Friday, 23 March 2012

Rare Interview With Henri Cartier-Bresson - 'The Father of Modern Photojournalism'

Don't miss this very rare hour long interview with one of the pioneers of photojournalism. Cartier-Bresson helped developed the 'street photography' style that has influenced generations of photographers and mobile photographers who have followed...

via Eric Kim

Thursday, 22 March 2012

Pentax confirms availability of smc DA 25mm f4AL [IF] lens for 645D

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Pentax has today confirmed the previously announced smc DA645 25mm f/4 AW will be available from mid-April 2012, at the RRP of £3999.99 (GBP) or $4,999 (USD). The lens is the equivalent to 20mm in full-frame 35mm terms and boasts several interesting features/benefits including a built-in pull-out filter holder (supplied with a 40.5mm polarizer filter), new Aero Bright (nano - tech) coating to reduce flare and weatherproofing.

Pre-order from B&H Photo ($4,999.95).

 

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Press release:

smc PENTAX-DA645 25mm F4AL [IF] SDM AW
 
A high-performance, unifocal lens, exclusively designed for the PENTAX 645D to produce breathtaking ultra-wide-angle images

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX-DA645 25mm F4AL [IF] SDM AW.

Designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX 645D, this unifocal, ultra-wide-angle lens features PENTAX-original optics optimized for high-quality digital photography to ensure exceptional high resolution images. The sturdy construction of the lens, which is dustproof and weather-resistant, makes it ideal for outdoors photography.

Major Features
1. Unifocal, ultra-wide-angle lens
When mounted on the PENTAX 645D medium-format digital SLR camera body, this ultra-wide-angle lens offers a focal length of approximately 19.5mm in the 35mm format, providing the widest perspective of all the lenses compatible with the PENTAX 645D. Creating visual effects unique to ultra-wide-angle lenses, such as exaggerated perspective and extra-wide depth of field, it can be effectively used for a wide range of subjects and situations, including spectacular landscapes and indoor shooting within a confined space. This lens gives the PENTAX 645D greater photographic freedom and flexibility.
 
2. State-of-the-art optics
Incorporating two high-performance a-spherical optical elements within its optics, this ultra-wide-angle lens provides exceptional image-resolving power with outstanding brightness levels even at the edges, whilst keeping any aberrations to a minimum. All lens characteristics are optimized for digital photography, for instance - exclusive lens coatings are applied to optical elements, while anti-reflection materials are applied to the interior of the lens barrel. The result is a lens that brings out the full potential of the PENTAX 645D medium-format digital SLR camera.

3. Aero Bright Coating to dramatically improve transmittance
This lens is treated with a PENTAX-original Aero Bright Coating, which ensures outstanding anti-reflection performance over a broader wavelength range to deliver images that are brighter and of higher quality. Created using PENTAX’s advanced nanotechnology, this exclusive coating reduces lens reflections and greatly improves light transmittance by forming a silica aerogel layer with uniform pores on the surface of the optical elements.

4. Dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction
As the newest model of the dependable AW (All Weather) series, the lens comes in a highly dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction with 11 special seals to effectively prevent the intrusion of dust and water into the lens interior. By coupling this lens with the PENTAX 645D camera body, the user is assured of a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding outdoor settings — even in rain and mist, or locations prone to water splashes or spray.

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5. Mountable circular polarizing filter
The lens features a built-in, pull-out-type filter holder in its barrel. By placing the C-PL (circular polarizing) filter (40.5mm in diameter; included as an exclusive accessory) on this holder, the user can easily rotate the filter to obtain the desired polarizing effect.

6. Smooth, quiet SDM autofocus operation
The advanced SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) autofocus mechanism has a supersonic motor installed inside the lens barrel which ensures a smooth, quiet autofocus operation.

7. Other features
・  High-quality machined aluminum parts, including the lens barrel, hood and cap
・  The built-in lens hood is optimally shaped for the angle of view when the lens is mounted on the PENTAX 645D camera body
・  Quick-Shift Focus system for instant switching to manual-focus operation, after the subject is captured in focus by the AF system
・  Rounded diaphragm to produce a smooth, beautiful “bokeh” (out-of-focus rendition), while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources
・  SP (Special Protect) coating applied to the front surface of the lens to effectively repel dust, water and grease
 

Canon EOS 5D Mk III in stock at B&H Photo

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We've had the Canon EOS 5D Mk III c/w 24-105mm f/4L parfocal in stock here in the UK for a week or so, but B&H Photo has just received their first deliveries - but they won't last long.

