News

Rokinon & Samyang just introduced two new high-end lenses: a 100mm F/2.8 Macro and the new Cine DS 135mm T3.1 Macro. (The Korea-based Samyang company owns the Rokinon brand.)

Rokinon's new Xeen is a pro level cine lens system with a surprisingly affordable price tag, for this type of video quality and performance. The Xeen system includes three lenses: 24mm, 50mm, and 85mm.

Rollei, manufacturer of the classic twin-lens 6x6 Rolleiflex, has announced
the availability of the 6008 AF "Bundle," which will be the top-of-the-line
offering in a family of products Rollei is rolling out in the U.S.



The bundle includes the Rollei 6008 AF camera, the world's first auto focus
single lens reflex camera in a 6 x 6 medium format; C1 Pro software for precise
workflow that supports all phases of image editing and intuitive operation;
and the PhaseOne db20p digital back, which gives photographers film and digital
picture taking capability in one package. The interchangeable film packs allow
a photographer to shoot film, Polaroid-type shots as well as digital shots.



The db20p has resolution of 16 mega pixels, 16 bits per RGB or CMYK color, and
offers the option of saving RAW files in addition to TIFF and JPEG files. The
unit handles studio or location shoots with ease, thanks to high performance
rechargeable batteries that provide 250 shots (four working hours) and 45 frames
per minute without AC power. The data is stored in the IIQ RAW format on CompactFlash
cards. Processed images can be stored in the form of IIQ RAW, TIFF-RGB, TIFF-CMYK
or JPEG files. File sizes are between 48 MB and 128 MB. ICC profiles can be
embedded for optimum color management.



The 6008 AF is targeted to studio and on-location professionals -- from portrait,
fashion and landscape photographers, to photojournalists, and corporate/ government
photographers involved in "workflow" photography. Pricing is expected
to be in the $14,999 range.



Rollei's new bundle, which includes lenses from Schneider-Kreuznach and Carl
Zeiss, retains full compatibility with the Rollei 6000 system. This makes it
compatible with more than 20 current 6000 system lenses. Three new AF lenses
have been developed for the auto focus modes of the 6008 AF.



The 6008 AF also features a new TTL flash-control system. The TTL sensor is
integrated into the camera and measures the amount of flash light reaching the
film - parallax-free and at the exact viewing angle. All available shutter speeds
are flash-synchronized, which give pros a considerable advantage when working
in daylight and or for filling in shadows and strong subject contrasts. The
Rollei 6008 AF weighs 1500 grams and is 143 x 139 x 124 mm without lens.



For more information, contact: www.Rollei.com.

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This might be the camera bag bargain of the year, but don’t let my innate frugal nature and appreciation for military-style canvas bags unduly influence you. Here are the pros and cons, objectively stated, so you can decide for yourself.