Now In Stock Canon EOS 5D MKIII DSLR At Jessops - Order Here

Don't miss out, Jessops have just received stock of this awesome camera and it's ready to order here. The total cost body only is £2999.95 or you can spread the cost over 12 months from £201.99 per month.

Just click here to order.

Pre-order Leica M-Monochrom

If you don't understand the need for the Leica M-Monochrom then there's no need to buy one. It's not about the technical capabilities but about the psychological effect on the brain when composing using a camera that's only able to capture a B&W image (in exactly the same way you're forced to think about tonality when you load an Leica M6 with Tri-X or FP4 Plus). For me personally, the M-Monochrom is more compelling than the regular M9 but, as they say, 'your mileage may vary'.

No one has seemed to mention the fact that adding red, blue, yellow or green filters to the lens will decrease the sensor's sensitivity, effectively giving up some of the gains of removing the array in the first place. The B+W Red 091 Filter, for instance, has a filter factor of 8 (3-stops). What's more, few commentators, if any, have mentioned the M-Monochrom's IR cut-off filter (it doesn't use a OLPF). There are generally two types available; absorptive or reflective (short pass interference). It's most likely the M-M uses a thin absorptive type, but either are a shortcoming. I wonder why they did that. Oh well, that's why there are reviewers I guess.

What do you think, is there a case for the Monochrom?

Pre-order the M-Monochrom from Adorama for $7,950

NPG call for entries for Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2012

The National Portrait Gallery has announced the Call for Entries for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2012, a major international photographic award. Entry forms are now available and the closing date for entries is 9 July 2012. To enter, visit www.npg.org.uk/photoprize and complete the online application form.

Leica announces APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH

Alongside the anticipated M-Monochrom, Leica Camera AG has announced the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. The new lens features apochromatically corrected glass for reduced chromatism, aspherical lens surfaces and a floating element design (for close range correction of SA). The lens is expected to be available from the end of July at a retail price of £5,400 inc VAT. Note, the current non-apo 50mm f/2 version has the reputation of being the best 50mm optically and retails at just (!) $2,295 / £1,535 inc VAT, so this is without doubt a lens for the purist.

For more information, please visit www.leica-camera.com

Although it's easier to design 50mm's, this lens' performance looks like it will be superb wide-open right out to the corners of the frame.

Nothing short of outstanding performance at f/5.6.

Leica announces five central shutter lenses for Leica S system

Leica Camera AG, is expanding the Leica S medium format system with five lenses incorporating central 'leaf-type' shutters. The new models announced today in Berlin are the Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. and Leica Summarit-S 35mm f/2.5 ASPH. wide-angle lenses, the Leica Summarit-S 70mm f/2.5 ASPH. standard lens, the Leica APO-Macro-Summarit-S 120mm f/2.5 tele-macro lens and the Leica APO-Tele-Elmar-S 180mm f/3.5 telephoto lens.

With a top speed of 1/1000 of a second, the central shutter offers a working range expanded by three f-stops (over the 1/125th sec flash sync of the current S2 camera). Each shutter has a guaranteed life of more than 100,000 cycles per lens, and each lens adopts dust- and splash-proof construction. The CS lenses are scheduled to be available in the UK starting from October 2012 at the following retail prices;

Suggested Retail Prices including VAT are:
Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. (CS version) – £5,850
Leica Summarit-S 35mm f/2.5 ASPH. (CS version) - £5,515
Leica Summarit-S 70mm f/2.5 ASPH. (CS version) - £4,365
Leica APO-Macro-Summarit-S 120mm f/2.5 (CS version) - £5,975
Leica APO-Tele-Elmar-S 180mm f/3.5 (CS version) - £5,975

Leica unwraps M9-P Edition Hermes

In addition to the Leica M-M and Leica X2, Leica Camera AG has also announced a limited edition M9-P 'Edition Hermes' model featuring a restyled top plate, shutter speed dial and shutter release. The camera also adopts the distinctive 'Veau Swift' calfskin leather in ochre color.

