Back in August last year I reported that Ilford UK had gone into receivership, citing “the decline in the black and white photography market” as the main reason for its losses. It seems that Ilford UK will now survive after all, according to an interview over on Photoscala.

“Actually, there are two buyers interested in Ilford UK; a final decision is expected these days (end of this week). It seems to be sure, though, that Ilford’s black-and-white materials will be produced and be available further on: That’s for sure; that’s absolutely certain“ said Günther Neugebauer”

Ilford Germany will only exist until February 28th, 2005.

Website: PhotoScala - Ilford UK will survive

Professional photographer and Nikon user Moose Peterson has published a detailed review of the new Nikon F6 film SLR camera (found via digicamera.net).

“The F6 has a whole lot more to offer the wildlife photographer. This user report is from just one month of shooting with the F6. It was long enough and the results beautiful enough to impress the heck out of me. It makes me wish that the F6 was around when I was shooting film because it would have made capturing images possible that otherwise I missed. That’s really the true mark of an excellent piece of gear.”

Website: Moose Peterson - Nikon F6 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon F6

Write a Review of the Nikon F6

Rollei Press Release

January 2005

Digital Super Bundle from Rollei

Ever since the dawn of the digital era, Rollei 6000 Series cameras have neatly blended in with the digital workflow thanks to the option of simply exchanging their film magazine (and this without losing a single picture due to their laminar drawslide) for a digital back.

A development that started over 10 years ago with the Chip Back and the Scan Back has been consistently pursued and now culminates in a unique bundle offer. To meet the requirements of extremely discriminating digital photographers, Rollei are offering the Rolleiflex 6008 AF with a db20p digital back – an outfit that covers the entire spectrum from studio work to architectural and landscape photography because it benefits from the extensive line of Rollei-6000 lenses.

Nikon Japan have quietly introduced a brand new, limited edition version of the classic film-based rangefinder camera, the Nikon SP, which is aimed at the professional photographer, along with a Nikkor 3.5cm F/1.8 lens. I think the price may be 690,000 YEN - not too sure about that though…Apparently, “Even among historical masterpieces such as the Nikon F, and high-class models like the Nikon F4 and F5, it is apparent that the camera most worthy of recognition as the “Best of Nikon” is the Nikon SP.” (quote from Nikon Web Magazine).

Thanks to Giallauk for sending me the link!

Website: Nikon Japan - Nikon SP Rangefinder Camera

Fujifilm Press Release

Fujifilm Professional will use Focus-on-Imaging to showcase their two new medium-speed colour negative films - Fujicolor Pro 160S and Pro 160C. This is the first chance for UK photographers to see sample images taken on the new films.

Both films feature smoother skin tone rendition, unprecedented neutral grey balance, exceptionally fine grain, and wide exposure latitude. They represent the leading edge of Fujifilm’s colour negative film technology. Both have been optimised for digital scanning, and give excellent performance when used for digitally printed portraiture.

Another new calendar year, another new article about the demise of film and the triumph of digital. This one is a little different, however, as it points out that many photographers are continuing to use film.

“At night, when the shooting is done,” he said, “I come back and I have loads of film. I put it away. I say, let’s go walk around. They say, no, we’re going back to the motel, and we’re downloading our images onto our laptop. ... I’m out there communing with nature and these guys are playing with zeroes and ones.”

So what are you currently using in 2005 - a film or digital camera?

Website: ColumbiaChronicle.com - Digital photography lightens up darkrooms

PhotoScala are reporting that Kyocera Japan will be discontinuing some of its 35mm film cameras and lenses. The affected cameras are: 35mm SLRs Contax RX2, Aria, Aria-D, and 35mm view finder cameras T3 and TVS III. The affected lenses are Distagon 2.8/16mm, 2.8/25mm, 1.4/35mm, 2.8/35mm and the Macro Planar 2.8/60mm.

Website: Photoscala - Kyocera to reduce analogue Contax model range

Oleg Novikov has published a detailed review of the new Nikon F6 film SLR (found via digicamera.net).

“The F6 is rather evolutionary than revolutionary. To cut a long story short, it brings to perfection almost all* the things which, on the one hand, are not entirely crucial if compared with the F5 and the F100, yet, on the other hand, do bother you in the F6’s predecessors every now and then. It is like you have a wife you love and are almost perfectly happy with but, just at times, you kind of think, if only she smiled more and talked less… paradise on earth… you get the picture.”

Website: Oleg Novikov - Nikon F6 Review

Thom Hogan has published a detailed review of the new Nikon F6 film SLR.

“Let’s start with the changes on the “film” side. This is Nikon’s top-level film camera, so it has Nikon’s top-level film transport and shutter. I don’t see much that’s different from the F5 in the F6’s transport mechanism, though I’m sure that there are many small differences in some of the internal parts. Essentially the multi-gear pull is still there, as are the subtle things that the F5 did to keep film flat and steady through the gate at high frame rates (again 8 fps with the extended grip and lithium-ion battery, 5 fps with the regular batteries). Film in the F6 engages the same way, and at the same point in the chamber, as the F5. I haven’t run many rolls through my F6 yet, but those that I have run as smoothly as did my F5.”

