Cokin have announced a brand new filter system aimed at professional photographers. The Z-Pro system includes over 80 different filters available in 2 different sizes; 100x100mm for the plain filters, and 100x150mm for the graduated ones. Prices start at ?21.60 for a UV/Skylight filter. It will be interesting to see how popular the new system is, given that a lot of the filter effects can be achieved using Photoshop or other similar imaging software.

Website: ePhotoZine - Z-Pro Filters

Luminous Landscape have posted the World’s first review of Fuji’s new ISO 100 slide film, Fuji Velvia 100F, due to be released in the UK in August. Nick Rains, an Australian professional landscape photographer, takes a look at the new, faster version of the classic Velvia 50, and directly compares it to Provia 100 and Velvia 50.

“Before I get to the details I must stress that this is not a scientific test with densitometer readings etc., but a simple test comparing 3 images of precisely the same subject shot at the same time, with the same lens and processed at the same time with the same chemistry. All I am looking at is the relationship between the 3 images and to what degree they differ.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Fuji Velvia 100F Review

ePhotoZine are reporting that the UK magazine “Black and White Photography” are giving away a free roll of Ilford SFX 200 infrared film with the July issue, available for sale on June 19th. At only ?3.25 for the magazine, this may be one of the cheapest ways of trying out a completely new area of photography, although I think you need to buy a changing bag to load the film in complete darkness (to anyone who uses infra-red film, please join in now…!).

Website: ePhotoZine - Free Infrared Film

The newly-redesigned ePhotoZine have just reviewed 4 loupes from the very expensive but very high-quality Schneider range. Find out exactly why you would want to spend ?235 on a loupe by reading ePhotoZine’s review…

“Now, before you read on, if you’re the sort who would nip down to the local sewing shop to buy a magnifier for your slide viewing exit now. These loupes are more expensive than the zoom lenses you’d attach to your SLR camera!”

Website: ePhotoZine - Schneider Loupe Review

ePhotoZine have reviewed the Nikon F75, a new mid-range film camera. Retailing at around ?299 with a 28-100mm lens, the F75 takes on the likes of the Canon EOS 300V and the Minolta Dynax 5. ePhotoZine seemed to like the camera a lot:

“The results I got from this camera made me confident enough to be happy to own and use. It doesn’t feel like a heavy duty model but it certainly delivers the results like one and you have the benefit of not breaking your back carrying it. If the F75 is in your price range buy it now…I guarantee you will not be disappointed!”

The F75 also scored 89% when reviewed in this week’s Amateur Photographer magazine (a weekly UK mag). So for ?300, the F75 has got a to be a better idea than an equivalently-priced digital camera, hasn’t it? Even if it does use what many people consider to be that old and outdated format, 35mm film…

Website: ePhotoZine - Nikon F75 Review

Apparently the new ISO 100 version of the amazingly popular Fuji Velvia slide film will be available to buy in the UK in August. Announced at PMA 2003 in March, Velvia 100 “employs the industry’s first Multi-Colour Correction Layer technology in a colour reversal film. It also features new coupler and emulsion technologies.” Velvia 50 is one of my favourite films, along with Kodak EBX 100, so I’ll definitely be trying out a few rolls of the new 100 speed version.

Website: ePhotoZine - Velvia 100

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is offering customers the chance to get up to ?60 cashback when they purchase selected EOS SLR cameras together with selected CanoScan scanners from 1st April 2003 to 30th June 2003. Customers will be able to take advantage of this special offer by completing a voucher inside the box of all eligible Canon products. Canon will then credit their bank account with a cashback payment of up to ?60.

The offer applies to the following combinations of Canon EOS SLR cameras and CanoScan scanners:

- Canon EOS 300V with any Canon lens kit + CanoScan 5000F = ?30 cashback
- Canon EOS 300V with any Canon lens kit + CanoScan LiDE 20 = ?30 cashback
- Canon EOS 30 EF28-90mm f/4.0-5.6 USM lens kit + CanoScan 5000F = ?60 cashback
- Canon EOS 30 EF28-90mm f/4.0-5.6 USM lens kit + CanoScan LiDE 20 = ?60 cashback

Mike Johnston’s “Sunday Morning Photographer” column this week looks at the Nikon F100, Minola Maxxum 7 and the Nikon N80.

“Over the years, at my various jobs, people have regularly sent me or brought me examples of their work to look at and comment on. The only conclusion a thinking person can draw from seeing all this work is something I’ve said many times: “Cameras don’t take pictures, photographers do.” I’ve seen good work made by all kinds (and I mean all kinds) of cameras, and I’ve seen awful work made by all kinds of cameras too, even the very best ones. Sometimes especially the very best ones.”

Website: Luminous Landscape- Sunday Morning Photographer

Michael Reichmann has published an article which will be of interest to all Canon SLR owners (film or digital). If you’ve ever wondered what on earth the DEP or A-DEP exposure mode on your camera is for, then read this short article to understand how it could improve your landscape photography. Virtually all Canon SLR’s have this innovative feature; even my Canon EOS 300 has it, although I don’t think I’ve ever used it during the 2 years that I’ve owned the camera…

Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon DEP Mode

If you’re at all interested in medium-format photography, then the New York Institute of Photography’s review of the Pentax 645NII camera will be well worth reading.

