KODAK OEM DEALS
KODAK has signed a marketing agreement with Durst to sell the enlarger maker's
Lambda digital laser photo printer in the USA and other regions. The Lambda
will print digital files on to photo paper up to 50 inches wide. Kodak has
also signed to rebrand the Hewlett-Packard DesignJet large format inkjet
printer into its Digital Science 1000 PS, which it claims has the fastest
throughput of any comparable system using a photo grade paper.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01442 845229, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
BIGGER BETTER D2T2
KODAK has announced new dye sublimation printers which offer even faster
printing, greater proofing accuracy and larger sizes. The XLS 8650 PS prints
an A4 page every minute and supports EFIcolor profiles, popular with XPress
users. It will print on new commercial and publication grade papers designed
to show more closely what a printed page will look like, as well as photo
quality gloss and transparencies. The DCP 9000 is a pre-press proofing printer
up to full bleed A3 size, which will also offer photographers Kodak digital
12 x 16 prints for the first time.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01442 61122, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
SPRINTSCAN UPGRADE
A SOFTWARE upgrade, SprintScan Version 2.0, is claimed to improve the quality
and accuracy of scans on the existing Polaroid SprintScan 35 film scanner,
which offers a density range of 3.0 and can scan a full page file in seconds.
The preview windows are larger, the scan area is no longer slightly cropped,
a 'superslide' square area can be scanned, and smoothing and sharpening
on the fly are now included. The new ProPalette 8000 film recorder from
Polaroid makes a good companion output device, at under £10,000 for
a 36-bit 8K accepting a wide range of backs.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01582 632209, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
VIDEO HARD COPY
A MITSUBISHI video printer outputting saleable enprint sized pictures from
CCTV systems, the CP700 makes A6 size or multiple smaller images on a single
sheet at 300dpi resolution. It works with RGB analogue, composite video
and S-video. The larger CP2000E at over £6,000 prints on A4 and A5
paper from digital sources via Centronics or SCSI ports, and also offers
multiple images on each sheet. The company claim that Super VGA input can
produces images hard to distinguish from a digital file.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01707 276100, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
LOGGED IN
DIGITAL CATALOGUE's range of software for recording and indexing photo scans
is now being demonstrated and sold by Leeds Photovisual's Leeds and Manchester
showrooms, and by their sales team using laptop computers in the field.
The CD-ROM cataloguing software starts at only £98 + VAT.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01246 299000, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
PHASE TWO?
PHASE ONE is into its second phase of studio digital camera, announcing
support for Windows 95 and Windows NT. The company claims to have the first
true 32-bit application and the first camera designed to run under Windows,
as opposed to Macintosh. One major benefit of Windows 95 is the ability
to capture (scan) images in the background while working on other documents.
Phase One has also introduced a special tungsten filter, which equalises
the response of the digital backs under tungsten lighting with minimal light
loss, and allows more realistic colour.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel +45 36 46 01 11, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
BIGGER PICTURE
THE KODAK DC50 digital still camera is similar to the Chinon ES-3000 in
overall layout, but uses a larger image sensor, capturing 754 x 504 pixels.
It also has exposure over-ride, a proprietary compression algorithm giving
fewer artefacts, and the PCMCIA card format which is industry standard.
This allows the card to be removed from the camera and read using standard
computer card readers. The guide price is around £800.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01442 61122, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
BIGGER CARDS
LARGER PCMCIA card storage p; important to photographers as many digital
cameras now use this medium to transfer images p; has been introduced
by Simms International plc, memory upgrade technology specialists. The Datapak
340 is a Type III PCMCIA hard drive, compatible with Agfa, Kodak, Apple
and Windows equipment. It costs £365 + VAT.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0181 213 5000, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
BLOT-FREE
INSTANT ink drying is claimed by a new microporous coated paper from Folex
designed for large format inkjet printers. Smudging or fingerprinting when
handling freshly written exhibition prints is prevented. Available in white
opaque or a backlit version for lightbox displays, the 140 micron materials
are compatible with HP DesignJet, Encad NovaJet, Iris, Lasermaster, Selex,
Summagraphics and Calcomp Techjet models.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0121 733 3833, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
A3 SCANNER
AN A3 scanner for mid-range users has been added to the Linotype-Hell system.
