Tamron USA Press Release

Rapid Shift to Digital SLRs by Bronica’s Core Customer Base Prompts Move to Terminate Bronica Medium Format Business

October 14, 2005, Commack, New York — Tamron USA, Inc. announced today that it has discontinued the production of the Bronica RF645 6x4.5 range finder camera model along with its relevant interchangeable lenses and accessories. The discontinuation of this last Bronica model marks the termination of the Bronica brand business. Bronica withdraws from the medium format camera business after 47 years since its first model, the Zenza Bronica D, was introduced in 1959.

Due to the drastic worldwide shift to digital over the past few years, medium format business has suffered, particularly in the portrait and wedding photography segment, the core customer base for Bronica cameras. “I believe we all understand the issues at hand when it comes to the business of medium format,” stated Kenji Nakagawa, Sales Manager of Tamron headquarters’ Overseas Sales & Marketing Department in Japan. “We have been struggling to find the best possible solution for the medium format camera business under the Bronica brand, but after careful study and the comprehensive consideration of the market situation, we have concluded that there is no other choice but to end this business.”

Minox Press Release

A new service now available: A MINOX laboratory (at Siegen, Germany) copies pixel by pixel onto traditional chemical film

Carsten Chadt explains: “Well maintained traditional film material is known to last for at least a century or two and reproduction is easy.” Loss of data can be caused by many different means. The storage medium ages, they may get damaged or deleted by accident or another unknown and that is today’s standards may not be read by future hardware and software. Therefore, it should be common practice to regularly copy to the latest standards, but in practice this is becoming more and more complex as the number and size of the files grow. The answer is that pixel by pixel and basic colour by basic colour the information of digital photos will be transferred by cathode rays to conventional film material by a newly developed machine. This provides the ability to produce classic photos on demand on photo paper. Also, to the best of our knowledge today, every future scanner will be able to read films or transparencies as they are optical memories.

Yet another sign that film is on its last legs as UK high street retailer Dixons announces that is ending sales of 35mm cameras in its 221 shops. Sales of digital cameras will this year beat those of film cameras by a massive 15 to 1. Dixons may not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of film camera retailers in the UK, but the stats behind the decision are revealing…

“We have decided that the time is now right to take 35mm cameras out of the frame.” In 1989, sales of 35mm cameras peaked at 2.9 million in the UK, but now Dixons says it is an “increasingly niche” market.”

Website: BBC News -  Dixons to end 35mm camera sales

Mamiya 645 AFDII is announced. The Mamiya 645 AFDII 6x4.5cm medium format film camera that accepts digital backs. The new Mamiya 645 AFDII replaces the now discontinued 645AFD. The Mamiya 645 AFDII will be available from September 2005 and will retail at £1872 for the camera body and £2553 for the body, 80mm lens and 120/220 RFH. (Prices exclude VAT).

Mamiya Press Release

We are pleased to introduce the 645AFDII, a successor model of the discontinued 645AFD.

  * Mamiya 645AFDII Body w/Neck Strap
  * Mamiya 645AFDII Body w/AF 80mm f/2.8 Lens & Film Back HM401

The product highlights of our new 645AFDII are …

  * Electronically controlled mirror-up
  * 1/3 or 1/2 f/stop adjustment of aperture and shutter speed
  * Dedicated buttons for multiple exposure and auto-bracket
  * 36 custom setting menus
  * New “l + l” shaped AF sensor (was “l-l” shaped)
  * 2-way (normal or spot) auto-focusing
  * AF lock function
  * 2 or 3 shot auto-bracketing

As if you needed further evidence that film has been surpassed by digital, at least from a marketing point of view, Kodak have announced (well, more like whispered) that they are ending production of their entire black and white paper range. At the same time, the US manufacturer pledged to carry on producing both black and white film and chemicals - how confusing is that?

“Kodak will discontinue the production and sale of black and white photographic papers as part of its worldwide digital growth strategy,” said a company statement. “As the imaging industry transitions from film to digital technologies, demand for B and W paper is declining by 25 percent per year and no longer represents an attractive market for Kodak.”

Website: PDNOnline - Kodak Announces End Of Black And White Paper Production

Website: Fox News - Kodak to Stop Making Black-and-White Paper

Website: Yahoo News - Kodak to Stop Making Black-and-White Paper

Thanks to the several readers who let me know.