Buy at B&H Photo $4,299

Petrol Bags to announce new models at NAB show

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Press release:

Petrol Bags Intros Audio, DSLR, Monitor bags and more at 2012 NAB Show

Tel Aviv, Israel: March 22, 2012 – Petrol Bags, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company, announces a diverse range of new camera and audio equipment bags to be introduced at 2012 NAB Show, April 16–19 at the LVCC in booth #C6034.

New for Audio
Petrol Bags premieres four new products for audio. The Deca Audio Bag (PS614) is an ultra-lightweight carrier designed to securely transport sound equipment and keep it safe, organized, and accessible while working. It accommodates a Zaxcom Nomad or Sound Devices SD 788 mixer with a CL8 controller and offers easy access to the SD522 mixer’s SD card slot. Users will also appreciate the new Portable Digital Recorder Pouch to hold the Zoom H4N, Tascam DR-100 and DR-40 or similar size portable digital recorders. Its top flap is constructed of Transparent Polyurethane (TPU) for maximum visibility while shielding the recorder’s front panel and top external microphones. The lightweight yet rugged Deca Wireless Case employs an internal honeycomb frame for extra strength and extreme protection when transporting wireless system devices and other equipment. The upgraded Deca Sound Man Rain Poncho comfortably covers and protects a user carrying a mixer and fully loaded Petrol Eargonizer bag. It now features black ripstop nylon and TPU coating for greater elasticity and water protection in addition to keeping the user cooler and more comfortable.

New for Lighting
Petrol Bags will introduce the Liteporter professional carrier especially designed to transport and protect a Litepanels 1x1 LED light fixture. Liteporter has room to comfortably hold a Litepanels 1x1 LED fixture or similar size light, detachable mounting yoke, AC power supply with cord, power cable, an Anton/Bauer battery, and color/conversion diffusion gels. Constructed of rugged, water-resistant black 900D polyester and nylon, this lightweight, semi-hard case features an internal one-piece ABS honeycomb frame for extra strength and protection.

New for Video-enabled DSLRs
The new Rolling DigiSuite DSLR Camera Case is a carry-on size roll-away camera bag designed especially for the DSLR shooter on the go. It glides smoothly and effortlessly on a built-in wheel and tote assembly, and its front lid unzips quickly to reveal a central compartment contoured to comfortably fit up to two DSLR cameras with lens attached. Detachable internal dividers help secure contents and create pockets for storing spare lenses, a mattebox, camera base plate, follow focus, camera light, viewfinder, cables and more.

New LCD Monitor Bags
Petrol Bags will showcase two new LCD monitor bags. The Deca 5” Monitor Bag is uniquely designed to safely transport auxiliary LCD camera monitors up to 5” in size. The bag’s top flap opens envelope-style into a sturdy four-sided hood to ease viewing. The Deca 21.5” LCD Monitor Bag is custom designed for a Flanders Scientific LM-2140W or similar size LCD monitor. Both Monitor Bags offer multiple working benefits on location.

Vitec Group Live Event Area
The Vitec Group will host some of the most renowned figures in the broadcast and filmmaking industry in its dedicated Live Event Area at this year’s 2012 NAB Show on April 16–19. For example director and Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, Vincent Laforet, will discuss “Emerging Technology and Digital Storytelling” on Monday April 16. The complete event itinerary can be found at www.vitecliveevent.com.

 

 

Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT in stock

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Canon's new top of the range Speedlite, the 600EX-RT (wireless version), which was unveiled alongside the Canon EOS 5D MkIII, is now in stock at the following retailers:

Jessops £679.95

Wex Photographic £679

Please note, buying through these links won't cost you anything extra and may benefit this site.

Adobe announces Photoshop CS6 beta

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Adobe has today announced Photoshop CS6 beta, which is available as a free download from Adobe Labs. Although you can download the beta, it's hoped you'll provide feedback to the product team.
 
Photoshop CS6 beta is available for the Mac OS and Microsoft Windows platforms. The final release is expected in the first half of 2012.

Press release

Photoshop CS6 Beta Now Available on Adobe Labs
First Major Release since April 2010 Packed with New Features and Huge Performance Enhancements

LONDON, UK. — March 22, 2012 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® CS6 beta, a preview of what’s to come in the next release of the industry standard in digital imaging, is available as a free download from Adobe Labs. Customers can download the beta, try out the experience and provide feedback to the product team. Packed with groundbreaking new innovations, features and incredible performance enhancements, Photoshop CS6 beta is available for the Mac OS and Microsoft® Windows® platforms. The final release is expected in the first half of 2012.

