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Rangefinder Magazine
April 2003

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 Quick Response Form provided on page 70 in this issue. When contacting the companies direct, please mention Rangefinder.

Mystical Lighting Auto FX Software lets users improve the look and feel of their images by controlling the very essence of photography: lighting and shading. Mystical Lighting features 16 visual imaging solutions for light and shading, including layers, layer presets that record and replay effects, masking layers and unlimited undo capability. Here’s a list of the effects: Edge Highlights, Ethereal, FairyDust, Flare, Light Brush, Light Caster, Mist, Mottled Background, Radial Light Caster, Rainbow, Shader, Shading Brush, ShadowPlay, Spotlight, SurfaceLight and Wispy Mist. Mystical Lighting works as either a stand-alone application or as a plug-in for image editing programs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Elements, Jasc Paint Shop Pro and Corel Photo Paint. The estimated street price Mystical Lighting is $179. Information: (800) 839-2008 or visit http://www.autofx.com.

EZPhotoPost.com is a new web photo posting and e-commerce system that allows photographers to post both black-and-white and color photographs side by side. Other features include six large thumbnails per page, a comparison feature that allows customers to compare one image next to another, a slide show set to music, plus full editing and cropping tools along with quick batch uploading of both scanned images and digital camera files. Photographers pay only for the images they post with no monthly fees or percentage of sales fees. For additional information go to http://ezphotopost.com.

One of the biggest problems with scanning for digital output is dust and dirt on scanner platens. Kinetronics has just introduced their solution to this problem, the Kinetronics Digital Scanner Glass Cleaning Kit. The kit contains two Kinetronics products, their anti-static Tiger Cloth and their Precision Cleaning Solution. A reusable plastic case protects both products when not in use. Precision Cleaning Solution will remove fingerprints, smudges, masking tape residue, etc. After cleaning, a quick wipe with the Tiger Cloth will leave the glass clean without any static charge to attract dust. Information: (800) 624-3204 or (941) 951-2432, fax (951) 955-5992 .

At photokina 2002 Leica surprised the photographic world with a new SLR camera, the Leica R9. Thanks to the use of new materials, the R9 actually weighs 31⁄2 ounces less than the R8, Leica’s previous SLR model. According to Leica, this loss in weight was made without an any way compromising build quality, rigidity or durability. The new camera has a redesigned frame counter on top and a new LCD display panel on the back, which provides all essential operating information about the camera. The metering system has been improved to adjust in 1/10-stop increments for very precise exposure control. The mode selector now locks in place so it can’t be changed by accident. Along with the new camera, Leica introduced three new R-Series lenses, the 15mm f/2.8 Leica Elmarit-R Asph., the 21–35mm f/3.4–4 Leica Vario-Elmar-R Asph., and the 90mm f/2 Leica Apo-Summicron Asph. Information: www.leica-camera.com.

Your clients and models no longer have to change in their cars or behind towels on location shoots. The Changing Room provides a private place to change in any public area. The 6.3 x 3 x 3-foot standing unit folds down to fit into a compact carry case that makes it easy to take with you anywhere (23-inch diameter and 2 inches thick). It is made of durable, water-resistant nylon taffeta. Unit pops open and folds down in just seconds. The weight of the Changing Room is only 6 lbs. Retail: $69.95 Info: (888) 455-1250 or www.gochange.com.

Delkin Devices, a U.S. manufacturer of high performance digital photography memory products and accessories, has introduced the eFilm PicturePAD. This new portable digital storage device for photos is designed for the traveling digital photographer and features a built-in color LCD screen for viewing photos and a high capacity hard drive for storing them. By simply inserting a flash memory card, the user can instantly access a number of features for viewing, showing, storing, and organizing digital images. The PicturePAD is designed to accompany a digital camera, since it is roughly the size and weight of a palm size PDA and comes with its own carrying case. PicturePAD’s hard drive is available in capacities of 20GB, 30GB, and 40GB, but additional sizes will also be introduced. Information: Delkin Devices, Inc. (858) 391-1234, fax (858) 591- 1415, www.delkin.com.

To complement Hasselblad’s new H1 camera system, Phase One has introduced the Phase One H101 digital back. According to the company, Phase One’s H 101 integrates completely seamlessly with the new Hasselblad camera to produce the appearance of a single, integrated unit in Scandinavian design. Features such as ISO and histogram can be displayed directly on the LCD display on the top of the Hasselblad H1 handgrip. A flash indicator and the orientation of the Phase One back can also be displayed. The H 101 back offers ISO equivalent speeds up to 400, an 11 megapixel sensor, and can be mounted on large format cameras via adapters. Also new from Phase One is DSLR software for use with Canon digital SLR cameras, including the new EOS-1Ds. Similar software is in development for Nikon, Fuji and Kodak digital SLR cameras. Information: www.phaseone.com.

Virtual Portrait Painting with Helen Yancy… Here’s a must-have CD that takes you from start to finish in the creation of a fine art watercolor portrait. In three Quick-Time movies, Helen covers every step of the process. There are no “holes” in the information. This is one of the most detailed and useful virtual workshops we’ve seen! Available for Mac and PC, it’s only $60 plus shipping. Order your copy today by contacting Helen at helenyancy@comcast.net.