The New York Times has an interesting interview with pro photographer David Burnett, who has used film cameras to differentiate his work, with great success.

“Everyone is using the same couple of Canon and Nikon digital cameras and the same three or four lenses,” Mr. Burnett said. “And it isn’t that everyone is using them in exactly the same way, but I started to notice a sameness in the look of most things I was seeing. Don’t get me wrong: I think digital is incredible in a lot of ways. For me, digital has pretty much totally replaced shooting 35-millimeter slides. But as a photojournalist, you’re just trying to get someone turning the pages of the magazine to stop for that extra second before they go on to the jeans ad or whatever. So I started thinking about different looks.”

Website: New York Times - Which Camera Does This Pro Use? It Depends on the Shot

Thanks to Terence Chay for letting me know about the article.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon launches two new fully automatic compact cameras – Sure Shot 115u II Date and Sure Shot 90u II Date

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, continues its commitment towards a complete range of cameras for all consumers with the release of two compact 35mm cameras – the Sure Shot 115u II Date and Sure Shot 90u II Date.  The compact and lightweight Sure Shot 115u II Date and Sure Shot 90u II Date feature high quality Canon lenses with 3x and 2.4x zooms, respectively. With 3 point AiAF, five picture modes to choose from and other fully automatic features, these easy to use cameras ensure users will find it simple to take brilliant shots.

Kyocera announced last week that they were discontinuing production of all Contax branded cameras, including the Contax 645 system. Find out why pro photographer Michael Reichmann believes there may be plenty of mileage left in the Contax brand yet…

“Contax is one of, if not the oldest and most venerable names in photographic history. Carl Zeiss owns the brand name, and Zeiss is very much a going concern. In fact there are few photographers who don’t appreciate, if not actually covet owning and using Zeiss lenses. For Zeiss to abandon the Contax brand and its flagship camera now doesn’t seem like a sensible thing that any company would do, (especially since it was Kyocera who took all the losses in recent years – which of course is why they bailed out). So, assuming that the designs and tooling for the 645 bodies and accessories are available to Zeiss (the lenses of course are), I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the 645 Contax camera either resurrected, or re-released in an updated form in the not too distant future.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - CONTAX 645 R.I.P. or Resurrection?

Hasselblad have just announced price reductions in the UK on all 3 of its camera systems, including the H1 and XPan, with reductions on cameras, lenses, film holders and accessories alike.

Hasselblad Newsletter

Great news for Hasselblad customers… Prices across all 3 systems have been reduced. Due to a re-balancing of Hasselblad pricing around the world, we are pleased to announce dramatic price reductions on Hasselblad equipment in the UK

The classic Hasselblad V System, the most extensive medium format system on the market, is epitomised by the 503CW. This versatile, mechanical camera is now available as a kit at a recommended retail price of just £2145 plus VAT - a massive 31% reduction from the previous price of £3130 plus VAT for the body, lens and magazine! The 503CW will now be less expensive than the 501CM, which was previously our lowest priced 6x6 camera, but which has now been discontinued.

Combined with a film back or used with the Hasselblad V96C digital back the V System remains a force to be reckoned with!

Kyocera Corporation Press Release

Kyocera Corporation (President: Yasuo Nishiguchi, hereafter called “Kyocera”) has decided to terminate CONTAX-branded camera business.

Although Carl Zeiss and Kyocera have entered into a long term co-operation regarding the development, production and sale of CONTAX-branded cameras, Kyocera has decided to terminate such business due to difficulties in catching up with the recent rapid market changes.

Consequently, Kyocera will terminate the shipment of CONTAX-branded cameras, and the exclusive lenses and accessories in September, 2005, except for the CONTAX 645 camera system, the shipment of which to some markets will come to an end in December, 2005.

Kyocera will continue to provide after-sales services to its customers for their CONTAX-branded cameras, and the exclusive lenses and accessories over the maximum period of ten years within the specified time of each model.

Pocket-Lint have published their review of the new Nikon F6 film SLR camera.

“Overall the F6 is as impressive a camera as you are likely to see at the top-end of the market. Make no mistake, this is not the camera for 98% of photographers, the F6 is aimed at the kind of people who already know what the camera does without having to open the manual and can actually use AUTO FP High-speed Sync Capability correctly (it’s a flash thing). It’s not simply enough to flash the plastic for the F6, you must first acquire the knowledge of how to use it. This is how you obtain enlightenment, and very good photographs on the way.”

