Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3 Get Firmware Update

Sony’s NEX-5 and -3 cameras got firmware updates with usability upgrades, Manual Focus Assist, and autofocus support for A-mount lenses. Available for free on the Sony Support website. The NEX-5 and NEX-3 cameras previously received a firmware update that brought it 3D sweep panorama capabilities.

Available now for download with versions available for Windows and Mac OS, the free upgrade adds several performance enhancements. Autofocus is now supported when using the NEX-5 and NEX-3 with 14 lenses from the full range of A-mount optics by Sony and Carl Zeiss that includes telephotos, primes and zooms. Aperture settings can be maintained during HD movie recording, and system menu operation has been streamlined alongside other improvements. Registered NEX-5/NEX-3 owners will be advised of the free update via email, although if you can't wait European customers can download the firmware upgrade for the NEX-3 from here, or here for the NEX-5.

Carl Zeiss to expand HDSLR lens range, end Pentax ZK

Carl Zeiss has issued a statement this morning promising more DSLR and CP (Compact Prime) cine lenses. Although the latter feature the same optical train as their DSLR system lenses, the CPs are optimised for full-frame HDSLRs. However, the Lens Division at Carl Zeiss say they will continue to focus their efforts on the popular ZE (Canon) and ZF.2 (chipped Nikon) lines, while the production of ZK (Pentax fit) range are scheduled to end over the next month or so (this fall). The remaining ZK lenses will continue to be offered at regular prices while stocks last.

Hasselblad's V-System Cameras Get 50 Megapixel Digital Back Option

Following the releases of the CFV-16 and the CFV-39 digital backs, Hasselblad is now offering another option for photographers looking to transition from film to digital. The new back offers a maximum resolution of 50 megapixels – twice the size of the best 35mm full-frame DSLRs on the market today.

Peter Stig-Nielsen of Hasselblad issued a statement at a press conference at Photokina and explained that the launch of the CFV-50 was sparked by the huge success of its 39 megapixels predecessor. “It took us by surprise when we received tons of positive response from customers around the world,” he explains. “This success was not just because it was a new digital back, but also because it offered compatibility with the Carl Zeiss lenses, which took the platform to another level.”

The CFV-50 has been custom built to match the design and functionality of the V-cameras, says the firm. It is compatible with most V-Cameras such as the 202FA, 203FE, 205FCC, and all members of the 500 and 900 series.

It also offers Hasselblad’s DAC lens correction technology for the majority of V-System Carl Zeiss lenses. The technology corrects for distortion, lateral chromatic aberration and vignetting in the same way as it does for the H-System lenses, claims Hasselblad.

The CFV-50 has a sensitivity range of ISO 50 to ISO 800, has an exposure time of up to 64s and offers both normal capture at full resolution or classic square capture at 38 megapixels. It also features a 2.5-inch LCD screen and take CF memory cards.

The CFV-50 is available now retailing at $15,750/€11,990.

Carl Zeiss roll out two Compact Primes

Further to yesterday's announcement, Carl Zeiss has officially unwrapped the Compact Prime 50mm T2.1 Makro and 100 mm T2.1 Planar for use with the Canon EOS 5D and similarly specified HD DSLRs. In case you're wondering what it is with the T-stops, they're the actual f-stop, as opposed to the relative aperture seen on still lenses. So, for instance it's fair to assume the 50mm f/2.0 Makro Planar on which the new CP.2 lens is based is actually f/2.1 or T/2.1. Not enough of a difference to cause a stir.

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 09.09.2010. Carl Zeiss has expanded its popular Compact Prime CP.2 lens series with two new focal lengths: the 50 mm with macro and 100 mm with close focus function. These lenses have been specially developed for filming with HDSLR cameras and will be presented for the first time at the IBC in Amsterdam (September 10-14). Product delivery is scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2010. Retail price starts at EUR 3.700 excl. VAT.
The CP.2 100 mm/T2.1 CF is based on the Planar design and is the longest focal length in the Compact Prime CP.2 lens series so far. It extends the series by adding a very fast telephoto lens with a close-up focusing range of 0.7 meters. The CP.2 50mm/T2.1 Makro is based on the Makro-Planar design and allows close-up shots to be taken with the object at a distance of just 24 centimeters. This responds to the wishes of many filmmakers. All Compact Prime CP.2 lenses come with interchangeable mounts, guaranteeing maximum flexibility now and in the future, in every situation, and for various camera platforms.
Thanks to the lenses’ aperture of T2.1, they are perfectly suited to filming in low-light situations. The macro lens allows the capture of even the smallest details, such as an engraving inside a ring. By contrast, the telephoto lens can be used to draw attention to picture elements at a distance, such as the facial expression of a main character. Both lenses reduce reflections, thus contributing to the creation of contrast-rich, expressive shots.
“With these new focal lengths, Carl Zeiss is expanding its Compact Prime CP.2 lens series with two classic, highly light-intensive lenses that open up new creative possibilities for cinematographers during filming,” said Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager of the Camera Lens Division of Carl Zeiss AG. The Compact Prime CP.2 lenses are already available in seven focal lengths ranging from 18 to 85 mm.

