Rangefinder Magazine
April 2006

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Focus  

Industry News

• Noritsu Partners With ExpressDigital

ExpressDigital (Englewood, CO, www.­expressdigital.com), a leading manufacturer of digital workflow software, Internet storefronts, and lab solutions is partnering with photo processing giant, Noritsu America Corporation (Buena Park, CA, www. noritsu.com) to develop improved photo kiosks and online home software solutions. The agreement strengthens both companies in the growing digitally driven retail photo processing market. Noritsu and ExpressDigital also plan to co-develop the next generation of printing solutions for the professional and retail photo markets.

• X-Rite Acquires GretagMacbeth

X-Rite (Grandville, MI, www.xrite.com), a leading manufacturer of color measurement software and hardware, has acquired color management specialist GretagMacbeth for $280 million. Although the combined companies plan to initially operate as separate entities, they expect to eventually realize $25 million in annual savings. X-Rite will be headed by Michael C. Ferrara, CEO; Thomas J. Vacchiano Jr., COO; Mary E. Chowning, CFO; and Dr. Francis Lamy, who will be appointed CTO. The new X-Rite board of directors will include six current directors of X-Rite and three current directors of GretagMacbeth’s parent company, Amazys Holding AG.

• Big Changes at Nik

Nik Software, Inc. (San Diego, CA, 619/725-3150, www.niksoft ware.com) recently announced it has entered into an investment and cooperative agreement with Nikon Corporation to jointly develop and distribute digital photographic software and technologies. The agreement, which builds on the companies’ previous collaborative efforts, calls for Nikon to make a capital investment in Nik, while letting Nik independently develop and support plug-ins under the Nik software line. Nik also announced it has changed its corporate name from Nik Multimedia to Nik software. The name change reflects the company’s growing emphasis on developing Photoshop compatible plug-ins for digital photography and imaging processionals.

• Bibble, Kodak and PictureCode Combine Technologies

Eastman Kodak Company (Rochester, NY, www.kodak.com) and Bibble Labs (Austin, TX, www.bibblelabs.com) have reached an agreement to offer new, improved products that strengthen Kodak’s “Connect with Pro Quality” products and programs. As part of the agreement, Kodak will license Bibble the Kodak Colorflow Color Management Module (CMM) and the Kodak Colorflow ICC Input API. Bibble will, in turn, license Kodak its RAW format library and conversion engine. The combined technologies will optimize the data path for generating finished files suitable for display and printing on Kodak output systems. It will also give professional photographers the ability to carry out image optimization in the RAW mode and then pass that information to a Pro lab with the original RAW file. Bibble Labs has also reached an agreement with PictureCode LLC (West Austin, TX, www.picturecode.com) to include Noise Ninja image noise-reduction software into the next versions of Bibble Labs’ RAW workflow software. When introduced early in the RAW conversion workflow, noise-reduction technology is expected to improve output image quality.

• Nazdar Acquires Lyson Inks

Nazdar (Shawnee, KS, 800/767-9942, www.nazdar.com), a leading manufacturer of screen inks, digital inks, and chemicals, recently acquired Lyson, Ltd. Based in the United Kingdom and Chicago, Lyson manufactures inks for piezo, thermal, and CIJ inkjet print technologies. That includes solvent- and water-based inks in pigment and dye formulations. The Lyson brand and product line are now part of Nazdar’s Inks and Coatings Division.

• Kingston Offers How-to Tips From Renowned Photographers

Kingston Technology Company, Inc., (Fountain Valley, CA, www.kingston.com/digi talmedia/iop), a leading maker of memory products, and several of the world’s most respected photographers have joined forces to develop a forum on the Kingston website to educate and inspire both professional and amateur photographers. The new forum, “Icons of Photography,” features tips, techniques and advice from a different photographer each month. Participating photographers include portrait photographers Douglas Kirkland and Barbara Bordnick, photojournalists Harry Benson and Colin Finlay, sports photographer Peter Read Miller, and National Geographic photographers Chris Rainier and Gerd Ludwig. Each photographer will explain his or her unique method of preparing for and capturing their subjects.

• Lucien Clergue’s Images on Display

The works of internationally recognized photographer, Lucien Clergue, will be on display at the Louis Stern Fine Arts Gallery (W. Hollywood, CA, 310/276-0147, www.louissternfinearts.com) through May 6. Covering more than 50 years, the exhibit demonstrates Clergue’s development and use of photography as an iconoclastic endeavor. Clergue received the prestigious Lucie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Fine Art Photography last fall.