Website: Pocket-Lint - Nikon F6 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon F6

Write a Review of the Nikon F6

The show floor here at PMA is humming with the news that Leica, the venerable German camera company, are in deep financial straits following a 50% drop in share price and the subsequent termination of credit by their banks. This rumour has now been officially confirmed by the company in the following brief statement on their website:

Following the ad hoc announcement of Leica Camera AG, Solms, of February 17, 2005, stating that the Company expects a loss of half of its registered share capital in March 2005, the banks have partially terminated their credit lines. The remaining lines still cover the current liquidity requirements. The Company’s Board of Management has entered into negotiations with the banks on a solution that will carry the Company until the time of its Extraordinary General Meeting on May 31, 2005, at which capital measures are to be proposed to the shareholders.

What this means for Leica is still unclear. Can they survive in their current guise, or will the famous manufacturer find a buyer and continue to live on another day? Even if they do survive, will digital products like the long-delayed LEICA DIGITAL-MODUL-R ever make it out of the factory? We should know the answer by May 31st.

Kodak Press Release

Kodak Updates Film Portfolio with Enhancements to Consumer and Professional Films

New Enhancements to KODAK MAX Versatility 400-Speed Film and KODAK PROFESSIONAL PORTRA Film Deliver Outstanding Color Quality and Picture Clarity

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 20—Eastman Kodak Company today announced enhancements to its consumer and professional film portfolios. Delivering on primary consumer needs the enhanced KODAK MAX Versatility is now the world’s most versatile 400-speed film available and gives consumers better pictures in a wider variety of lighting conditions. Improved KODAK PROFESSIONAL PORTRA film is now better suited for digital scanning, further enhancing the capabilities of Kodak’s industry-renowned PORTRA film family.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon continues commitment to analogue camera market with the Sure Shot 130u Mark II Date

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the Sure Shot 130u Mark II Date – a fully automatic 35mm lens shutter camera with a 3.4x zoom lens. Lightweight and compact, the camera features 3-point AiAF with a high AF speed, and a Light Guide zoom flash. With six shooting modes, a signal beeper and five custom functions, the Sure Shot 130u Mark II Date is designed for ease of use and versatility.

Olympus Superzoom 80s film camera is introduced. The Superzoom 80s has a 2x zoom lens (38-80mm), active-type autofocus system and programmed electronic shutter. The Olympus SUPERZOOM 80S will cost £44.99 and be available in March (called the Infinity 80 QD in the USA).

Olympus Press Release

A Classical Example of Olympus’ Film Excellence

The Olympus SUPERZOOM 80S

LONDON 17th February 2005

Despite the digital camera market continuing to grow in popularity many photographers still favour film cameras to capture those precious moments.  The new Olympus SUPERZOOM 80S is brought to you from Europe’s market leader in analogue photography and manufactured in the renowned Olympus tradition of elegant and compact camera design.

Fujicolor Pro 160S and Pro 160C colour films. “Fujicolor Pro 160S and 160C are films for the digital age and are representative of Fujifilm’s continued commitment to professional photographers, whether they prefer to shoot in the digital or film mediums,” said Steve Herstatt, Marketing Director.

Fujifilm Press Release

FUJIFILM HIGHLIGHTS NEW GENERATION OF PROFESSIONAL COLOR NEGATIVE FILM

FUJICOLOR PRO 160S and PRO 160C Seamlessly Integrate with Professionals’ Digital Workflow

Valhalla, NY, February 8, 2005 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., a leading provider of digital imaging products and services, is featuring two medium-speed color negative films for professional use - Fujicolor Pro 160S and Pro 160C - at the 2005 Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Trade Show. With smooth skin tone rendition, unprecedented neutral gray balance, exceptionally fine grain, and wide exposure latitude, these two new films represent the leading edge of Fujifilm’s color negative film technology. They were designed to be optimized for digital scanning and printing systems, resulting in a smooth hybrid film/digital workflow.

Fujichrome Velvia 100 Professional - a new higher-speed version of the incredibly popular Velvia 50 colour transparency film from Fujifilm. First announced last year, Fujifilm will be showcasing Fujichrome Velvia 100 Professional at the PMA Show in Orlando next week.