Carl Zeiss to offer Compact Prime CP.2 lenses in Sony and Micro 4/3 mounts

Carl Zeiss has announced that Sony Alpha and Olympus/Panasonic Micro Four Thirds mounts will be an option for their CP.2 (Compact Prime ) lenses made for video-enabled DSLRs. The company has also said the CP.2 lenses using the Nikon F mount, also announced previously as an option, will be available in Q4 of 2010. Two new models, the Compact Prime CP.2 50 mm/T2.1 Makro and CP.2 100mm/T2.1 CF, previously available in PL and Canon EF mount will now also be offered in Nikon F mount. The CP.2 lenses differ externally to the Zeiss ZF and ZE range, with their calibrated lens scales, and cine style barrel but the optical train is identical. The CP-.2 lenses also feature interchangeable lens mounts, allowing the user to switch between camera makes.

Press release:

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 08.09.2010.
In 4th quarter of 2010, ZEISS Compact Prime CP.2 lenses will be available with F-mount. The Compact Prime CP.2 series, presented last April, were the first lenses developed especially for shooting with HDSLR cameras. Since then, the lenses have been highly sought after by cinematographers and film photographers alike. In addition to the PL-, EF- and F-mount, Carl Zeiss will soon also be offering the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses with Micro 4/3 and A-mount.

The Compact Prime CP.2 lenses’ inter- changeable mount means the lenses can be used for many purposes. The lenses have a compact and robust build so that they can handle any demand on the film set.

“With the new enhancement of mounts we want to meet the needs of our customers”, says Michael Schiehlen, Head of Sales of Carl Zeiss AG Camera Lens Division. “The possibility of using our CP.2 lenses flexibly for three different camera systems is not only interesting for new customers. Stores that rent cameras and camera equipment also benefit from the lenses’ enhanced flexibility.”

Just in time for the IBC in Amsterdam, Carl Zeiss has announced two new focus lengths that will also be available with F-mount: Compact Prime CP.2 50 mm/T2.1 Makro and CP.2 100mm/T2.1 CF. They complement the seven focal lengths from 18 to 85 millimeters that are already available.

Carl Zeiss roll out range of UV and Polarizer filters

After dropping hints a few days ago, Carl Zeiss has announced they're to produce a range of UV and polariser filters in 58, 67, 72 and 82mm filter threads. Oddly, the popular pro size of 77mm has been omitted. The company has also announced a new shoulder strap using patented air-cell padding. As of posting, there's no indication of price or availability.

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 07.09.2010.
Carl Zeiss now offers photographers special accessories to support their work with ZEISS lenses. The new UV and POL filters from Carl Zeiss are optically and mechanically tailored to the high-quality ZEISS SLR lenses and protected against light reflections with the ZEISS T* multi-coating. Because good optics can be somewhat heavy at times, Carl Zeiss now offers a special camera strap with air cell padding for SLR cameras.

“It is important for us to not only deliver ideal image results, but to also make photography something to remember. This does not stop at lenses. We have also taken the demands and needs of photographers into consideration during development of our accessory products. They are the ideal addition to our ZEISS SLR lenses," explains Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager of the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss AG.

The new UV and POL filters meet the highest demands on mechanical quality and can be quickly and easily changed. High-quality optical glass is tailored to the performance of ZEISS lenses, while the T* multi-coating minimizes light reflections on the glass-air surfaces and improves transmission. In addition to the filter function, the front lens element of the lens provides protection against contamination and scratches. With the standard thread diameters of 58, 67, 72 and 82 mm, the filters also fit the lenses of other manufacturers.

The camera straps ensure that your equipment does not lead to shoulder and neck strain, even when used for longer periods. Patented air cell padding and the elastic material unite comfort and maximum durability. Special quick-action locks enable users to quickly, easily and safely connect the straps to all standard SLR cameras.

Carl Zeiss to announce new lenses at Photokina

Press release

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 24.08.2010.
This year’s visitors to the Carl Zeiss booth at photokina will be able to touch, test and even walk through high-quality lenses. The optical experts want to make an encounter with the world of Carl Zeiss something to remember.

“We will present new lenses and, for the first time, accessories at photokina. You'll have to be a bit more patient to find out exactly what we have in store," announces Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager of the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss AG. Twice as large as its predecessor in 2008, the "application island" at the booth in Hall 2.1 will allow visitors to test the entire line of Carl Zeiss lenses. Using a number of real subjects, photographers and anyone else interested will have the opportunity to try our various focal lengths and settings. In addition to the entirely new ZEISS lenses, guests will also be able to use Sony lenses featuring Carl Zeiss technology and the coveted Compact Prime CP.2 lenses on HDSLR cameras for video recording.

The walk-through lens introduced in 2008, invites this year’s visitors to experience the 120-year history of lenses at Carl Zeiss. It shows how Carl Zeiss has accompanied photography from one era to the next and how developments of the past have laid the foundation for the future. The high-performance Tessar lenses, for example, have been around since 1902. These pioneering, compact designs are used in a miniaturized form in high-end Nokia mobile phones.

Our partner Nokia will also present its latest smart phones at our booth, and demonstrate how compact, creative and high-quality mobile photography with Carl Zeiss works.

Carl Zeiss announce primes for Canon video DSLRs

Not your usual common-or-garden SLR lenses, the newly announced Compact Primes from Carl Zeiss offer full-frame (35mm) coverage on video-DSLRs, notably Canon EF mount with Nikon F to follow. See here, for more details (look for Compact Primes).