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Rangefinder
Magazine
February 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 74 in this issue. When contacting the companies
direct, please mention Rangefinder.
 Those
using the Lumiflo Fluidic Ink Delivery System with their Epson printer,
and those considering moving to this system, will be interested to learn
that Luminos Photo Corporation has just introduced two new ink sets for
the system. Monochrome Plus is for serious black-and-white printers and
allows complete control of image color from neutral to warm and cool as
well as emulating sepia toning and selenium toning. Standard EP is said
to offer seamless replacement for Epson’s own inks. This ink set
produces more brilliant colors than the standard LumiFlo Gold set, which
Luminos has offered for some time. Each of the six inks in these sets
can be bought separately in four-ounce bottles, so you only need buy what
you run low on. Sample kits are available to get started with any of the
Luminos ink systems. For more information go to www.luminos.com .
 Hardigg
Cases has introduced a new line of protective cases for photo equipment
called Storm Cases. According to the company, their newly improved and
proprietary latch design will save photographers from bruised knuckles
when opening and latching these new cases. The Storm Case line is injection
molded, and complement the company’s existing line of large equipment
cases. Storm Cases come in ten sizes from 13x9x6 inches up to 29x18x101⁄2
inches. They are available in black, gray and yellow for regular use and
in olive for military use. Cubed foam lining and lid stays are available
on all models for easy customizing for specific equipment. The company’s
web site is www.hardigg.com.
 nik
multimedia, Inc. recently introduced Dfine, which simplifies the image
editing process for digital photos and provides new tools for noise reduction
and detail optimization. Dfine reduces noise and unwanted imperfections
that may be a part of the digital image and allows the user to control
and redefine image details. Dfine uses a proprietary system to reduce
noise based on the characteristics, colors, and type of detail in the
image, using a system that considers the varying structures of the image
and ability of the eye to perceive details. Dfine provides a unique system
for reducing noise in a dynamic fashion across the entire image for a
more natural effect. Dfine is designed to be the first step in the workflow
when editing digital photos and provides users with an array of detail
and photographic related features, including noise reduction, JPEG artifact
reduction, as well as color and light enhancements to create better photographic
prints. Information: www.nikmultimedia.com/dfine/whitepaper/.
Kodak Professional Portra 400 UC (Ultra Color) has been recently introduced
to satisfy the needs of commercial photographers, who require a more versatile
option for creating their signature “looks.” Portra 400 is
a highly saturated fine-grain color negative film, which achieves the
high-color “pop” and low grain typically associated with color
reversal films, while retaining the exceptional skin tones for which Portra
films are well known. The new film also has generous exposure latitude
and produces natural skin tones, even in mixed-illuminant environments,
such as runways or on location, where a tungsten film would be necessary.
Portra 400UC film also is versatile enough for use in portrait/wedding
photography environments that would benefit from “ultra color”
images, such as in-studio portraiture or wedding candids. Information:
(800) 235-6325, or www.kodak.com/go/professional.
 Brightscreen
has introduced new digital crop and composition focusing screens for digital
cameras. Composing images for 8x10, 10x10, and other formats, as well
as producing consistent head sizes can be a big problem without accurate
reference marks on the viewfinder screen. Accurate crop and composition
can now be accomplished must easier with these newly released screen designs.
While some screens are user interchangeable, many new cameras are not.
Services are available for most cameras including the Fuji S1/S2, Canon
D30/D60, Nikon D100 and others. Cameras which offer interchangeable view-
finder screens such as the Nikon D1 D1H and D1X, Canon 1D Contax N, Kodak
760 and many others are easily replaced by users. These designs are made
directly onto Brightscreen 2020 camera focusing screens and enable photographers
to properly compose to desired formats. Of particular interest are the
newest combination 8x10 and head size format screens, which are necessities
for school photographers in creating consistent head sizes for yearbooks
and other uses. Information: (800) 235-245, or (423) 478-1451, or visit
the company’s web site: www.brightscreen.com.
 Taprell
Loomis has announced three new Dance Folders, ideal for images of school
proms and other special dance events. The City Scape folder uses a downtown
skyline with gold stars to set an urban, sophisticated mood. The  Silhouette
folder has a silhouette of a prom pair, rendered in blue foil. Flora uses
a sketch of a tulip in glimmering prismatic foil. Both the Silhouette
and Flora have gate fronts which open onto foil-framed photos. These new
side-loading folders are available for 5x7 and 8x10 prints. TAP has also
announced a new series of Photo Gallery Folios with an embossed snakeskin
texture to appeal to the younger audience. These simulated leather folios
come in 4x5-8V and 4x5-8VH versions. Information: (800) 827-5679, www.tapusa.com
Schneider Optics has announced the availability of the new Horseman DigiFlex
II single-lens reflex camera, designed specifically to provide optimal
results with today’s high-grade 24x36mm and 36x36mm digital camera
backs. The Horseman DigiFlex II builds upon the performance of the original
DigiFlex SLR, which was the world’s first single-lens reflex camera
body that could accept standard Nikon-mount SLR lenses and high-quality
one-shot digital backs. With new features, such as the built-in CPU for
perfectly synchronized digital back CCD activation and motorized shutter
cocking, the DigiFlex II is a fine choice for photographers seeking high-end
digital performance with the functionality, flexibility and portability
of a true 35mm SLR system. Information: Schneider Optics, Inc., 285 Oser
Avenue, Hauppauge, New York, 11788; telephone: (631) 761-5000; web site:
www.schneideroptics.com.