• International Wedding Photo & Equipment Exhibition

The fourth annual International Wedding Photo & Equipment Exhibition (www.bjweddingphoto.com), AKA the Beijing Wedding Photo Show 2006, will take place June 28 to July 1 at the China International Exhibition Center, Beijing, China. This year’s exhibition will highlight new imaging and photofinishing technology, as well as the latest wedding fashion trends. Over 200 exhibitors are expected. The annual show has become a focal point for anyone involved in the wedding photography business.

• New Backdrop Outlet Catalog

The Backdrop Outlet’s (Chicago, IL, 800/466-1755, www.backdropoutlet.com) 2006 catalog is hot off the presses with new digital, canvas and muslin backdrops. The 132-page catalog also features a new line of large-scale props called Set Systems. The Chicago-based Backdrop Outlet has been in business for more than 15 years.

• Capri Album Rewards Professional Photographers

Capri Album Company (Mt. Vernon, NY, 800-666-6653, www.caprialbum.com) offers professional photographers CAPRImium, a rewards program that turns Capri purchases into points that can be redeemed for gifts from The Sharper Image. The program, which runs from April 1, 2006, to March 31, 2007, is open to all Capri customers with an active account. Enrollment is free.

• Aperion Launches New Products

Aperion, Inc. (Lake Forest, CA, 800/727-6347, www.aperioninc.com), the largest manufacturer and distributor of printer-balancing negatives for the photo industry, recently introduced TruColor, an on-screen color-adjustment tool for consumers that limits or eliminates the need for lab reprints. Based on the company’s patented TruView technology, the new application provides a three-click method for making gamma color corrections to any computer running Windows. Simply choose the image from a selection of gamma-corrected images that best matches the final print provided by your photo lab. Aperion has also expanded its photo greeting product line to include postcard and two-image templates, invitations, scrapbook pages, cut-apart templates, business cards, certificates and magazine covers. It is also offering downloadable machine-specific greetings directly from the company’s website.

New Products:

• Artistic Tools, Volume II by Kubota Image Tools

Kubota Image Tools (877/330-4330, www.kubotaimagetools.com) has introduced Volume II of Artistic Tools, a collection of over 50 Photoshop Actions for the busy digital photographer. This encore set is the sequel to the popular Artistic Tools Volume 1. Both volumes contain Kubota’s beautiful enhancing, color popping, toning, glowing and black-and-white tools. Artistic Tools Vol. II runs smoothly and quickly and the effects are stunning, without being overstated. Some of our favorites are Digital Fill Flash, Lord of the Rings (three versions), Hawaiian Punch, Smarter Sharp, and Daily Vitamin, which gives images a little added punch.

• PortraitWeavers Offers Unique Photo Products

PortraitWeavers (Lynn, NC, 800/233-0439, www.portraitweavers. com) has developed a unique process that turns photographs into heirloom quality, 100% cotton yarn throw blankets, pillows, totes or tapestry wall hangings. Using conventional photographs or one megapixel or larger image files, the company analyzes each photo and then weaves the image content into the finished product using high-speed jacquard looms. No printing is involved. A finished 54x70-inch throw blanket, for example, uses over eight miles of various color yarns. PortraitWeavers accepts orders only from professional photographers.

• Pentax lowers *ist DL price

Pentax Imaging Company (Golden, CO, 800/877-0155, www.pentax.com) has reduced the price of the *ist DL digital SLR camera with 18-55mm DA lens from $799. 95 to $599.95. The pricing change reflects a growing consumer interest in moving up from higher-end compact digital cameras to true digital SLRs. The popular 6.1-megapixel *ist DL is complemented by nine digital lenses specifically designed for Pentax digital SLR bodies.

• Norman News

Norman (Minneapolis, MN, 763/537-3601, www.photo-control.com), a division of Photo Control Corp., recently announced that all its Battery Portable kits are now available with lampheads that have built-in PocketWizard radio transceivers. The new system supports any channel on a PocketWizard transmitter and can trip one or more remote flash systems without using trip cords or photo eyes. The new lampheads are also available as an upgrade for Norman 200B, 200C and 400B Battery Portable systems. Norman is also marketing a new high-temperature Softbox for the Norman Allure C1000 Constant Light. The 24-in. square unit is designed for continuous operation at 1000 watts and is available individually or as part of the Allure C1000 kits. Included are a travel pouch, snap-in inner baffle, removable front diffusion pane and four flexible rods for mounting on the BDAL Speed Ring Adapter.

