Konica Minolta Press Release 08/01/04

New Dynax 40 perfect results every time

Langenhagen, January 8th, 2004

Konica Minolta has accomplished what everyone said couldn’t be done-combined the high image quality of SLR photography with unbeatable cost performance. Introducing the Minolta Dynax 40.

Ideal for those family pictures when everything has to be perfect and crystal-clear, the Dynax 40 is an easy-to-use SLR camera with unbeatable cost performance. The natural successor to the best-selling previous models, the Dynax 40 continues Minolta’s tradition of high-image-quality SLR photography.

After admiring the striking design, users of all levels with appreciate features like Wide 3-Point AF System for increased focusing confidence, Predictive Focus Control for moving subjects, Full-Auto Program for no-fuss shooting, and Subject Program Selection for the best photos in any situation or lighting.

Concord Camera Corp. Press Release 06/01/04

Concord Camera Corp. Introduces Low Priced Power Zoom Film Camera; Concord Camera’s Polaroid PZ1710 Offers 35-57mm Zoom Range for $19.99

[Business Wire] Business Wire via NewsEdge Corporation : HOLLYWOOD, Fla.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Jan. 5, 2004—Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq:LENS), a leader in high-quality low-priced digital, 35mm, and single-use cameras, announced today the Polaroid PZ1710 35mm zoom camera. This new power zoom camera combines a stylish silver metallic design, one-touch wide-angle & telephoto 35-57mm zoom, auto and fill-in flash, motorized film load/advance/rewind and red-eye reduction - at an affordable suggested retail price of only $19.99.

The Polaroid PZ1710’s 35-57mm zoom provides consumers with the flexibility to capture special moments whenever and wherever they occur. Easy-to-reach buttons for wide-angle and telephoto make quick zoom selections possible when photos need to be framed quickly. The multiple flash modes for auto and fill-in flash enable the user to take pictures in any lighting condition with excellent photo results. The auto-flash works in low light conditions allowing for worry-free picture taking. With fill-in flash, photos come out perfectly lit, even if the subject is backlit with bright sunshine or if there are strong shadows obscuring details on the main subject.

Available immediately at $19.99 SRP, the Polaroid PZ1710 may be purchased at Wal-Mart and other retail locations. See www.concord-camera.com for more information.

Leica Press Release 24/12/03

Leica Camera AG of Solms is pleased to introduce the new LEICA SF 24D, an improved flash unit with automatic guide number control. The optimised functions offered by the LEICA SF 24D make it possible to control flash exposure directly through the camera, making this unit the perfect accessory for a wide range of Leica cameras. The LEICA SF 24D is suitable for use with Leica rangefinder and SLR cameras, and can also be connected to the LEICA CM analogue compact camera and the LEICA DIGILUX 2, which will be available from February 2004. The flash unit automatically recognises the type of camera to which it is connected, and adjusts itself to the relevant operating mode. Ease of use and compatibility with the full range of modern flash techniques are features of the LEICA SF 24D.

The LEICA SF 24D has retained all the application features of its predecessor model the LEICA SF 20, and has complemented these with new functions. For example, the range of automatic apertures has been enhanced. All apertures from 2.0 to 11 are available with this new dedicated flash unit. The LEICA SF 24D also provides improved flash compensation of +/- 3 EV.

The illumination angle of the LEICA SF 24D corresponds to a 35 mm focal length for the 35 mm system. The two ancillary screens supplied with the unit for the wide angle and telephoto range cover focal lengths of 24 mm and 85 mm respectively. The flash unit automatically recognises the two diffuser screens supplied, and immediately adjusts the range display to the new guide number.

The black/silver version of the LEICA SF 24D is suitable for Leica M and Leica R cameras, and the LEICA DIGILUX 2. The titanium colour version of the LEICA SF 24D matches the LEICA CM. Both are available from Leica stockists.

Concord Camera Corp Press Release 15/12/03

HOLLYWOOD, Fla.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 15, 2003—Automatic Film Advance, Red-Eye Reduction, Superior Lens, 800 Speed Film for Extended Flash up to 14 Feet - for Only $7.99

Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq:LENS) today announced its first One-Time-Use camera with motorized film advance and Red Eye Reduction, the Polaroid SL100. The Polaroid SL100 incorporates features normally found in more expensive re-loadable film cameras while maintaining the convenience and ease of use of One-Time-Use cameras for just $7.99.

