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Rangefinder Magazine
Departments/February 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.
Kinetronics Corporation has introduced its Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth
(MFC). The precision cloth can be used on many surfaces, including digital
and regular cameras, lenses, camcorders, telescopes and binoculars. Microfiber
is superior to other types of cloth in removing facial oils from the LCD
screens on digital cameras, and there are hundreds of thousands of small
pockets in the in the microfiber cloth that capture and trap dust and
dirt. The gentle, 8x8-inch lint-free cloth can be safely used on lenses,
viewfinders and LCD screens. MFC is available from any photo lab supplier,
or directly from Kinetronics USA. Information: (941) 951-2432; web site:
www.kinetronics.com.
Canon U.S.A. has introduced a new, high-speed desktop film scanner for
use with 35mm film of all types. The new scanner, which incorporates a
USB interface for easy connection to a PC, helps “bridge the gap”
between analog and digital imaging by providing a means of downloading
conventional photos into a computer for the purposes of creating prints
via computer output devices, e-mail and the creation of personal web sites.
The CanoScan FS2720U offers several advanced features, including a maximum
scanning speed of 13/10 seconds per frame (35mm/APS), 2720 dpi optical
resolution, 12-bit RGB input and output, and the ability to accept slides
or negatives, color or black and white in either the 35mm or APS formats.
Information: (800) OK-CANON; www.usa.canon.com.
For more information, circle 264
Crane & Co., Inc. has created a new line of personalized holiday
photo enclosure cards designed specifically for professional photographers.
The new collection features 19 engraved, silkscreened and foil stamped
designs. The card designs, which range from traditional to whimsical,
accommodate 4x4 and 4x5 photographs and are displayed in a handsome and
convenient album without photographs so that studios can exhibit their
own work. The album also displays a selection of 13 lettering styles,
optional envelope linings and a liberal selection of ink colors. Personalized
greetings and return addresses are offered by engraving, thermography
or flat printing. Customers will have a choice of using a stock or custom
greeting, at no charge. Information: (413) 684-6287; www.crane.com.
For more information, circle 265
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. recently previewed the beta version of a
new digital software offering, StudioMaster PRO. An integrated image and
lab ordering application, StudioMaster PRO is designed to offer photographers
complete creative control by allowing them to build a custom order that
is transmitted directly to the photo processing lab. Created by Fujifilm
e-Systems, StudioMaster PRO is designed to interface only with the specific
order entry system of the lab being used. The lab completes the order
using the PIC Pro 2.0 lab management system that interfaces with Fujifilm
Frontier Digital Lab System Series 350/370/390. The initial version of
StudioMaster PRO allows for digital images to be presented. In the near
future, support for scanning color negatives will be included. Information:
(914) 789-7916; www.fujifilm.com.
Schneider Optics has announced the availability of a new 400mm Apo-Tele-Xenar
f/5.6 MRC large format lens that covers the 5x7 format. The compact design
of the lens makes it smaller and lighter than ordinary telephoto lenses
of the same focal length and format coverage, and gives it high-performance
characteristics. The lens may be used to photograph objects as close as
six feet away without sacrificing image quality. The 400mm Apo-Tele-Xenar
Compact MRC lens ensures high resolution across the entire image circle,
allows a shorter bellows draw (at infinity) than ordinary lenses of the
same focal length, and features Schneider’s new MRC coating, a hard
durable surface that reduces lens fogging and makes lens cleaning easier.
Information: (631) 643-5466; www.schneideroptics.com.
For more information, circle 266
A new line of 40-degree Softbox Grids™ has been introduced by Photoflex
to provide videographers and filmmakers with precise, cost-effective control
of light spread in the studio and on-location. Unlike comparable products,
the grids retain their shape indefinitely because every point of the nylon-webbed
fabric is individually hand-sewn. Lightweight and portable, the grids
respond well to daily setups and takedowns, both on location and in the
studio. The grids retail for $95.95 for the small size (16x22), $129.95
for the medium (24x32) size and $199.95 for the largest (36x48) size.
Information: (800) 486-2674.