• Photo Products From National Geographic

The National Geographic Society (NGS) (Washington DC, www.shopng.com), has begun marketing photographic products, such as tripods, camera bags and photo papers. The tripod line features Expedition tripods, which are intended for professional photographers. Other photo-related NGS products include weatherized camera bags with professionally designed compartments, and glossy photo papers that can be used in most inkjet printers. Additional information about Expedition tripods is available at www.manfrotto.com. More details about NGS Camera Bags are available at www.cerfbag.com; more info about NGS inkjet papers can be found at www.shopng.com.

• New Ink Systems From Lyson

Lyson, Inc. (Elk Grove Village, IL, 847/690-1060, www.lyson.com), a major manufacturer of inks and media, is offering a bulk ink-feed system and inks for the Epson Stylus Photo R2400 inkjet printer. The new system uses space-saving reservoirs that can be filled on-the-fly and sealed when the printer is not in use. It also automatically regulates and filters the ink flow, does not use foam rubber (which can clog printheads), and is compatible with a new version of the company’s Cave Paint pigmented inks. The new bulk ink-feed systems lists for $399. Lyson is also marketing Quad Black inks for the Canon i9900 Photo Printer. With a D-max greater than four and the ability to print on glossy media without bronzing, the new dye-based inks have an estimated indoor display life of more than 100 years. Consisting of eight different inks, Lyson’s Quad Black inks are available in cartridges or as bulk ink sets.

• Gitzo 6X Carbon Fiber tripod

Gitzo (www.gitzo.com) has developed a new carbon-fiber tripod that reduces overall weight by up to 17% without compromising stability or strength. The new Carbon 6X tripod uses six-crossed multilayer carbon fiber technology and Anti Leg Rotation (ALR) to provide a fast, smooth setup while maintaining the locking strength of the traditional Gitzo twist-lock system. Typical setups only take 15 seconds. The new 6X tripods also features corrosion- resistant, polished stainless top casting bolts for added stability and a redesigned spring-loaded retractable hook on the bottom of the center column to hang a stabilizing counterweight. Gitzo products are distributed in the United States by Bogen Imaging, Inc.

• ExpressDigital Improves Software

ExpressDigital (Englewood, CO, 888/ 584-0089, www.expressdigital.com) has released an enhanced version of the popular Darkroom digital workflow software that includes new retouching tools, an improved RAW workflow, new set-up wizards and online e-mail marketing tools. Among the new options are non-destructive tools that clone, dodge, burn, sharpen, blur and remove blemishes. The enhanced application also gives users the ability to quickly adjust the white balance, color, exposure, contrast, and shadows. It supports and converts proprietary RAW formats as well as the new Adobe DNG standard. It also had setup wizards that walk users through the process of setting up print packages, print options, online storefronts, connectivity to professional labs and e-mail marketing. The Core Edition of Darkroom lists for $495, the Professional Edition, $1395, the Assembly Edition, $3995.

• One-stop Album Creation at ADN

The Album Designer Network (ADN) (Northbrook, IL, 800/213-7691, www.theadn.com) is the photo industry’s first online, album creation workflow station. The new network connects wedding and portrait photographers to industry leaders in graphic arts, color printing and album manufacturing, while providing a custom- designed ordering system with real-time order tracking. Participating companies include H&H Color Lab, Leather Craftsmen, General Products and Jae Design Concepts.

• Ultra-white Inkjet Papers From FullColors

FullColors (Monrovia, CA, 626/643-1363, www.fullcolors.com) offers two new ultra-white photo inkjet papers. With brightness settings over 100, the 5760dpi Premium High Glossy Photo and the Professional Premium High Glossy Photo papers accept pigment and dye inks and are acid- and lignin-free. They resist fingerprints, smudges and scratches while delivering exceptional clarity, low ink bleed and an outstanding absorption rate. They are available in sheets and are fully compatible with Canon, Kodak, HP and Epson printers. FullColors papers are ordered through www.overstockphoto paper.com.

• Workshops-On-Demand From

Software Cinema Software Cinema (San Diego, CA, www.software-cinema.com), a software training company, recently debuted Workshops-On-Demand, an online series of Photoshop training courses. Each online streaming course guides photographers through Photoshop CS2’s various features, such as the Bridge browser, Camera RAW, 32- bit HDR support, and Smart Objects. Participating instructors include Kevin Ames (retouching), Eddie Tapp (wedding and portrait), Jane Conner-ziser (“hand painting” using Painter) and Julieanne Kost (workflow automation). Free membership is required and entitles up to 90 days of 24/7 unrestricted access to purchased individual lessons, which range in price from $29 to $99.