Fujifilm USA Press Release

FUJIFILM INTRODUCES FUJICHROME VELVIA 100 PROFESSIONAL

Successor to Velvia 50 Offers Higher Speed and Finer Grain

Valhalla, NY, February 8, 2005 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is introducing new Fujichrome Velvia 100 Professional color transparency film at the PMA 2005 Annual Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, FL. Velvia 100 employs new technologies to deliver finer grain and twice the speed while offering the color saturation and palette that have made Velvia 50 the film of choice for leading landscape and nature photographers.

“Fujichrome Velvia 50 was the first high color saturation, high contrast transparency E-6 compatible film when it was introduced in 1990, and it has been a favorite among photographers ever since,” said Steve Herstatt, Marketing Director, Professional Film, Imaging Group, Fujifilm USA. “In new Velvia 100, using its vast emulsion experience and knowledge, Fujifilm has applied updated technology to develop an improved product that is truly a worthy successor to the original. The new generation Velvia 100 not only will appeal to photographers demanding the color saturation standard that Velvia 50 created, but will also provide state of the art technology that fits in perfectly with the complete Fujichrome Professional line.”

Fujicolor True Definition 400 35mm Film has been announced by Fujifilm, featuring Fujifilm’s New Fine-Color Film Technology, which provides natural skin tones, wide latitude, soft gradation and high speed. Available from March in a 3x 24 exposure pack.

Fujifilm USA Press Release

FUJIFILM INTRODUCES FUJICOLOR TRUE DEFINITION 400 FILM

New Premium 35mm Film Delivers Enhanced Performance

Valhalla, NY, February 8, 2005 - Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is introducing new Fujicolor True Definition 400 35mm film at the PMA 2005 Annual Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, FL. True Definition 400 is a premium ISO 400 35mm color print film featuring Fujifilm’s New Fine-Color Film Technology that delivers extremely accurate color and skin tone reproduction, wide exposure latitude and precise detail for exceptional prints.

“Our research indicates that, despite the growth of digital imaging, there are many consumers who are devoted to the convenience and quality of film,” said Jim Riekert, Senior Product Manager, Consumer Film and Optical Cameras, Photo Capture Division, Fujifilm USA. “These consumers know that they can enjoy the benefits of both film and digital imaging by outputting their photos as prints as well as to a CD and they are looking for the highest image quality. Fujifilm’s True Definition 400 film is designed to meet their needs.”

Lomography Fisheye film camera announced. Lomo have just announced a new addition to their line-up of wacky film cameras. As the name suggests, the new Lomography Fisheye gives a unique fisheye perspective on the world.

Thanks to Siim teller for letting me know - visit his site at http://spotphoto.blogspot.com/ for more details.

Lomography Press Release

The Fisheye View - How Goldfish and Lomographers See, Experience and Live Life

Lomographers love everything that gets their eyes going and keeps them on their ocular toes, so to speak: the most varied of commonplace and exceptional atmospheres, colours, people and animals in all possible and impossible situations, action, distortion, shifts, deformation and reversals. They simply can’t get enough of all the stuff that expands their visual horizon.

On the lookout for a new genuine kick for our thirsty little eyes, we’ve delved differently, totally fresh, into the topic of seeing, and explored fish’s eyes and the way they see in unfamiliar surroundings - on land, in the fresh air. We concentrated our research on all those goldfish, little ones and big ones, that observe our world out of their aquariums, in homes, in bars, offices, restaurants, shop windows, zoos and other public aquariums, on camp sites etc. Looking out at the world of people, dung beetles and dromedaries! We focused in particular on the optical dimensions of these goldfish’s existence.

Sigma announces the EM-140 DG electronic macro flash, fully dedicated with new TTL flash control systems of all popular camera manufacturers.

Sigma Press Release

ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG is designed to work with both AF 35mm film and Digital SLR cameras of all the popular manufactures. The EM-140 DG Flash is ideal for photographing subjects in fine detail when the shadowless mode is used and is extremely effective for scientific and medical applications. Dual flash tubes can fire simultaneously or separately. Using only one flashtube creates shadow, which can give a three-dimensional feeling to the subject. The flash features a guide number of 14 w/ISO 100.