OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 25.06.2008.

Distagon T* 3,5/18: the super wide angle lens for dramatic perspectives

Carl Zeiss expands its range of SLR lenses with the addition of the Distagon T* 3.5/18 super wide angle lens. With an impressive field of view of 99°, this new, rectilinear lens provides dramatic perspectives for architectural, landscape and close-range photography for photographers utilizing full-frame DSLRs or film-based cameras. The Distagon T* 3.5/18 is a derivative of the ZEISS designs for the Contax RTS series of cameras, but utilizing all modern materials and eco-friendly glass materials.

The Distagon T* 3.5/18 is designed with a floating lens element in the rear lens assembly, which results in impressive image quality from infinity to the closest focus range. Utilizing the superior ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating and critically designed interior elements, the lens is remarkably free from stray light artifacts and internal reflections. Images are brilliantly rendered, with extremely crisp resolution right to the edges – even at wide-open apertures under the most difficult lighting conditions. Like all Carl Zeiss SLR lenses, the Distagon T* 3.5/18 uses the ZEISS ‘color matching technology’, which provides homogeneous color rendition across all focal lengths in the product range. The front filter diameter of 82 mm allows for use of standard screw-in filters when combined with the included lens shade.

In addition to the outstanding optical qualities, the special hallmarks of all ZEISS lenses are designed into the Distagon T* 3.5/18. This includes...

Press Release: February 2007

Panasonic Include a Complimentary 16GB, Pro High Speed, SD card with the DMC-L10 DSLR

Panasonic is pleased to announce that when purchasing a DMC-L10 before the end of April 2008 consumers will also receive a Panasonic16GB Pro High Speed SD card (RP-SDV16GE1K*). This promotion is offered via participating retailers only – the perfect partner for your DSLR.

Panasonic’s second SLR, the DMC-L10, has continued to push the boundaries with an advanced 2.5 inch free angle LCD to full time view offering 270 degree rotation and a versatile shooting style. For a limited period, Panasonic is pleased to include one of its high capacity 16GB SD cards with the L10** When purchased before the end of April 2008 for consumer’s ultimate convenience.

Enabling over 6000 still images to be captured*** The number of images may vary depending on file size the16GB high data storage capacity is ideal for making the most of the DMC-L10. Consumers can enjoy full performance of consecutive shooting on their L10 without worrying about overflow of buffer memory. Add to this a fast data transfer speed of up to 20MB/S and users can easily upload high quality images taken with the DMC-L10 onto their PC. A further benefit is that the Panasonic 16GB card is perfect for RAW shooting.

With the DMC-L10 and SD card in unison, consumers can not only capture beautiful images, but also view them at their leisure. Simply slot the 16GB SD card...

New Digital Single Lens Reflex camera's from Pentax and Samsung on the way soon.



On the left, possible version of the Pentax K200D.
On the right, Samsung GX20 supposedly a variation of the 14mp Pentax K20D.
Both due to be announced Jan 24th 2008

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For us in the west, it all began in the Spring of 1950.

That was the time when LIFE magazine photojournalists David Douglas Duncan and Horace Bristol, in transit through Tokyo en route to cover the war raging in Korea, were persuaded by a young Japanese stringer to visit a camera factory in the Shinagawa district of the city.



Out of the chaos and rubble of World War II, Nippon Kogaku Kogyo Kaisha - Japan Optical Company Ltd., - struggled to rebuild its manufacturing programme; it had once employed 23,000 workers in more than 20 factories. Now it was reduced to 2 and a mere 1400 employees.



In the west, the regard for post war Japanese manufactured products of almost any description bordered on the dismissive. Certainly for cameras and optics, the general perception was that only Europe and the USA had the know-how to put together the high quality equipment demanded by professionals. But, as Duncan wrote to me years later after his Yankee Nomad was published in the 1960s, it was the young Japanese photographer's enthusiasm for the new products which persuaded him and Bristol to take time out of a busy schedule for the visit.

