Rangefinder Magazine
June 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.

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. recently announced that it is beginning field trials of a new, state-of-the art portrait workflow and ordering software, StudioMaster PRO. Designed for wedding and portrait photographers, StudioMaster PRO is an image presentation and order-entry interface application that provides professional photographers with a flexible solution to improve digital imaging workflow. An integrated image editing and lab ordering application, StudioMaster PRO is designed to offer professional photographers complete creative and business control over their customer service process by allowing them to build a customer order that is transmitted directly to the photo processing lab. Additionally, the product’s ease-of-use and robust functionality will enable photographers to deliver more effective customer presentations leading to higher levels of studio and lab revenue while increasing productivity. Information: (800) 800-FUJI or www.fujifilm.com.

The Levin Company has introduced the “Impresario Dynamic Acoustical Speaker-Frame™”. Now, the rush is on to determine how many applications can be developed for these unique products. New technology has created a wafer thin speaker, which is mounted into a genuine Levin Company frame. This union will allow nearly any flat surface to be fitted with a beautifully framed image, which will double as a speaker. These units will emit crisp, high quality sound. These speaker-frames are available in sizes 16x20 and 20x24. They can be purchased in a variety of frame styles. For more information, contact Joel Levin at 800-345-4999.

Wacom and nik Multimedia have partnered to provide new pressure-sensitive pen-controlled photographic filters. Aimed at the fast growing digital photography market, penPalette™ by nik uses Wacom Pressure Technology to achieve more natural image retouching. The new system combines Wacom’s pressure-sensitive pen input technology with nik Multimedia’s penPalette photographic filters to provide a more powerful and natural way to enhance digital photos. penPalette works within Adobe Photoshop, version 5.5 and later including the new Photoshop 7.0 and Photoshop Elements. With penPalette, Wacom professional graphics tablet users can now selectively apply digital image enhancements with an electronic pen or airbrush and precisely control both the location and the amount of filter effect applied. In addition, portions of any enhancement can be fully or lightly erased depending on where and how much pressure is applied by the Wacom cordless, batteryless pen. The pens provide up to 1024 levels of pressure. penPalette launches from inside Adobe Photoshop and adds a new palette that can remain open for use when photo-retouching options might be needed. Information: nik Multimedia, Inc., (888) 284-4085 or www.nikmultimedia.com

Easy Does It! is a new self-published book from the master of the practical, David Bentley, M.Photog.Cr. “Easy D” has put together a collection of 28 articles about a number of interesting topics that will make the portrait and wedding photographer’s life easier. Sample subjects include working with barebulb, photographing black dogs on black background, using vignetters, background exposures outdoors and much more. Each article has a series of photographic prints bound to the pages. The reproduction and quality of this 40-something page book is truly excellent. David also includes a standard wedding contract in the volume. Price of Easy Does It! is $44.95, plus $5, shipping and handling. Information: David Bentley, 5150 North Highway 67, Florissant, MO 63034; (314) 991-2502, fax (314) 991-8746; e-mail: BentleyUSA@aol.com.

Just released from Off The Wall Productions Ltd. is the Rhapsody System. What makes the Rhapsody so outstanding is its extreme detail and beautiful lines. As with all products from Off The Wall Productions, the Rhapsody system features distinctly different motifs from one side to the next—“two-sets-in-one.” The walls may be reversed from intricate moldings and niched alcoves to solid walls with clean window treatments. Angled staircase, spindled railings, window insets, sleek vases and benches enhance depth and produce a rich highly-coordinated look. The Rhapsody set is exceptional in both detail and craftsmanship, providing a breathtaking backdrop for wedding, family, group, and children’s portraits. Wall risers allow for posing large groups, while a step extension expands posing possibilities. Armor Coating may be requested to further protect investments. Request optional wind bases for extra stability indoors and outdoors. Information: www.otwp.com or (800) 792-5568.

GraphiStudio has introduced a new Wedding Book that opens flat for a panoramic view on every page. Photographers send a bride’s photos to GraphiStudio, where they are digitized; images are printed directly onto the paper for edge-to-edge coverage, mounted to a durable board and then bound together with a proprietary binding process that allows each page to open perfectly flat. Information: (866) 472-7441; e-mail: covert@chorus.

