Rangefinder Magazine
Departments - June 2001

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.

Nikon recently introduced the SB-50DX Speedlight, an innovative high-performance, compact and lightweight speedlight that offers enhanced creative flash performance. The SB-50DX works compatibly with all Nikon SLR models that feature TTL flash control. The new speedlight features 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash capability for Nikon SLR cameras with compatible performance, including Nikon’s D1, D1x and D1h models. The SB-50DX permits close-up shooting up to 11.8 inches. The flash head tilts up 90° for bounce flash effects or down to minus –18° for on-camera close up shooting. When using fresh batteries, the minimum recycling time is approximately 3.5 seconds in full power manual mode. Additionally, the SB-50DX features an AF-Assist Illuminator. Additional features include a ready-light to indicate charge level; flash compensation from +/–3 EV in 1/3 EV steps and 1/6 EV steps (digital); flash button for test firing; wide-flash adapter for 14mm lenses; diffuser for double-flash operation and a light sensor for remote operation. Information: www.nikonusa.com or 800-NIKONUS.

Newton Brackets has introduced a new line of rotation flash brackets for digital cameras. The new design called the D-Generation Di series includes models made for cameras such as the Olympus E-10, Canon D30, Nikon D1, Fuji S1 and Kodak DCS series of digital SLRs. The D-Generation brackets utilize Newton’s patented rotation system to provide a small, lightweight and functional flash bracket system that can be used with a wide variety of still and digital cameras, both motor-driven and conventional. Information: Newton Camera Brackets, www:newtonbrackets.com; bracketdoctor@ newtonbrackets.com; (888) 417-5370.

Nikon has introduced the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF II, a high-performance, compact and lightweight telephoto lens. Weighing only 5.6 pounds, the lens is one pound lighter than its predecessor, making it the lightest 300mm f/2.8 lens available. Also, its minimum focusing distance of 7.5 feet is 2.5 feet closer than the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF. Information: (631) 547-4200, www.nikonusa.com.

For more information, circle Paramount Cords now manufactures sync cords for the Nikon Coolpix digital cameras. The Paramount CoolPix cords have the Nikon 3 pin screw-in connector and a built-in voltage suppressor to protect the cameras, which are sensitive to the high sync voltage of most flash systems. With these cords, you can safely connect your favorite flash (instead of just the dedicated Nikon Speedlights). For more information, visit http://www.paramountcords.com/coolpix.htm

Studio photographers on a budget will be delighted to learn of the new Profoto Acute “e” 600 and 1200 watt-second power packs and heads. Offering the clean, European styling, which is characteristic of the whole Profoto flash line, these new systems offer all features expected by working photographers at a substantially lower price. Both the Profoto Acute 600e and Profoto Acute 1200e power packs offer flash control over a four f-stop range, short flash duration, and fast recycling time. The new power packs are completely compatible with all Profoto Acute flash heads. The new Profoto Acute 600e and 1200e power packs are the most compact ever offered by Profoto, measuring a scant 7.7 (L) X 7.5 (H) X 5 (D) inches, and weighing only 6.8 and 12.8 lbs. (respectively). Both new Profoto power packs continue the Profoto tradition of highest quality and maximum safety. Information: Mamiya America, 8 Westchester Plaza, Elmsford, NY 10523; (914) 347-3300, fax: 914-347-3309, info@sekonic.com, www.sekonic.com.

Hasselblad USA Inc., has announced the availability of the Visatec Solo 800B. This entry-level 300 watt second monolight replaces the Solo 800 and features: durable metal housing; a new halogen modeling light that can be operated in three modes, a step-less flash light output over a 3 f-stop range and a new built-in fan to ensure safe and long-lasting operation. Information: (973) 227-7320, www.hasselbladusa.com.

