News

Stan Tamarkin's rare camera auction on Sunday, October 30 will feature an original Leica Gun (Leica Code: RIFLE). It is complete and in beautiful condition. The pre-auction estimate is $65,000 - $100,000. The Leica Gun only comes on the market rarely.

Photo Basics announced the addition of three more 5-in-1 reflector sizes to the product line. The new reflectors provide more options to the aspiring photographer at a very competitive price. Each reflector contains a slipcover with gold, black, white and silver as well as a 1-stop diffusion panel and comes in a cloth round carry case for ease of transport.

The new 20” 5-in-1 Reflector (#306) opens to 20” and collapses down to 8”. Weighing less than a pound (0.55 lbs), this is the ideal reflector for any on-location photographer. The street price is $19.90.

Vanguard has introduced new photo messenger bags, slings, backpacks and sporting optics.

The Heralder Series is a fast-action messenger bag for on-the-move photographers, such as photojournalists and event photographers. With The Heralder’s Quick Top Access, photographers will never miss a beat of the action, or be scooped by the competition, because it eliminates fumbling with gear. With just one quick zip, users can access gear and get shooting in a split second!

Phase One announced open enrollment for its New Zealand Phase One Digital Artist Series (PODAS) workshop. For seven days, participants will experience dramatic vistas -- beautiful lakes to glaciers and ice cliffs -- guaranteed to inspire and delight. Top pro photographers support a small student-to-instructor ratio for a high-quality learning experience.

onOne Software, Inc., announced Perfect Photo Suite 6 along with new products Perfect Effects, Perfect Portrait, Perfect Mask, and an update to Perfect Layers. All products in the Perfect Photo Suite 6 now work as standalone applications in addition to working directly from within Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Apple Aperture and Adobe Photoshop.

Nik Software announced its much-anticipated Color Efex Pro 4, the company’s latest version of its popular digital photographic filters for retouching and creative enhancements. Recognized for over a decade as the professional’s choice in photographic filters, the 54 total filters of Color Efex Pro 4 offers a new generation of technologies and features for creating stunning effects. Color Efex Pro 4 introduces stackable filter combinations, visual presets, filter recipes, and new filters such as Detail Extractor, Vintage Film Efex, and Image Borders. The release also includes a new History Browser, improvements to imaging algorithms, greater performance, and enhanced usability. To watch videos and join special live online preview sessions, visit www.niksoftware.com/colorefexpro.

“Creating a new generation of features and technologies for Color Efex Pro 4 was inspired by the professionals who use it,” said Michael J. Slater, President and CEO of Nik Software. “Over 400 professional photographers test and inspire our team through a lively beta group process that ultimately helps us deliver extraordinary products like Color Efex Pro 4.”

Starting September 2011, Carl Zeiss will be offering four new diameters for UV and POL filters (circular): 52 mm, 55 mm, 62 mm and 77 mm. With these new sizes, the company is expanding its range of filters, which until now have only been available in diameters 58 mm, 67 mm, 72 mm and 82 mm. Additional diameter sizes will follow in January 2012: 43 mm and 46 mm as UV filters and 95 mm as a UV and POL filter. This will complete Carl Zeiss’ UV and POL filter program for the most common lens diameters.

“The premium Carl Zeiss T* UV and POL filters meet only the highest quality standards,” said Michael Schiehlen, Director of Sales for the Camera Lens Division of Carl Zeiss AG. “The filter threads and optics glasses are adjusted to the lenses from Carl Zeiss, but they are also compatible with lenses from other manufacturers.” The T* coating used onCarl Zeiss lenses is also used on its filters. The T* anti-reflective coating minimizes flare on glass-air surfaces and improves light transmission. Carl Zeiss T* UV and POL filters can be easily changed and used in combination with lens shades. Furthermore, they feature a compact design and front thread. Commercially available lens caps can be used with the filters.