The Opal slots between the A4 Saphir (aimed at the desktop market) and the
repro quality A3 Topaz. It is based on the Umax A3 engine with Linotype's
enhancements and colour management software. A twin lens system allows the
resolution to be switched from 400 x 800 dpi at A3 to 800 x 1600 dpi covering
a 15cm wide central strip, ideal for positioning transparencies. Opal can
batch scan a mixture of reflective and transparent originals mounted together.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01242 285000, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
REPRO LIGHTBOX
A REPRO LIGHTBOX for flicker-free scanning using digital systems such as
the Leaf Lumina has been introduced by British manufacturer Marrutt Limited.
Built to professional standards, incorporating an hour counter and with
two large movable mask holders which are used in conjunction with enlarger
or duplicator film carriers, the ScanLab 10/8 provides an even, cool-running
A4 area illuminant. The light level of 6,500 lumens is uncomfortable to
look at directly, but cuts down the scan times on digital systems to a matter
of seconds rather than minutes. The ScanLab 10/8 Workstation is priced at
£995 + VAT.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01825 764057, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
INSTANT SNAPS
KODAK's new Digital Science Photo Print System offer up to 60 shots taken
per hour p; or 34 prints produced p; and packs away into cases which
form a photo studio when assembled. The system is intended for souvenir
and special occasion photo operators where a high volume of passing trade
can attract sitters. Each portrait can be previewed, taken, printed and
sold in under 3 minutes.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01442 61122, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
ON-LINE HELP
COMPUSERVE subscribers who use the Adobe forum can turn to a British photographer
and computer expert this month for advice p; Len Hewitt, a partner in
Contact Photography and Design, Derby, has been invited to be Member of
the Month and will be spending much of his free time helping other Adobe
product users round the world.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01332 369602, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
PHOTO-CD WINS
PHOTO CD holds pole position in the motor industry's race for better information
technology, according to Ford of Europe. A survey they conducted shows that
over 50 per cent of publishing houses are now using Photo-CD, and as a result,
the company is converting its entire archive of over 600,000 images to Photo-CD
format, and providing European journals with press packs in CD-ROM form.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01708 858 862, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
DIGITAL FILM
DIGITAL EKTACHROME is now available from George Elliott plc p; but don't
be confused. This special Ektachrome is balanced for use in electronic output
devices like film writers, and gets rid of muddy blacks and grey whites.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01959 562198, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
KEW GOES PHOTO-CD
KEW GARDENS is putting its photographic collection p; over 18,000 historic
and scientific images p; on to Photo-CD. The Kewensia Photographic Picture
Index is being digitised in addition to 120,000 more recent images from
the archives. Kew uses Photo-CD to produce around 20 books each year, and
owns a Photo-CD scanning workstation. Bulk digitising is contracted to the
other end of the country p; it's handled by Glasgow professional laboratory
B & S Visual Technologies.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0181 332 5602, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
CORBIS EXPANDS
CORBIS UK LTD, the European wing of Bill Gates' image resource corporation,
is to expand its activities in licencing picture material. Corbis already
owns the Bettman Archive and over 17 million prints and transparencies,
plus half a million digital images, which it sells as a picture library
to users. Amongst its European contracts is the digitising of pictures from
The National Gallery, which are provided to publishers on a fee-paying basis
to earn the gallery additional funds. Most images held by Corbis are on
a non-exclusive basis.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0171 278 1387, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
OPEN WINDOW
A BRIEF Window of opportunity has opened for Psion Series 3a purchasers
(1 or 2Mb models) during March and April p; they can buy PsiWin, the
Windows software which links up to the pocketable computer system, for half
price at only £40.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0171 262 5580, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
FRENCH & FAST
A STUDIO flash generator offering short durations, fast recycling, stroboscopic
multi exposure and auto three-shot bracketing has been launched by Godard.