The new, Metz 70MZ-5 and more economical 70MZ-4 have a high output guide number of 212 at ISO 100/21°, 105mm focal length. When combined with the appropriate SCA 3002 adapter module, they support all the most advanced dedicated flash functions of all major SLR camera brands. Two buttons and a single thumb wheel control a logically arranged, intuitive menu system with all data displayed on a large, illuminated LCD panel. Key features of the 70MZ-4 and 70MZ-5 include: power zoom from 24–105mm with an attachable 20mm wide angle diffuser; adjustable reflector tilt and swivel: 270° horizontal; +90° vertical; 3-D multi-sensor fill flash (Nikon); Matrix-controlled fill-flash (Nikon); cordless TTL and auto remote flash mode; second curtain synchronization; and anti-red-eye preflash function (Nikon). On the 70MZ-5 you’ll find a secondary portrait reflector with three selectable output levels, Program storage capability; flash bracketing in TTL and auto flash mode, plus a rapid recycling mode. Information: Bogen Photo Corp., 565 East Crescent Ave., Ramsey, NJ 07446-0506; (201) 818-9500, fax (201) 818-9177; info@bogenphoto.com, www.
bogenphoto.com.

Thanks to the renowned Metz SCA adapter system, Metz flash units support all the dedicated flash functions of over 275 camera models. Now, the newest generation SCA 3002 modules provide even greater flexibility, including full compatibility with E-TTL, 3-D modes and the newest High Speed Synchronization E-TTL-HSS and TTL-HSS systems by Canon, Minolta and Nikon. The new SCA 3002 modules are smaller than previous generation SCA adapters and make for an extremely compact flash system. They also provide simple access to SCA 3000 and 300-compatible flash unit functions and feature upgradeable software to accommodate future technological advances. Information: Bogen Photo Corp., 565 East Crescent Ave.,Ramsey, NJ 07446-0506; (201) 818-9500, fax (201) 818-9177; info@bogenphoto.com, www.bogenphoto.com

The Sekonic Division of Mamiya America Corp. has introduced the Sekonic L-608 Super Zoom Master, with all of the features of its famous brother, the Sekonic L-508 Zoom Master, plus a digital display in the zoom spot finder, flash/ambient analyzing function, optional plug-in digital wireless radio transmitter, compatible with all Pocket Wizard digital radio receivers. The Sekonic L-608 incorporates a parallax-free Zoom spot finder with a rectangular field of view, and features an EL (Electro-Luminescent) display along its lower edge, which permits viewing of the exposure readings without ever having to remove your eye from the subject. Information: Sekonic, Mamiya America, 8 Westchester Plaza, Elmsford, NY 10523; (914) 347-3300, fax: 914-347-3309, info@sekonic.com, www.sekonic.com.

Microtek has announced its ArtixScan 4500t high-resolution, multi-format color film scanner. The scanner’s true 42-bit color depth and Kodak’s 10,000-element CCD combine to detect the slightest image details from dark or overexposed images. For maximum versatility, the scanner includes glass-less holders for virtually every size film format, including 4x5”, 2-1/4” and 35mm mounted slides or film. Information: Microtek, (310) 297-5000, watt@microtek.com, www.microtekusa.com.

The F.J. Westcott Co. has introduced several new products: Portable Studio Kits available in three styles; a Sunlight/Silver 4-in-1 Illuminator Reflector Kit; a Background Support System for sheet backgrounds; and two new umbrellas available in optical white satin or black with silver interior. Information: The F.J. Westcott Co. 1447 Summit St., PO Box 1596, Toledo, OH 43603, (419) 243-7311; web site: [www.fjwestcott.com].

Polaroid Corporation has announced the SprintScan 120 medium-format digital film scanner. Offering detailed, sharp images, the new SprintScan 120 produces high-quality output with an optical density up to 3.9 (4.2 D-max) and a true optical optical resolution of 4000 dpi. In addition, the Sprint Scan 120 is the only medium-format scanner to include both SCSI and FireWire connections. Information: reingok@polaroid.com, www.polaroid.com, (781) 386-2000.

Kodak Professional Portra 400 BW film, an easy-to-use chromogenic black and white film, is now available. Kodak Professional Portra black and white paper--designed for color RA-4 processing and with a print life equal to that of color paper--is also available in time for wedding season. Portra 400BW film can be processed with Portra color films, and makes b&w prints on the same paper used to make Portra color prints. It comes in 120, 220, 135-36 and popular long roll sizes. Information: (716) 724-2785, bruce.hyland@kodak.com, www.kodak.com.

Canon USA, Inc. has introduced a new high-speed film scanner designed for use with virtually all 35mm and Advanced Photo System films. The CanoScan FS4000US is a high-performance desktop film scanner that offers 4000-dpi optical resolution at 42-bits. It accepts 35mm and APS films, and offers 14-bit A/D conversion for exceptional gradation and accurate color reproduction and two built-in interfaces, USB and SCSI-2. Information: (516) 328-5147, mresnick@cusa.canon.com, www.usa.canon.com.