“Photoshop CS6 will be a milestone release that pushes the boundaries of imaging innovation with incredible speed and performance,” said Winston Hendrickson, vice president products, Creative Media Solutions, Adobe. “We couldn’t wait to share this beta of Photoshop CS6 with our customers and are looking forward to hearing from them and seeing the ways they are incorporating the beta into their daily creative workflows.”

New Features in Photoshop CS6 Beta
Photoshop CS6 beta demonstrates Adobe’s focus on huge performance enhancements, imaging magic and creativity tools that offer customers a new experience in digital imaging. Key features include new additions to the Content-Aware tools: Content-Aware Patch allows greater control by letting users select and duplicate an area of an image to fill in or “patch” another, and Content-Aware Move lets users select and magically move an object to a new place in the image.
Customers will experience incredible performance, powered by the new Adobe Mercury Graphics Engine*, enabling near-instant results from popular editing tools including Liquify, Puppet Warp, Transform and Lighting Effects; and a refined, modern interface featuring dark UI options to make images pop. New and re-engineered design tools make creating designs faster and more efficient. Vector layers allow users to apply dashed lines and gradient strokes, searchable layers quickly zero in on any layer, and new type styles let designers swiftly apply type treatments to their designs.
 
In addition, the Photoshop CS6 beta offers all the features of Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended, such as new 3D editing features and quantitative imaging analysis capabilities. These features will be included in the shipping version of Photoshop CS6 Extended when it becomes available.

Pricing and Availability
The Photoshop CS6 beta is available immediately as a free download in English and Japanese. At installation, users will be required to provide an Adobe ID to complete a one-time login and online product activation. For information on how to install Photoshop CS6 beta, visit www.adobe.com/go/photoshopcs6. Customers can submit feedback via the Photoshop CS6 beta forum. Users can also connect with the Photoshop team via the community-powered site; on Facebook; YouTube; Photoshop.com blog; or via Twitter

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Adorama special on Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro

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Adorama has a special currently on the Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX zoom. The regular price is $849 but the sale price is $699 after the retailer's discount and $50 mail-in rebate (from Tokina).

Please follow the links to buy:

Canon fit
Nikon fit

SanDisk reposition pricing in the UK

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After the price reductions of SanDisk and Lexar memory cards in the US, SanDisk has repositioned their SD range in the UK (expect Lexar to follow suit shortly). The fastest currently available are the 95MB/s* (633x speed rated equivalent) cards under the Extreme Pro branding (note there are some slower variants around, but this maybe older stock.) These cards are UHS-1 (class 1) UDMA-6 compatible but use a different controller - the same as the CF Exteme Pro series. Previously available at £79, the 16GB card, for instance, can now be had from Amazon UK at just £43.50.

UPDATE

Wex are retailing the 16GB Extreme Pro card at £59

Jessops are still retailing the same card at £71.96 (was £90).

Fujifilm X-Pro1 in stock at Jessops

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UK dealer, Jessops, has the eagerly awaited Fujifilm X-Pro1 in stock at £1,429.95 body only. We'll update this page with links to the lenses as soon as we have the details.

UPDATE: Jessops are now displaying the lenses in stock:

XF 18mm f/2R at £549.95
XF 35mm f/1.4R at £549.95
XF 60mm f/2.4R Macro at £599.95

Monday, 19 March 2012

Rare Finds on eBay

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UPDATE: The lens has been, inexplicably, removed from sale.

One of Nikon's most esoteric and desireable lenses, the 13mm f/5.6, can be found on eBay currently. Designed by Ikuo Mori and boasting an angle of view of 118-degrees it was, at the time of introduction (1976), the widest rectilinear lens made for 35mm camera and an ideal lens for architecture. It was also one of Nikon's most expensive lenses, built to order only less than 400 were made in total. The lens for sale looks like the first version which has been factory modified for the AI mount. The second version starting at 175501 was made with a AI mount and the third version from serial number 175901 was modified for AIS.

Nikon D4 in stock at retailers

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UPDATE: The links are back to pre-orders only.

Nikon's eagerly awaited top-of-the-range Nikon D4 is in stock in several UK retailers. Please follow the links to buy (not pre-order!)

Jessops £4,799.95 (with free EN-EL8 battery worth £130)

Wex Photographic £4,799

Amazon UK are not showing the D4 in stock, but we'll update this post as soon as it is.

Amazon US are still showing pre-orders (at USD $5,999).