The first of the Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès’ sets will be available in May 2012, in a worldwide limited edition of 300. In addition to the camera, the set includes a silver-anodised Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens and is scheduled to be available in the UK from May 2012, at a UK suggested retail price of £18,000 inc VAT.

This will be followed by a very special set, which will be available in June 2012. The Leica M9-P ‘Edition Hermès’ – Série Limitée Jean-Louis Dumas, in a strictly limited edition of only 100 sets, is a celebration of the friendship and collaboration between Jean-Louis Dumas, the former president of Hermès, who died in May 2010, and Leica Camera AG. The camera is accompanied by three lenses: a Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/ 2 ASPH., a Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH. and a Leica APO-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH., all featuring a silver-anodised finish. This set will be available in the UK from June 2012, at a UK suggested retail price of £36,000 inc VAT.

More information can be found at www.leica-camera.com.

Leica announces new Leica M-M, new X2

Leica Camera AG has announced a new M-series camera to complement the existing M9 and and M9-P models. The new camera, the M-M (Mononchrom) boasts a 18-MP full-frame CCD sensor for black and white photos only. The sensor is devoid of the conventional Bayer colored array and is said to have improved detail, sensitivity and lower noise than a comparable color sensor.

In addition to the M-M, Leica has also introduced the Leica X2, and updated version of the X1 featuring a 16MP CMOS and 35mm f/2.8 equivalent lens. The X2 is said to have improved AF operation over the original and has a accessory socket for an optionally available 1.44m dot electronic viewfinder, or 'Visoflex' finder, in Leica speak (but looks remarkably similar to the Epson made unit for the Olympus PENs, see below).

The Leica X2 is available immediately at $1,995, while the Leica M Monochrom in black chrome will be available from Leica dealers in late July 2012 at a retail price of $7,950 / £6120 / 6.800 Eur (inc VAT).

Pre-order the Leica X2 (silver) at Adorama

Pre-order the Leica X2 (black) at Adorama

Leica Visoflex EVF at Adorama ($524.95)

More information can be found at www.leica-camera.com.

Related Posts

Leica M9 review

Leica X1 review

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 - Now Available To Download From The Mac App Store

This new release to the Mac App Store represents a substantial release for Adobe. It will join Photoshop Elements 10 Editor and Premier Elements 10 Editor as well as the subscription based app Revel.

Adobe Photoshop LIghtroom 4 retails for $149.99/£99.99 You can download it here.

Schneider Kreuznach announces Cine-Xenar III primes

Schneider Kreuznach, the maker behind high-end optics for DSLRs and MF cameras (as well as B+W filters) has announced today the third generation of its Cine-Xenar range of lenses for cinema and TV- productions (though the lenses can also be adopted for use with APS-C DSLRs). The lens range consists of T2.2/25mm, T2.1/35mm, T2.0/50mm, T2.0/75mm and T2.0/95mm lenses and have been updated to include an inner focusing system. An a brand new 18mm variant (T2.2/18mm) has also been announced. The lenses were primarily developed for RED, ARRI, Canon, Sony and Panasonic professional cameras with a PL mount. Thanks to their exchangeable camera mount, these versatile Cine-Xenar cinema lenses can also be used with semiprofessional digital SLR cameras such as the (APS-C) Canon EOS 7D.

More information can be found at www.schneiderkreuznach.com

Leica to unveil new cameras on Thursday

Although it hasn't been confirmed by the company, we're expecting to see a new addition to the M9 line on Thursday (May 10), possibly even the M10, though from what I've heard this is likely to be announced later in the year at Photokina (along with the the new S3). However an M9 with a monochrome sensor is the most likely scenario, along with perhaps the announcement of the Leica X2 (with probably a 16/18MP APS-C sensor and different lens, perhaps a 35/2 equivalent - the current lens is a 35/2.8 equivalent - 24/2.8 Elmarit). We'll just have to wait and see.

Related Posts

Leica M9 review

Leica X1 review

Memory Card deals

B&H Photo have specials on SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Pro SD and CF cards. I think the offer is only going to last a day (till tonite). Oh and they're limited on stock too.