Always Ready to Shoot
After each picture, the Polaroid SL100 automatically advances the film to the next frame, so it is always ready to shoot the next photo without delay. The camera boasts a superior 27mm f/8, 2-element lens for sharp quality pictures every time and is equipped with a simple but sophisticated one touch flash system. Before the flash fires, the red eye reduction LED will illuminate helping to reduce the reflection that causes the irritating red eye effect. The Polaroid SL100 is preloaded with high quality 800 speed film, providing an extended flash range of up to 14 feet to capture more vibrant pictures and is ideal for night time shooting.

The slim design of this camera makes it perfect for travel or spur of the moment picture taking. “Many motorized cameras tend to be bulky,” stated Giovanni Zangrande, Director of Marketing of Concord. “One-Time-Use cameras are often used for travel purposes and our goal was to provide a slim, motorized, One-Time-Use camera suitable for travel.”

“Consumer research indicates that One-Time-Use cameras are considered the easiest to use and the most convenient camera format,” said Urs Stampfli, Senior VP & Director of Global Sales & Marketing of Concord. “Our philosophy is to make technology affordable, and one result is the Polaroid SL100. This camera provides a unique combination of features and sets a new standard for One-Time-Use cameras.”

The Polaroid SL100 Motorized One-Time-Use camera is now available at Wal-Mart and BrandsMart at a suggested retail price of $7.99.

Digital Outback Photo contributor Paul Calwell has reviewed the 3 items that he feels are an essential part of his camera kit; the Manfrotto Carbon 1 3443 Tripod, Really Right Stuff L Bracket for Canon 1Ds and Arca B1 Pro Ball Head.

“Without a doubt, this is my number one tool due to a simple reason; I use a tripod on almost 95% of my shots. Since most of my shooting is a long way from my truck, I want to have a tripod that is lightweight, but still performs like my old Bogen Nature Trekker Tripod. For my work, motion, even the slightest amount, can ruin an image or a series of images. So when I setup my tripod, that?s all I want to have to do. I don?t want to have to make any more time consuming adjustments but instead be able to focus on the process of capturing the image.”

Website: Paul Calwell’s Essential Tools

Sekonic have announced a new top of the range lightmeter, the L-558 DUALMASTER, which retails for $769 in the USA and, according to DP-Now, ?399.99 in the UK.

Sekonic Press Release 04/12/03

New Sekonic L-558 DUALMASTER: Here?s why it may well be the best Light-measuring tool ever made.

Elmsford, NY: For starters, the remarkable new Sekonic L-558 DUALMASTER is the world?s most
sensitive multi-function meter, reading flash down to an astounding f/2 (at ISO 100), twice as low as any other multi-function meter in production. And with the optional PocketWizard* module inside, it becomes nothing less than a Master Control Center. You can use it to fire individual cameras and flash units remotely, without wires, using a 16/24 bit, security-encoded digital signal. And that?s just the beginning.

Here are some more cogent reasons why this is arguably the best meter Sekonic ? or anyone else ? has ever put on the market in this price class.
- The L-558 includes Sekonic?s unique built-in retractable Lumisphere. Simply turn the selector knob to extend it for 3D incident readings, or retract it for a narrow incident metering angle that?s ideal for brightness evaluations, lighting ratio setups or precise readings of flat subjects.
-  The L-558 is also a true 1-degree spotmeter, with a parallax-free viewfinder and in-finder, illuminated digital display showing apertures in tenths, shutter speeds up to 1/8000 sec, and exposure compensation values.
- The L-558 features an extra large, cool-green-illuminated full-information LCD panel that displays the complete range of readouts and modes as well as battery condition. It can memorize and recall up to nine readings in any mode, average them, and display them individually on an analog scale.
- The L-558 includes a flash/ambient analyzing mode that simultaneously reads both flash and ambient light automatically, and can display combined flash-ambient readings, percentage of flash in the total exposure, and simultaneous display of flash, ambient, and combined readings on an analog scale.
It also reads in shutter-priority, aperture-priority or EV modes, and makes cumulative flash readings in cord or cordless mode.
- The L-558 includes a broad range of custom settings so pros and enthusiasts can tailor it to their individual working methods. And its body and controls are so well sealed that it?s rated splashproof to JIS water-resistance standard ? so serious photographers can take control with confidence in any weather.
- The L-558 is competitively priced. It gives pros and serious enthusiasts exactly what they need ? nothing more and nothing less ? and represents a remarkable value. Suggested list price: $769.
*PocketWizard module: $25 at time of purchase only (a $99 value).

