Concord Camera Press Release 27/09/04

CONCORD CAMERA CORP. UNVEILS POLAROID SPLASH II 2-IN-1 LAND & UNDERWATER 35MM CAMERA

Snaps Photos at 65 Feet Underwater for Scuba & Snorkeling Photography
Ultimate Vacation Camera for Land & Sea Adventure

Hollywood, Florida, September 27, 2004 - Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”)  (Nasdaq:LENS) today announced the Polaroid Splash II new fully-automatic, waterproof 35mm camera.  Based on the popular Polaroid Splash, the Polaroid Splash II is the ultimate camera for active lifestyles—perfect for sports, scuba, and beach vacations. 

The Polaroid Splash II features a removable waterproof housing for underwater photography up to a depth of 65 feet (20 meters).  The housing can easily be removed for land-use as a normal 35mm compact camera and includes a large external viewfinder so that pictures can be easily framed even while wearing bulky equipment, such as a snorkeling mask or other gear.  A fully automatic camera, the Polaroid Splash II features auto flash, auto film load, auto advance and rewind to make picture-taking a snap.  The camera also includes an auto power off feature to help conserve battery life, as well as a 27mm, 2 element high-quality optical lens and auto flash for optimal picture quality and lighting for easy underwater photography ? all delivered at an affordable suggested retail price of $24.99.

A stylish and rugged camera, the Polaroid Splash II features a metallic silver body encased in a clear waterproof housing accented with a blue grip for a sporty look.  The Polaroid Splash II waterproof 35mm camera is expected to be available the first quarter of 2005.  It comes complete with the camera, waterproof housing, sports strap, and pouch for a suggested retail price of $24.99.  For more information, see the Concord Camera Corp. web site: www.concord-camera.com.

Zeiss Ikon Press Release 28/09/04

Back with Passion: Carl Zeiss Redefines Range-finding Cameras

Carl Zeiss will present a new range-finder camera under the “Zeiss Ikon” brand at Photokina 2004.

Oberkochen/Cologne, Germany - September 28, 2004 - “Zeiss Ikon” is the name given to the newly designed, film-based range-finder camera introduced by Carl Zeiss at Photokina 2004 (Cologne, Sept. 28 - Oct. 3, 2004). It is not without reason that this name recalls the heyday of the German photo industry. A well-thought out camera system constructed to redefine range-finding cameras is behind the name. The original design indicates that Carl Zeiss succeeded. However, it is the ease of use and the many precision aspects of the camera, as well as the performance of the lens, that emphasize this claim.

We always keep the photographer in focus
Dr. Winfried Scherle, head of the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss AG substantiates the claim: “The idea of the Zeiss Ikon camera is based on a philosophy that focuses on photographers and all their creativity when designing pictures. We extensively analyzed the leading range-finder cameras, looked for and found aspects in need of improvement.”

Hasselblad Press Release 28/09/04

9/28/2004 Carl Zeiss has introduced a new 35 mm rangefinder camera system named Zeiss Ikon. The system uses M bayonet type lenses and will initially consist of body, 7 lens types and accessories. The body and 3 lens types will be available from spring 2005.

Hasselblad will be the worldwide distributor of the Zeiss Ikon system outside of Japan.

The UK camera shop Grays of Westminster have published a review of the new Nikon F6 film SLR by Simon Stafford.

“Whatever the case many Nikon devotees consider the F5 as representing the pinnacle of film camera design so how does the new camera compare? Well, based on my first impressions, I would suggest it raises the bar even higher, and by a significant amount. To date I have had the privilege of trying out a pre-production camera for a few weeks, which has given me a strong flavour of what the F6 is capable of achieving but even at this late stage in its development Nikon have been tweaking its specification, so the list of features below is not comprehensive. I will, of course, be reviewing a full production model as soon as possible.”

