The absence of the major camera and digital back manufacturers, including Hasselblad,
Mamiya, and Phase One, probably reflects less on the viability of the format
than the fact that this show is more oriented toward amateur and advanced amateur
photographers. But the lack of those exhibitors didn't dim one of the
most interesting announcements at the show--a camera that harkens more
to the past than to boasting the latest digital technology.
Fujifilm offered a glimpse of a prototype medium format film camera displayed
under glass that featured a retro-style rangefinder complete with a collapsible
bellows lens, an 80mm f/3.5. As I stood among the crowd trying for a closer
look, I observed that most of the comments revolved around the camera's
styling and less its technical specifications, which were not very forthcoming
from the Fujifilm reps. No information on pricing or availability was offered,
but the presence of the camera nevertheless offers medium format loyalists the
hope that this film format will still enjoy the benefit of interesting camera
designs, at least for the foreseeable future.
When it comes to exploring the digital side of medium format, my examination
of the Leaf AFi-series cameras was less about pixel count and more about speed,
functionality, and optics. Because of the large file sizes produced by 30+ megapixel
resolution cameras such as this, the common challenge faced by photographers
is the bottleneck that occurs when actually producing images.
The Leaf AFi series boasts an unlimited Burst Shooting mode of up to 82 frames
per minute, which seems to promise a solution for those times when a rapid succession
of captures is necessary to capture the decisive moment. Handling the camera,
there is a familiarity to the design that allows for easy negotiation of its
controls. The electronic functions of the camera are easily accessible, aided
by its touch-sensitive screen. Though the final arbiter of any camera is the
images it produces, the camera seems to offer a strong alternative to those
photographers who are looking to invest in a medium format camera that delivers
quality while it keeps up with their shooting style.
I'm always in search of products that address a specific photographic
problem. In the case of the Horseman SW-D II Pro, it's meeting the need
for wide angle digital imaging for architectural photography. Though stitching
multiple images provides a solution for some, the SW-D II Pro offers solutions
in camera; it can produce images with super wide angle lenses down to 24mm,
which is the equivalent of a 17mm in 35mm format. Compatible with digital camera
backs for Hasselblad, Mamiya, or Contax cameras, it offers camera movements
for rise, fall, and lateral shift to the right and left, providing shift and
perspective control.
Another beauty I spied at the show was the Linhof 120th anniversary Technika
3000, which speaks more to the collector than the everyday working photographer.
But even with that in mind, the camera offers standout aesthetics that may be
hard to resist. It is designed after the well established Master Technika, but
with Ferrari red leather material. It features a leather hand strap finished
with a wide red stripe. The folding focusing hood features a special version
of the Linhof crest with the words "120 years" added to it. While
the camera may not find a place in your everyday camera bag, there is something
to be said for a camera that can be appreciated for its looks as well as its
functionality.
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