Rangefinder Magazine
October 2001/Departments

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.

Minolta Corporation introduces a new easy-to-use, compact, lightweight and feature-packed 35mm SLR—the Minolta Maxxum 5. Developed using concepts and core technologies from the unique Minolta Maxxum 7, the new Maxxum 5 incorporates advanced autofocus (AF) technology, powerful film drive, fast shutter speeds, and numerous creative features including 14 custom functions, into the world’s smallest and lightest SLR camera body. The Minolta Maxxum 5 was designed to offer the highest level of AF performance in its class. Whether the subject is moving or stationary, the world’s fastest AF speed in its class, according to Minolta, and Predictive Focus Control ensure quick and accurate focusing. The seven-point AF system with a center cross-hair sensor allows fast focusing plus flexible framing. Information: www.minoltausa.com or access Minolta’s PHOTOFAX at (800) 528-4767.

Quantum Instruments has introduced the Remote Head QF36T for the Qflash T/T2 and the QF36X Remote Head for the Qflash X/X2. The new Remote Qflash Head offers a lightweight solution when placed in a light box. This frees up the Qflash for placement on a lightstand, plus the setup is no longer top heavy. Now the Qflash control panel is always at your fingertips. Each Remote Qflash Head has an attached 8-foot straight cable that plugs into the flash tube socket of a Qflash. There is also a 1ž4-20 threaded socket for use with a lightbox, umbrella bracket and lightstand combination. To shoot in the automatic mode with a Remote Head, make sure that the Qflash is mounted and that its sensor is aimed at the subject position. If you want to read the light at the camera you must use Quantum’s Remote Sensor. Information: www.qtm.com or (516) 222-6000, fax: (516) 222-0569. For more information, circle 270

Pictorico Ink Jet Media recently announced the introduction of its resin-coated Photo Gallery Glossy Paper, the 10th product in Pictorico’s line of high-quality inkjet media, and a new addition to its Photo Gallery series. The new paper is said to have the feel of traditional photo paper. According to a Pictorico spokesman, “Our new media represents the best of both worlds. An inkjet printout on Photo Gallery Glossy Paper delivers outstanding photo reproduction and it’s virtually indistinguishable from a 35 mm print processed at the lab.” Both sides of the Photo Gallery Glossy Paper are covered with a polyethylene laminate that gives traditional silver halide photo prints added durability. To create this new product, the company’s engineers applied Pictorico’s advanced, patented ceramic-based coating on top of the resin-coated paper. Information: www.pictorico.com or (888) 879-8592. For more information, circle 271

The Charles Beseler Company has just unveiled a new addition to its line of camera luggage: the Citipak Monostrap 300. This stylish monostrap design features a deep, gusseted access pocket with a removable divider system that can be quickly configured to accommodate a full range of state-of-the-art photo, digital and/or video equipment. The new bag is cleverly engineered to perfectly fit all body types and sizes, while providing exceptional comfort and complete freedom of movement. There’s even an easy-access cell phone pocket built into the strap. Information: (908) 862-7999 orwww.beseler.com. For more information, circle 272

Spectrum Photo, Inc. in Portland, Oregon has introduced new sports photo displays for kids, named The Billboard. Each Billboard has been licensed by the major professional sports leagues, including the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and the National Football League. Billboards are packaged 8x11 inches and unfold to 11x17 inches and display one 3x5 photo and one 5x7 group photo, among brightly colored Major League team and league logos. Information: www.spectrumphoto.citysearch.com or (800) 452-9889. For more information, circle 273

PhotoStamps, from Special Delivery Gifts, offers photographers the opportunity to see their clients’ 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, and sell for $19.95 for a set of 50 stamps and $29.95 for a set of 100 stamps. An optional printed message is $2.95 extra. Information: (800) 225-1545, www.photostamps.com. For more information, circle 274

Videoptics, Inc. has introduced the PicSTAR film projecting and proofing system. With a PicSTAR, wedding and portrait photographers can save the costs of printed proofs, while increasing sales by distributing proofs to additional potential customers on an inexpensively reproduced CD-ROM or videotape. Captured images can also be posted on the Internet. PicSTAR is self-contained and portable. Simply plug it into the video input of any TV or video monitor and see full size color images on the screen, projected directly from the film negative. Connect it to a VCR and record images to create videotape proofs. Connect it to a computer and convert film directly to computer files. The PicSTAR system has the capability to project from 35mm to medium format negatives or slides. A long zoom range is available for zooming in to check specific details, and the camera can be rotated a full 360 degrees for viewing horizontal and vertical negatives. All lenses have a variable f-stop for adjusting image brightness. Information: (888) 265-4725, or www.videoptics.com. For more information, circle 275

Primera Technology, Inc. has announced its newest professional-grade CD printer, the SignaturePro CD Color Printer. Any business or organization that performs in-house duplication of CD-Rs or DVD-Rs for data, software distribution, audio, video and archival purposes will benefit from the printer’s fast print speeds and high quality output. Utilizing advanced inkjet technology, Signature Pro delivers the world’s highest resolution—2400 x 1200 dpi, producing 2,880,000 pixels per square inch and opening up new possibilities for disc design. Information: (763) 475-6676, ext. 210, www.primeratechnology.com. For more information, circle 276

The EPSON PhotoPC 3100Z is Epson’s first digital camera to include the recently announced PRINT Image Matching technology. The camera is the successor to the PhotoPC 3000Z and includes several advanced features as well a convenient way to mark pictures for printing with a print button on the back of the camera. It also includes Epson’s HyPict image enhancement technology, which provides users with 2544 x 1904 pixel resolution or 4.8 megapixels. Information: (562) 290-4026, www.epson.com.
For more information, circle 277

The new Kodak DCS 720x combines the highest ISO settings available—400 to 6400 (calibrated to 4000) with two-stop push for exposures at up to 25,600—with a variety of functional improvements. Based on the Nikon F5 camera body, the 2-megapixel DCS 720x features a faster burst rate—4.3 fps—and a greater burst depth—25 images. Shutter response speed has also been improved so that it now rivals that of conventional film cameras. Information: (716) 724-2785, www.kodak.com.

