product News

Resolving power record with Zeiss 2.8/25 ZM lens

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Apparently Zeiss’ Biogon T* 2.8/25 ZM lens for Leica M is ludicrous in at least one department.

From issue 24 of Zeiss Camera Lens News, released today:

"The result was a whopping 400 lp/mm on film, recorded with the Biogon 25 at f/4 in the center of the image. This value, 400 lp/mm, corresponds to the maximum resolution theoretically possible at f/4; in other words it represents the calculated ‘diffraction limited’ performance at this aperture…"

Continue reading at Zeiss.com

Um, seriously: holy shit.

Of course this is only one specification, and I’d personally be more interested in rectilinearity (the lack of which drives me utterly batshit when I’m after sharp photos) and chromatic aberration, but this is just insanely impressive.

(lp/mm = line pairs per millimeter)

Zeiss ZF lenses: test results and pricing announced

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Some updates on the new ZF Nikon F mount SLR lenses from issue 24 of Zeiss Camera Lens News, released today:

"The best we had ever achieved before with any SLR lenses was 250 lp/mm.

"The new Planar T* 1.4/85 ZF achieved that same resolution at f/5.6, and even down to f/2.

"The new Planar T* 1,4/50 ZF went even further: It reached 320 lp/mm in the aperture range from f/5.6 to f/2.8, and 250 lp/mm at f/2…"

Continue reading "The Sharpest SLR Lenses we’ve ever Tested"

Pricing was also announced for the first two models (excl. VAT):
Planar T* 1.4/50 ZF: 499.00 EUR
Planar T* 1.4/85 ZF: 999.00 EUR

The lenses will be available for ordering from Zeiss’ Web site starting 1 April, 2006.

Hasselblad announce 503CWD DSLR

Nicolai Grossman 2 Comments

Hasselblad will launch a new 12 megapixel 503CWD DSLR, which is essentially a 503CW with a the CFV digital back, which replaces the V96C. Wanky limited edition of 500 pieces.

Consider the following facts:

  • The list price of for the back alone is US $9,995.
  • You can buy a CanoScan LiDE 60 for about $80.
  • Add in $60 in other materials.

This means that you can make 71.3929 scanner cams for the price of the back. I’ll admit that I own and operate two Hasselblad film cameras, but does a Hassy back produce results 71.3929 better than a hacked-up scanner back? Completely different tools for completely different jobs, of course—and I wouldn’t kick one out of bed if it landed in my lap (or would I, and buy an SWC with the proceeds? yeah, probably…)—but still fun to think about.

Lightleaks magazine issue #2 available for pre-order

Nicolai Grossman 1 Comment

Issue 2 of Lightleaks, a magazine for toy camera users published by toycamera.com, is available for pre-order for the reduced price of US $12.99. Shipping is US $2.50 to North America and US $5.00 to the rest of the world. If you want it—I do, issue 1 was a very promising start—order soon, as it will go up to the cover price of $14.99 shortly.

They’ve gone with a private printer rather than Lulu for this issue, so hopefully the print quality will go up and shipping times will go down over #1. The cover price has also been reduced from $16.99.

Overview of issue 2

  • Introduction by Steph Parke
  • Out of my imagination – An exclusive interview with the inventor of the Holga
  • World Toy Camera Day 2005 – Winning photos and a report on the event
  • Theme – Nobody: where has everyone gone?
  • Featured Artist – Leon Taylor
  • The Toy Box – The Pouva Start!
  • From The Archives
  • The Plastic Guide
  • Event Calendar

You can order issues 1 and 2 from this page on lightleaks.org.

Nikon announce AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens

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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."

Specs

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!

Canon update EF 85mm f/1.2 L lens to Mark II

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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

Features

  • Canon’s finest standards of image quality
  • Latest Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast and near silent auto focus
  • Full-time electronic manual focus override
  • Super Spectra coatings and optimised lens element shaping to suppress flare and ghosting
  • Large circular aperture diaphragm for good background bokeh and ‘removal’ of distracting backgrounds
  • Distance information passed back to the new E-TTL II flash algorithm of all current model digital EOS cameras
  • Lens hood and pouch included in the box

(end quote)

Check out sample images and complete press release & specs on dpreview.com.

Fuji introduce Provia 400X slide film

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Fuji Provia 400X 120 pro-pack

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.

Fuji introduce T64 tungsten color print film

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Roll of Fuji T64 in 120 format

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.

Kodak reduce static attraction of 35mm films

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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 Portra 800 film updated

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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.