Category: Product News

Harman Professional photo inkjet paper

Nicolai Grossman Leave a comment

HARMAN Technology Limited Press Release:

Harman, the leading professional imaging specialist has provided the first ever glimpse of its new professional photo inkjet paper, just days before officially unveiling the products to the industry at the Photokina exhibition in Cologne, Germany. This exclusive shot of the product and its packaging has only been distributed to selected online media and is the only picture to be made available before the Photokina show. The picture shows the first two products in the range, which incorporate a real photo Baryta layer within their coating – the only photographic inkjet media to do so. The matt finish product pictured, will incorporate instant-dry silica technology. Created primarily for the fine art and professional photography market, HARMAN wanted the real users to see the innovative products first.

Howard Hopwood, Marketing Director at HARMAN technology commented: "At HARMAN technology, we believe ourselves to be very much a part of the photographic community. We are very enthusiastic about the launch of our first professional photo inkjet products, and we wanted the people who will benefit most from using them to see the products first."

The black boxes will provide a strong presence on shelf, and colour coding has been used within the artwork to easily identify each individual product in the range. Product test packs will be distributed to the photographic media over the coming weeks, and detailed launch plans are due to be announced in the very near future.

Via PhotographyBLOG

Sekonic Digital Master L-758 light meter

Nicolai Grossman 1 Comment

JP Distribution Press Release:

JP Distribution is pleased to announce the new Digital Master L-758 Light Meter from Sekonic. The Digital Master L-758 is the world’s first multi-functional light meter that can be calibrated to match the sensitivity of a digital cameras sensor at all ISO settings, flash/ambient or file format characteristics. Sekonic have ensured that the L-758 offers photographers the greatest digital exposure control, accuracy and repeatability.

Main Features:

  • Three different camera exposure profiles that can be stored and quickly recalled when switched from one camera to another
  • USB cable allows all camera exposure profile data to be uploaded from a PC or MAC computer to the L-758
  • Exposure Latitude Warning – this will flash on the analogue scale if a measured highlight or shadow has exceeded the dynamic range or clipping point of your camera
  • Memory mode which can store up to nine readings in both Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority Modes.
  • One-degree Spot with Digital Display
  • Preset filter compensation values.

For any additional information on Sekonic, please contact JP Distribution:

Telephone: 01782 753304
Fax: 01782 753377

This looks like a good tool for film as well as digital shooters—exposure latitude warnings would be useful no matter what—but it also causes me to ask why the hell this is necessary to begin with. It’s great that this tool fills a void, but why the hell can’t camera manufacturers make ISO 100 actually ISO 100 to begin with? The S in ISO stands for Standards, and I think that calling something a standard and not adhering to it is false advertising. Camera makers, sort yourselves out!

Via PhotographyBLOG

Polaroid to discontinue 80-series peel-apart instant films

Nicolai Grossman Leave a comment

Fucking hell, Polaroid are killing yet another range of films! This time it’s the 80 series (84, 87, 88, and 89) 3.25 x 3.38-inch peel-apart pack film—the stuff you shoot in Holgaroids, supershooters, and squareshooters. Each product page bears the following message:

Please be advised that Polaroid will be discontinuing 8[x] film within the last 3 months of 2006 due to the phasing out of components used in the production of this film.

I guess it’s time to figure out how to hack a full-frame back as a Holgaroid replacement… hopefully the 3.25 x 4.25-inch 600 series pack film isn’t going anywhere for a while. Although, with Time-Zero and type 85 pos/neg discontinued, who the hell knows?

Zeiss Ikon SW superwide 35mm viewfinder camera

Nicolai Grossman 3 Comments

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

Nicolai Grossman Leave a comment

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

Nicolai Grossman 2 Comments

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

Fuji to discontinue bulk 35mm film

Nicolai Grossman Leave a comment

Remember the saying "film is cheap"? Those days are gone—or at least going. Fuji has announced the end of production for Neopan black and white films in 100-foot (30.5 meter) bulk roll format, scheduled for March 2007. The films will continue to be available in pre-loaded cassettes, and of course other formats like 120 and sheet.

…

Will future photography students bother to explore film when the cost of a roll of 35mm black and white film may approach $10?

Continue reading at The Online Photographer

OMFG! J and C Photo developing new film range!

Nicolai Grossman Leave a comment

As many of our customers know we have spent the last few months looking at how to best provide as many film choices as possible. We have looked at many ways to bring new films to the market. This includes plans going forward right now to operate our own coating facility and producing high quality films in various formulations.

Over the next 18-24 months we are planning on introducing the following films to the market. All films we produce will be available in 35mm roll and sheet film formats.

Continue reading at J and C Photo

Who said film was dead?

Via the always excellent Online Photographer