The Twin Series 2 weighs only 6.2kg, and puts out 1600ws through two symmetrical
outlets, variable overall across a five-stop range. The auto bracketing
function is exclusive to Godard, and can be set from 1/3rd to 1 full stop.
Strobe flashing can be set from 2 to 19 multi exposures. Normal recycling
is between .3 and 1 seconds, and standard flash duration between 1/750 and
1/1350 at T0.5. A built-in timer mode is also fitted, enabling you to control
manual open shutter times from 0.1 to 5 seonds using an alarm bleep.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01865 821348, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
NEW DEPARTURE
VISUAL DEPARTURES products from the USA are being sold in Britain by filter
manufacturers Simcel FX. The range of innovative products includes a Sharp
PC-1270 pocket calculator loaded with 'Focalware' data and calculations
for photographers, the 'Visualizer' crop card for viewing sets and scenes,
the Bracket Finder exposure change calculator disc, a belt strap which holds
cameras to your chest with Velcro pads, and a Camerakey which can remove
incorrectly cocked Hasselblad lenses from their bodies.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01685 870979, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
COLORAMA UPDATE
A 28-PAGE colour brochure is available detailing new Colorama studio products.
These include new low-cost Colortone fabric backdrops, more Colormaster
painted canvasses, blue and green chroma-key sheets, ten 'Instant Backgrounds',
and two new Special Effect sets for child photography p; Jungle Scene
and Pond Scene.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0121 783 9931, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
SUPPORTING ROLL
TROLLEYS to move heavy gear round in the studio are now part of the Photon
Beard range. The mini and maxi Dolly Trolly, push truck, sack truck, studio
ladder and mobile workstation are all created from the ST-500 4 Plus 4 unit.
The Step-Light foldaway portable ladder is another addition to the company's
range, and fits into most saloon cars.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01525 850911, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
EXPRESS HALTS
THE STUDIO Express name, used by Polaroid for the point of sale and signage
material which goes with their passport and identity shot systems for studio
and retail outlets, is to be dropped. From now on the name will be 'Studio
Polaroid' p; with a new logo. The M403 multi-shot passport camera, which
offers four up, two pairs or four separate shots, remains at the heart of
the system along with the EC size passport punch and standard sitting fee
of £3.99.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01582 632209, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
NO MATHS!
A COMMON error in the studio is to forget that all still life pictures on
5 x 4 are taken at distances which need exposure compensation for bellows
extension. The Quick Stick calculator, from Visual Departures, ends the
need for any calculation instantly by showing aperture corrections in 1/3rd
and 1/4 stops.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01685 870979, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
NEW FILTERS
LEE FILTERS have introduced 24 new colour, control and effect filters for
lighting, including four new colour temperature types to allow greater control
in mixed lighting. They also have a new waterproof, sewable diffusion material
suitable for making up your own large scrim frames, and a new reflector
type, 274 Mirror Gold.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01264 366245, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
NEW VIEW
ELECTROGRAPHIC Lighting, manufacturers of light boxes for transparency viewing
for the last 30 years, is under new management p; by its original founder.
New designs are expected to add to the range of 10 light box sizes, and
two portable models have been introduced selling for £17.50 and £39
respectively.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01296 434394, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
MONORAIL SEMINARS
VIEW CAMERA technique seminars p; including one controversially labelled
as 'How to be a Digital Photographer without Digital Imaging' p; are
on the road again with The Studio Workshop's 1996 programme. They give small
groups hands-on tuition using the Sinar camera and Broncolor lighting systems.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0171 278 7633, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
QUANTUM LEAP
QUANTUM, the radio trigger and belt battery pack makers, now have their
own Web page on Internet. The URL is http://home.navisoft.com/quantum/homepage.html
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0181 903 3435, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
NEW GROUND
AMERICAN studio backdrops and props p; not easy to import, but very
different from home-grown material p; can be found in the new catalogue
from Backdrop Outlet, 2215 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago 60616. The 36 page
catalogue includes muslins, columns, benches, 'huge archways and window
frames' and much more.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel (001) 312 842 6550,
fax . E-mail address if available - .