Following yesterday’s review of the Pod, which is basically a beanbag with a tripod mount fixed to it, ePhotoZine have reviewed another very similar accessory. The Beanpod is a small beanbag that costs ?9.99 and is designed to rest your camera on in low-light situations. Unlike the Pod, there is no built-in tripod mount -  you just sit the camera on top of the Beanpod.

“The ?9.99 bag is made from a leather look black vinyl and has Beanpod embroided across the bottom left in red. You certainly wouldn’t feel embarasees about carrying this around whereas a cloth sack sewn together that rattles with the sound of hard beans may be a different matter.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Beanpod Review

ePhotoZine have posted a review of one of the more unusual photography accessories that will find in your local camera shop. The Pod is basically a beanbag with a tripod mount fixed to it, which provides support for your camera and allows you to use slower shutter speeds than usual. Whether it’s worth the ?14.99 asking price depends largely on the kind of photography that you do; nature and landscape photographers will probably be most interested in the Pod.

“I shot for a full day with the Pod with long and short lenses, both of which were attached to the lens mount. When shooting from a wooden hide and holding on to the camera with my hand over the barrel of the 100-400mm lens, the Pod was very good indeed and I got sharp shots down to 1/20 second.”

Website: ePhotoZine - The Pod Camera Platform Review

Several Asian news websites are reporting that Nikon are set to exit the 35mm film compact camera market in Japan. Apparently “Nikon will halt all development of 35mm compact cameras for the domestic market from this point on and end shipments to stores starting in the fiscal year that begins next April.” Whether this is a sign of things to come that will affect the other 35mm film products that Nikon produces, like its very popular 35mm SLR range, remains to be seen. “It is a fact that the film camera business is shrinking worldwide. Volume sales are also falling,” Kaneko said. “But for the time being, we will continue our film camera operations,” he said.

Website: Pacific Business News

Website: channelnewsasia

Website: DCViews

Nikon Press Release 05/11/03

Service engineers at Nikon’s German Service Centre were amazed to discover during routine servicing recently that a Nikon F5 had achieved 1,092,904 shutter releases without fault.

Translating into about 35 kilometers of film this figure is a testament to the durable design of the mechanism, now also shared by the latest Nikon D2H Professional Digital SLR.

To put the 1,092,904 shutter releases into context, it equates to 34 hours of continuous shooting at 8 frames per second.

The camera is one of the bodies used in the Matthaus Photographic Studio in Nuremburg, Germany.

Nikon Germany?s Service Manager Joachim Hoffman said: ?This is the most shutter releases I have ever seen. The F5 shutter is, in my opinion, definitely more durable than any other camera?s. Because the F5 in question was well looked after and serviced regularly, that makes it last longer- it?s a bit like going to the dentist!? he added.

Popular Photography have reviewed two light-weight light meters, the Minolta VF and Sekonic L-358 models. Find out which one came out on top in this head-to-head challenge.

“For most of my career, a Minolta has been my meter. In recent years, it?s been the Auto Meter IVF (that?s ?four F?) because of its light weight. But when they introduced the Minolta VF (that?s ?five F?) and Sekonic came out with the new L-358 Flash Meter, I wondered if the new Sekonic had the mettle to dethrone my Minolta dynasty. I decided to put the two new meters to the test, and since September ?02, the Sekonic has joined the Minolta in my arsenal.”