Thanks to Giallauk for sending me the link :-)

Website: Simon Stafford - Nikon F6 Review

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the F6, the latest of the legendary F series cameras. The F6 is the sixth in the F series lineup, inaugurated with the Nikon F in 1959. The series evolved gradually, with the original Nikon F being supervened by the F2 (1971), F3 (1980), F4 (1988) and the critically acclaimed F5 in 1996. Each of these cameras inherits select elements from its predecessors, including the legendary Nikon F mount, while offering the latest innovations to meet the increasingly diversified needs of professional photographers. A great number of Nikon F series cameras and Nikkor lenses are being put to the test day after day in various locations around the world - years, even decades, after their initial launch. The new Nikon F6 promises to uphold Nikon?s tradition of innovation and enduring value.

The F6 includes the latest Nikon advances, such as the 11-area AF system for exceptionally high-speed autofocus operation with outstanding accuracy, and the Creative Lighting System for incomparable flash photography. And Nikon?s proprietary 3D Color Matrix Metering system has been refined for improved accuracy in scene reading.

I reported a couple of weeks ago that Ilford UK had gone into receivership, citing “the decline in the black and white photography market” as the main reason for its losses. Whilst Ilford’s inkjet digital business, which is based in Switzerland, was unaffected, it seems that Ilford UK’s demise had a knock-on effect, as Ilford Germany has also closed its doors.

Despite this news, there does seem to be some cause for hope, as Ilford Germany has released a press statement on its website, which according to the website PhotoScala says “But after a first examination at the figures for Germany and UK it is certain, says Ilford Germany, that Ilford’s products will exist further on. It is planned to carry on with the production of black-and-white films and papers as well as with ink-jet papers.” and “But customers should assume that there will be some tightening in Ilford’s product range. What will remain and what will be abandoned is unsure at the moment.”.

So mixed news for all the film-lovers out there, which I guess is better than plain old bad news.

Website: Ilford Germany

Website: PhotoScala - Ilford: It’s going on

Leica Press Release 27/08/04

The LEICA CM ZOOM is a high-quality compact camera for silver halide films from Leica Camera AG, Solms. Sporting a robust titanium body, the camera has a brilliant lens for exceptional optical performance. With a focal length range of 35 to 70 mm, the LEICA VARIO-ELMAR f/3.5-6.5/35-70mm offers photographers many possibilities of image composition, such as for selecting subject coverage in portrait photography or for landscapes. The many manual setting options give the imaginative powers of the photographer full scope. The LEICA CM ZOOM is made of high-quality materials and is assembled in Germany. As a long-life product, the compact camera is a companion you can rely on for capturing those unique photographic moments. Whether family celebrations, holidays, leisure time - the superb photos taken with the LEICA CM ZOOM are personal mementos to treasure.

A very sad day for Ilford, as the UK-based supplier of traditional photographic materials has been forced to go into adminstration. The entire business could now be sold as a going concern by the appointed adminstrator, Grant Thornton.

Grant Thornton said: “Although growth and profitability in its digital inkjet business has continued to accelerate, the decline in the black and white photography market, in which Ilford Imaging has a major share, has continued. This, combined with the weakness of the dollar and major de-stocking, has led to losses.”

Ilford’s inkjet digital business, which is based in Switzerland, has been unaffected and will continue to trade normally. Ilford Imaging was founded in 1879 and is the world’s leading supplier of dyes for inkjet photo printers and is the second-largest manufacturer of inkjet photo paper.

So potentially another loss for the film market, after the announcement last week that Agfa were withdrawing from the photography business.

Website: The Telegraph - Ilford Imaging reaches the final frame

Website: The Guardian - Digital revolution threatens Ilford jobs

Agfa has decided to sell its consumer imaging business, which includes film, finishing products and lab equipment, in a management buy-out for 175.5 million Euros. A new company, called AgfaPhoto, has been born, which will continue to serve all of Agfa’s consumer imaging markets and customers worldwide. So it’s not the end of film, more the end of Agfa as a provider of film-based photographic services.

Website: Agfa Press Release

Editor’s Note: This camera will be known as the EOS Rebel T2 in the USA.