Saturday, 17 March 2012

Canon EOS 5D Mk III in stock at UK retailers Jessops, Wex

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Warehouse Express have the Canon EOS 5D Mk III in stock at £3689 (with the 24-105mm f4L - not body only). Please click here to buy.

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As we reported Thursday, Jessops has the 5D Mk III and 24-105mm lens in stock at £3690. Please click here to buy.

Please note, buying through links may benefit this site.

Canon EOS-1 DX available to pre-order at Amazon

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Amazon US has started pre-orders on the EOS 1-DX at $6,799. Please follow the link below:

Canon EOS-1D X 18.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera

Thank you for buying through this site's links.

Phase One lowers price of Capture One, launches new site

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Phase One Makes Superior Image Quality More Accessible

Company Launches New Web Site; Lowers Price of Capture One and Increases Its Trial Period to 60 days

COPENHAGEN, March 17, 2012 — Phase One, the world’s leading pro photography equipment provider, today launched a new web site dedicated to the user experience of its customers and new visitors. The site’s greatly improved usability offers easier access to information and tools to help professionals and other discerning photographers achieve the highest image quality results.

As part of this new user-experience focus, Phase One has extended the trial period for its Capture One 6 raw converter and photo editing software from 30 to 60 days and reduced its price. This gives more people the opportunity to experience the distinctive image quality available only with Capture One -- including its renowned raw rendering engine that produces photographs with the feel of film, superior control, true skin tones and robust support for very large files.

Capture One comes in three versions. Capture One Pro supports virtually every professional DSLR and most popular camera models and includes powerful tools to enhance the capture and editing processes. Capture One Express features the same high quality processing engine as Capture One Pro, but is without some of the more advanced tools. Capture One DB ships with all Phase One medium format camera systems, including the powerful IQ180 systems.

Capture One Pro supports the Capture Pilot iPad app that allows an iOS device to remotely view, zoom, rate, tag, and pan high resolution images during a shoot. An available 'Camera Control' in-app  purchase adds a virtual camera display to an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to remotely fire your camera and control the most important capture settings.

Availability and pricing
Capture One Pro is available for USD299 and EUR229; Capture One Express is now priced at USD99 and EUR69. The software is available for purchase at: http://www.phaseone.com/store. The software is available for download at: www.phaseone.com/downloads. More information is available at: http://www.phaseone.com/capture-one

NPG, BT announce BT Road to 2012: Aiming High

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Beth Tweddle b.1985 Beth Tweddle (third from left), Hannah Whelan (left), Jenni Pinches (second left) Rebecca Tunney (right). Photographed by Anderson & Low, 17th November 2011, Liverpool. © Anderson & Low - National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 project

Press release:

The National Portrait Gallery in collaboration with BT, a premier partner of London 2012, is proud to present BT Road to 2012: Aiming High, a major summer exhibition of London Olympic photographs. 

BT Road to 2012: Aiming High is the extraordinary final culmination of a three year exhibition project, National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012. 

As part of a major gallery commission of over 100 works, around forty new portraits by the highly acclaimed and newly commissioned photographers were announced today: Anderson & Low, Nadav Kander and Jillian Edelstein. The new photographs will go on show at the National Portrait Gallery on 19 July.

The first three portraits, released today, are of champion gymnast Beth Tweddle by Anderson & Low, rising track and field star Jodie Williams by Nadav Kander and Jan Matthews, the lady responsible for the world's largest peacetime catering operation, by Jillian Edelstein. New sitters are to be confirmed and released in due course.

These new portraits will be shown alongside the key works from the previous two exhibitions by photographers Brian Griffin, Bettina von Zwehl, Finlay McKay and Emma Hardy. These could include some well known faces such as Seb Coe, Stella McCartney, Danny Boyle, Philips Idowu and Pippa Funnell, amongst others.

In addition, thanks to BT funding, highlights from the previous two exhibitions, Setting Out (2010) and Changing Pace (2011) as well as a selection of the new photographs, will go on a free regional outdoor UK tour. Launching in Cardiff on 30 March, moving to Edinburgh on 1 June and on to Birmingham on 13 July.

ROAD TO 2012: AIMING HIGH
19 July - 23 September 2012, National Portrait Gallery www.npg.org.uk/roadto2012
- Made possible by BT, Premier Partner of the London 2012 Festival
- Part of the London 2012 Festival

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Jan Matthews b.1961 Photographed by Jillian Edelstein, 8th November 2011, Smithfield Market, London. © Jillian Edelstein - National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 Project

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Jodie Williams b.1993 Photographed by Nadav Kander, 15th December 2011, London. © Nadav Kander - National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 project

Friday, 16 March 2012

Photojournalist, light mod maker David Honl to host UK seminars

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David Honl, the photojournalist behind the popular light modifiers of the same name will be in the UK appearing at several events to talk about his work as a photographer and demonstrate his unique range of light-shaping products for portable, battery operated flash units or speedlites.

