Rangefinder Magazine
Departments

New Products

Specifications in these listings are condensed from information provided by manufacturers and suppliers. For more information about these new products or processes, use the Direct Response Cards provided elsewhere in this issue. When contacting the companies direct, please mention Rangefinder.

Wasatch Computer Technology has announced SoftRIP Version 4.2. The upgrade from previous versions to make digital printing more productive is free of charge for any license under current 90-day service contract. Features include: PostScript Level 3 compatibility that ensures compatibility with the latest application software; a Manual Print Layout tool, which allows the interactive positioning of multiple ripped images; simplified support for network print servers to reduce the time and trouble needed to configure your system with certain products; a Paper Color Matching feature, which adjusts for a particular paper white point that generates a more accurate color gamut when producing match proofs on “off white” papers; Spot Color Control to achieve precision in spot color printing; and, control of light ink with slider controls.

Quantum Instruments Qflash

Quantum’s Qflash is now compatible with the new Fuji S1 digital camera, Contax 645, Mamiya 645 AF, Minolta Dimage RD3000, and Nikon D1. Compatibility extends to all Qflash models (X, X2, T, and T2). TTL Qflash exposure is controlled in either manual, aperture, shutter, or program modes using Quantum’s TTL Adapters. In addition to these cameras, the full list of Quantum’s TTL compatibility is available at professional photo dealers or www.qtm.com. The Contax 645 adapts with Quantum’s QF24 TTL Adapter. The Mamiya 645AF adapts with Quantum’s model QF25. The Minolta Dimage RD3000 adapts to Qflash with Quantum’s QF14 TTL adapter. The Nikon D1 can be used with Qflash in two, non-TTL modes. QF12 cannot at this time provide TTL exposures with the D1, however, it will provide flash sync and display flash “ready” on the D1. The D1 will also set the shutter for flash mode when it detects the QF12. With any of the adapters Qflash indicates “OK,” “under-” or “over-” exposure and flash “ready” after each TTL exposure. Indicators are visual and audible (via earphone). The adapters fit into the camera hot-shoes and plug into the Qflash accessory input. Information: Quantum Instruments: Quantum Instruments Inc., 1075 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530; (516) 222 6000, fax (516) 222 0569.

Nikon has introduced the ultra-compact AF Zoom-Nikkor 28–80mm f/3.3-5.6G wide-angle-to-portrait zoom lens. Using the latest computer aided techniques, the optical design was optimized for a balance of size, weight and image quality. Another key element considered in the design of the AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G is built-in aperture control (via the command dial), a feature on the newest Nikon SLR cameras, which does not require that the lens have an aperture ring. Nikkor G lenses omit the aperture ring, resulting in a lens that’s more compact and lighter. Information: (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com.

Pentax Corp. has introduced the SMC Pentax-FA Macro 200mm f/4 ED [IF] 35mm autofocus lens. This telephoto macro lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 1.69 ft. for the maximum magnification of life-size, and its working distance of 11 inches at life-size is the longest in its class. Incorporating two extra-low dispersion (ED) lens elements, an abnormal-dispersion lens element and a high-refraction element, the lens is designed to provide photographers with extremely high-resolution macro images with minimal aberrations. Information: Pentax Corp., 35 Iverness Dr. East, P.O. Box 6509, Englewood, CO 80155-6509, (303) 799-8000; web site: [www.pentax.com].
For more information, circle 183

Taprell Loomis has introduced nearly two dozen new photo packaging designs in its 2001 Catalog of TAP Mounts, Folios & Albums. Sixty pages include photos and descriptions of new Photo Gallery Folios, Senior and Dance Folders, Theme and Sports Memory Mates and Presentation Mats & Easels. Also new is Topflight’s Compact Disc Album. The new TAP catalog presents more than 350 product photos and provides easy ordering through local dealers. Information: Taprell Loomis, 2160 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114-2184, (800) 827-5679; web site: [www.tap-usa.com].

As an increasing number of photographers print their images on inkjet printers, the ability to select from a variety of inkjet media substrates and sizes is becoming more important. To address this need, Pictorico Ink Jet Media has added seven wide-format rolls to its line of premium specialty papers. The new rolls, ranging in width from 17 to 42 inches, extends the list of available sizes of Pictorico’s most popular products: Premium Photo Gallery Hi-Gloss White Film, Premium WaterColor Card Stock, Premium PolySilk Fabric, Premium Canvas and Premium OHP Transparency Film. Information: Pictorico, 2201 Water Ridge Pkwy., #400, Charlotte, NC 28217, (800) 899-5009; web site: [www.pictorico.com].

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. has announced that its Fujicolor NPS 160 Professional and Fujicolor NPL 160 Professional color negative films in Fujifilm’s 4x5 QuickLoad format. Sized for use with Fujifilm’s QuickLoad Polaroid Model 545 or similar film holders, each QuickLoad sheet of NPS 160 or NPL 160 is safety-sealed in a light-proof envelope, eliminating the need to load or unload film in the dark. Information: Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., 555 Taxter Rd., Elmsford, NY 10523; web site: [www.fujifilm.com].

