Rangefinder Magazine


NEW PRODUCTS/FEB.

Mamiya America Corporation has introduced a new Mamiya Precision Magnifier, the Zoom, which expands the line of Mamiya Magnifiers to a total of five. The Mamiya Zoom Magnifier covers a magnification range from 4X to 12X with a stepless zoom action. It features high performance Super-achromat multi-coated optical glass with 8 elements in 6 groups housed in a precision-engineered all-metal barrel housing including inter-changeable, threaded translucent and opaque hoods, and built-in adjustable eyepiece diopter. The Mamiya Zoom Precision Magnifier covers a full-frame 35mm film frame at 4X magnification and increasingly finer detail as the magnifier is zoomed upwards to 12X magnification. It is supplied with a built-in translucent hood for viewing opaque objects and a black metal hood which blocks extraneous light from entering the eyepiece while viewing rear-lit transparencies or negatives, or viewing camera ground glass for focusing or inspection. Information: www.mamiya.com.


The new Offset Multi Bracket is a lightweight multi-purpose bracket to be used in conjunction with the Quantum Battery 1 Compact. The Offset Multi Bracket (QBO) is used to mount your camera and Quantum Battery 1 Compact (QB1c) together onto a tripod. After your camera and QB1c are attached to the QBO, this combination may then be connected to a quick-release clamp before mounting to a tripod. The Offset Multi Bracket can also be used to mount and center the QB1c under a camera that has an off-center tripod socket. After attaching to a QBO, slide the QB1c along the bracket until it is centered with the camera. Then lock in place for a more balanced combination. For More Information Contact: Quantum Instruments Inc., 1075 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530; (516) 222 6000, fax (516) 222 0569.

Quantum’s Qflash is now compatible with the new Fuji S1 digital camera, Contax 645, Mamiya 645 AF, Minolta Dimage RD3000, and Nikon D1. Compatibility extends to all Qflash models (X, X2, T, and T2). TTL Qflash exposure is controlled in either Manual, Aperture, Shutter, or Program modes using Quantum’s TTL Adapters. In addition to these cameras, the full list of Quantum’s TTL compatibility is available at professional photo dealers or www.qtm.com. The Contax 645 adapts with Quantum’s QF24 TTL Adapter. The Mamiya 645AF adapts with Quantum’s model QF25. The Minolta Dimage RD3000 adapts to Qflash with Quantum’s QF14 TTL adapter. The Nikon D1 can be used with Qflash in two, non-TTL modes. QF12 cannot at this time provide TTL exposures with the D1, however, it will provide flash sync and display flash “Ready” on the D1. The D1 will also set the shutter for flash mode when it detects the QF12. With any of the adapters Qflash indicates “OK,” “Under-” or “Over-” exposure and flash ready after each TTL exposure. Indicators are visual and audible (via earphone). The adapters fit into the camera hot shoes and plug into the Qflash accessory input. Information: Quantum Instruments: (516) 222 6000. For More Information Contact: Quantum Instruments Inc., 1075 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530; (516) 222 6000, fax (516) 222 0569.

Nikon has introduced a new camera and several new lenses: the N65, one of the lightest and smallest 35mm SLRs on the market today; the AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D IF lens, ideal for landscape, candid, environmental, close-up and full-length portrait photography; the AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G lens for candids, portraits, travel and sports photography; the AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF wide-to-telephoto lens for landscapes, full length portraits, travel and general purpose photography; and the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D-ED-IF telephoto lens for a wide range of picture-taking, from sports and action to close-up portraits to general landscape photography. Information: Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747-3064; (631) 547-4200; [www.nikonusa.com].

Canon has expanded its camera design concept into its third generation EOS Elan. The Elan 7 is available in three versions, retains many of the features of the popular Elan II, but also includes a re-designed exterior, a 7-point wide-area autofocusing system based on a Canon-developed CMOS sensor; a high-speed, 4 frames per second film advance and 1/4000 shutter speed; 11 shooting modules; 13 custom functions, 35-zone evaluative metering; E-TTL flash control; built-in dioptric adjustment; improved Whisper Dive and a dedicated depth-of-field preview button. The company has also introduced three new zoom lenses for its line-up of EOS cameras, the EF 28-90mm f/4.0-5.6 USM, EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM and EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM, and the Speedlite 420EX, a compact flash unit developed simultaneously with the new EOS Elan 7/7E but compatible with all EOS system cameras including the new EOS D30 digital SLR. Information: Canon U.S.A.; (516) 328-5147; [www.usa.canon.com].