NO STRINGS
THE MECABLITZ 50 MZ-5 slave is an auxiliary flashgun which works both with
the Metz cordless IR off camera multi flash control system, and others including
the Minolta Dynax xi (via an SCA 3301 adaptor). Any number of slave flashes
can be used with full TTL and power ratio control; the 50 MZ-5 and MZ-5
Slave need no adaptor, while the 40 MZ-2 uses an SCA 3080 slave adaptor.
The 50 MZ-5 acts as the controller flash. It is claimed to be the first
cordless TTL remote flash system not dedicated to a single camera make.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0181 903 3435, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
NEW EKTACHROMES
THREE NEW professional Ektachrome films have been announced by Kodak p;
E100, E100S and E100SW. Improved reciprocity, push performance and processing
consistency are claimed; the three types differ in colour saturation; E100
resembles Ektachrome 64 or 100 Plus, E100S has increased saturation but
retains realistic skin tones, while E100SW adds a warm balance to the saturation.
S will be the first to arrive in Britain, in May, followed by SW, then the
plain flavour in the third quarter of 96.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01442 845229, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
ORIGINAL IDEA
PRINTS on Fuji paper from Fuji negatives are to be authenticated as an 'Original
Print' in a certificate with the sitters' names, location and date of the
sitting under a new scheme launched by Fuji Professional. It will be limited
to studios working through registered Fujitech laboratories.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0171 586 5900, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
DISCOUNT BOOKS
A CATALOGUE featuring specialist photographic books at discounts of up to
30% is now published twic a year by Working Books Ltd under the title 'Methods'.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01823 334994, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
21 THIS YEAR
ARQUATI (UK) Ltd, the Italian framing manufacturer's British distribution
company, is 21 years old this year p; and has grown from a handful of
staff to a workforce of 80, and 150 square metres of space to 7,000. The
company continues to launch new lines every season and introduced eight
brown and gold ready-made frames t Focus on Imaging.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01234 857488, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
HAMA BOOKS
HAMA, the accessory company, has taken over the distribution of many ranges
of photo books from Paterson Photax. These include all the Kodak book titles,
Kodak Grey Cards and colour print viewing kit. Hama also now distributes
the Magic Lantern guides to popular cameras and systems, including a new
title devoted entirely to using Mecablitz flash.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel ?????, fax . E-mail
address if available - .
MORE CREDIT
THE MASTER Photographers Association has tied up several financial support
deals which promise to give their professional studio members a big boost.
A new credit package in conjunction with Beneficial Bank plc enables members
to become licensed credit brokers with both interest free and interest bearing
facilities, and payment to the photographer within 24 hours of a customer
signing the contract. Arrangements with NatWet Streamline allow eligible
members to have electronic credit card terminals (PDQ) installed for two
years for only £1 or £2 a year, with a special preferential credit
card commission rate of 1.7%. MPA is rapidly developing into a professional
association which provides support for business activities on a level which
has never previously been attempted by any British photographic body.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01325 356555, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
DIFF'RENT DRUMMOND
KJP'S DRUMMOND ST, London, premises have been completely refitted with an
expanded showroom, self-selection areas for books, chemistry and papers,
and new telephone numbers which the company claims every photographer will
remember p; 0345 16 22 32 (telesales) and 0345 250 500 (rental). A hotline
has been installed for KJP customers which can link directly to helplines
for Kodak, Polaroid, Fuji, Ilford and Agfa.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0171 380 4519, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
INSTANT SALES
POLAROID has set up a new telesales operation which promises to telephone
all customers once every four weeks, and whenever innovation strikes.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01582 632209, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
STOCK WORDS
VISEULL, the originally German-language magazine devoted to the European
stock photo and picture library industry, has just been published for the
first time in a fully English language edition. The only missing bit of
translation is the price p; a six issues one year subscription costs
DM 66 (Europe).
