Robert E. Mayer

A slave flash can improve images from many compact digital cameras by providing more light. Many cameras use a weak pre-flash to assist autofocusing, but this also will fire the slave prematurely before it's actually needed, thus not providing the extra...

Backdrop Outlet displayed dozens of backgrounds and props for studio applications. Among the newer items were crushed flower petal roll mats measuring 36x36", suitable for infants and younger children. They are available in a variety of colors and designs and even have matching flowers to use to complement the mat. New banister sets include a column and a short...

This look at the history and a few of the better-known early products of Argus Cameras was gleaned primarily from the new book "Argomania: A Look At Argus Cameras And The Company That Made Them" by Henry J. Gambino. As Gambino says, "How many other companies have a museum devoted solely to its history and can also boast of a large, thriving, worldwide collectors...

Having attended the ever-growing PMA trade show for 40 years, I'm used to seeing lots of interesting new items of appeal to general photo enthusiasts. This year was no exception, but new offerings seemed to be primarily in the rapidly expanding digital-oriented category, which other editors were...