SnapShare™, a complete digital photo studio-in-a-box that allows consumers to shoot and share their photos over the Internet, has been launched by Konica Photo Imaging. SnapShare includes a full complement of easy-to-use, state-of-the-art components, such as a versatile Konica digital camera with MP3 player, audio recorder and PC cam capability, Hewlett-Packard scanner, Corel software, SanDisk memory card, Konica inkjet paper—plus one free month of Internet access from AT&T WorldNet Service. SnapShare is available through the Konica Online Store, www.konicaonlinestore.com. Information: (718) 398-4009, www.konica.com.

Tamron Co. has developed a fourth-generation 28–200mm zoom lens, AO3, that is the most compact, lightweight lens in its class. With a filter size of 62mm, a maximum diameter of 71mm, an overall length of 75.2mm and weight of only 12.5 oz., it’s the world’s smallest and lightest 28-200mm zoom lens available. In addition, the AO3 features: a new optical system employing XR (Extra Refractive Index) glass and complex aspherical elements; a moving triple cam to enable a more compact barrel to accommodate more complex mechanisms; a minimum shooting distance of 49cm and a zoom lock feature for enhanced portability. Information: (631) 858-8409, www.tamron.com.

The new Wobble Wedge Prop Shims are versatile shims for making precise prop adjustments quickly and easily. The shims can be used to level, tilt, lift or stabilize props of any shape or weight to achieve the perfect photo layout or capture the perfect lighting. They can also be used to make quick positioning adjustments of lighting equipment, to slant a table surface or to instantly tighten clamps. The shims are available in black or clear from Calumet (www.calumetphoto.com). Information: (800) 635-4494, www.wobblewedge.com.

TDK has introduced an advanced line of inkjet photo paper with excellent color purity, razor-sharp image detail and superior stability and durability. The paper utilizes a new multi-layer coating technology atop a durable resin-coated backing stock. Key to the paper’s superior image-producing capability is a special Inkset Micro-Porous Coating Layer that ensures maximum ink absorption and minimal paper swelling. The paper is available in two grades: heavyweight Reference (11.8 mil, 305 g/m) and Professional (10.2 mil, 260 g/m). Information: (212) 388-1400, www.tdk.com.

Backdrop Outlet has introduced a new value line of solid color muslin backgrounds in an assortment of colors: jet black, gray, white, red, blue, orange, green, tan, pink, wine, lilac, eggplant and many others. The backgrounds are available in two sizes, 8x16-foot seamless ($69) or 16x16-foot ($139), and include a carry bag and sewn rod pocket for easy hanging. Information: (312) 842-6550, www.
backdropoutlet.com.

Epson America has announced the EPSON Stylus Photo 785EPX inkjet printer. Developed for digital camera owners, the printer delivers convenient photo printing with and without a computer, compatibility with popular digital camera memory cards and Epson’s BorderFree™ photo printing. The 785EPX features up to 2880 x 720 dpi and Epson’s Advanced Micro Piezo™ inkjet technology, a six-color photo ink system, an ultra-wide color range and four-picoliter droplets for continuous skin tone. Information: (562) 290-4026, www.epson.com.

Porter Case has announced a smaller airline carry-on size designed to roll under the seat. The new 1504 ELITE has softer 4” ball bearing wheels, padded 43” triple extension handle, combination lock, the patented rolling tote to cart feature and more. The case is initially available in four models: a Standard ELITE, Computer ELITE, LCD/AV Elite and Foam Elite. Information: (219) 289-2616, www.porter
case.com.

MultiDisc 5’nl™ has been introduced by Photoflex as a reflector system offering translucent and reflective surfaces for studio and on-location photography. Aimed at traditional and digital photography as well as video, the MultiDisc uses Photoflex’s proprietary double-laminated fabric. Reflectors come in gold, soft gold, white, silver and translucent surfaces housed in an easy-to-use zippered and handled carry bag. The new system comes in three sizes: small (22-inch); medium (32-inch) and large (42-inch). Information: (800) 486-2674, (831) 786-1370, www.photoflex.com.

Sinar AG’s Sinarback System is being expanded with the addition of the Sinarback HR. Utilizing the patented double piezo chip that advances the sensor in half-pixel steps with reproducible precision, the resolution of the image is increased for additional sharpness. In combination with the Sinar Macroscan, it can even achieve a resolution of more than 75 million pixels—the highest resolution of a camera with an area sensor. Sinar also introduced its Sinaron Digital HR lenses for greater brilliance and detail rendition. Information: +41 (0)52/647 07 56, www.sinarcameras.com.

Saunders/LPL, distributed solely in the U.S. by the Tiffen Company, has added the VC6700 Variable Contrast/Constant Exposure (VCCE) Enlarger to its 6000 Series, designed mainly for school and college darkroom. The VC6700, calibrated for Ilford Multigrade III RC, Kodak Polymax II RC and compatible papers, delivers the desired level of contrast at any setting without changing exposure time. Tiffen has also developed a series of wide-angle, telephoto and close-up lenses specifically for the newer megapixel digital cameras. The nine new MegaPlus lenses are available in 30mm, 37mm and 43mm. Information: (716) 328-7800, www.tiffen.com.