Website: Popular Photography - Light Meters Review

ePhotoZine have posted their review of Fuji’s new ISO 100 slide film, Fuji Velvia 100F, available now. Tomoko Yamamoto, a Japanese artist living in the USA, tested the new film for ePhotoZine:

“Over the past month I have been thoroughly testing Velvia 100F, one of three new professional slide films put out by Fuji in the summer. Although the test is not scientific, I have tried to be consistent. The results are from using two camera systems, the Olympus OM SLR and the Mamiya 6MF rangefinder, with their unique metering characteristics.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Fuji Velvia 100F Review

Olympus Press Release 10/10/03

STAY IN FOCUS WITH THE NEW MJU-III 150 KIT FROM OLYMPUS

The Olympus Mju-III 150 35mm compact camera is the latest addition to the best-selling camera range in the world.? The 4x zoom lens, weatherproof Mju-III 150 comes with a free remote control and is ideal for both the seasoned photographer and novice. It also has an innovative, specially developed 11-point multi-wide passive auto focus sensor, allowing it to recognise the main subject - even if off-centre, to secure clear and vivid pictures every time.? Available at a RRP of ?149.99 (inc VAT), call 0800 072 0070 or visit www.olympus.co.uk for stockist information.

Though merely 225g in weight (without battery) and 117mm (W) x 61mm (H) x 43mm (D), the Mju-III 150 still contains a 37.5 ? 150mm 4x zoom lens. Its magnification power lets you get that little bit closer and is especially useful when out sightseeing in the city or rambling in the country. Featuring an ED (extra-low dispersion) lens element, usually only found in SLR interchangeable lenses and other high-end cameras, the Mju-III 150 produces sharp and high quality photos.

As you would expect, the Olympus Mju-III 150 maintains a distinctive style whilst incorporating advanced technology. The Mju-III 150 also has an automatic 3-Way AE light metering system, designed to ensure optimal exposure. The outcome boasts bright and colourful photos every time. In addition, it features a camera-shake indicator which minimises the risk of blurry hand-held shots.? 

The Mju-III 150 is the latest camera in the evolution of the third generation Mju series. In keeping with its popular Mju-III sister models (the Mju-III 120 and Mju-III 100).

Leica Press Release 01/10/03

The LEICA CM is a high-quality analog compact camera. The letter “M” in the name of the new LEICA CM is eminently justified: Its outstanding performance is unusual for a compact camera and makes it as unique in its class as the Leica M cameras are in the category of rangefinder photography. The LEICA CM has a solid titanium body and is fabricated with precision craftsmanship in Germany. A Leica lens with a speed of f/2.4 masters virtually every application and it achieves impressive pictorial results with the finest nuances. Whether it is used in the fully automatic mode or with manual settings ? with its extensive, easy-to-operate settings, this compact camera offers the best conditions for individual picture composition. With its brilliant viewfinder, the subject coverage can be evaluated confidently, even under poor light conditions. A detailed LED display in the viewfinder helps in controlling the photographic parameters.

Further information on the LEICA CM is available:

Website: LEICA CM

Website: LEICA CM Technical Specifications

Website: LEICA CM Product Brochure (PDF)

Steve’s Digicams have taken a break from reviewing digital cameras by taking a look at the Zenon MagneFlash 57 flash unit. This is a specialized flash that “is ideal for illuminating objects photographed at close range, especially highly reflective objects.” Steve has posted 4 sample photos which compare the Zenon MagneFlash 57 with a regular built-in flash, and the results really do speak for themselves. Nevertheless, here is a quote from Steve’s conclusion:

“A picture is worth a thousand words so if you look at the sample photos above you’ll see about four thousand words of approval for this product. If you you need to do high quality closeup pictures or product photos or you post things on eBay or whatever - this is a simple and very functional lighting system. For the occassional hobbyist the price might be a bit prohibitive but for even the semi-serious user it would be cheap at twice the price.”

Website: Steve’s Digicams - Zenon MagneFlash 57 Review

Leica Press Release 04/09/2003

Trial offer: two free issues of Leica Fotografie International (LFI)

LFI is the must-read magazine for all Leica enthusiasts, appearing eight times a year. Our current issue includes:
PORTFOLIOS: OSCAR BARNACK AWARD 2003. Leica presents the much sought after award for the 24th time. LFI introduces winner, Andrea Hoyer, and reproduces works from the jury?s shortlist.
HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON. LFI honours this unique artist with a retrospective of his work.
TECHNOLOGY: LEICA M7 TITANIUM. A Leica fan had an idea: to have an M7 built out of pure titanium. The result is worth checking out.
LEICA KNOWLEDGE. New 100 ISO slide films put to the test: comparing Ektachrome 100 G and Fujichrome Astia 100F.
NICO BEYER, FILM-PHOTOGRAPHER. The internationally renowned commercials director has an unusual way of perfecting his ads: he uses an R9.
Also read about news from the world of photography, current exhibitions and interesting books.