Star Innovations LC (www.ballstars.com) announced that they are making their photo sports ball technology available to photo labs for in-house production through a licensing arrangement. Ballstars invented the process of transferring an image onto baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, basketballs, softballs and hockey pucks. Previously, fulfillment of all orders had to be done at the Ballstars’ factory, but time, cost and demand necessitated the development of a system that could be installed at the photo labs. Ballstars’ products are aimed at the youth sports market, but other markets have emerged such as retail, memorabilia and ad specialties. Interested photo labs can contact Marshall Widman or Devlan Reeves at Star Innovations, 301 Overland Park Place, New Century, KS 66031, (800) 237-0653 or email ballstar@swbell.net.

Just released is Digital Wedding Photography by Jeff and Kathleen Hawkins. This new book covers many hot topics, including: building an efficient digital workflow, techniques for successful digital wedding shooting, digital imaging after the shoot—from cataloging images to retouching them; and using digital imaging to boost your sales and increase your income! Also featured is a section called Ask the Experts, which includes information about digital transitioning from Bill Hurter, Curt Littlecott, Stewart and Susan powers, Patrick and Barbara Rice, Curtis Tackett, and Eddie Tapp. The book is available at the Hawkins web site: www.jeffhawkins.com, or through the publisher, Amherst Media, www.amherstmedia.com. The list price is $29.95.

Creating your own high quality sport cards and sports memory mates has never been easier with the introduction of Digital Sport Templates on CD. Just add images to the user friendly templates to achieve a truly professional look. Norstar Imaging has included 18 Memory Mate designs and 20 two-sided Trading Card designs on the CD. Templates of all major sports such as baseball, basketball, football, soccer and cheer highlight the complete package of Photoshop designs. For more information 610-261-0965 or www.norstarimaging.com

Multi Visual Products has introduced new technologies for youth sport photographers, including SnapSync for making the transition from film to digital cameras. The system is an on-site shoot synchronization tool that eliminates sequencing errors and common photographer errors, in the field in real time. Photographers who use this system also have access to MVP’s Internet Reordering System to purchase products online. Information: (909) 698-7684; www.mvpcards.com.

Pictorico Ink Jet Media announced the launch of their highly anticipated Premium DualSide Photo Paper, a heavyweight high-grade paper, coated on both sides for front-and-back printing. “Many professional photographers we work with have indicated that a dual-sided ink jet paper would simplify their portfolios and allow them to create brochures easily at home or at the studio,” said Chip Pryor, Pictorico’s National Brand Manager. The new Premium DualSide Photo Paper has a lustrous finish and high brightness, which enhances any photographic image or artwork. Pictorico’s unique proprietary ceramic coating is applied to both sides of the paper and the resulting images are smooth, crisp, and vibrant. The new substrate is perfect for creating brochures, greeting cards, signage, portfolios, postcards, and for other dual-sided applications. Premium DualSide Photo Paper is available in 4x6 in. (20 sheets), 8.5x 11 in. (20 sheets), 11x17 in. (20 sheets) and 13x19 in. (20 sheets). Contact information: www.pictorico.com.

Tamron USA, Inc. has developed a new medium telephoto lens for the Bronica RF645 Interchangeable lens medium format rangefinder camera. Developed exclusively for the Bronica RF645 6x4.5 rangefinder camera that employs a built-in shutter interchangeable lens system, the new Zenzanon RF100mm F/4.5 lens provides excellent image quality by compensating for aberrations. Information: (631) 858-8409; e-mail: evans@tamron.com.

Kodak Professional has introduced the 8500 Digital Photo Printer which produces pictures at a quick 75 seconds per 8x10-inch image—a speed superior to other thermal-based and inkjet printers in the $1000 price range. The 8500 printer provides faster turnaround as well as a competitive cost per print, and its full-frame buffer (24 MB RAM) provides high print productivity. Information: (800) 235-6325; www.kodak.com/go/professional.