B&H Photo announces double rebates on select Canon gear

B&H has introduced a new Canon DOUBLE rebate page. Expires June 2nd 2012

How it Works

1.      You click on the link below
2.      Choose a camera body and then choose a lens or speedlight (or both)

Example: Canon EOS 7D SLR Digital Camera (Body Only) $ 1,699.00 - $150 instant savings = $1,549.00
Then pick up a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens $2,499.00  - Instant savings of $200 which Doubles to an instant savings of $400. Final price $2,099.00. You Just saved $550!

Please follow the link here for the rebate.

Sony 500mm f/4 G now shipping

Sony has started to ship the incredibly expensive SAL 500mm f/4.0 G that was announced earlier in the year. At $12,999 via B&H Photo it's $2,500 more expensive than the new even lighter (7.63 lb. vs 7.03 lb.) titanium-bodied IS II Canon version. Because of their lower weight the 500's are easier to handle than either the 600/4 or 400/2.8, a point I'm reminded of now as I'm currently reviewing the Nikkor 400/2.8 VR (actually VR II) with the Nikon D4 (strange the buttons aren't all back-lit) and the D800. The Nikon lens weighs 10.1 lb, though the new Canon IS II version has lowered the weight to 8.5 lb.

Nikon Europe announces FX lens cashback scheme

 Nikon UK today launches a new full-frame (FX) lens promotion offering up to £180/Eur210 cashback on purchases of selected FX lenses between 1st May – 30th September 2012 (inclusive).
 
Customers may claim up to £180/Eur 210 cashback when purchasing any of the selected lenses (listed below) in conjunction with a Nikon D4, D800 or D800E body. The cashback can be redeemed for up to two lenses per body.

The promotion will run from 1st May – 30th September inclusive and all claims must be received by the 31st October 2012 in order to qualify. See full details of the promotion below:

For more information on the promotion, and how to submit your claim, please visit: www.nikon.co.uk/cashback.

Search for Nikon at the following:
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.de
Amazon.fr
Amazon.it

Giveaway - Mac App CameraBag 2 - Worth $23.99/£16.99

Today we have CameraBag 2 for Mac to giveaway, this app is worth $23.99/£16.99. You may recall our post yesterday where we mentioned you could win an Canon 5D Mark III worth $3499, well that promotion is being hosted by Never Center the developers of CameraBag 2. You need to use CameraBag 2 to enter the competition so this giveaway will help you out.

CameraBag 2 is a desktop photo app with a whole new approach to photos. Redesigned from the ground up, CameraBag 2's Analog Engine pairs a full suite of photographic tools with the high quality filters and vintage simulations the series is already known for. Its key innovation is a stunningly straightforward approach to layering, rearranging, and endlessly tweaking all of these effects in realtime. The 100+ fully-adjustable filters and 25+ professional controls CameraBag 2 ships with are only the beginning, forming the palette from which users create their own styles. Watch the trailer at nevercenter.com/cb2trailer.


You can read more about this app below but would you like to try this app for free? Join our ever expanding Twitter followers here, RETWEET THIS POST and send a reply to the bottom of this page telling us why you wouldl ike to win this. We will select winners at random and send the promo codes directly to your email box.

Key Features

 

- Choose from 100+ built-in styles and filters, or create and share your own.

- Full suite of 25+ manual photographic tools including advanced curve editors.

- Stunning new interface.

- State-of-the-art image processing via the all-new Analog Engine.

- Add any look you create to the toolset as a fully-adjustable filter.

- Quickly browse photos in a folder in your current filter with the arrow keys.

- 32-bits-per-component color depth.
- Non-destructive editing (active history).

- Easy layering of styles and adjustments.

- Quicklooks and hover previews for visual decision-making.

- The Remix slider, which smoothly transitions between endless variations.

- Large, precise controls.

- Laptop-friendly design.

- Batch saving.

- RAW format and metadata support.


Win A Canon 5D Mk III Camera Worth $3499!

Would you like to win a Canon 5D MK III worth $3499? Yes, we thought so, we would too! Well Never Center the developers behind the the Mac and iOS app, CameraBag 2 app have launched this unique giveaway.