JOBO Fototechnic, the distributor for Durst in the USA, has announced
the Durst Variolux, an exposure and contrast meter for enlarging. The
Variolux is the newest member of Durst’s broad range of high-quality
lab metering equipment. Its rapid response will help to speed up the time
spent printing in the darkroom. In addition to speeding up the exposure
readings, the Variolux also guides you to the selection of the proper
contrast grade for black and white papers. It can be used for spot or
integrated readings, and since it is battery operated there are no power
cords to get in the way. The Durst Variolux will retail for $139. Information:
(800) 664.0344, (734) 677-6963; www.jobo-usa.com.
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.
Photoflex, the well known lighting company, has just introduced some new
kits using their WhiteDome nxt softboxes and their Starlite 3200 hot lights.
The kits come in small and medium sizes, reflecting the size of the included.
The small WhiteDome measures 16 x 22 x 13 inches and comes with a 500
watt lamp. The medium WhiteDome measures 24 x 32 x 17 inches and comes
with a 1000 watt lamp. Each kit also comes with a three-section LS Boom
which allows extending the light up to five feet from the LS-2322 heavy-duty
light stand, also included in the kit. The LS-2322 stand can be extended
up to 121⁄2 feet in height. Two Weightbags are also included to
use to counterbalance the boom and stabilize the light stand. For more
information on these kits and other Photoflex products, check out their
web site at www.photoflex.com.
Designed from the ground up as a flash system for the demands of digital
photography, the Profoto D4 offers consistent and repeatability under
all shooting conditions, even when power output varies greatly form one
lamp head to another. The D4 provides precise control in 1/10 f-stop increments,
all with digital controlled output, ensuring that flash and color temperature
remain consistent. Four independent outlets provide true asymmetric operation
with the turn of a dial. Over an 8 f-stop range, the Profoto D4 gives
photographers the ability to adjust the light from the control panel,
without the need for unplugging and re-plugging lamp heads. All this control
is at your fingertips and is enhanced by total compatibility with the
complete line of Profoto heads and accessories. Auxiliary functions such
as sequence, delay and intervalometer, make difficult shooting situations
simple. With these features, photographers can select the number of flashes,
and the amount of time between each flash as well as an initial delay,
all from the generator in a simple, easy way. The D4 also has a PocketWizard
receiver built-in that enables wireless digital radio triggering and can
be operated on 32 different channels with individual Quad Zones. Information:
www.mamiya.com.
Primera Technology has announced its Bravo Disc Publisher. Bravo is the
world’s first automated CD duplicating and printing system that
is priced at less than $2000 (MSRP). Instead of copying and labeling discs
one at a time, Bravo is designed for hands-free, automated production
of up to 25 CDs or DVDs per job. An advanced robotic mechanism is used
to transport discs into the built-in 40x CD-R recorder or optional Pioneer
combo DVD-R/CD-R recorder. After recording, discs are transported to the
integrated printer, where they’re printed in full color at up to
2400 dpi resolution.Bravo attaches to any PC running Windows Me/2000/XP
through its built-in FireWire (IEEE 1394) and USB interfaces. Professional
recording software from Veritas is included along with an easy-to-use
labeling software program called SureThing CD Labeler First Edition. Information:
1-(800) 797-2772 (USA and Canada); e-mail: sales@primeratechnology.com,
web: www.primeratechnology.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, mas-ing 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
.
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 Exa-clair’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 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.
Tamron Co., Ltd. has announced the release of their new 28-300mm zoom
lens in the new compact and lightweight XR design. The new Tamron 28–300mm
XR is significantly smaller than the previous model. It is 11% shorter,
9% smaller in maximum diameter, and 28% lighter according to Tamron The
first thing you will notice is that that the front filter diameter is
dra-matically smaller than the previous model. The new filter size of
only (62mm is made possible by a large-scale reduction of lens diameter.
Compared with the current 28-300, the filter size is two steps smaller
in diameter, at 62mm versus 72mm. The lens focuses down to 19.3 inches
at all focal lengths, for a maximum magnification of 1:2.9 . The lens
is available in mounts for Canon AF, Nikon AF, Minolta AF, Pentax AF.
Information: (631) 858-8400, fax (631) 543-3963, www.tamron.com.
Graf Photography has announced their Power Marketing 101 series of audio
CDs. There are four CDs in the series, titled: Shakin’ Things Up,
Image is Everything, Positioning For Profit, and Weddings That Rock. These
CDs will teach you all of the basics of improving your marketing to produce
more business and more profit. You can buy the CDs indi-vidually, or the
complete set. Indi-vidually, they cost $ 40 each, but the complete set
sells for only $ 99, for a considerable savings. For more in-formation,
or to order, contact Graf Photography, 39 Mission Point Lane, St. Marie,
Idaho 83861, or call toll free at 888-544-4149, or visit their web site
at www.powermarketing101.com.
To compliment 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. Fea-tures 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, 11 megapixel sen-sor,
and can be mounted on large format cameras via adapters. Also new from
Phase One is DSLR soft-ware for use with Canon digital SLR cameras, including
the new EOS-1Ds. Similar software is in develop-ment for Nikon, Fuji and
Kodak digital SLR cameras. Information: www.phaseone.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.
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 3 1/2 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, ri-gidity 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.
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.
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