Schedule of events:

Thursday 29 March:  Calumet Drummond Street 

Friday 30 March:  special event for Nikon Owners Club members in Kensington, contact Mike Eleftheriades of the NOC 

Tuesday 3 April:  meet 11 am at The Flash Centre London 

Wednesday 4 April:  Phototraining 4 U Cardiff,  or email news@phototraining4u.com

Thursday 5 April:  Robert White Photographic  Poole, or email info@robertwhite.co.uk
 

Sales

Buy Honl Photo gear from Amazon (USA), or Amazon UK. Please note, buying through these links may benefit this site.

Zeiss announces new Distagon T* 2,8/15

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As expected, Carl Zeiss has today announced the new Distagon T* 2,8/15 or in more common parlance, a 15mm f/2.8 ultra-wide lens with a 110 degree angle of view. The lens features anomalous partial dispersion glass (to reduce chromatic aberration) and is the first in the Zeiss range to feature aspherical lens surfaces. The new manual focus lens will be available in May in both Nikon and Canon mounts and will have a retail price of US$2,948 or 2,148 euros, £1786 (excluding VAT)*

Pre-order from:

B&H Photo ($2,950)
Adorama ($2,950)

Press release

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Carl Zeiss presents the new Distagon T* 2,8/15 super wide angle lens

Carl Zeiss brings out a new super wide angle lens in May 2012. The super wide angle Distagon T* 2,8/15 will be available with an EF (ZE) or F bayonet (ZF.2). With an extra-large angle of view of 110  degrees in combination with a fast f/2.8 aperture, the lens enables the features for dramatic perspectives and performance demanded by the most ambitious landscape and architectural photographers. With a unique ability to capture events in a natural and extraordinary manner, it is also an ideal companion for advertising, journalism and commercial photography.

For more information, please visit www.zeiss.com, or visit the Zeiss US blog.

Please help support the DJP by visiting our affiliates; Jessops, Warehouse Express, B&H Photo, Adorama Camera and Amazon. Note; sales through these links may benefit this site.

Thursday, 15 March 2012

Canon EOS 5D Mk III arriving tomorrow say Jessops

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UK retailer, Jessops, are saying on their site that the first stock of the new Canon EOS 5D Mk III (complete with 24-105mm L lens) is arriving tomorrow (March 16). That's almost a week ahead of the March 22 the retailer quoted earlier. However, they're still saying to pre-order to secure.

Please follow the link here to buy.

Wednesday, 14 March 2012

Canon EOS-1 DX available to pre-order at B&H Photo

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Although the EOS-1 DX has been available to pre-order in the UK, that's not been the case in the US as dealers have had to wait for the pricing. However, the delay is over at least for customers of B&H Photo. Adorama and Amazon are sure to follow, and we'll update this post when that happens.

Pre-order the EOS 1DX body at B&H Photo ($6,799.00)

UPDATE: Adorama has been taking pre-orders for the EOS-1 DX from before Christmas, so they tell me (thanks, Helen). Please follow the link here ($6,799).

Test Drive a Think Tank Photo Modular Rotation System

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Test Drive one of Think Tank Photo’s new Modular Rotation Systems free for 28 days.  If you like it, keep it and your credit card will be charged.  If not, return it to Think Tank no charge. The Modular Rotation System is the choice of working professionals who shoot sports, weddings, nature or any situation where the need to stay mobile and rapid gear changes are essential.

The Modular Component Set™ V2.0 consists of two individual lens changer pouches, a flash pouch and an accessory pouch that lock to or slide around any Think Tank Photo belt. Since the pouches are modular, the carrying system can be reconfigured to match any assignment, under any condition.
 
The Modular Skin Set V2.0 consists of two individual lens changer pouches, a flash pouch and an accessory pouch that lock to or slide around a Think Tank Photo belt. Components are lightweight, compressible and easily collapsible. Perfect for traveling.The "Sound Silencer" feature adds stealth by eliminating hook-and-loop tearing noises.
 
This offer ends on March 31, 2012 or when100 of each modular set has been reserved for the Test Drive program.

* This offer is only available within the United States because of the shipping costs of delivering the product from and to the U.S.

To participate, please click here.

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