One can speculate on where Nippon Kogaku - the mighty and familiar Nikon of today, would be in the pecking order had...

This was the slug used in a Nikon D3 advertsing campaign in the UK in the lead up to the new full frame FX availability toward the end of last year. I found it vaguely amusing, but nonetheless, right on the nail. Thousands had been waiting patiently to get well on the new kit, so in theory at least, Nikon should do well on it.

Nikon's ad campaign, coming so close to the end of 2007, also reminded me that 2008 is a photokina year, not to mention a PMA year; it is likely we shall soon see mock-ups and prototypes of products much speculated and rumoured these past few weeks.

As Nikon is at the top of the conversation pile for the moment, what truth is in the rumour the company will shortly be showing off a new digital S rangefinder camera using the new FX sensor? They have the technology and if Epson and Cosina could make it work, why not Nikon?

Internet forum views have expressed doubts that an S(D) rangefinder model would appear with the original Contax type lens mount; rather, more likely if it does, with a Leica M mount. This would be a great pity, as one of the best features of the original Nikon S series was its serrated wheel operated focus system linked by a simple mechanism to the internal camera lens mount. In operation, sharp subject focus is rapidly obtained, leaving the left hand fingers free...

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News Release

Kenro has announced the UK release of two new Tokina lenses, the AT-X 165 PRO DX and the AT-X 535 PRO DX, with immediate availability. Both new lenses continue Tokina's reputation for combining superb performance with outstanding value for money.

The AT-X 165 PRO DX is an ideal multi-purpose lens with a wide range of applications. From portrait photographers to photojournalists, from lovers of nature photography to sports fans - all will benefit from the AT-X 165's bright F/2.8 constant aperture. This wide aperture allows for faster shutter speeds in low-light conditions or a more shallow depth of field for more pleasing portraits. The out-of-focus background from a wide aperture setting helps to concentrate attention on the subject giving the image more strength and intimacy.



The rear optical group of the lens contains 1 SD (Super-Low Dispersion) glass element to reduce the number of elements (pieces of glass) in the optical design in order to make the lens more compact, lightweight and faster focusing.

The AT-X 165 offers the digital photographer the equivalent of a 24-75mm lens in terms of film and has a focal length of 16mm to 50mm.

The Tokina AT-X 535 PRO DX lens is a 50mm-135mm lens with a fast constant aperture of f/2.8. This lens gives digital photographers the similar to industry standard 80-210 telephoto zoom lens in 35mm camera terms.



The lens...

Press Release - Panasonic

Featuring a 2.5-inch Large Free- Angle LCD for Full-time Live View

Panasonic, a leader in digital technology, is delighted to announce the launch of their second digital single-lens reflex camera (SLR) – the DMC-L10 with an interchangeable LEICA lens. The DMC-L10 features an advanced 2.5-inch free angle LCD for full time live view that offers 270 degree rotation and a versatile shooting style. A 10.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor provides beautiful images with delicate gradation and wide dynamic range. Dust reduction with a Supersonic Wave Filter system prevents dust from attaching to the sensor to degrade the pictures. The superb image processor, Venus Engine III, boasts high quality image rendering and a high speed response.

Four Thirds System – Developed Exclusively for digital SLR
The DMC-L10 adopts the open format of the Four Thirds system for its lens mount – so the L10 can be used with lenses made by a variety of manufacturers, giving users a host of equipment options. Drawing on leading technologies while defying any stereotype ideas in SLR cameras, Panasonic’s DMC-L10 is designed to help you make the most of your photographic creativity.

One of the DMC-L10’s real talking points is the LEICA D VARIO-ELMAR 14-50mm / F3.8-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. lens. Sold as a complete kit – the combination of the world renowned Leica lens, with Panasonic’s excellence in digital photography – makes an impressive proposition.

Full-time Live View for a New...