Calumet Photographic has redesigned their Travelite Monolight so it recycles
30 percent faster, delivers more controllable power with 25 percent shorter
flash durations and weighs less than the original series. The Travelite
monolights are available in two models: the 750w/s unit and the 375 w/s
unit, which replaces the original 250w/s version. Other performance enhancements
include faster recycle time (2.1 seconds for the 750 and 1.7 seconds for
the 375) and shorter flash durations (1ž600 second for the 750 and 1ž900
for the 375). To increase the power consistency, the Travelite is internally
stabilized to produce reliable output, flash after flash. Information:
(312) 944-2774; web site: www.calumetphoto.com.
For more information, circle 268
Hy-Lite Products has announced its acrylic walls and partitions for the
perfect backdrop that affords privacy and unique lighting opportunities.
Hy-Lite creates every unit to the custom sized needs of the customer.
Decorative yet durable, acrylic block walls, panels and partitions can
be built in an array of sizes and shapes. Prefabricated into units at
the factory, Hy-Lite products are made of high-quality, scratch-resistant
acrylic. The blocks are more than 70 percent lighter than installed glass
block units, making the units easier to work with. Blocks are available
in clear wave, clear cross rib and frosted wave patterns in several sizes,
and come in designer colors of green, blue, peach and rose. Information:
(800) 827-3691; www.hy-lite.com.
Taprell Loomis has announced the latest Topflight CD Albums, designed
to refine the beauty and protection electronic wedding day treasures.
Three styles in simulated leather include white, black and embossed white.
White and black album covers feature a gold foil border, with embossed
white album covers presenting an embossed wreath circling an “Our
Wedding” description. All styles contain a sturdy, molded plastic
insert for “snap in” CD security. Information: (800) 827-5679;
www.tap-usa.com.
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. has introduced the new Fujifilm Pictrography
4000II, a flexible-format, true photographic quality color digital printer
incorporating Fujifilm’s technologically-advanced imaging tools to
produce high quality prints for graphic studios, professional studios
and photo labs. Building on the success of the Pictrography 4000, the
Pictrography 4000II sets a new standard in digital color printing with
its capacity for ultra high-speed printing, photorealistic and continuous
color quality and the ability to handle multiple paper sizes. The printer
features One Pass processing for both laser-diode exposures and yellow,
magenta-cyan thermal development and dye transfers with Fujifilm’s
Thermal Development and Dye Transfer Technology, allowing for sharper
output. Information: (914) 789-8148, www.fujifilm.com.
PhaseOne has announced a new leasing plan designed to assist photographers
with a seasonal business. Studios can now lease a Phase One LightPhase
digital camera system and Portable Solution for $300 during the three
slowest months and $900 during the nine busiest months. Customers can
also choose which months are the slowest months. Phase One also offers
other leasing programs in order to meet each studio’s needs and budget.
The programs are extremely flexible, with the ability to choose the length
of the lease term as well as the payment structure. For example, studious
can choose a plan with half payments for the first six months, a 90-day
deferment plan or an Obsolescence Protection Lease. Information: (631)
757-0400; www.phaseone.com.
Schneider Optics has introduced two new Aspheric lenses for large format,
wide-angle photography – the 210mm Super-Symmar XL f./5.6 and the
80mm Super-Symmar XL f/4.5. Because of their high tolerance for magnification
ratios, high resolution across the entire image circle, uniform illumination,
and proprietary multi-coating for maximum reduction of flare and increased
light transmission, these lenses are ideal for even the most dynamic studio
and field applications, including architectural photography. The 210mm
lens has an image circle of 500mm, which permits extreme tilt and shift
camera movements. The 80mm lens has an image circle of 212mm at f/22,
which permits moderate tilt and shift. Information: (631) 761-5000; www.schneideroptics.com.
OctoDome™ has been introduced by Photoflex as a softbox for photographers
who want a large, soft wraparound light modifier for use with strobes.
OctoDome complements the OctoConnector™, a new competitively priced
line of durable connectors designed to fit almost all major lighting fixtures.
Created especially for fashion and portrait photographers, the new OctoDome
uses a rear-mounted light with two layers of diffusion and soft white
interior that deliver much more light than a standard reflective umbrella
and diffuser. Information: (800) 486-2674. [color print]
Tamron has announced the delivery of a high quality and compact ultra
tele- zoom lens that covers 75mm to 300mm ultra telephoto with macro capability
yielding a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.9 at the tele end. Best
suited for shooting outdoors, this ultra tele-zoom lens--the AF75-300mm
f/4.56 LD—delivers ultimate handling ease and portability due to
its lightweight size and mechanical operation. Other features: better
image quality with LD element; improved mechanical accuracy and durability;
prevention of internal reflections with thorough surface treatment; well-designed
cosmetic appearance for better handling; and large bayonet hood. Information:
(631) 858-8409; www.tamron.com.