Mamiya America Corp. has introduced the ZE702 PL (polarizing filter) for the entire Mamiya 7II and Mamiya 7 system of lenses. This swing-up polarizing filter is ideal for architectural, outdoor and travel photographers who desire polarizing effects. The filter is designed for adjustment and verification of light polarization effects and makes AE (automatic exposure) or manual exposure modes simple without need of exposure compensation. The filter is compatible with all Mamiya 7 lenses (both 58mm and 67mm filter diameters). Information: Mamiya America Corp., 8 Westchester Plaza, Elmsford, NY 10523, (914) 347-3300; web site: [www.mamiya.com].

The F.J. Westcott Co. has introduced several new products: Portable Studio Kits available in three styles; a Sunlight/
Silver 4-in-1 Illuminator Reflector Kit; a Background Support System for sheet backgrounds; and two new umbrellas available in optical white satin or black with silver interior. Information: The F.J. Westcott Co. 1447 Summit St., PO Box 1596, Toledo, OH 43603, (419) 243-7311; web site: [www.fjwestcott.com].

Legion Paper, a leading distributor of fine art papers, has introduced Somerset Photo Enhanced, an advanced professional digital art paper that brings art quality output to the digital darkroom. The launch marks the first time paper of this quality is available in a smaller format, created specifically with the end user in mind. The new paper produces a wide grayscale with linear and smooth gradations within, allowing photographers to reproduce the demanding parameters of platinum printing. The heavyweight, 100 percent cotton fiber paper, which also features a significantly expanded color gamut, can also absorb heavy ink loads without any mottling, an important factor when used with pigmented inks. Information: Legion Paper, 11 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010; (800) 278-4478.

Schneider Optics is now the exclusive U.S. distributor of the JUST Normlicht Color-Control Smart Light 5000 and Mini 5000 transparency viewers. The Color-Control 5000 is a high-quality transparency viewer available in six sizes, ranging from 10x15 to 14x14 inches, for every field of application. The Mini 5000 transparency viewer is ultra-thin (1.5 inches), easy to handle, extremely lightweight and available in three sizes: 8x10, 12x10 and 12x19 inches. Information: Schneider Optics, Inc., 285 Oser Ave., Hauppauge, NY 11788, (631) 761-5000; web site: [www.schneideroptics.com].

Paramount Cords now manufactures sync cords for the Nikon Coolpix digital cameras. The Paramount CoolPix cords have the Nikon 3 pin screw-in connector and a built-in voltage suppressor to protect the cameras, which are sensitive to the high sync voltage of most flash systems. With these cords, you can safely connect your favorite flash (instead of just the dedicated Nikon Speedlights). For more information, visit http://www.paramountcords.com/coolpix.htm

Leica Camera Inc. has added a new wrinkle to its flagship M6 rangefinder camera. The new low-magnification viewfiender, the M6 TTL 0.58, has been specifically developed for wide-angle photography and offers eyeglass wearers an optimized view of the framing lines for optimal results. The new version includes five bright frame lines, 28/90mm, 50/75mm and 35mm, and also provides more area outside the framing lines for anticipating moving subjects. The M6 TTL 0.58 is compatible with all M-series correction lenses. Information: Leica Camera Inc., 156 Ludlow Ave., Northvale, NJ 07647, (201) 767-7500.

Minolta Corporation recently introduced several new products: the Maxxum 7, the newest entry to its 35mm SLR camera system that features the world’s fastest autofocusing speed, the highest level of multi-dimensional predictive focus control, 14-segment honeycomb-pattern metering system and a large LCD navigation panel located on the camera’s back; two high-powered external flash units designed for use with the Maxxum system AF SLRs, the Program Flash 5600HS(D) and the Program Flash 3600HS(D), which provide flash coverage ranging from 24mm to 85mm focal lengths, and further extends to the 17mm focal length with a built-in (or included-3600) wide-angle adapter; and, four super compact, high performance lenses also designed to work with the new Maxxum 7 SLR camera. The D-series lenses, AF 24–105mm f/3.5–4.5, AF 100–300mm f/4.5–5.6 APO Tele, AF Macro 100mm f/2.8, and AF 85mm f/1.4, support the Maxxum 7’s Advance Distance Integration flash metering by providing distance information utilizing the new built-in distance encoder. Information: Minolta Corp., 101 Williams Dr., Ramsey NJ 07446-1293; (201) 825-4000; web site: [www.minoltausa.com].

Microtek Lab has announced an innovative scanning solution for the SOHO and corporate environments. The ScanMaker 5700, with an integrated PDF engine, allows users to scan documents larger than 30MB and save them as full color PDFs with a file size less than 1MB. The scanner is also the first to offer both a high-speed FireWire port and a convenient USB port for Windows and Mac systems. Information: Microtek, 3715 Dolittle Dr., Redondo Beach, CA 90278, ( 310) 297-5000.