Order now for a free trial of the next two LFI issues!

Send us an email to [email protected] and don?t forget to provide us with your complete name and postal address.

For more information check our http://www.lfi-online.com

It’s September 2nd today and I’ve just received the first Christmas themed Press Release, courtesy of Kyocera :-) This is the most interesting part:

35mm SLR For Die-Hards That Love Film: The Contax NX 35mm SLR with a 28-80mm lens is just for them. The NX stands out with inclusion of an extraordinary Carl Zeiss T* Vario-Sonnar 28-80mm zoom lens for the ultimate in image quality and contrast. The camera can be customized with 20 different function modes and users can select the best focusing points through the 5-point wide array, auto focus feature. In addition, it comes with a built-in flash with red-eye reduction, second curtain sync and power down feature. Best of all, the camera is now being sold for $699.00, a reduction of $300.00 off its’ original price. This stylish Contax camera and Carl Zeiss T* zoom lens outfit is aimed at both the serious amateurs and professionals alike.

This news may be lost in the hype surroundig the new digital EOS 300D SLR, but Canon have also made a couple of other interesting announcements. First up is a new film SLR in the shape of the EOS 3000V.
 
The EOS 3000V is a compact, lightweight and stylish SLR that lets you realise how exciting and creative photography can be. It has exceptionally fast auto-focusing, a wide AF area and advanced focusing-point-linked 35-zone evaluative metering.

Features
- Exceptionally fast auto-focusing
- Ultra-compact styling
- 35-zone evaluative metering
- Wide area 7-point Auto Focus
- High positioned built-in flash
- Large LCD panel
- Continuous shooting max 1.5 frames per second
- 12 shooting modes

The EOS 3000V is a compact, lightweight and stylish SLR that lets you realise how exciting and creative photography can be.

Stylish and ergonomicWith its compact design, lightweight and ergonomic styling, the EOS 3000V can easily be used one-handed. Controls are positioned exactly where they should be. Menu navigation is easy thanks to a large LCD.

Metering and auto-focus
The camera has AF point linked 35-zone metering so that it accurately works out the right exposure. The wide AF area with 7 auto-focus points perfectly captures your subject even when it is off centre (set automatically or manually). The Auto-focusing is exceptionally fast and creates sharp pictures even when the subject is moving.

Flash
On top of the EOS 3000V is a built-in E-TTL flash unit, which can pop-up automatically. The high positioned flash delivers improved red-eye reduction and is linked to the focusing points.

Shooting modes
12 shooting modes are available, with AF mode set automatically to match the shooting mode. Continuous shooting is possible at approximately 1.5 frames per second.

The camera’s film transport mechanism is comfortable and quiet.

Pricing
The EOS 3000V will be available from late September 2003 for ?180 RRP body only or with the following lens kits:

- EOS 3000V + EF28-90mm f/4.0-5.6 II non USM lens - ?240
- EOS 3000V + EF28-90mm f/4.0-5.6 II non USM lens and EF90-300mm f/4.0-5.6 non USM lens - ?340

Website: Canon Europe

7dayshop.com are now selling the new 100 speed version of Fuji Velvia. The UK RRP is ?5.95 per 35mm roll, but 7dayshop are selling it for just ?3.29.

“Fuji’s brand new and multi award winning Velvia 100F has now arrived at 7dayshop.com…

...enthusiast and professional photographers everywhere will appreciate the extra speed
and versatility that this superb new Fuji professional colour slide film offers.

Already voted as “Slide Film of the Year” by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) and Practical Photography Magazine this film is sure to be the new standard by which all others will be judged. Certainly if 7dayshop.com pre-sales are anything to go by, we have yet another best selling Fujifilm product in our product line up too !”

Website: 7dayshop.com - Fuji Velvia 100F

Joe Ringham from gophoto.net has let me know that there’s a free film offer in the US magazine Popular Photography:

“The latest Popular Photography magazine has an offer from Kodak to get 5 free rolls of film with the purchase of 5 rolls of film. It has to be USA film, you have to send in your receipt and proof of purchase with the card. Limit one per address, household, etc. No copies. But it would more than cover the cost of buying a copy of the magazine.”

Website: Popular Photography”