• LaserSoft Introduces SilverFast DC Pro Studio

LaserSoft Imaging’s (Longboat Key, FL, www.silverfast.com) SilverFast DC Pro Studio is a color-managed RAW workflow imaging application that runs on moderately configured Macs and PCs. Besides having tools that capture, organize, edit, print and archive digital images, it also includes Auto Adaptive Contrast Optimization (AACO), automatic image import with renaming function, RAW data conversion and a new proofing tool that color manages contact proofs on a calibrated output device. SilverFast DC Pro Studio costs $499; SilverFast DC Pro Studio PhotoProof lists for $979. A fully functional downloadable demo version is available at www.silverfast.com/show/silverfast-dcpro-studio/en.html. • New Website Teaches Framing Fundamentals The Fletcher-Terry Company (Farmington, CT, 800/843-3826, www.fletcher-terry. com), a leading manufacturer of picture framing equipment, recently debuted www.startframing.com, The Framing Learning Center. Designed to educate professional photographers on the value of adding framing services to their business, the new website covers “The Business of Framing,” “How to Get Started,” “Basic Framing Techniques,” and “Advanced Framing Techniques.” It includes a framing informational package about the company’s full line of products and educational tools. PMA News.

PMA News

• Canon Introduces New Products

at PMA Canon (Lake Success, NY, www.usa.canon.com) introduced more than a dozen new products at PMA 2006. They included a new digital SLR camera, two EF lenses, one professional and four consumer printers, three multimedia projectors and a 4.3-megapixel camcorder. Of special interest to photographers is the EOS 30D Digital SLR. Billed as a step up from the 20D model, it includes features found in the more expensive EOS 5D, such as a 2.5-inch LCD, 0.15-second startup time, a burst rate of five fps at up to 30 consecutive frames, and 3.5% spot metering. It is expected to have a street price of $1399 for the body, $1499 for the body and EF-S 18–55mm II zoom lens. Joining the legendary EF lens suite are the new EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM, with 1.8X faster autofocusing, and the EF-S 17–55mm f/2.8 IS USM, with three-stop optical image stabilization. The 85mm lens has a street price of $2099, the 17–55mm zoom is expected to cost $1149. Canon also unveiled five new output devices. With a MSLP of $1945, the professional- level imagePROGRAF iPF5000 Large Format Printer uses 12-color Lucia pigmented inks to deliver archival image quality. On the consumer side the PIXMA Pro9500 printer uses 10-pigment ink cartridges, while the Pro9000 uses eight dye-based inks. Canon also introduced three multimedia projectors. The REALiS SX6 features 3500 ANSI lumens, SXGA+ high-resolution, and Adobe RGB color support. The ultra-quiet REALiS SX60 features 2500 ANSI lumens and SXGA+ high-resolution, while the economical REALiS X600 is rated at 3500 ANSI lumens. The new projectors are priced at $6999, $5999, and $3999, respectively. Another new Canon product is the DC40 DVD camcorder. The DC40 features a 10X optical zoom lens, 4.3-megapixel CCD image sensor with an RGB primary color filter and the company’s exclusive DIGIC DV image processor. With an estimated price of $899, it accepts three-inch DVD-R/-RW discs and supports the company’s Widescreen HR 16:9 recording mode.

• New Kodak Products at PMA

Eastman Kodak (Rochester, NY, www.kodak.com) introduced a variety of new professional and consumer level products at PMA 2006. The new products ranged from professional films, papers, printing systems, kiosks and software to consumer-level cameras and inkjet paper. Of special interest to wedding and portrait photographers is the new Kodak Endura paper. Optimized for color digital printing performance, the new paper has a 10% gamut improvement over Kodak’s Endura Supra and Portra papers and it uses 10% less developer and bleach during processing. Kodak also introduced an improved Portra 800 professional film that reproduces skin tones and colors with more accuracy under a variety of light sources. The new film also has finer grain, improved sharpness and exceptional underexposure latitude. Additional new Kodak professional products included the Kodak Digital Picture System 900 (DPS 900), which incorporates a 35mm film scanner; Kodak’s improved Picture Kiosk G4 platform; and the company’s 6850 and 8800 thermal photo printers. Also demonstrated were a new version of Kodak Professional digital print production software and improved versions of the company’s Proshots and Studio Suite software.

