Pentax New 35mm & Medium Format Lenses

Pentax New 35mm & Medium Format Lenses

PENTAX announced the introduction of new lenses to the 35mm and medium format line. The new lens line-up includes the SMC FA 28mm-70mm f/4 AL, the SMC PENTAX F 100mm-300mm f/4.5-f/5.6 and the SMC PENTAX FA soft 85mm f/2.8 for the 35mm line. Owners of the PENTAX 645 system can now add the new 645 45mm-85mm f/4.5 lens to their collection.

The SMC FA 28mm-70mm f/4 AL lens is a result of advanced computer assisted lens design and analysis technology. Despite its affordable price, this new lens features aspherical lens elements and a maximum aperture of f/4 throughout its focal length range to produce beautiful true-to-life photographs.

The SMC PENTAX F 100mm-300mm f/4.5-f/5.6 is designed for maximum holding comfort. It is compact and easy to maneuver, particularly for a lens with such a wide focal range.Photographers who shoot portraits will appreciate PENTAX's new SMC soft 85mm f/2.8 lens. It incorporates the original floating mechanism in its focusing system to produce high quality images over its entire focus range.

The PENTAX 645 45mm-85mm f/4.5 wide angle zoom lens is sure to be a welcome addition to the current 645 lens offering. In terms of the 35mm format, it has the focal length covering 27mm to 51mm-- the range most frequently used by photographers. Consequently, it can greatly enhance the versatility of the PENTAX 645 in many different applications.

23 February 1996

Bronica AE Prism Finder SQ-i for Bronica SQ-A, SQ-Am, SQ-Ai cameras

Bronica AE Prism Finder SQ-i

Bronica announced the new AE Prism Finder SQ-i, for the Bronica SQ-A, SQ-Am, and SQ-Ai cameras. The finder is the much awaited update of the original AE finder S, introduced at PMA in '83. The new AE finder mirrors the update for the ETRSi, the AE lll, and has nearly identical features.

The AE Prism Finder SQ-i is improved from top to bottom, with both cosmetic and performance enhancements. As with the original, it is a metered finder capable of manual or aperture priority automatic operation. But the updated finder has both center-weighted averaging metering cells, and a separate silicon photo cell for spot measurements. The spot meter measures a 12mm circle in the center of the finder for more select accuracy when desired. The EV range of the finder has been improved 4 stops, now providing EV 1-18. The AE accuracy has been enhanced to 12th stop increments in automatic.

The finder has replaced the LED style array with an easy to read LCD. The numerals can be seen comfortably in any working environment; when ambient light falls too low to illuminate the display, an automatic backlight renders the display legible. In addition, the LCD array uses a fraction of the battery power that the LED's use; not only will this conserve power, but will allow the finder to operate with marginal batteries longer.

Perhaps the greatest comfort feature of the new finder is the Variable Diopter, with a built in range of correction of -2.5 to +0.5, a three diopter range which will handle 90% of the eyes that view through this finder. For the exceptions, there are two optional "helper diopters", increasing the range from -5 to -2, and 0 to +3.

Other added bonuses include an auto exposure memory lock; which in auto holds a desired shutter speed for up to 60 seconds. A "clear" button is provided to cancel the memory, if desired. For long exposures in auto, an eyepiece shutter, or blind, can be engaged to block any stray light from skewing the exposure.

In addition to the compensation dials on the SQ style backs, there is a + or - 2 EV correction in 1/3 stop increments. This will allow for a consistent correction without regard to a film back change.

Two types of rubber eyecups are available; one low profile version for eyeglass wearers; and a large "shield" type for reducing extraneous light at the eyepiece. This was a request made often by pros.

In addition to all of the substantial technical improvements, the AE Prism Finder SQ-i exterior has been improved, providing a sleek, streamlined and rugged professional look.

Bronica Camera SQ-Basic - SQ-B

New Bronica Camera SQ-Basic - SQ-B

A new Bronica camera, the SQ-Basic, was unveiled at the Photo Marketing Association - PMA annual trade show. The camera is a simplified version of the popular 6x6 format SQ-Ai, and is targeted towards students and advanced professionals not needing some electronic features. This is the first new product introduced in the US since Tamron Co., Ltd. purchased Bronica last July, and Tamron Industries, Inc. assumed the US distribution of the line on February 1, 1996.