To enter, just edit a photo in the free trial (or full version) of CameraBag 2, post it to your favorite social media or photo-sharing site, and send the link here. Submission deadline is May 22nd, 2012. (Read below for full instructions. If you don't follow the instructions, your entry won't count!)

This is a sweepstake, not a photography contest; the artistic quality of your entry will not affect your chances of winning, though we'll post a gallery of some of our favorites. You can enter multiple times but Never Center only consider the most recent entry from each person. (Multiple submissions will have no effect on your odds of winning.) Must be a U.S. citizen 18 or older to enter

How To Enter

 

1. Download a free trial version of CameraBag 2.

2. Post an image that you've manipulated in CameraBag 2 to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, or your personal blog. In addition to your own comments, your post must include the following text:

"Here's my entry to win a free Canon 5D Mk III in the @CameraBag 2 giveaway (http://bit.ly/cb2-5d)"

3. Submit your name and a link (in the form below) to where you've posted your image. Make sure the privacy settings on your post allow us to see it!

 

 

Entry Examples

 

However you enter, make sure to include the text "Here's my entry to win a free Canon 5D Mk III in the @CameraBag 2 contest (http://bit.ly/cb2-5d)", and make the post publicly visible. And don't forget to send us a link!

Nikon announces new AF-S 28mm f/1.8G

After several patents appeared online Nikon has officially revealed a new 28mm f/1.8, successor to the AI-S 28mm f/2.0 from 1981 (and a superb performer optically that was generally underrated because of the focal length). I used to have one and it was a better performer optically than either the AI-S 35mm f2.0 and even the vaunted 35mm f/1.4, which I also owned. It was left on a F2AS permanently in preference to those lenses but it couldn't matched by any other wide-angle in Nikon's range.

This new model has the gold ring that once signified the use of low dispersion (ED or sometimes Super ED) glass (in tele lenses originally but that changed to include all focal lengths), unfortunately Nikon has changed their marketing strategy yet again as this lens is devoid of any such expensive glass types. It does however adopt two aspherical elements, which will help keep the size and weight down. It also boasts a single Nano Crystal Coat layer to reduce ghosting and flare while according to the press release it is weather sealed as well (it adopts rear focusing, so there's no extending barrel to seal).

The new lens, which can also serve double duty on a APS-C crop camera (equivalent to the angle of view from a 40mm) will have a RRP of £619.99 / Eur 739 (inc VAT) / $699.95and will be available from 24th May. The new lens was announced alongside the new D3200 (not covered), an interesting addition if only because of its new 24MP sensor.

US dealer Adorama is taking pre-orders on the new equipment here:

28mm f/1.8G AF-S $699.99

Nikon D3200 c/w 18-55mm kit $699.99

Despite the inclusion of the gold ring around the circumference, the new 28mm f/1.8 does not include ED glass. This signals a departure for Nikon.

Reasonable imaging performance can be expected at f/1.8, though the corner performance does not look particularly impressive from this chart (though still similar to rival offerrings such as the CZ Distagon T* 2/28). It remains to be seen just how pleasing the image is rendered in that area, and how it improves when stopped down.

Nikon MB-12 for D800 in stock

While the bodies are taking time to show up in quantity, UK retailer WEX (formerly Warehouse Express) has the MB-12 battery grip for D800/D800E in stock at £379.00. Please click here to buy. Although the D800 body is fine for smaller, shorter focal lengths, I consider this an essential purchase for improved handling when using longer lenses - anything from 105mm and up.

Hasselblad announces updated Phocus software

Hasselblad has launched Phocus 2.6.6 * - a brand new version of its proprietary Phocus software, plus a new Phocus Mobile 2.0 format for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Phocus Mobile enables wireless camera control - and the latest 2.0 version includes a host of new features as well as access control.

Peter Stig-Nielsen, Hasselblad product management director, explained: “Many discerning photographers across the world are already familiar with the sheer power and performance of this highly intuitive software package and this spring launch of Phocus 2.6.6 and Phocus Mobile 2.0 will make their imaging work more effective. Photographers can be wirelessly linked to a computer running Phocus – and now with the new 2.6.6 version, any number of Phocus Mobile clients can connect to the Phocus server simultaneously.”