Kodak Professional recently introduced its newest medium-format digital camera backs. These 645 digital backs—featuring the 16mp CCD sensor, LCD display and image management capabilities—are compatible with the Contax 645AF and Mamiya 645AF camera systems and deliver hand-held portability for wedding, portrait, on-location commercial and outdoor photography. Information: (800) 235-6325; www.kodak.com/go/professional.

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.

Kodak ProShots Studio Software Suite v5.0, introduced by Kodak Professional, allows photographers to work with both film-based and digital captured images, and offers a more intuitive, easy-to-use graphical user interface for delivering image files to processing labs. Enhancements include more automated features to save production time and more presentation options. Information: (800) 235-6325; www.kodak.com/go/professional.

Foveon, Inc. has introduced its new line of Foveon X3 image sensors, full-color sensors that capture red, green and blue light at each pixel. This technology innovation, available for all classes of digital cameras, results in sharper images, better color, and freedom from color artifacts common in present digital cameras. Information: (877) 436-8366; www.foveon.com.

Tamron USA, Inc. has released its Zenzanon PS50-100mm F/4-5.6 zoom lens for the Bronica SQ-Ai (6x6) camera system. The lens covers a wide range (27.5mm-55mm corresponding 35mm SLR focal length) frequently used in landscape and event photography, and is a versatile standard lens for the Bronica 6x6 format system due to its compact size and focal range. Information: (631) 858-8409; e-mail: evans@tamron.com.

ToCAD America has introduced Surroundphoto from Sunpak 360 VR for quickly and easily creating 360 VR scenes for publishing to the web or as panoramic still images, in minutes and with just a single exposure. Surroundphoto from Sunpak works with select digital camera models from Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Fuji, Casio, HP, Sony as well as many conventional camera systems. Information: (973) 428-9800; www.tocad.com.

Photo Control Corp. has introduced its ZDS digital series of camera equipment. Both the Camerz ZDS-DC digital camera, designed specifically for the requirements of volume portrait photography, and Camerz ZDS-DB digital back offer 1600x2000 CCD array totaling 3.2 million pixels for 9.5 MB file size. Images can be saved in TIFF, JPEG, Targa or Bitmap file formats and are connected to a PC via FireWire. Information: (800) 787-8078; www.photo-control.com.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., has introduced three six-color bubble jet printers focused at the photo imaging segment of the market and two four-color printers for the SOHO market. Additionally, the S820D direct connect photo printer, is now on sale at retail outlets. Six-color photo printers added to the line include the S9000 13x19” wide format printer, the S900 and S820. New four-color printers include the S750 and S520. Information: (516) 328-5095; e-mail: rlebron@cusa.canon.com.

Panasonic has created the Lumix digital camera line combining digital and optical technologies. Incorporating Leica lenses, the new Luminex digital cameras, including models DMC-LC5 and DMC-LC40 incorporating the DC Vario-Summicron lens—“see” beyond the surface, capturing the nuances of shadows and light. Other Lumix cameras incorporate the DMC-F7 2X and the DMC-LC20 3X zoom lenses. Information: (201) 348-7184; e-mail: camerlengom@panasonic.com.

Adobe Photoshop 7.0 now features expanded support for Wacom graphics tablet tools, including tilt- and pressure-sensitive pens as well as a digital airbrush with a rotating fingerwheel. Brush shape and size, intensity, opacity and texture depth can now be naturally controlled to dynamically change stokes and effects as they are applied including the new Healing Brush. A built-in Wacom eraser allows you to undo effects lightly or heavily according to the pressure applied. Information: (360) 896-9833; xt. 161; e-mail: scottr@wacom.com.

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. Information: www.usa.canon.com.

Phase One has announced the availability of the Phase One H 5 camera back aimed at medium-format commercial photographers who want the business advantages of direct digital imaging. Among the benefits provided by H 5 is the ability for portrait photographers to shorten the buying cycle and add more opportunities to “up sell” during portrait sessions. Information: (631) 757-0400; e-mail: sat@phaseone.com.

Hasselblad has introduced three new CFE lenses, the Macro-Planar T 4/120mm (top-of-the-line macro lens), 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.hasselblad.com/news.

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 31⁄2x5-1/", 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.