As the name suggests, the SQ-Basic, or SQ-B, has basic mechanical features that allow the camera to sell at a lower price range than the feature-packed SQ-Ai. The SQ-B accepts all of the original "S" and "PS" lenses, as well as a special 80mm PS/B lens made specifically for the camera. This lens is paint-coated, or alumite finished, similarly to the PG lenses for the GS-1, or the original "S" series, giving it a classy black matte color.

The SQ-B is a perfect choice for students who are being trained to use cameras without buil -in AE metering. The SQ-B will accept all of the SQ finders, including the AE, but does not activate the metering capability of any of these finders. Advanced pros who currently use their own specialized hand held meter will appreciate this more direct and cost effective approach.

The shutter release is completely mechanical, letting the user fire the camera with standard release at 1/500th second if the battery is unavailable, or exhausted. Normal shutter speeds range from 1/500th down to 8 seconds. The film winding crank is the SQ/SQ-A type, and the SQ-B will also accept Bronica's unique Speed Grip. In addition, it is mechanically compatible with all viewfinders (without AE features), backs, inserts (both 120 and 220), and focusing screens.

The SQ-B is packaged in an exclusive display box as a standard kit consisting of the Bronica SQ-B main camera body, a gold-imprinted SQ-B 120 film back without ISO dial, the new Zenzanon PS-B 80mm F/2.8 lens, and the SQ-B waist level finder. These components are not available individually as part of the marketing strategy.

Canon ELPH Advanced Photo System Compact Camera Announcement at PMA 1996

Canon ELPH Advanced Photo System Compact Camera

The Canon ELPH was announced at PMA Trade Show and Convention in Las Vegas.

The Canon ELPH is the smallest, and "most elegant", 2x zoom camera ever designed by Canon and offers consumers several Advanced Photo System features, as well as unique features which are distinctively Canon including: a durable, stainless steel body; an ultra-sharp 24-48mm all -glass aspheric lens; superior AF performance using Canon's exclusive Hybrid AF active/passive autofocus technology; simple drop-in loading; built-in flash and fully automatic operation.

Advanced Photo System features of the Canon ELPH include: a real-image viewfinder with built-in masks for producing three Print Aspect Ratios ("C" or Classic, "HDTV" or wide-angle and "P" or Panorama); Magnetic Information Exchange (IX), which allows specific information to be "read" or "translated" from the camera to any of several Advanced Photo System-format films; easy drop-in film loading; back printing capabilities for user storage and record-keeping without infringing on the elements within the photograph and Print Quality Improvement (PQI) for outstanding photo finishing prints.

Canon ELPH is Canon's Smallest 2x Camera

The ELPH is designed to be the Canon's smallest 2x zoom camera, taking advantage of the Advanced photo System's compact film cartridge and Canon's unique space-saving technologies. At the same time, this camera is easy to use because of its well-designed control layout and fully automatic operation. The Canon ELPH measures 3.6 (W) x 2.4 (H) x 1.1 (D)-inches and weighs approximately 6.3 ounces without battery. Main features of the Canon ELPH include an elegant, yet durable stainless steel body; an ultra-sharp, all-glass 24-48mm power zoom lens with two aspherical elements;a retractable built-in flash; a totally new autofocus system that combines active and passive AF technology within a single, compact unit

Canon ELPH: Elegant Stainless Steel Finish Adds Touch of Class

The Canon ELPH features the first all-stainless steel exterior to be used on any camera. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, very hard, and resists deformation. At the same time it can be made slightly thinner than comparable aluminum or titanium steel exteriors, contributing to the camera's small size.

The Canon ELPH uses SUS316 stainless steel (also referred to as 18/12 stainless), which has exceptional corrosion resistance and hardness among stainless steels. It is less costly than titanium, but provides an equivalent quality appearance and elegant impression.

