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, is being unveiled at the Photo Marketing Association annual -PMA- 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.

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

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