Website: Thom Hogan - Nikon F6 Review

Not to be mistaken for the RD-1 from Epson, the unique R-1 film camera from inventor Clifford Ross is capable of taking photos that have “100 times as much data as the average professional digital camera” using film negatives. Ross’s camera is capable of resolving amazing levels of detail - apparently a tree on a ridge four miles away is sharply focused.

“The camera, called the R-1 (R for Ross), looks oddly rigged, like something out of Dr. Seuss, and almost like an antique viewfinder camera on legs. In fact, Ross pulls a cloth over his head and the back of his contraption when he takes a picture. But with this camera that he concocted out of 60-year-old camera parts, mirrors, a microscope and other items—none of them digital—Ross has taken photographs on 9-by-18-inch negatives that when slowly processed by hand and digitally scanned contain 100 times as much data as the average professional digital camera.”

Website: CNET News - Tom Swift’s new camera, ready for space and spies

Ilford appear to be alive and well, judging by the fact that they are giving away a free 2005 calendar featuring iconic shots of Marilyn Monroe. The only small catch is that you have to print it yourself…

Website: Free Ilford 2005 Calendar

AgfaPhoto Press Release 03/11/04

Transfer from the Agfa-Gevaert group concluded as planned

Leverkusen, 3rd November 2004 - AgfaPhoto, the new independent company in the world of digital and analog photography, has started its worldwide business operations as planned at the beginning of November 2004. This concludes the transfer of the previous Consumer Imaging (CI) business group of the Agfa-Gevaert group to an independent company with new owners. The turnover of the CI business group last year amounted to ? 870 million. The new company will continue with the previous business units Film/Consumer Products, Finishing and Lab Equipment and further develop them.

AgfaPhoto has taken over the complete assets of the old Agfa CI business group, including all production plant, patents and technological know-how, inventory and accounts receivable, etc.

Another blow for the film industry as Fuji announces plans to discontinue its range of medium format cameras, hot on the heels of Tamron’s recent decision to end production of Bronica cameras.

“While confirming that the company has stopped manufacturing medium format bodies, Linney said that Fujifilm is still making accessories for the GX617 and GX680 and still has stock of these models available for retail.

He added: ‘The factory in Japan can still manufacture these models if there is a large enough order.’

He was keen, however, to state that the company will be able to deal with reburbishes of all models saying: ‘We have been led to believe by Japan that they will service the medium format range and make repairs’, adding that this may continue for seven to 10 years.”

Website: BJP - Fujifilm’s medium exit

Popular Photography have published a review of the HORIZON S3pro rotating-lens, panoramic 35mm camera that was announced just a couple of days ago.

“We found the Horizon S3 Pro to be a delightful camera for shooting panoramic scenics and general street photography. It is a reasonably good buy at $575. However, a new Horizon 202 (noisier shutter with speeds 1/2?1/250 sec) goes for $385. And the Horizon 202S, which has a quiet shutter like the S3 with speeds of 1/2?1/500 sec, costs $525. If street photography is your thing, go for the 202S with faster top shutter speed. For scenics, go with the S3 Pro. True panoramic photography is cool - and addictive - so don’t say we didn’t warn you.”

Website: Popular Photography - HORIZON S3pro Review

Zenit Press Release 26/10/04

JSC “Krasnogorsky zavod” has started a serial production of the new “HORIZON S3pro” panoramic camera. This camera will be on the market at the beginning of March, 2004.
“HORIZON S3pro” panoramic camera opens new horizons before you. There are landscapes, indoor scenes, sport events, architecture, reports of an absolutely another size. Using the 35mm standard film you are taking pictures of everything in your view without losses. It’s the amazing opportunity for an experiment.

Do you have a cupboard full of old manual Canon lenses that you want to try using with a newer autfocus EOS body? Don’t know if it will work or not? Bob Atkins has the answers:

“Clearly using a manual focus lens is inconvenient, but sometimes it can be worth it if the equivalent EOS lens is expensive, if you shoot mostly static subjects and if you don’t use the lens very often.

Most EOS bodies will give quite good exposure when using many manual focus lenses, but some lenses may need exposure compensation set on the EOS body. The only way to tell is to take some test shots and evaluate the results. Operation in manual or Exposure Priority (Av) mode is possible, but not in any program mode or in Shutter Priority (Tv).”

Website: Bob Atkins - Using Manual Focus Lenses on Canon EOS Bodies

Fujifilm Press Release 15/10/04

Fujifilm introduce next generation of professional colour negative films
 
Fujifilm have announced the forthcoming release of Fujicolor Pro 160S and Pro 160C - two medium-speed colour negative films for professional use.