MegaVision has introduced the S3 Pro Digital Camera, a new single shot digital camera back—based on the Philips 3072x2048 pixel CCD—that features a three position ISO switch, allowing selections of 100, 200 and 400 ISO. The camera design mounts on a wide range of medium format (120mm) cameras, including Hasselblad’s 200 and 500 series, SWC, and Flex bodies; Mamiya’s 645, 645 AF, RB and RZ; Bronica’s ETR and SQ series; Fuji’s GX 680; Horseman’s DigiWide; and the Contax 645 AF. The S3 Pro is the first digital camera back designed specifically for the portrait, fashion and wedding photography markets, allowing the use of ISO options in lower light levels, as compared to competitive digital camera backs. Information: MegaVision, Inc., PO Box 60158, Santa Barbara, CA 93160; (888) 324-2580; [www.mega-vision.com].

Mizco International, manufacturer of DigiPower, has released its new ACD-FJ3 AC Adapter for the Fuji FinePix 4700 and 40I digital cameras. The FinePix 4700 and 40I have different voltage requirements than their previous models. While the MX series were all the same voltage, the new FinePix cameras only require 3.6 volts. As with all their AC adapters, the DigiPower ACD-FJ3 was specifically designed for the FinePix models. Information: Mizco International, [wwwmizco.com].

ToCAD America has announced the availability of the Sunpak Bare-Bulb Head with a Parabolic Reflector, as a factory modification. The Reflector Head is designed for use with both its Sunpak 622 PRO or 622 Super portable flash units. When used with the Sunpak 62 Super, with a GN of 200 at ISO 100, it continues to be the most powerful handle mount TTL flash with multi-head acceptance available today. Customers who purchase the standard Sunpak Bare Bulb Head from any authorized Sunpak retailer now have the option of adding parabolic reflector capability. In operation, the modified Bare Bulb Head may be mounted to either a Sunpak 622 PRO or 622 Super flash in the same manner as the standard Bare Bulb model. Information: ToCAD America, 300 Webro Rd., Parsippany, NJ 07054-2882; (973) 428-9800.

Legion Paper, a leading distributor of fine art papers, has introduced Somerset Photo Enhanced, an advanced professional digital art paper that brings art quality output to the digital darkroom. The launch marks the first time paper of this quality is available in a smaller format, created specifically with the end user in mind. The new paper produces a wide gray scale with linear and smooth gradations within, allowing photographers to reproduce the demanding parameters of Photo Platinum printing. The heavyweight, 100 percent cotton fiber paper--which also features a significantly expanded color gamut--can also absorb heavy ink loads without any mottling, an important factor when used with pigmented inks. Information: Legion Paper, 11 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010; (800) 278-4478.

LumiQuest has introduced the UltraBounce Flash, which spreads light over 180 degrees and can then bounce off nearby surfaces (walls and ceilings) to produce a natural soft light. Ideal for use by photojournalists, the UltraBounce includes an adjustable flap that shields the sensor for simple consistent automatic exposure operation. Like other LumiQuest accessories, the UltraBounce fits most popular flash units and attaches in seconds with hook and loop and folds flat for storage. Information: LimiQuest, 28540 Durango Dr., New Braunfels, TX 78132; (830) 438-4646; web site: [www.lumiquest.com].

DigiPapers has announced its On-Demand Business Cards, non-perforated papers specifically designed to work with all popular inkjet and laser printers. Using any standard business card template software, you can design your own cards with digital photos, logos and clip art--and print cards on-demand--when you want and in the quantities you want. The three papers available include: 70lb stock, the most versatile inkjet and laser-compatible paper ideal for all general business card requirements; 80lb stock, the heaviest stock for special business card requirements; and photo glossy stock, an inkjet paper ideal for photos or detailed artwork. Information: DigiPapers, 620 Spring Hill Bay, St. Paul, MN 55125; (651) 501-8386; web site: [www.digipapers.com].