The TecnoLab Division of JOBO Fototechnic, Inc. announced a new chemical mixer for replenisher-based processing. The compact unit can precisely mix up to 2000 liters per day, and can be matched to virtually any brand of replenishing processor. It can be programmed to work with overflow chemicals to help reduce effluent, or with fresh chemical concentrates. In addition to greater accuracy and consistency produced by computer-controlled mixing techniques, the unit can significantly save time and money due to the reduced labor needed to mix chemicals with the Eco Mix. Information: sales@jobo-usa.com, (800) 664.0344, www.jobo-usa.com.

RedWing has added a new light boom to their line of studio accessories. The parallelogram design of the RedWing boom allows raising and lowering of lights without changing their angle. The head extension at the end of the boom rotates through 360 degrees, for maximum versatility in light positioning. All movements are controlled from a handle located at the boom’s pivot point, for maximum ease of use in the working studio. The boom is available in two versions, Compact and Standard. Information: R.T.S. www.rtsphoto.com, (631) 242-6801, fax (631) 242-6808.

The new Big Book from Exaclair, Inc. is that company’s largest photo album, accepting 9 X 12 inch prints. The album can hold up to 128 prints in 5 x 7-inch size, with space under each print for notes, and is specially designed so that the pages will lie flat when the album is opened, no matter how many pages are used. The cover of this elegant album is marbled, and comes in blue or burgundy with matching cloth binding. As with all of Exaclair’s PhotoClair line, the paper used in the Big Book is non reactive, neutral pH, and chlorine-free, for maximum print life. Suggested retail price for the Big Book is $34. Information: (800) 933-8595 or www.exaclair.com.

The Kodak Professional division of Eastman Kodak Company has introduced two new Ektachrome films for professional photographers. Both Ektachrome E100G and Ektachrome 100GX use Kodak’s color amplifying technology and T-Grain emulsion technology to produce smooth neutral tones, cleaner highlights and shadows, whiter and brighter whites, improved shadow detail, and the finest grain of any Kodak film. These new films will replace Kodak Ektachrome E100S and E100SW during the first quarter of 2003. For more information call Kodak Pro-fessional at 800-235-6325 or visit the Kodak Professional web site at www.kodak.com/go/professional.

Promaster has moved into the inkjet paper business with Promaster heavyweight inkjet papers in satin and glossy surfaces. The new papers are offered in 4 X 6 and 8 1/2 X 11 inch sizes, and are said to be ideal for printing images made with digital cameras. The papers feature photographic quality finish, instant dry-ing, and are highly water resistant. They are said to produce excellent color reproduction and are suitable for most inkjet printers. For more information on Promaster products, visit their web site at www.promaster.com.

The new Studio by Ilford system promises to simplify life for photographers who want to do their own printing in-house. Ilford provides a full range of media in premounts, sheets and rolls, Epson UltraChrome 7-color pigment inks, and a 24- or 44-inch Epson Stylus Pro Printer along with Ripstar 5.6 RIP. By utilizing the well known Epson Stylus Pro 7600 and 9600 print-ers and UltraChrome inks, the sys-tem is capable of producing the highest quality images, on regular media or on pre-mounted boards ready for framing. Media surfaces from Ilford currently are glossy and pearl, available in rolls and standard sheet sizes as well as premounts. For more information, visit Ilford’s web site at www.ilford.com.

Lacquer-Mat Sytems now has new water-based coatings for digital and traditional prints. Formulated to provide photographs and digital images with a durable, water and scratch resistance surface, plus add-ing UV protection. They are available in three finishes: Diamond (gloss); Pearl Luster (luster, semi-gloss); and Satina (satin finish). Water-Mat 2000 is designed for roller applica-tion in low volume settings. Water-Mat 3000 is for roller coating in larger volume, and Water-Mat 4000 is designed for spray gun applica-tion. All provide UV protection and are environmentally safe. For more information, contact Lacquer-Mat Systems, 6816 Ellicott Dr., East Syracuse, NY 13057, call them at 800-942-2223, fax them at 315-431-1023, or visit them at their web site: www.lacquer-mat.com.

The well-known lighting company Photoflex has introduced some new kits to make studio and location use of their MultiDics 5’n1 and Lite-Panel easier. The MultiDisc Kit fea-tures a 42-inch MultiDisc 5’n1 reflector, LiteDisc Holder, and LiteS-tand, along with a zippered carry bag which holds all the items. The unique MultiDisc 5’n1 reflector has five different surfaces, gold, soft gold, white, silver and translucent. The LiteDisc holder holds and positions the MultiDics, and can be rotated and swiveled for precise aiming of the reflected light. The four-section LiteStand included in the kit can be extended up to 10 feet 8 inches, with good stability. It also features a wider footprint and thicker tubing than most competing light stands. The MultiDisc Kit ( order info DL-42 Multikit) has a retail price of $315.95, a saving of almost $19 over the components purchased individually. The LitePanel Kit includes one 39 x 72 inch soft gold and white translucent fabric LitePanels, aluminum support frame, crossbar, LiteStand, main and T-clamp, and a LitePanel Carry Bag. The whole kit fits easily into the carry bag for location work or storage. The retail price of this kit (LP-PANELKIT) is $324.95, for a saving of more than $60 over the individual prices of the components. Information www.photoflex.com.