The films feature smoother skin tone rendition, unprecedented neutral grey balance, exceptionally fine grain, and wide exposure latitude. They represent the leading edge of Fujifilm’s colour negative film technology. Both have been optimised for digital scanning, and give excellent performance when used for digitally printed portraiture.

Combining smooth, gentle tonality with superbly natural colour reproduction, Fujicolor Pro 160S is ideal for wedding, portrait, and fashion photography. Fujicolor Pro 160C meanwhile offers higher contrast and more vivid colour, making it suitable for a wide range of assignments from portraiture and commercial work to architecture.

Simultaneously, with the release of Fujicolor Pro 160S and Pro 160C, Fujifilm’s highspeed colour negative films will receive new names and package designs as part of a complete “Fujicolor Pro” line. The current NPH 400 will become Fujicolor Pro 400H, while NPZ 800 will be rebadged as Fujicolor Pro 800Z. All four products in this line are designed to combine the maximum benefits and quality of film with optimal suitability for digital technology.

Rollei Press Release

Rollei R3 - Monochrome Film in Rollei Quality

photokina 2004

Rollei R3- Monochrome Film in Rollei Quality

Rollei present themselves as “The new Rollei” offering an impressive line of digital cameras and attractive new products all around bits and bytes. However, they have not lost sight of the company’s tradition. Proof of this are, among other things, twin-lens reflex cameras such as the Rolleiflex 4.0 FW, going back to the type of camera that made Rollei world-famous.

Not going back to Rollei’s own tradition, but to the tradition of photography is a new line of products which Rollei present at the 2004 photokina: Exclusive high-end monochrome film designed to attract attention in a world flooded with color.

The new Rollei R3 film will be available in all sizes, from 35mm to 120 roll film and 8x10” sheet film. Both professionals and discriminating amateurs will find it ideal for optimum tonal control and images with perfectly rendered, subtle tones of gray.

Film speed is variable from ISO 25 to ISO 6400, allowing the material to be used in practically any light. This is made possible by a multilayer design with cubic silver-halide crystals of different size embedded in the various layers. Spectral sensitivity also covers a wide range from orthochromatic to panchromatic right into the infrared.

Tamron Co., Ltd. Press Release 01/10/04

TAMRON ANNOUNCES THE DISCONTINUATION OF BRONICA SLR CAMERAS

SALES DECLINE IN THE DIGITAL AGE FUELS THE DISCONTINUATION OF BRONICA MEDIUM FORMAT SLR PRODUCTS

Commack, New York, October 1, 2004 - Mr. Morio Ono, president of Tamron Co., Ltd., Ohmiya, Japan and Mr. Takashi Inoue, president of Tamron USA, Inc. announced the worldwide discontinuation of Bronica SLR cameras and accessories as of October 31, 2004. The Bronica RF645 Medium Format Rangefinder will continue to be distributed globally and Tamron USA, Inc. will offer the current rebates on that product line through 6/30/05.

“Since the advent of digital photography, medium format sales have declined at a rapid pace. Imports today are just a fraction of what they were even two years ago,” stated Inoue. “For Bronica, that slip has been faster since our core customer base, portrait and wedding photographers, has adapted well to digital SLR equipment.”

“These photographers are now providing customers with a quality and cost-efficient product that has virtually eliminated their need for the higher quality results that medium format film or digital backs can provide,” added Stacie Errera, Chief Marketing Officer. “While some customers are faithful to the format, the current sales volume and devastating purchasing forecasts cannot sustain the production of Bronica SLR products.”

.

Concord Camera Press Release 27/09/04

CONCORD CAMERA CORP. ANNOUNCES THE POLAROID 345AF FILM CAMERA WITH MORE FEATURES FOR THE MONEY

Priced at only $17.99, the compact & stylish Polaroid 345AF includes many features normally found in more expensive cameras providing consumers an affordable solution to achieve great pictures

Cologne, Germany, September 27, 2004 - Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”)  (Nasdaq:LENS), a leading provider of popular image capture solutions, today announced at Photokina the Polaroid 345AF, a new auto focus, fully-automatic, 35mm camera.  The Polaroid 345AF is compact, fitting easily into a pocket, purse or tote bag, providing “on?the-go” convenience while delivering sharp worry-free pictures.

The Polaroid 345AF’s auto focus feature and 3 element lens together are an optimal combination allowing even a novice to simply achieve great pictures.  The ideal camera for kids and vacation use, the Polaroid 345AF features a motorized film advance and rewind, making picture taking easy.  With its auto flash setting users never have to worry about forgetting to turn on the flash, ensuring that pictures will always turn out bright and vibrant.  The Polaroid 345AF also has an easy to use flash on and flash off setting, making it more flexible to adapt to changes in lighting conditions. 

The Polaroid 345AF also is equipped with an efficient auto power off feature to help conserve battery life, and a red eye reduction feature to achieve great red eye free pictures.

The Polaroid 345AF 35mm auto focus camera is expected to be available in the first quarter of calendar year 2005 at a suggested retail price of $17.99.  For more information see the Concord Camera Corp. web site: www.concord-camera.com.