“This month our own tough and intrepid writer, Medium Format Marie, gives readers her impressions of the Pentax 645NII medium format SLR.  Marie took the camera to the Jersey shore on one of the coldest days of the year.  “We’ve been spoiled here for years now,” Marie says, “winters have been mild and we haven’t had much snow, but this year we’re having a real winter.  And with that come those great days with clear blue bright skies.  Cold weather aside; I had a terrific time with this camera!”

Marie writes, “Let’s not forget why we’re all considering moving up to medium format in the first place - those big beautiful negatives and the ability to make bigger and better enlargements!  The 645NII blends the convenience of a 35mm camera with medium format benefits.  My impression is that this camera, combined with a few great Pentax lenses and accessories, would be a great choice even for pros.”

Chuck DeLaney, Dean of the New York Institute of Photography (NYI), the world’s largest photography school, says, “Sadly, many photographers never even dabble in the medium format.  This is a shame, and one that we’re out to fix.  That’s where Marie comes in.  She’s tough, she’s a gear head, and she’s taking her camera to the streets.  We don’t have advertisers to please, so Marie can write whatever she wants about each model she gets her hands on.  Every few issues, Marie will be back with a review of a medium format model, some of which are decidedly inexpensive.  In fact, there’s a plastic medium format camera, the Holga, that sells for around $20!  Our intrepid staffer, June Lang, started the ball rolling by writing “Capturing Mermaids with a Holga.”

Website: Pentax 645NII Review

“Reprinted with permission from the New York Institute of Photography web site at http://www.nyip.com”

Found via bbCity, the Analog Photography Users Group - APUG for short - is dedicated to all things non-digital. The site aims to be “an on-line community, completely devoted to traditional (non-digital) photographic processes. This is a non-profit initiative, which we envisage will become an active photographic community, as well as a highly detailed archive of traditional photographic processes, history, and preservation.” The extensive forums are certainly popular, as is the site’s sparse design, and there’s also a Gallery section with some excellent images to look at.

Website: APUG.ORG

In the mainly digital madness that is the run-up to PMA, its refreshing to read a review of an old-fashioned but still-sought-after medium format camera. Tom at the excellent weblog bbCity.co.uk has purchased and reviewed the Bronica ERTS. I briefly used a Bronica ERTSi (not sure what the “i” stands for?) a couple of weeks ago at my City and Guilds photography class, and although looking through a waist-level viewfinder was a little disconcerting to say the least, the quality of the negatives and prints was impressive.

Website: bbCity.co.uk - Bronica ERTS Review

Buried deep down in yesterday’s FujiFilm press release (below the blurb about Fujicolor QuickSnap one-time-use cameras) is the news that Fuji are introducing a ISO 100 speed version of it’s amazingly popular Velvia color transparency film. I regularly use the ISO 50 version of this slide film; it produces breath-takingly saturated colours and is perfect for landscapes. Hopefully the ISO 100 version will retain the same characteristics. Maybe I could even hand-hold the camera with the faster Velvia?!

Website: Fuji Velvia 100

“Today, Fujifilm once again redefines the color reproduction palette for professional photographers, with the introduction of FUJICHROME Velvia 100F Professional. This new color transparency film brings the ultra-high-saturated color of Fujifilm’s renowned Velvia to the ISO 100 speed class. Employing the industry’s first Multi-Color-Correction Layer technology in a color reversal film, as well as new coupler and emulsion technologies, FUJICHROME Velvia 100F Professional delivers world-class color fidelity, reproducing the finest nuances of hues that test the limitations of conventional films, along with ultra-fine granularity (RMS** granularity of 8***). “

FujiFilm also announced a second new film, Astia 100F Professional, “a new color transparency film offering strikingly improved reproduction of skin tone and texture, which will change the face of the fashion, portrait and commercial photography market segments.”

This is an interesting resource that is worth some of your time. A weekly topical column by Mike Johnston, an experienced photo-journalist, which is published every Sunday (or thereabouts).

In his latest column, Mike explores his own personal dilemma between choosing traditional black and white photography and the advantages of digital. Mike sees himself as a B&W photographer, but is beginning to realise that digital makes him better at photography in general. Which one will he choose?

Website: Sunday Morning Photographer

The UK-based photographic retailer Jessops have launched a new store card, which allows you to buy an item and not pay for it for up to 9 months (depending on how much the item costs). Customers can choose to pay nothing for three months on any purchase over ?200, or pay nothing for four months on purchases over ?400. Longer interest-free terms are also available for six and nine months, for purchases over ?600 and ?900 respectively.

ePhotoZine have the full news story:

Website: ePhotoZine

Okay, so maybe that’s a slight exaggeration designed to catch your attention, but here in deepest Hertfordshire (just north of London) we’ve had several inches of snow this afternoon.

What has this got to do with photography, you may be asking? Well, I’ve ventured out to take a few snaps with my Olympus Mju II compact, and I’m now wondering if the camera will have exposed for the snow correctly. If I had my digital or film cameras with me then maybe my chances of getting some good pcitures would have been increased.

So what sort of camera do you carry round on a daily basis? Do you even carry a camera all the time? How many times have you missed that amazing photographic opportunity? Leave a comment and let us all know.