Cypress has introduced an album and presentation box. The Cypress Album features a choice of more than 20 Japanese bookbinding fabric covers; fine art paper hand torn to create deckled edge pages, paper in black, antique or white; custom single or multiple print mats of any design. The album comes with a European style presentation box made specifically to fit your album. The Cypress Presentation Boxes are also covered in a choice of Japanese book binding fabrics and include an exquisite ribbon in the center of the box that allows mats to be easily lifted. The box is available in three sizes: 8x8, 8x10, and 11x14. Information: Cypress, 11007 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034; (310) 837-6005.

Leica has announced two new cameras, the C11 and the Digilux 4.3. The C11, Leica’s smallest at 4.1x2.4x1.6, has a powerful aspheric 3x zoom lens, consisting of seven elements in seven groups. The 23-70mm zoom (equivalent to 30-90mm in 35mm format) can shoot wide to frame a large group portrait and zoom in for a brilliant close-up. Making full use of the APS technology, the C11 offers foolproof drop-in film loading, mid-roll film change and three picture sizes. Users can choose from traditional 4x6 prints, 4x7 prints for framing or 4x11 panoramic prints. The digilux 4.3 is the third generation in the digilux series (following the digilux and digilux zoom) and is the most advanced digital camera Leica has launched to date. The camera’s 1/1/7-inch Super CCD is about twice the size of its predecessor model and produces a 4.3 million-pixel image file in a 2,400x1,800 array. Its 3x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 36-108mm in 35mm photography) includes six multi-coated lens elements, including an aspherical lens, in six groups. Leica Camera Inc., 156 Ludlow Ave., Northvale, NJ 07647; (201) 767-7500; [www.leica-camera.com].

Luminos Photo Corp. has introduced the Lumijet Preservation Series Monochrome Inkjet inks. The ink set uses four different densities, or dilutions of black (or sepia) ink to achieve a wide tonal range. Individual curve shapes can be modified to a greater degree to obtain great results without “color casts.” The combination of the Lumijet Monochrome Ink Set and the desktop inkjet printer allows black and white printmakers to output an image to almost any paper or substrate they choose to enhance their images. Information: Luminos Photo Corp., P.O. Box 158, Yonkers, NY 10705; (914) 965-4800; web site: [www.luminos.com].

Sinar has introduced the Macroscan Adapter, which integrates into its modular camera system. A motorized stepping device with an accuracy of 0.03mm shits shifts the Sinarback into four positions so that four (or 16 in the 4-shot mode) exposures are created, which are then combined with pixel accuracy by means of integrated stitching software. Including moving objects, this is the first time that digital photographs can be made with resolution of up to 19 million pixels. The Macroscan is suitable for subjects like fabrics with fine structures, automobiles or reproductions of works of art, all of which require the highest possible resolution. The company also announced Sinar Unplugged, which serves as an interface between the camera and computer. The Unplugged can be powered by a battery or via a mains cable, and its core is a small device that accepts the Sinar fiber optics PCI card and converts its signal directly for the PCMCIA interface of the latest generation of the Mac G3 PowerBooks. Information: Sinar AG, CH-8245 Feuerthalen/Schweiz Germany; 41 (0)52/647 07 56; web site: [www.sinarcameras.com].

Wasatch Computer Technology has announced SoftRIP Ver-sion 4.2. The upgrade from pre-vious versions to make digital printing more pro-ductive is free of charge for any li-cense under current 90-day service contract. Features include: PostScript Level 3 compatibility that ensures compatibility with the latest ap-plication software; a Manual Print Layout tool allows the in-ter-active positioning of multiple ripped images; simplified support for net-work print servers reduces the time and trouble needed to configure your system with cer-tain products; a Paper Color Matching feature ad-justs for a particular paper white point that generates a more accu-rate color gamut when producing match proofs on “off white” papers; Spot Color Control to achieve preci-sion in spot color printing; and, con-trol of light ink with slider controls.