Canon ELPH: Hybrid Active/Passive Autofocus System Assures Sharp Photos

Rather than relying on a single AF system, the Canon ELPH incorporates both active and passive autofocusing modes, automatically switching from one to the other as image conditions mandate. The active mode, which is the more traditional means of autofocusing with lens shutter cameras, uses an infrared emitter and sensor to detect subject-to-camera distance. The passive mode detects differences in subject contrast. The combination of these two autofocusing methods assures users that focus will be sharp with each exposure, regardless of the lighting condition or subject.

The hybrid system ensures improved distance measurement accuracy with hard-to-focus subjects, including long-range subjects. Off-center subjects can become primary subjects with the focus lock feature while the ELPH's 150 autofocusing steps assure focusing accuracy.

Canon ELPH: Drop-in Loading Simplicity

The Advanced Photo System was designed to minimize basic mistakes made by consumers including the improper loading of film. The new, compact cartridge simply "drops-in" to the camera without further loading steps or requirements by the consumer. On the Canon ELPH, for example, the film cartridge is simply inserted into a small loading chamber accessed through a small flip-open cover at the base of the camera. An optical disk on the cartridge is read by the camera for automatic setting of film speed.

Canon ELPH: Multi-Function Flash and 3-Zone Metering

The Canon ELPH incorporates a built-in multi-function flash unit incorporating red-eye reduction capabilities. The flash unit pops up and retracts as the camera's main switch is turned on and off. The flash's covering power is sufficient to cover its wide angle focal length of 24mm and a minilamp, located within the flash unit helps to reduce red-eye when photographing people.

The ELPH's built-in flash unit offers several modes including AUTO (with and without red-eye reduction), Flash ON, Flash OFF and SLOW-SYNC. The program AE system of the Canon ELPH uses an advanced 3-zone evaluative metering system which enables automatic exposure compensation for backlighted scenes. In the Program AE mode, light measurement, film speed, AF distance, and lens focal length data are integrated to provide users with the proper combination of shutter speed and aperture settings to create optimum exposures. The shutter speed range of the ELPH is 2 seconds to 1/500 second.

Canon ELPH: System-Wide Camera Features

As with any camera manufactured within the Advanced Photo System format, the Canon ELPH provides users with universal System features including a real-image zoom finder with aspect ratio masks; and Information Exchange (IX) capabilities which allows information to be transferred from the camera to film for optimum photo finishing results and drop-in loading of film.

The viewfinder on the ELPH optically zooms with the lens to enable users to see, through the viewfinder, precisely what they can expect to record on film. A green LED indicator alerts users when it is "OK" to make a properly exposed image, or if the subject is too close or out of AF range. An orange LED indicator provides consumers with necessary flash information.

The viewfinder field is automatically adjusted with masks to reflect the user's aspect ratio selection. No masks, or crop marks, are visible when the camera is set in the "HDTV" (wide angle) ratio. Masks at the right and left of the viewfinder appear when the "C" (Classic) aspect ratio is selected, while masks will appear at the top and bottom of the viewfinder when the "P" (Panorama) aspect ratio is selected. The user's ability to physically see these "crop marks" will serve as a constant reminder of the specific aspect ratio, or "format", the camera is set for at any time during use.

Another key feature of the Advanced Photo System, in general, is Magnetic Information Exchange (IX), which enables the entire system -- from camera exposure to photo finishing -- to communicate information with each other. For example, the Canon ELPH records data for every exposed frame including date, print aspect ratio, flash conditions, lighting conditions, etc. This information is recorded on a magnetic stripe located on the edges of the film, outside the image area. The information is read by photo finishing equipment to create an optimum print.

The primary advantage to the Information Exchange feature is the ability of Advanced Photo System cameras to record how a subject was actually recorded on film, along with information about how the photograph can be improved, and relay this information to the photo finishing process for appropriate compensations. The result is increased numbers of "acceptable" prints with each roll of film.

The Canon ELPH will be available in USA at the end of April.