Stig-Nielsen added: “Phocus Mobile 2.0 significantly improves options for photographers to show and share their work during a shoot and also includes a 100% zoom function of images in the file browser; new GPS tagging; folder access control and a Demo Mode functionality. And all this is now available as a free download at the App Store.”

The MF camera maker claims the innovative Phocus 2.6.6 software upgrade “provides uncompromising image quality and allows photographers to work quickly, efficiently and creatively with the world’s most advanced image files.”

Stig-Nielsen also added: “There is no question that Phocus 2.6.6 with Phocus Mobile 2.0 offer new functionality and innovations that will expand the options and speed up the workflow for time-pressed photographers.”

Features in Phocus include:
• Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS).
• Sophisticated lens corrections for H and V System lenses.
• Advanced tethered camera control.
• Easy- to-use interface.
• Extensive customization options for individual workflow scenarios.
• License-free software with unlimited installations and no registration issues.
• Live video.
• Scene calibration and reproduction tools.
• Highlight recovery, shadow fill, clarity and dust removal tools.

For more information on the new Hasselblad Phocus upgrades go to:
http://www.hasselblad.com/promotions/phocus-mobile-20.aspx

* for Mac OS only.

Related Posts


Hasselblad H4D-60 review

Fuji X-Pro1 first impressions

We've had a Fuji X-Pro1 in for review for a few days now, in preparation for a review, and thought we would share some initial impressions. Fuji has supplied the camera with all three lenses, the 18mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4 and 60mm f/2.4 (each lens comes supplied with a hood, the 18 and 35mm come with squared hoods and caps, while the 60mm has huge (deep) circular vented affair - which I don't like but is likely very effective). Don't expect the build quality of the camera or lenses to match what the company is doing for Hasselblad right now. Fuji manufacture the lenses and viewfinder optics for the Hasselblad H4-D models, but the X-Pro1 is in a different league, in terms of build.

The body is made from magnesium alloy, but it doesn't feel particularly durable in part because it feels so light. Each of the lenses are light in weight as well; there are no weighty brass helicoids, and the lens mounts are made from aluminum further adding to the impression of fragility. However, the camera's ergonomics are good for the best part, although there's no in-built diopter adjustment, meaning you'll have to source diopter correction lenses (I've asked Fuji if they intend to offer them, and I'm awaiting a reply).

UPDATE: I've since heard back that they aren't going to offer this as an option, saying third-party options exist. I don't know of any, though it should be easy to do, after all it was common practice with film cameras. I've suggested Fuji should seriously reconsider - this will be a showstopper for middle aged users and easy enough for Fuji to rectify.

UPDATE: A spokesperson for Fuji told me the Voigtlander range of diopter adjustment lenses with 19mm thread (for the R2a, R2m, R3a, R3m, R4a, R4m and Bessa III) can be used instead, please see here (in the UK) for further details. The price each is just £15 plus VAT (£18) each. Please check with the retailer first, as we can not be held responsible (UPDATE: I've heard back from the retailer, Robert White, and the diopter lenses fit perfectly).

The sensor appears to be excellent though the outright resolution doesn't appear to be a match for 21/22MP sensors with a AA filter - though more work needs to be done on testing before I can say with complete authority (it's unlikely the lenses can't resolve more so any limit on resolution will be down to the sensor). If you have any questions please ask below, and I'll try answer them, time permitting.

 

Fuji X-Pro1, 18mm f/2.0 (28mm equivalent) at f/4, ISO400; in-camera JPEG with some colour adjustment in Lightroom 4 (please view in a colour-aware browser, such as Apple's Safari).

Search Links

If you found this information helpful and intend to remunerate us for this expensive and time-consuming work, please clear your browser's cache of cookies if visiting from a referring photo-site before clicking on our links, as we're unlikely to receive the commission from the retailer. Thank you for buying through this site's links.

Search links for Amazon, Adorama.

Search links (UK), Jessops, WEX.

Related Posts

Fuji announces X-Pro 1