Rangefinder Magazine
August 2002

New Products

Specifications in these listings are condensed from information provided by manufacturers and suppliers. For more information about these new products or processes, use the Direct Response Cards provided elsewhere in this issue. When contacting the companies direct, please mention Rangefinder.

The Law (in Plain English) for Photographers is a new book by attorney Leonard D. DuBoff. The point of the book is that understanding photography law does not have to be confusing or costly. Much of the material presented in the book is intended to enlighten photographers so that legal problems can be avoided. Topics covered include: rights of privacy and publicity, government licenses and restrictions on photographing public and private property, model releases, bills of sales, copyright and trademark, defamation and libel, and many other useful topics. Information: Allworth Press; www.allworth.com.

Photographer’s Lighting Handbook is a new book by our own Lou Jacobs Jr. Published by Amherst Media, the new book deals with such useful information as how different films react under various light sources, shooting reflective objects and an in-depth look at how various media employ different lighting styles. Also covered is how light can be sculpted using the myriad of lighting accessories available. Lou believes that control of lighting is the main difference that separates the good photographer from the great ones. This is an interesting book, written in that familiar, very readable Lou Jacobs style. It’s a must-own. Information: Amherst Media, www.amherstmedia.com; (800) 622-3298.

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. recently showcased the new FinePix S602 Zoom digital camera. Equipped with Fujifilm’s third-generation, 3.1 million effective-pixel Super CCD sensor system that can produce a high-resolution image with 2832 x 2128 (6.03 million) recorded pixels and a powerful Fujinon EBC-coated 6X optical zoom lens, the FinePix S602 Zoom offers photographers more than just brilliant image color. Combined with Fujifilm’s new, proprietary image processing method, known as Pixel Data Coupling Technology, and new noise reduction technology, the new higher sensitive Super CCD enables the FinePix S602 Zoom to deliver a wider range of ISO sensitivities all the way up to 1600 in 1280 x 960 mode with a minimal increase in CCD noise.

The FinePix S602 Zoom offers a dual media slot for both SmartMedia and IBM’s 1GB Microdrive, which can be inserted into the camera’s CompactFlash (Card Type II) slot for the storage of 444 pictures with 2832 x 2128 pixels (fine compression) and 15 minutes of VGA, 30 frames-per-second video. The FinePix S602 Zoom will be available for purchase for a suggested price of $799 by the time you read this. Information: (800) 800-FUJI or www.fujifilm.com.

Quantum Instruments has introduced a new power cable CM5+ to use the Quantum Turbo or Turbo Z to power the Metz 54MZ-3, 70MZ-4 and 70MZ-5 flash units. According to Quantum, one gets “Non-Stop Flash” when connected to a Turbo. The Turbo provides faster flash sequences to keep up with camera motor drives and the Turbo and Turbo Z display remaining capacity on LED “fuel gauges” and have built-in smart chargers. The Turbo/Turbo Z supplies both high voltage for flash output and low voltage for the flash computer circuits. Performance is consistent. The Metz 54MZ-3 will also work with the following Quantum Batteries: Bantam Battery & Quantum Battery 1 Compact and the Quantum Battery 1 Compact and Quantum Battery 1+. Information: Quantum Instruments Inc., 1075 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530; (516) 222 6000; www.qtm.com.

Minolta Corporation has expanded its digital camera line with the introduction of the new Minolta DiMAGE 7i. Based on the award-winning Minolta DiMAGE 7, the versatile and stylish DiMAGE 7i features a 5-megapixel resolution, 7X optical zoom, and superior GT LENS technology, as well as more features and improved performance capabilities than its predecessor. The DiMAGE 7i incorporates an autofocusing system that’s 2x faster than the DiMAGE 7. In the program and the aperture-priority exposure modes, the Minolta DiMAGE 7i’s shutter speed tops out at 1⁄4000. The new VHS (Ultra High Speed) continuous-advance drive mode can take approximately 7 frames per second to compete with most professional film cameras. Information: www.minoltausa.com or access Minolta’s photofax at (800) 528-4767.

A new album aimed at both the digital and traditional wedding market has been introduced by Art Leather/GNP. The introduction of the Perma Bound Flush Mount offers photographers the impact of a flush- mount album at a cost-conscious price. This new album is available with the Onyx hardware and Onyx insert trim, available in both Aristohyde and Metro Leather. It has sleek, streamlined metal corners for maximum protection and easy page turning. Even in a flush mount, the pages won’t rub, making this album especially well suited for digital and even inkjet prints. The Perma Bound Flush Mount album was previewed to rave reactions at the recent WPPI Convention and is now available for order through your Art Leather/GNP representative or online at www.artleather.com

Drytac Corporation has announced that Trimount, a heat-activated dry-mounting adhesive, will now be available in custom cut sizes. Popular with photo labs and frame shops, Trimount is a multipurpose tissue used to dry-mount photographic paper and printed media to foam board, matte board and other smooth substrates. Compatible with all heated dry mount presses, the 3.0 mil (75 micron) tissue is permanent, breathable and pH neutral. In addition to custom sizes, Drytac will also offer a new 51-inch (1300mm) Trimount format, the widest available anywhere. Information: (800) 353-2883, e-mail: toronto@drytac.com; web: www.drytac.com.