Adorama has introduced the latest in their series of photographic gear: black tuxedo vests. Modified to Adorama’s specifications, these three-button tuxedo vests are for the photographer who wants to fit in with guests at any formal affair. The vests are available in seven sizes, from Extra Small (36) to XXX Large (60). Information: Adorama, (212) 741-0401, jerryd@adorama.com, www.adorama.com.

Lastolite, known for their line of high quality lighting control products, has introduced an affordable new, Adobe-compatible plug-in that makes expanded post-production image enhancement quick and easy. With new FotoEfex, photographers can now adjust perspective; make precise color corrections, add gradations, soften or sharpen images, and create textured, pastel or neutral-density vignettes with two or three simple clicks of the mouse! FotoEfex was developed by Lastolite specifically for photographers. All color corrections are made using Wratten-equivalent or CC filter numbers instead of CMYK or RGB values. There’s also a convenient preview window that allows filtration and other effects to be quickly evaluated before actually applying them to the image—a time-saver with large files. FotoEfex is designed to work with all Adobe packages including Photo Deluxe and Photoshop LE. It can also be run in Paint Shop Pro, Corel Photo Paint, Gif Animator or any .8bf Photoshop plug-in compatible software. Information: Bogen Photo Corp., 565 East Crescent Ave., Ramsey, NJ 07446-0506; (201) 818-9500, fax (201) 818-9177; Info@bogenphoto.com, www.Bogenphoto.com.

Gossen’s new Starlite All-In-One digital meter combines an ambient/flash exposure meter; a cine meter; and a photometric meter all in one compact water-resistant unit. Controls are ergonomically positioned for easy one-hand operation, and all data is clearly displayed on a large, self illuminating, LCD panel. A unique 270° swivel head with built-in viewfinder and multi-position diffuser allows you to instantly select any of four different measuring modes: 1° reflected light through the viewfinder; 5° reflected light through the viewfinder; incident light with raised diffuser—Spherical; incident light with lowered diffuser—flat plane; and any of six different measuring methods, including Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Exposure value (EV), contrast—determines the brightness range of any subject, Averaging—utilizes up to nine separate measurements; Zone system—where areas of different brightness are assigned to graduated “zones” of gray. Bogen Photo Corp., 565 East Crescent Ave., Ramsey, NJ 07446-0506; (201) 818-9500, fax (201) 818-9177; Info@bogenphoto.com, www.Bogenphoto.com.

Lowepro has introduced the expanded Digital Resolution Series (D-Res), a line of protective cases designed especially for digital still or video cameras. The newest seven products include the D-Res 25 AW pouch, designed to carry the taller, thicker generation of digital cameras, including Nikon’s Coolpix 990 and peripherals. Information: (707) 575-4363, www.lowepro.com.

Fuji Photo Film USA, Inc. has introduced a new generation of its portrait paper, Fujicolor Crystal Archive Professional Portrait Paper Type P III. Designed specifically for portraits, the paper features improved gradation balance and slightly enhanced contrast, while ensuring reproduction of smooth and natural skin tones and accurate, true-to-life colors. In other Fuji news, the company has debuted a new premium color film for portrait applications, Fujicolor Portrait Film NPX 800 Professional. Delivering high-speed performance and versatility, NPZ 800 achieves excellent skin tone reproduction at a level previously unattainable with ISO 800 portrait films and produces neutral whites, grays and blacks while delivering accurate colors and smooth, fine-textured grains. Information: (914) 789-8147, www.fujifilm.com.

Schneider Optics has announced the availability of its new 95mm slim-line circular polarizing filter for use with medium and large format lenses, or any other lens with a 95mm threaded barrel. The filters feature mounting rings that will not mechanically vignette images photographed with wide-angle lenses, but they will provide polarization as effective as b&w filters with standard size mounting rings. In other company news, Schneider now distributes Horseman View Cameras, including the Horseman 45FA technical camera, new L Series monorail cameras, view camera converter, digiflex 24x36mm SLR and SW612 ultra-wide angle panoramic camera. Information: (931) 761-5000, tech@schneideroptics.com, www.schneideroptics.com.