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0181 847 3777, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
ON THE DOT
YOU THOUGHT the Leica logo was well-known? Apparently not p; the red
dot has been a trademark, with the word Leica written in the engraved script
within it, but it was not enough to be a company logo. Now a logo has been
adopted the red dot and name, together with the name (again) in large capitals
as used on modern camera bodies.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel (49) 64 42 208 404,
fax . E-mail address if available - .
REGAL SOC
THE REGAL Information Service is to provide members of the Society of Wedding
and Portrait Photographers p; optionally p; with promotional leads
connected with jewellers, one year old babies, and middle income families
with children. A series of workshops will be held round the country and
will be free to SWPP members, and open to BIPP and MPA members.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01942 711 763, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
GOLD RUSH 2
A SECOND phase of the seminar programme from Kenny Martin and Mark Cleghorn
p; stars of AP and top youngish portrait photographers p; has been
launched under the title Going for Gold 2. The workshops will be held at
the photographers' studios in Scotland and Wales, with two further venues
in Ireland. The dates are June 23rd qand 24th in Cardiff, July 7th and 8th
in Innerleithen (Kenny just wants Mark to down a crate of Traquair Ale with
him p; honest! p; it's Traquair Fair time again) and September 22nd
and 23rd in Ireland. Lads, check the dates of photokina or don't the Irish
go there?
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01896 831 026, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
POLYMAX II
A NEW Kodak resin-coated VC paper, Polymax II RC, has been launched with
claims of improved performance. The specific features improved are D-max,
D-min, process latitude, sepia toner colouring, and post-processing print
life. Drying with infra-red is recommended to secure the sharpest images
with denser blacks. The paper will replace Polymax RC as stocks of the old
material run out during the summer.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01442 844468, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
ZONE IN
AN ENLARGER timer and exposure meter with a printed greyscale step wedge,
againt which an LED index moves to show tones, has been patented and manufactured
by StopClock inventor Dr Richard Ross. The Analyser from RH Designs, Dr
Ross's company, has a spot metering probe which can be ued after calibration
to explore different areas of a negative projected on the baseboard, and
preview which of 15 grey shades it will yield in the final print. The Analyser
is not an auto timer, but requires the user to adjust settings as readings
are taken and the effect previewed. Variable contrast papers are handled
by the pre-calibrated set up, but users with special techniques can recalibrate
to match their own methods exactly. The built-in timer then controls heads
up to 750W with dry-down compensation, toning compensation and other factors
programmable. Up to eight negative areas can be read, and the effect of
the process is similar to closed-loop calibration. The Analyser costs £225.00
including VAT and carriage and carries a two-year guarantee and 14-day money
back offer.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01438 310160, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
MASTER JOE
JOE'S BASEMENT has taken the step of becoming a member of The Guild of Master
Craftsmen, after satisfying the criteria set by the selection committee.
For a lab founded by a man who considered rightly that no-one could judge
him this is strange news. Is Joe's becoming almost conventional? They'll
be getting their lab staff to qualify as Licentiate Technicians of the BIPP
before we know it
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0171 434 9313, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
OVER TO DUNNS
DUNNS Professional Imaging, the Cradley Heath superlab, is to host an evening
where Kodak's favourite PR man, Trevor Lansdowne, will reveal to everyone
how to use the awards and Promise of Excellence schemes run by Kodak to
generate extra business. In exchange for getting your ear bent by Trevor,
you get light refreshments and a goody bag. Date: April 18th. Dunns have
also introduced an instant while-you-wait printing service at their Ladywood,
Birmingham, outlet, using a Videolab printer which can handle from 35mm
to 5 x 4.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 013845 64770, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
SMOOTHER SKIN
A NEW PORTRAIT quality colour printing paper from Agfa promises improved
skin tones which are critical to customer acceptance of wedding and portrait
photography. Agfacolor Professional Portrait paper uses new emulsion technology
including Selective Contrast Control and is claimed to actually suppress
skin blemishes (this is NOT an April fool despite the cover date). It comes
in roll and sheet form in gloss, lustre and semi-matt.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0181 560 2131, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
TENT-ATIVE