Videoptics, has introduced the new Pro Digix Film Proofing System. Using a Digix, a wedding or portrait photographer can eliminate costly paper proofs while presenting images in an attractive, yet non-reproducible form. The Digix produces a positive video image directly from 35mm or medium format film, which can be: 1) projected on a TV screen for presenting images to clients, 2) recorded on any VCR to create video proof tapes, or 3) used with a video capture card to create computer image files which can be posted on the Internet or burned to a CD-ROM. Film can be color-shifted depending on lighting conditions, exposure, film type and development procedure. The system has a 10X zoom for viewing up to a 6x7cm negative full frame, or zooming in to blow up specific details, and the camera head flips easily between detented positions for viewing horizontal or vertical negatives. The Pro Digix, model DXP and Videoptics’ complete line of film previewing and projection systems can be seen at www.videoptics.com, or call (888) 265-4725 to request a catalog.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. has introduced the EOS D60 digital SLR. Developed with the needs of studio and catalog photographers in mind, the new D60, with its 6.3 megapixel (effective) resolution, replaces the EOS D30 digital SLR model with such new features as: a three-point AF system; three illuminated viewfinder focusing points; and the ability to capture images simultaneously in RAW and JPEG modes. Information: www.usa.canon.com.

The Flush-Mount Kingston Album from Albums Unlimited is designed for displaying your digital prints. Provide Albums Unlimited with your digital or traditional prints to mount for you. Panoramic prints can easily be included. If you do your own digital imaging and printing, make sure your images are printed on photo paper with a non-glossy clear-coat finish to prevent fingerprints. The Kingston flush-mount album is great for traditional prints too. Just give Albums Unlimited your finished photos for mounting. Information: Albums Unlimited, 1080 Martin Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95050; (800) 625-2867); e-mail: albumsunlm@aol.com.

Panasonic has created the Lumix digital camera line combining digital and optical technologies. Incorporating Leica lenses, the new Lumex digital cameras, including models DMC-LC5 and DMC-LC40, incorporate the new DC Vario-Summicron lens. Other Lumix cameras incorporate the DMC-F7 2X and the DMC-LC20 3X zoom lenses. Information: (201) 348-7184; e-mail: camerlengom@panasonic.com.

Hasselblad has introduced three new CFE lenses, the Macro-Planar T 4/120mm (top-of-the-line macro lens), the Sonar T 4/180mm (portrait lens) and Sonnar Superschromat 5.6/250mm (highest resolution lens). The CFE design simplifies the light metering function together with 200 series cameras. Information: www.hassel
blad.com/news.Kodak Professional has introduced its new Extended Range Imaging Technology, a proprietary image format that represents a major advance in digital imaging. It provides photographers ease-of-use JPEG files with the image quality and color/exposure control of Kodak’s highly DCR format raw camera files. Information: (800) 235-6325; www.kodak.com/go/professional.

Kristin Elliott Inc. has released six non-printed die-cut photo cards. The new photo cards feature textured felt-weave stocks in six colors, a debossed rule surrounding the die-cut opening and an open-ended pocket for easy use. The die-cut opening is 3-1/2x5-1/”, ideal for 4x6” photo presentation in either a vertical or horizontal format. Information: (800) 922-1899.

For the first time, the new Taprell Loomis catalog is offering “Packaging Coordinates,” a new concept that allows studio photographers to select matching folios, folders, easels, mounts and other items to create presentations. TAP’s new 64-page catalog also offers reduced “special value” prices for popular Theme and Sports Memory Mates, and many new products, colors and sizes in its 2002 packaging. Information: (440) 234-3470; e-mail: hancy2@earthlink.net.

Luminos Photo Corp. has introduced Lumijet Monochrome Plus for the black and white print maker. Formulated specifically for the 1270/1280/870/890 LumiFlo Fluidic Ink Delivery System, the Monochrome Plus set of six black inks enables printmakers to use their installed OEM color management system to control tonality from highlights to shadows. Printmakers can utilize the tools in their photo editing software to vary the tone of the image. Information: (914) 965-4800; www.luminos.com.