Canon UK Press Release 19/08/04

Canon upgrades Europe?s best selling analogue SLR
 
Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces its latest analogue SLR camera, the EOS 300X. Replacing the popular EOS 300V, the EOS 300X produces the fastest AF speed in its class with 7-point wide area AF, while 2.5fps in AI SERVO AF mode gives the camera class-leading predictive focus speed. The camera can fire off up to 3fps in One Shot AF mode and Flash metering is upgraded to Canon?s new distance linked E-TTL II system. The camera will sell as body only, or as a kit with the new Canon EF 28-90mm f/4-5.6 III, which is compatible with the E-TTL II flash metering.

Shutter speed is increased and now extends from 30 sec to 1/4000 sec, with flash synchronisation at 1/125 sec. AF points can be manually selected with new ergonomic cross keys, which fall under the fingers for intuitive, one hand operation. The more compact body has an improved ergonomic design and features a luxuriant dark metallic finish and a rubber skin on the grip. A large 30 x 30 mm illuminated LCD shows all key camera controls at a glance, while the durable body features a rugged metal lens mount. Extremely quiet shutter release and motor wind makes the camera suited for shooting in situations where discretion is required.

Canon UK Press Release 19/08/04

Canon’s flagship compact film camera now has 4.7x zoom

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the 35mm Canon Sure Shot 180u Date compact camera with a 4.7x zoom lens. The Sure Shot 180u Date is amongst the smallest compact zoom cameras in its class. A chic blast-finish aluminium alloy cover and extensive use of metal components complete the camera’s stylish design, which includes a large rear LCD for fast, easy viewing of key camera controls. Incorporated are a retractable 38-180mm f/5.6-12.9 zoom lens, full compliment of six Programmed Image Control (PIC) modes and a zoom-coupled passive 7-point auto focus. A compact Light Guide zoom flash provides the Sure Shot 180u Date with a long flash range of 2.2 metres and the camera can be triggered remotely via an optional controller RC-5. A date function allows date and time recording to photographs.

Konica Minolta Press Release 16/08/04

Konica Minolta’s DYNAX 60 awarded the “European SLR Camera of the Year 2004-2005” and the “European Photo Innovation of the Year 2004-2005” for Konica Minolta’s AntiShake Technology.

Unterföhring, August 2004 - Konica Minolta Co., Ltd. is proud to announce that the DYNAX 60, a 35mm auto focus SLR, has received the European SLR Camera of the Year 2004-2005 award and the Konica Minolta’s AntiShake Technology the European Photo Innovation of the Year 2004-2005” from the EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association).

Dynax 60 - The SLR choice for families and enthusiasts alike
The Dynax 60 is a camera that offers sharp and clear images in the world of visual arts. It offers features like Wide Center-Cross 9-Point AF Sensor for increased focusing confidence, Multi-dimensional Predictive Focus Control for moving subjects, Direct Manual Focus for fine-tuning focusing, and a continuous advance speed of 3 frames per second. All features are accessible to beginners as well as photography veterans, so everyone can shoot like a pro. And in terms of price, functionality, quality, and reliability, nothing can touch the new Dynax 60 from Konica Minolta.

The EISA stated that “Konica Minolta Dynax 60 is the ideal synthesis of attractive price and generous equipment. Apart from its high-quality, compact body, the Dynax 60 is impressive primarily for its speed and precision in use. The proprietary wide nine-point AF with a central cross sensor and multi-dimensional predictive focus control guarantees very good focusing even on moving subjects. The Dynax 60 permits manual override of the focusing system by DMF (Direct Manual Focus) on Konica Minolta D-Series lenses. Fast continuous advance speed, intelligent ADI flash metering and 14 custom functions make the Dynax 60 a perfect choice for all engaged amateur photographers with 35mm film.”

Sigma has today announced the availability of two new flash guns, the EF-500 DG ST and the EF-500 DG Super (pictured).

Full details can be found at the following URLs:

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/flash/flash_500st.html

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/flash/flash_500super.html

According to the website PhotoScala, Mamiya are releasing a digital version of its popular professional medium format camera, the RZ67 Pro. The new model, called the RZ67 Pro IID, features a MSCE (Mamiya Serial Communication for Exchange) connection to allow any MSCE compatible digital back to be used with the camera. The RZ-67 Pro IID will be available in August, costing around ?1300 / 2000 Euros.