CANON USA

www.usa.canon.com

Yashica Acclaim 100 & Zoom 200 APS Compact Vameras

Yashica Acclaim 100 and Yashica Acclaim Zoom 200 APS Compact Cameras

Yashica Acclaim 100 APS Compact camera

© Yashica Optical Division / Kyocera

Yashica Acclaim Zoom 200 APS Compact camera

© Yashica Optical Division / Kyocera

Yashica enters the APS (Advanced Photo System) market in early 1996, with the introduction of its new Yashica Acclaim 100 and Yashica Acclaim Zoom 200 cameras at the 1996 Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Exposition, February 22-25 at Las Vegas Convention Center. 

Both new APS Lens Shutter compact cameras are specifically designed for use with the new APS format, which provides photographers with a higher level of flexibility and convenience other types of film.

Focal length is the differentiating factor on the new cameras. The Yashica Acclaim 100 has a 25mm (three elements in three groups) super-sharp, coated, wide angle glass lens. The Acclaim Yashica Zoom 200 has a 30-60mm (five elements in five groups) power zoom lens that makes it easy to go from wide angle to telephoto at the touch of a button.

Both the Yashica Acclaim 100 and Yashica Acclaim Zoom 200 are equipped with a switch that takes advantage of the flexibility of APS technology, making it possible to mix three different sizes of prints on the same roll of film. The three print size options include C ("Classic" 4"x6" format), P (4" x 12") format and H (which conforms to the format of HDTV or wide-screen television 4"x7"). Both new cameras have a Real Image Viewfinder that changes according to which print size is selected.

Other features shared by the Yashica Acclaim 100 and Yashica Acclaim Zoom 200 include a built-in active infrared auto-focus system; a 10 second self-timer; an automatic exposure system; and a five-mode flash system with red eye reduction). The digital information center on both cameras displays the film counter, flash mode, self-timer, low battery waming and date and time.

In addition, the Yashica Acclaim Zoom 200 also offers an infinity lock mode to ensure perfectly focused pictures when shooting through glass. When infinity mode is selected, it is indicated in the viewfinder.

Both new Yashica/APS cameras utilize basic Print Quality Improvement (PQl) technology whereby the camera "communicates" with the film via a magnetic coating on the surface of the film. PQI records scene and status information on the magnetic strip. Information is then transferred from the film to the processor, resulting in improved picture quality.

Additionally, both cameras will make photographic record keeping more convenient than ever before. Date or time will be automatically printed on the back of the processed prints. With the prints, developed film will be returned, uncut in its original protective cassette with an index print that makes it very easy to order reprints or enlargements.

YASHICA OPTICAL DIVISION

www.yashica.com

Updated Post

Canon USA at PMA 1996 - Advanced Photo System Cameras Announcement

Canon USA at PMA 1996 - Advanced Photo System Cameras Announcement

Canon USA has announced it will unveil four new cameras for the Advanced Photo System at this year's PMA Trade Show and Convention. Canon's lineup of Advanced Photo System cameras include three compact models and one single lens reflex (SLR) model.

What is the Advanced Photo System

The Advanced Photo System is more than a new film system. Developed as a joint effort between Canon, Kodak, Fuji, Minolta and Nikon, the Advanced Photo System is a new photographic system that defines a new standard in photography.

The Advanced Photo System is based around a new, compact film cartridge designed to drop into a camera without the need for further loading steps. An optical data disk on the cartridge is automatically read by the camera, indicating the film speed and other data.

Visual Exposure Indicators (VEI) on the exterior of the cartridge enable users to tell at a glance whether the film is entirely unexposed, partially exposed, fully exposed or processed. The Advanced Photo System minimizes the risk of simple, yet common mistakes, by consumers to provide them with optimum satisfaction with their cameras.

Canon's Role in the Advanced Photo System

Canon's involvement with the Advanced Photo System is based on a desire to help emphasize the joys photography can bring to consumers worldwide. The needs of consumers are constantly changing, including the need for easy-to-use, advanced imaging technology. It is important for manufacturers, in all industries, to develop new technologies which will enhance the quality of life for today's consumers. Canon believes that the Advanced Photo System will be attractive to a wide variety of photographers searching for more satisfaction from their photography.

Canon also believes that there will be a harmonious co-existence between current 35mm format cameras and the Advanced Photo System. While the Advanced Photo System will certainly attract a wide variety of consumers, Canon believes there is still a very important place for traditional 35mm format cameras and film.

