News

The HP Photosmart 7960 was the first eight-color printer on the market and it's
still the only sub $250 machine that can make "archival" prints
with a 73 year lightfast rating. In spite of the moderate price, it includes
some advanced technology plus valuable extras for direct printing without turning
on a computer.

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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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Hahnemühle USA, North American, distributors of media from Hahnemühle
Fine Art GmbH, recently announced the addition of two new inkjet papers. Designed
for creative digital artists, these new products are intended to meet the growing
requirements of the high-end digital artist who prints limited editions, giclees,
original digital art and the like. Photo Rag Satin 310 gsm maintains the same
surface characteristics as all the Photo Rag papers, but takes on a "satin"
or "luster" look where there is a printed image yet remain matte on
the perimeters. Photo Rag Satin is ideal for photographic and fine art reproduction
where a slight surface variation is desired. This paper works well with both
dye and pigment inks.

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Epson America Inc. has introduced the Epson Stylus Photo R2400 and Epson UltraChrome K3 inks. The
Epson UltraChrome K3 pigment ink set is said to ensures both a wider color gamut
and
superior black and white output with enhanced print permanence ratings. With three
levels of black and advanced driver controls, the Epson Stylus Photo R2400 replaces
the Epson Stylus Photo 2200.

Most of today's modern cameras have some type of motorized film advance
mechanism already integrated into the camera body. Motor drives are the separate
accessory attachments that were commonplace just a few years ago, and now are
most often found on the used shelf in your favorite camera specialty retailer
or on auction sites.

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Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. has announced newly designed packaging
for Konica Minolta's entire line of inkjet papers. Available in July 2005,
the newly designed packaging enables consumers to readily identify the Konica
Minolta family of inkjet papers and easily compare and select the type of paper
best suited for them and their home printing needs.

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