We are approaching the end of the Q1 and to say that it has been successful it an understatement. We have never seen a product release as successful as Phase One’s IQ series of digital backs. I would even call it a resurgence of medium format capture in many fields that have seen a decrease in the last few years. Along with this, we have been shipping the Leaf Aptus II 12 80mp back. It is the only 80mp digital back shipping today and has finally given us enough single shot resolution to make scanning and multi-shot backs obsolete. It is an exciting time to be in our field and has created multiple opportunities for us to test our existing systems to see if they are still up to the task for our increased needs of sharpness and DOF.
With resolution increasing on the capture side, it unfortunately shows us where we are lacking on the front end of our imaging devices. Lenses that could resolve a silver grain of 11 microns or a 9 micron pixel often start failing at 5.2 micron pixel size. This has sometimes glaring showed us gaping holes in our lens line up that can stand up to these standards. However, today I am very happy to announce two new lenses that will be shipping Q4. They are as follows:
Schneider Kreuznach 75-150 mm LS
Schneider Kreuznach 240 mm LS
News on shipping of currently announced lenses:
Schneider Kreuznach 150mm LS – Shipping Q3
Schneider Kreuznach 120 mm TS – Shipping end of Q2
Phase One 120 mm Macro AF – Shipping Q3
Of course we are not just Phase One and Leaf. Many manufacturers have started to ship products that we have been very excited about. Martin of Arca Swiss has visited us here in Atlanta and we are thrilled at the success of his new RmD line of technical cameras. We have shipped L, 2, and 3’s this year already and thrilled that they now have a strong US support agent, Rod Klukas.
Martin of Arca Swiss Visits CI
Hands On with new Rm3Di
Profoto has announced both a Pro-Daylight and Pro-Tunsten line of products that work seamlessly with their existing accessory line. On top of this they have added their AIR technology in to many of their systems making them that much more important to a photographers simplified workflow.
New with Profoto
V Grip Air
At the end of 2010 we added the Broncolor line of products. After major changes in management styles and local representation, we were finally comfortable that the organization shared our same mindframe concerning support and service. With this said, the Broncolor line has always had some of the best technology in their field. Now they also back this up with our level of support and service and I am very happy to call them a partner.
Broncolor Senso Pack
We had the opportunity to be one of the first people in the world to take a 60mp capture device underwater at the end of 2010. Nauticam, Capture Integration, and our cleint, Del Sol Photoghraphy had an incredible day in a Cenote. Please take a look a look at the video and imagery from this day. The new Nauticam housing will be available for rent in our Miami location soon.
Nauticam Housing
Del Sol Photograhy
Needless to say, it is an exciting time to be in our industry. Please always feel free to call us and let us know how we can support you better.