Konica Minolta UK Press Release

Konica Minolta AF DT ZOOM 18-70mm F3.5-5.6 (D), AF DT ZOOM 11-18mm F4.5-5.6 (D), and AF DT ZOOM 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 (D) lenses to become available in Autumn 2005

Konica Minolta announces the development of three new “DT” lenses – interchangeable Digital Technology (DT) lenses designed for the Dynax Series digital SLR cameras, including the Dynax 7D.

These new zoom lenses will expand the line up of Konica Minolta interchangeable lenses for Dynax Series cameras. The DT lenses employ a new optical system that is specifically designed for digital SLR cameras, including the Dynax 7D, which incorporate an APS-C size CCD image sensor. Konica Minolta plans to launch these Digital Technology (DT) Lenses Worldwide in the Autumn of 2005.

Providing interchangeable lenses for digital SLR cameras with an optical system optimised for the popular Dynax 7D, meets the needs of users who would prefer to take ultra-wide-angle pictures, users who would like to take pictures with a compact standard zoom, and users who would like to easily take telephoto shots without interchanging the lens.

“Today’s digital photographers require the same versatility and high quality images that they’ve come to expect with their previous Dynax 35mm cameras” said Paul Genge, Product Manager, Konica Minolta Photo Imaging (UK) Limited. “The announcement of these new DT lenses confirms our message to photographers everywhere that Konica Minolta recognises the importance of the Dynax 7D SLR as a central building block for their digital camera systems.”

Konica Minolta is committed to developing interchangeable lenses for the Dynax Series based on the following principles:

1. To establish a lens line-up that covers both APS-C and 35mm formats.
Konica Minolta will continue to develop both wide-angle lenses for APS-C size digital and conventional 35mm format lenses so as to meet wide variety of consumers’ needs.

2. Development of lenses with unique features

• Konica Minolta will continue develop lenses incorporating such features as seen in the large aperture “G lenses” and the innovative “STF” lenses.

• With its unique body-integral Anti-Shake function, Konica Minolta will develop a variety of lenses which enable users to expand their photographic opportunities.

3. To remain at the leading edge of research and development of new technologies. Technologies such as noiseless activators incorporating new principals of operation.

Product Highlights of the new Dynax DT Lenses
Delivers high performance thanks to the optical system specially designed to correspond to the characteristics of digital SLR cameras.

Compatibility with Anti-Shake camera-shake correction system* enabling a shutter speed 2 - 3 steps slower when used with the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D.

Enables high precision ADI (Advanced Digital Integration) flash metering when mounted on the Dynax 7D by incorporating a distance encoder (distance information internally provided from the lens).

Beautifully defocused images thanks to a circular aperture. Using a circular aperture not only ensures extremely sharp photos but also allows the defocused areas to show smooth gradations that depict natural scenes perfectly.

*Anti-Shake camera-shake correction effect amount varies with shooting conditions.

Konica Minolta will continue to develop digital SLR camera bodies and interchangeable lenses, at the same time as upgrading the Dynax SLR system.

Note 1: Optics are optimised for a small diameter image circle in order to work with the APS-C size CCD, therefore these lenses cannot be used with 35mm AF SLR film cameras.

Note 2: Product name has been tentatively provided for this release. The final name will be announced at later date.

These lenses will be exhibited at the following trade shows:

• March 10-16, 2005, CeBIT 2005
http://www.cebit.de

• March 17-20, Photo Imaging Expo 2005
http://www.pie2005.jp