A CHANGING bag built like an igloo tent, to keep the fabric off your hands
when loading bigger tanks, is now being marketed by Simcel FX. The Shadow
Box from Visual Departures Ltd is self-supporting and comes in sizes for
5 x 4 or 10 x 8, with enough room inside to load up tanks in these sizes.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01685 870979, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
TAKE A LINE
EIGHT LINES of small type can be printedon to a slide mount by the new Loersch
Minityper PR 1001, a miniature slide mount printer suitable for small studio
or darkroom use. It requires an IBM compatible PC and operating tuition
is provided free of charge.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01892 724600, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
FILE AWAY
SLIDEPACKS, makers of filing sheets and systems, have a new brochure and
price list available. They have also taken on a new line, the Pentax Supaclean
cloth, which they recommend for cleaning carriers, cover glasses and original
images.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0181 954 7048, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
FIRST RATE
A HIGH rate of output combined with 95% first time prints has persuaded
Weston Point Studios, a leading NW company which has achieved ISO 9002,
to invest in a Durst Visolab computer-controlled printer with inline RA4
paper processor. It handles from 110 to 6 x 9cm making prints from 9 x 9cm
to 12 x 18in, and will produce 720 enprints an hour, while previewing all
negatives for correction and density on a 14 inch computer monitor. A single
print can be made in only four minutes.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01372 726262, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
PRO PRINTMASTER
PROFESSIONAL Printmaster RA chemistry has been introduced by Paterson Photax
with a special formulation for deep tank hand lines and roller transport
processors. Packed as a 6 litre kit, enough Starter is supplied to make
up all or any part as starter chemistry or replenisher as required. Development
time is a standard 45 seconds at 35°C, replenishment is 10-15ml per
10 x 8, and the cost for the kit is £28.49 inclusive of VAT.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0121 522 2120, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
AGFA CONTEST
AGFA has launched a competition for all student and professional photographers
to win one of ten 'classi leather aviator jackets' in exchange for one image
which hs a sports or action theme, and exhibits fully the quality of Agfa
Multicontrast paper. Entry forms are available at KJP branches and Agfa
Professional Centres, and the closing date is April 30th.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0171 402 2272, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
GEM EASEL
A MASKING frame has been introduced by George Elliott plc to partner the
GEM and other professional enlargers. In four sizes from 9.5 x 12 to 20
x 28 inches, the frame has a 5/8 inch thick baseboard, steel chemical resistant
coated surface, optional magnetic strips, and friction driven blades. Two
versions are made with pop-up positioning pins or fully adjustable guides.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01892 724600, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
SIGNED & SEALED
MOUNTING and laminating equipment manufactured by Hunt, previously sold
under the Ademco-Seal brand, is now to be sold worldwide under the Seal
name. Hunt has decided to create a single brand identity, and is using the
name best known in the USA. Sic passit gloria mundi p; Ademco was, for
many years, synonymous with British supremacy in the design and manufacture
of dry mounting presses.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01268 591691, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
ALL BLACK
BILLINGHAM bags are to be made for the first time in black with black leather
trim. The new 206 is a stylish and advanced model, which also features a
design called PressTop which closes like a Gladstone bag in a neat snap
action which prevents intrusion or prying, yet opens wide for ease of access.
The interior is not black, because that makes it hard to see items. Billingham
has also taken on distribution rights for CamCane, a lightweight monopod
walking stick with a head which accepts a rubber suction camera mount. A
new 'luggage' range is being marketed through photographic dealers p;
Clipper Holdalls, which already popular through other channels.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01348 482828, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
CCS GO GREEN
CCS have introduced a new range of camera bags called Greenwood Classic,
finished in a new colour and with leather trim. In addition, their professional
holdalls have been redesigned and upgraded with the help of professional
photographers Colin and Andrew Molyneux and Nick Walker.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0117 963 5263, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
LEICA & MINOX
WITHOUT REPORTING on it, we followed a succession of press releases in which
Rollei, Club Rollei and Leica Camera all claimed to be involved in rescuing
the Minox manufacturing concern. The final outcome was that Leica own Minox.