Thanks to Giallauk for sending me the link :-)

Website: PhotoScala - Mamiya RZ67 Pro IID

Photo.net have published 33 interesting facts in a new article about colour film processing:

“Fact: Freezing or refrigeration slows down all chemical changes in unexposed or exposed film. This means that curve shape and speeds among other properties remain close to when you bought the film. Fog continues to rise due to cosmic or ambient radiation. Heat induced fog is slowed down or virtually stopped depending on temperature. This varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and from film to film. Negative films seem to survive better, because the fog can be ‘printed through’. In practice, though, no film keeps forever.”

Website: Photo.net - Color processing myths dispelled

Fazal Majid has posted a useful look at loupes on his weblog, inclduing models from Peak, Contax and Schneider.

“Loupes (French for “magnifying glass) are high-quality magnifiers, originally used to help focus images on a ground glass, and later to view slides or negatives on a light table. You can find them in all shapes and sizes, at prices from $15 for a cheap plastic model, all the way to over $300 for a Zeiss loupe for viewing 6x6 medium format slides. Slides viewed on a light table with a high-quality loupe are a treat for the eyes, because of the high contrast (1000:1) that you cannot get with prints (more like 100:1).”

Website: Going all loopy about loupes

Kodak this week announced bigger than expected job losses as a direct response to a more rapid decline in sales of its film products. Initial predictions were for a 7 to 9 % drop worldwide in the company’s film sales. There will actually be a 10 percent to 12 % drop this year, causing Kodak to cut 3,500 to 4,000 jobs, rather than the 2,500 to 3,500 jobs that it predicted back in January. It’s not all bad news for Kodak, however, as its profits actually rose to $154 million in the second quarter of this financial year, up from $112 million a year ago. Purchases of Kodak digital cameras, self-service printing machines and accessories doubled, with PictureMaker kiosks proving especially popular (found via DPReview).

Website: Democrat and Chronicle - Digital fires up Kodak’s profit

Bob Atkins has published a comprehensive test of teleconvertors, which are are optical devices which when attached to the rear of a lens increase the effective focal length. Are they a relatively cheap and effective way of adding focal length? Bob has the answer.

“So how well do they work. Well here are a series of test images that might give you some idea. I used a Tamron 1.4x TC with three different lenses/. First a Canon EF75-300/4-5.6IS, representative of a consumer grade telephoto zoom, second a Canon EF28-135IS, representative of a reasonably good consumer grade mid-range zoom, third a Canon EF300/4L, representative of an excellent “L” series prime lens and fourth, a Canon EF50/1.8 representative of an inexpensive consumer grade prime lens.”

Website: Bob Atkins - Teleconverters - Are they useful?

Steve’s Digicams have taken a break from reviewing digital cameras by taking a look at the Zenon MagneFlash 68Plus flash unit. This is a flat-panel electronic flash unit for use with digital or film cameras. It’s a self-contained, slave-activated flash unit with a 6 x 8 inch metal-backed optical panel that’s only 1/8th of an inch thick. The MagneFlash can also be triggered directly via wired connection from the camera’s PC sync port or flash hot shoe.

“I fell in love the MagneFlash 57 and only wished that it had greater range for portrait work. Apparently I was not the only one that wanted to see a BIGGER version of this incredibly versatile flash unit. The Zenon folks answered our request with the new MagneFlash 68 and its 6 x 8-inch illumination panel and three adjustable output light channels. Using two or more of these flashes it’s now possible to produce studio-quality diffused lighting for portrait work at five or more feet away from the subject. And believe me, they’re a lot easier to move around than big studio strobes and softbox frames.”

Website: Steve’s Digicams - Zenon MagneFlash 68Plus Review

FujiFilm Japan have just announced a new transparency film that is even more saturated than the immensely popular Velvia emulsion! The webpage linked to below is in Japanese, but there are a few example shots that clearly show how saturated the new ISO 50 Fortia is compared to Velvia 100.

Website: FujiFilm Fortia