• Fujifilm Expands the World of Imaging

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. (Valhalla, NY, www.fujifilm.com) introduced a wide range of new imaging products at PMA 2006, including professional films and papers and advanced printing solutions. Among the new professional photo products were Fujichrome T64 professional, an ISO 64 tungsten-type, ultra fine-grain color transparency film that uses the company’s new-generation color couplers and Multi-Color Correction Layer Technology, and Fujichrome Provia 400X professional, an Epitaxial Sigma Crystal Technology film that delivers an ISO of 400 with ultra-fine granularity. Fujifilm also introduced Crystal Archive Professional Paper Type PIII and an improved GetPix Photo Center kiosk that delivers 4x6-inch prints in just four seconds. The company also debuted two new Frontier digital lab systems. The new 9-square-foot Frontier 500 produces up to 800 4R print per hour while the Frontier 590 delivers up to 2400. Featured Fujifilm consumer cameras at the show included the new FinePix F30, FinePix F650, and FinePix A600. The 6.3-megapixel F30 combines the company’s sixth generation Super CCD sensor and RP Processor II to deliver ISOs up to 3200. The ultra-compact F650, also a 6.3-megapixel camera, has a 5X optical zoom lens and bright 3-inch LCD screen, while the 6-megapixel A600 features a 3X Fujinon optical zoom lens and 2.4-inch LCD. Also debuted were the one-time-use QuickSnap 1000, with preloaded 1000-speed Fujicolor film and two new 35mm film cameras with focus-free Fujinon lenses and built-in red-rye reduction.

• High-speed CompactFlash Cards From Hoodman

Hoodman Corp. (Torrance, CA, 800/818-3946, www.hoodmanusa.com) and PC Partner USA introduced Professional Performance Only (PPO) CompactFlash cards at PMA 2006. The new cards, which have a speed range from 133X to 155X, use 20% less power than similar cards, thanks to the company’s PowerMister controller technology. They are available in 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB sizes. Prices range from $59.95 to $259.95.

• Interchangeable Lenses and Backs From Rollei and Horseman

The parent companies of Rollei Production Gmbh (www.rollei.de) and Horseman cameras (www.horsemanusa.com) have formed the joint venture Direct Source Marketing (DSM) to publicize the fact that the two companies’ lenses, backs and accessories are completely interchangeable.

While at PMA 2006 the new venture introduced several new cameras, including the Rollei 6008 AF “Bundle”—the world’s first autofocus SLR camera in a 6x6 medium format—and the Rollei X-ACT 2—the first portable medium-format monorail camera with an optical bench. Also introduced at PMA were the Horseman SW-D Pro wide angle, the Horseman LD “movement” camera for DSLRs and the Horseman 6x17 Super Panorama camera. Horseman also demonstrated a 3D stereo camera prototype that has two lenses mounted in a single shutter. The Rollei 6008AF bundle with P20 digital back lists for $17,999, X-Act 2 system, $3000, Horseman LD, $2600, Horseman SW-D Pro, $2799 and the Horseman 3D stereo camera, $5000.

• Noritsu Unveils New Equipment at PMA 2006

• Crane & Co. Introduces New Fine Art Paper

Crane & Co. (Dalton, MA, 877/306-8736, www.crane.com) introduced fine art Museo Silver Rag paper at PMA 2006. The new fiber-based, archival photo paper combines the semigloss look of a traditional air-dried fiber print with the feel of a fine cotton paper. It accepts pigment inks and delivers excellent results for both color and black-and-white output. Silver Rag has a weight of 300 gsm and is available in sheets and rolls. Sheet sizes include 8.5x11, A4, 13x19/A3+, 17x22, 24x36 and 35x47 inches. Rolls are available in widths of 17, 24, 44, and 50 inches. Renowned photographers Keith Johnson and Lee Gordon participated in the Silver Rag introduction.

• 100 Years at Chilcote

The Chilcote Company (Cleveland, OH, 216/781-6000, www.chilcotecompany.com) celebrated its 100th anniversary at the PMA’s 2006 convention in Orlando, FL. From its beginnings as a supplier of mounts to studio photographers in 1906, Chilcote now offers a complete line of packaging products for the photo industry, including the Taprell Loomis (TAP), Complements, Premira, and Flora product lines. Additional Chilcote companies include Crown Photo Products, Culver Art & Frame Co, Inc., D Davis Kenny, Graphic Imaginations, Topflight, Wooden Nickel Albums, Winthrop Atkins and Western Photographic Supplies, Inc.