This presumably does not change Club Rollei's plans for a factory visit
in the autumn and a museum of Minox products at their Channel Island HQ
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01908 671316, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
645 ZOOM
A NEW wide-angle zoom has been introduced for the Pentax 645 system. Its
45-85mm 4.5 is equal to a 27-51mm on 35mm. It is SMC coated, and will sell
for £1,599.99.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0171 439 0245, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
SMALL ZOOM
A COMPACT, constant aperture wide to tele zoom using compound aspheric elements
to achieve very small size is being launched to go with the new compact
Pentax MZ-5 AF SLR. The 28-70mm 4 will cost only £159.99. A long tele
zoom, the 100-300mm 4.5-5.6, will focus down to 1.5m, and Pentax has also
reintroduced its popular soft focus 85mm 2.8 in a version for the AF system.
These will sell for £279.99 and £499.99 respectively.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0171 439 0245, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
POD CATALOGUE
A NEW catalogue has been issued by Brett Engineering Ltd of Leicester, makers
of the Uni-Loc tripod and the DuoPod. A copy is available free on request
by telephoning.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0116 232 0033, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
CLASS UPDATE
A RE-CREATION of the graphic design and content of a 1940 advertisement
for an Ensign camera, using modern colour photography of the original product
and modern typography in the style of the original, provides an eye-opening
cover for the latest Classic Collector issue (their twelfth). Classic Collection
has also introduced an independently made series of M Leica to screw thread
converters at only £39.95 each.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0171 831 6000, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
FREE SHIRT
A FREE Lowepro Alpine Sahara shirt p; a heavyweight American design
p; worth £30 will be sent to anyone returning proof of purchase
of any Lowepro bag costing over £75, up to May 31st 1996 (UK). The
shirt comes in 'ink' colour only for small and medium, or ink, blue and
green choice for extra large.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0121 522 2120, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
THROWAWAY TELE
A RECYCLABLE readyloaded camera with a unique folded light-path for its
lens, the Fujicolor Quicksnap Tele Super 800 boasts a 100mm telephoto and
comes loaded with Super G 800 film. It has an exposure switch to move from
daylight to indoor or floodlit conditions. It sells for only £8.99
loaded with 27 exposures and weighs only 99g.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0171 586 5900, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
LENS SALE
BILLED as Europe's biggest lens sale, the Jessop annual clearance of secondhand
and shopshoiled lenses continues at their New Oxford Street, London, store
until April 27th p; or by mail order from the store (not from the usual
Jessop direct line).
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0171 240 6077, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
SUPER POL
A HIGH grade hard multi-coated circular polarising filter, the Super HMC
, has been introduced by Hoya. It is claimed to reduce reflections and to
have a more consistent colour balance regardless of angle of rotation, and
will be available in sizes from 49 to 82mm.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01628 74411, fax .
E-mail address if available - .
NAPPED
A SOFT nappa leather pouch case for the Leica M6 with 50mm collapsible Elmar
has been introduced by Leica Camera. The pouch is fitted with a handstrap
and a belt loop.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel (49) 64 42 208 404,
fax . E-mail address if available - .
STRAIGHT SWAP
IF YOU pay the price of £339.95 suggested for a Sigma 70-300mm 4-5.6
Apo Macro AF zoom, you can exchange you existing AF midrange zoom directly
for a Sigma 28-70mm 2.8-4 at no cost. The offer is open for a period for
users of Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Minolta and Pentax Z AF systems.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 0181 953 1688, fax
. E-mail address if available - .
JOINING THE TEAM
TEAM Direct, traditional photo holdall manufacturers, have added two new
models to their range p; the Malvern and Bewdley 30, made of vulcanised
canvas and 1000 denier polyurethane coated nylon respectively, and priced
at £64.10 and £98.20.
For further information, contact (UK telephone number - replace first zero
with international dialout plus 44 code for UK): tel 01384 898080, fax .
E-mail address if available - .