Phase One has announced the development of a high-end Portrait Studio
Solution. This latest innovation enables portrait photographers to completely
digitize their workflow by integrating shooting, image presentation and
image selection into one selling process. The Portrait Studio Solution
is a modular system that fulfills all the requirements in connection with
a digital transition. Apart from a direct digital imaging system, computer,
server and printer from well-known manufacturers, it also provides Phase
One’s own advanced software that facilitates studio management, image
capturing, selling and output processes. All system components are easily
upgraded with the newest technologies. Information: (631) 757-0400; www.phaseone.com.
Phase One has announced enhancements to its highest resolution single-shot
digital system—the new 48MB LightPhase H20. The LightPhase H20 is
designed to work with a wide variety of medium and large format cameras,
including the Hasselblad 555ELD as well as most mechanical Hasselblad
camera bodies. The LightPhase H20 also supports all 4x5 view cameras via
PhaseOne’s FlexAdapter or other adapters as well as the Mamiya RZ67.
Photographers can now take the LightPhase H20 on location using Phase
One’s Portable Solution, which functions as a portable workstation
with its miniature Sony Vaio Picturebook. The LightPhase H20 is designed
with a square 4,020 pixel by 4,020 pixel CCD imaging sensor outputting
files of 48 MB in 24-bit RGB or 128 MB CMYK files in 48-bit format. Information:
(631) 757-0400; www.phaseone.com.
Special Delivery Gifts has introduced PhotoStamps™, which allows
photographers the opportunity to see their client’s favorite image
turned into postage-size, self-adhesive stamps. Sold in multiples of 50,
decorative PhotoStamps add a personal touch to wedding invitations, thank
you cards, birth announcements and greeting cards. Popular stamps include:
Wedding portrait stamps sent on thank you notes; birth announcement stamps
printed with the baby’s name and weight; and “Happy Holidays!”
stamps that feature a child or pet. Advanced printing technology reproduces
images with exceptional quality and resolution, and stickers are perforated
for authenticity. Information: (800) 225-1545; www.photostamps.com.
Ilford Imaging has announced the North American launch of its new Galerie
line of premium desktop inkjet photo paper. Ilford Galerie photo paper
combines state-of-the-art inkjet receiving technology with a sturdy, robust
base to produce optimal results when used with high-speed desktop printers.
The Galerie range includes Galerie Classic Pearl, Galerie Smooth Pearl
and Galerie Smooth Gloss. Classic Pearl uses a traditional inkjet receiving
layer to deliver a classic photographic look and feel, excellent image
stability and consistency from print to print. Both of the Galerie Smooth
papers utilize a new microceramic technology to enable instant drying
of inkjet prints, and both are particularly good for applications that
require quick production of one-off prints. Information: (201) 265-6000;
www.ilford.com/galerie.
Stone Editions’ has announced its Stonehinge System for inkjet printing
and binding elegant, highly permanent albums and portfolios. The patented
system includes three sizes of pre-hinged, ready-to-bind inkjet pages,
European cloth cover sets, translucent interleaves and buffered metal
edge preservation boxes. Stonehinge heavyweight 100 percent cotton rag
Adamant Paper pages feed through most popular archival inkjet printers
creating ready-to-bind images. When used with pigment-based inks, testing
indicates a useful image life expectancy of well over 100 years in a lighted,
behind glass display environment.
Information: (320) 654-0018.
Kyocera Optics, Inc. recently announced the launch of the Contax N Digital,
the world’s first digital SLR camera to employ a full-frame 35mm,
24 x 36mm, 6+ megapixel CCD. This achievement allows the camera full use
of autofocus Carl Zeiss T* lenses. The N Digital is based on the Contax
N1, which was introduced in the fall of 2000. The N Digital and N1 cameras
share all basic functions as well as the unique features incorporated
in the N1. This includes the Dual Focus Mechanism, the world’s first
5-point Wide Array Diagonal Autofocus System, and Fine Focus ABC (Auto
Bracketing System). The N Digital can offer greater control and creativity
to meet the photographer's demands by incorporating the Dual Focus Mechanism
along with the highly advanced SLR digital image technology. Information:
http://www.contaxcameras.com.
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