The introduction of the Advanced Photo System marks the beginning of a new system of photography that offers consumers new ways of seeing the world around them and also creates new ways of organizing and storing their photography. "Canon's diverse line of Advanced Photo System cameras will provide all photographers with an opportunity to utilize the new technology the Advanced Photo System has to offer," said Haruo Murase, president and CEO of Canon U.S.A.

"Canon has always been committed to the idea that photography should be made accessible to consumers everywhere. Canon's involvement with the Advanced Photo System furthers that commitment," added Ted Ando, director and general manager of Canon's Camera Division.

Canon's Product Line-Up Announcement

This year Canon plans to introduce four new cameras dedicated to the Advanced Photo System. The new line of Canon Advanced Photo System cameras include:

- a 2x zoom lens ultra-compact camera called ELPH, which will be the first Canon compact Advanced Photo System camera available in the product line;

- a 4x zoom lens compact camera;

- a single focal length autofocus compact model and;

- an SLR model.

The Canon ELPH will be available at the end of April. The other models will be available in the fall of 1996.

CANON USA

www.usa.canon.com

Related Post:

Four New Canon EF Lenses at PMA 1996

Canon USA at CES 1996

Sarah Charlesworth / William Leavitt at Margo Leavin Gallery, Los Angeles

Sarah Charlesworth / William Leavitt

Margo Leavin Gallery, Los Angeles

24 February – 23 March 1996

Margo Leavin Gallery presents recent work by Sarah Charlesworth and William Leavitt in two concurrent, one-person exhibitions. 

Sarah Charlesworth’s work has evolved out of her readings and interpretations of philosophy and art history. Her works are laden with historical references, chosen for their relevance to perception. This exhibition will consist of a series of richly colored prints depicting allegorical still-lifes as seen in Old Master paintings and early photographs. Each photograph employs props, such as Greek sculpture, musical instruments, a bouquet of flowers, etc., arranged in a manner to suggest the act of seeing itself in historically embedded.

For the past twenty-five years, William Leavitt has created a diverse body of work including painting, photography, performance and installation. For this exhibition, William Leavitt has produced a group of photographs, each containing three of four views of an outdoor site taken in succession. The adjacent frames form a unified, sequential image that suggests – through the variation in camera angle – movement in time. These carefully edited views of urban environments create essays of often-overlooked aspects of common sites.

Sarah Charlesworth’s work was included in the exhibition Forest of Signs at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, as well as in exhibitions at the Whitney Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the International Center for Photography, New York, and the Venice Biennale, Italy. This is Sarah Charlesworth’s second one-person exhibition at Margo Leavin Gallery. 

William Leavitt’s work has recently been seen in Reconsidering the Object of Art: 1965 – 1975 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, in addition to exhibitions at the Santa Monica Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York. This marks William Leavitt’s first one-person exhibition at the Margo Leavin Gallery.

MARGO LEAVIN GALLERY

812 North Robertson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Canon EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM Lens

Canon EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM Lens

Canon EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM Lens is one of four new lenses announced by Canon USA at PMA 1996.

Offering the world's shortest zoom focal length at 17mm, the EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM extends the benefits of its predecessor, the EF 20-35mm f/2.8L USM which has been extremely popular with photojournalists and other documentary photographers.

The new lens provides silent, high-speed autofocus with outstanding optical performance equal, or superior to, similar fixed focal length lenses. The wide focal length of 17mm was achieved by using two aspherical elements that minimize optical aberrations including distortions and flare, while maintaining high image quality throughout its zoom range.

Autofocusing is fast and accurate, covering the full range from 1.5 feet to infinity in 0.4 seconds. This was achieved through internal focusing which also enhances focusing speed, durability and handling. Additionally, the lens provides fast and smooth manual focusing in the AF mode through its built-in, full-time mechanical manual focus override.

Operability is further enhanced by a wide rubber focusing ring and revolving zoom ring. A drop-in filter holder is also provided at the rear and the non-rotating 77mm front lens mount is perfect for circular polarizing filters.

