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Rangefinder
Magazine
May 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 66 in this issue. When contacting the companies direct, please
mention Rangefinder.
 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.
 RedWing has added a new 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.
Lacquer-Mat Systems now has new water-based coatings for digital and
traditional prints. Formulated to provide photographs and digital images
with a durable, water- and scratch-resistant surface, plus added 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 application in low volume settings. Water-Mat 3000 is for roller
coating in larger volume, and Water-Mat 4000 is designed for spray gun
application. 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 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, 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 Professional 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 drying, 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.
Photoflex has introduced some new kits to make studio and location use
of their MultiDics 5’n1 and Lite-Panel easier. The MultiDisc Kit
features 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. A four-section LiteStand included in the
kit can be extended up to 10 feet 8 inches, with good stability. The
MultiDisc Kit 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.
 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 printers
and UltraChrome inks, the system 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.
Archival Methods introduces an exclusive feature of the new PrintPack.
It is a supplied clear polypropylene self-adhesive print sleeve that
is applied to the top of the high capacity proof or preview portfolio
box. This sleeve is used to highlight a “best image” or it
can be mounted inside the box lid to hold a studio's promotional card.
The portfolio-style storage boxes feature a clamshell-hinged construction
for convenience and elegant design. The hinged back panel is reinforced
for repeated opening and closing. The box is covered with a matte black
cover stock in a linnen texture finish. The interior is black throughout
for a fine finished look. When fully opened, the box can function as
a "two tray sorter" for print selection or editing. PrintPack
portfolio boxes are sold in units of six, priced at $39.90 for the 4x6-inch
box and $39.95 for the 5-inch square format. Information and books are
available online at www.archivalmethods.com.
Faces On Time, has developed a really great new way for animal lovers
to show off a favorite photo of their pet by displaying it in a stylish,
high-quality wristwatch. Unlike ordinary “picture” watches,
the company utilizes a unique image suspension process by which a high-resolution,
distortion-free reproduction of the pet’s photo is set between
the watch dial and the crystal. This allows the image to be clearly displayed,
unobstructed by the watch’s hands and center pin, yet shows the
time at a glance. The animal’s name or other brief inscription
can also be added at no extra charge. Photos can be beautifully reproduced
from either conventional or digital originals. The watches themselves
are high-quality timepieces manufactured to Faces On Time’s specifications
by Endura, a member of the renowned Swatch Group of Switzerland. For
information and ordering of watches go to www.facesontime.com or call
(866)-777-FACE.
Lyson, Inc. is introducing Cave Paint pigment. Cave Paint provides intensely
vibrant colors for dramatic, durable, eye-catching prints. Once installed,
these pigment inks enhance the color output of all compatible printers
while driving down costs significantly for the end user. Ideal for photographic
and fine art prints, trade show graphics, outdoor signs and banners,
backlit and window exhibits, POP displays, and pre-press proofing, Cave
Paint benefits include: ultra-vibrant colors over a wide color gamut;
long, fade resistant life for indoor and outdoor usage; wide media compatibility
with no performance sacrifice; process color simulation; water and scratch
resistance; exceptional lamination characteristics for hot and cold lamination.
Lyson Cave Paint comes in printer cartridges and bulk ink, and is compatible
with a wide range of printer technologies including Epson, Roland, Mimaki,
Mutoh, and Tiara. Information: www.lysonusa.com or (847) 690-1060.
The Digi-Frame DF-1710 is a self-contained digital picture frame that
doesn’t look electronic—it accepts any 20 x 16-inch decorative
frame and matting and looks completely traditional. It’s less than
3 inches deep and can be hung with picture wire. It has an internal 12GB
hard drive that can hold over 10,000 hi-rez 1024 x 768 jpeg images. It
has a built-in computer that controls the presentations and it can be
loaded and controlled via CD-ROM, ethernet LAN, wireless LAN, the internet,
and memory cards. It has an on-screen menu system controlled by a handheld
remote control, and can play MP3 background soundtracks as well as MPEG
video. Its awesome ability to display thousands of pictures in one space
on a 17-inch screen and change images in moments while retaining a traditional
look is a breakthrough in image presentation. Information: Digi-Frame
Inc., www.digi-frame.com, (914) 937-4090
The new Jones Vertical Flash Bracket is ideal for school, sports, and
event photographers who need a solid bracket for vertical camera placement
on a tripod. The Jones Vertical Bracket is made of heavy-duty coated
steel; it won't shake, rattle, or roll! The bracket allows for unencumbered
access to front controls on most digital cameras. The bracket is designed
to fit virtually all 35mm, digital and 645 cameras. Options include adjustable
horizontal and vertical flash attachments. The prices for the vertical
bracket start at $34.95.
The unique Jones J-35 Rotating Flash Bracket has been upgraded with new
features
and attachments for digital, 645, and 35–mm cameras. This lightweight bracket
(11 ounces) allows camera rotation from horizontal to vertical while keeping
the flash unit on top. It will rotate either left or right and can be used hand
held or mounted on a tripod. The combination bounce and flash attachment accepts
all professional flash and strobe heads, shoe type and handle mounted flashes
with proper adapters. This adapter allows the flash to be tilted forward to avoid
vignetting on close-up photos such as wedding ring shots. Prices for the Jones
J-35 start at $94.95. Information visit www.veachco.com.
The new LumiQuest® Ultra Image software is a powerful suite of actions designed
to simplify image enhancements in Photoshop® with a few clicks of the mouse.
Ultra Image is a series of automatic actions that serve to dramatically improve
virtually any image, while eliminating dozens of repetitive steps. In addition
to saving time, the novice Photoshop® user can create professionally processed
images minutes after installing the software. Ultra Image software is used in
conjunction with Photoshop® 6.0 or higher. Camera specific software enables
the user to maximize image quality with regards to noise, color, sharpness and
tone range in seconds. Simply select landscape, portrait, product shot or snapshot
and Ultra Image will automatically apply the right series of actions to maximize
image quality. Images can then be quickly resized and prepped for web or print
use. In addition, you can run one image or a batch of images when applying the
same processing steps. Information www.lumiquest.com. The introductory suggested
retail price of Ultra Image is $59.95.
Jobo at PMA released a new device which allows photographers to burn CDs directly
from memory cards without the use of a computer. The product is called the Disc
Steno CP100, and has a rechargeable built-in battery that provides 60 minutes
of recording time. The Disc Steno CP 100 will burn CDs directly from memory cards,
including: CompactFlash (CF) Type I and II, MicroDrive, Memory Stick (MS), SecureDigital
(SD), MultiMedia (MMC), SmartMedia (SM), and xD (with optional xD to CF adapter).
The unit will retail for $299. Information: www.jobo-usa.com.
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