The Canon EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM Lens will be available in April 1996

CANON USA

www.usa.canon.com

New Canon EF Lenses at PMA 1996

Four New Canon EF Lenses at PMA 1996

Canon USA is introducing four new EF lenses at PMA Trade Show and Convention in Las Vegas.

They include the Canon EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM, Canon 135mm f/2L USM, Canon 180mm f/3.5L Macro and Canon 400mm f/2.8L II USM. 

These introduction expanding the total number in the EF line to 50, the widest selection of autofocus lenses available in any 35mm SLR camera system. 

The new L-Series lenses are designed specifically for professional and advanced amateur photographers and offer an extended selection of fast, and extremely sharp focal lengths.

"Canon is committed to offering photographers the widest selection of high quality optics in the industry," said Ted Ando, director and general manager of Canon's Camera Division."Canon will continue to introduce new products and improve existing ones based on the needs and requests of our customers," Ted Ando added.

- Canon EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM Lens Extends Creative Range of Photojournalists

- Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens Offers High Quality in Popular Focal Length

- Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM Lens Adds Dimension to EF Line

- Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L II USM Lens Adds Improuved Optical Perfomence

Large Lens Inventory Meets All Shooting Requirements

Canon offers professional and advanced photographers the widest selection of autofocus lenses available in any 35mm SLR System. Currently offering 50 lenses for use with Canon EOS System cameras, the complete line ranges from 14mm ultra-wide angle to 1200mm Super Telephoto for all-purpose photography, macro lenses for nature and outdoor work, Tilt-Shift lenses for architecture and studio photography, and high-speed zooms for photojournalism. Canon lenses offer features and performance to meet every photographer's requirement.

Canon's white-barreled super-telephoto L- Series lenses are continuously extolled by professional photographers around the world as being super-high-performance lenses with unrivaled sharpness. The key to this performance is the complete elimination of the secondary spectrum through liberal use of fluorite and UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) glass lenses.

A large selection of Canon L-Series EF super telephoto lenses combine superior optical performance and fast maximum aperture with the ruggedness professionals need. From the 200mm f/1.8L to the 600mm f/4L, Canon L-Series telephotos are used in all areas of photography. Canon's reputation for quality as a leader in optics has given professional photographers the confidence and competitive edge they need to produce some of the world's most exciting images.

CANON USA

www.usa.canon.com

Related Post:

Canon USA at CES 1996

APS Konica JX400 Color Print Film

Advanced Photo System Konica JX400 Color Print Film 

Konica Corporation announces the introduction of its new Konica JX400 Color Print Film. Fulfilling all the standard specifications of the new Advanced Photo System, the new film will be available with 15, 25, and 40 exposures as of April 22, 1996.

The new film will be ISO 400, a speed which has established a firm position for itself in the conventional 135 film market based on its all-around convenience for taking pictures. Although the frame size of the new film, at 16.7mm x 30.2mm is approximately 58 percent of the area of conventional 135mm film, resultant print quality is as good as conventional prints.

Konica JX400 Color Print Film embraces Konica's latest film technologies and satisfies the attractive features of the new Advanced Photo System.*

- The new, smaller film cartridge enables the development of even smaller-sized compact cameras

- The cartridge fits into the camera only one way; the right way.

- The new film allows you to select from among three print formats - C for 2:3 format, H for 9:16 format and P for 1:3 format - each time you shoot.

- The magnetic layer on the new film can record picture-taking information and some of the information such as messages and date can be printed on the back of each print.

- Advanced Photo System prints are returned with the film in its original cartridge along with a convenient positive image index print.

- The film, returned in its original cartridge, is easy to handle and file.

The new film comes in a sophisticated eye-catching purple and black package designed to express the film's high grade and quality. Inside, a barrier bag rather than a plastic canister, is used to minimize packaging size.

Konica JX400 Color Print Film is but one of the full range of Advanced Photo System products offered by Konica. Such products as single-use cameras, compact cameras, photofinishing equipment and related materials are also offered in Advanced Photo System standards to satisfy the diversified requirements of various customers for the joy of photography.

*The features of the Advanced Photo System vary with the sophistication of cameras and photofinishing services.

Konica Corporation, Tokyo - February 13, 1996