Lomography RedScale XR Film Review
Jan 26th
- Redscale film doesn’t always have to leave you “seeing red”
In the past I have crowed about the benefits of shooting film and how digital has degraded the quality (certainly not the quantity) of photography over the years. However I haven’t posted anything specific about different films beyond the Instax 200 film camera, which really doesn’t count. So it’s time to back up my fiery tirades with some posts on analog (film) photography. We recently started carrying Lomography products here at Unique Photo and one particular product caught my eye. No it wasn’t a Dianna camera or strange fisheye lens, but rather a film called “Red Scale XR” Based on research I’ve done and a whole lot of common sense, I came to realize that the Lomography group isn’t producing/coating their own film, but rather reusing old film. I’m ok with that because the whole Lomography concept or “lo-fi movement” is based on whacky, harsh, and slightly unpredictable results. So let’s take a look at what exactly “Redscale” film is and how my experiment with it went. More >
Sigma SD1 and SD15 for Digital Infrared Photography, By Jack Howard
Jan 26th
Infrared photography involves capturing light at wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum. Infrared energy is reflected quite differently than we are accustomed to by many organic and inorganic surfaces, and the results of landscapes bathed in infrared light has long been a favorite style of photography for fine art photographers since the silver halide days of centuries past. A unique design advantage of Sigma’s DSLRs allows creative photographers to quickly and easily swap between visible spectrum and infrared photography.
Lilypads, trees, and clouds are highly reflective in Infrared wavelengths, as this scene from midday in Spring Lake, NJ, illustrates. Camera: Sigma SD1 with IR blocking filter removed. Lens: 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM Infrared Filter: Cokin P 007 (89B) Infrared passing filter (50% transmission at 720nm) | Exposure: 1/80 at F/13.0 ISO 100 X3F Raw Capture. Converted through Sigma Photo Pro 5 to monochrome.
Polaroid OneStep 600 (1983)
Jan 24th
This camera is undoubtedly one of the most iconic looking cameras ever, in my opinion. Paul Giambarba designed that eye-catching rainbow stripe that makes this one gorgeous. One major characteristic that separates this camera from the previous land camera is the 600 type film that it uses, which includes a built-in battery to process and eject the film as well as power the electronic shutter. It has a 103mm F/14.6 lens and operates on a programmed exposure mode. For more antique polaroid cameras click here!
User Error: Expensive Cameras Are Not Magical
Jan 23rd
- You can’t calculate perfection…unless you’re dealing with math problems.
Although there are many magical things about photography, the idea that an expensive camera will give you the perfect image is as close to modern mythology as we can get. This is kind of treading on the “money can’t buy you happiness” cliche, but seriously you can’t throw money at things and expect perfection. Ask the people in Northern New Jersey about the eyesore that is Xanadu. A reoccurring question I hear is “Which camera will help me take the best pictures?” I think “Which one will do the work for me?” is the underlying tone of this common question. The response is often a hair pulling one. Yes, technology has come a long way from fully manual cameras and programmed settings do have their benefits, but there’s a point when photographing on automatic becomes mindless and produces lackluster results. A computer isn’t going to know what you consider to be a satisfying image. More >
Panasonic Announces the Firmware Update Program for DMC-GX1 LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300)
Jan 21st
DMC-GX1
LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300
to Enhance Performance and Usability
The following functions will be available with the new firmware:
DMC-GX1
- - Enhancement in the performance of AWB
- - Enhancement in the performance of [AFF] (AF Flexible) and [AFC] (AF Continuous)
- - Improved stability when used with the SD Memory Card complying with UHS-I
- - Addition of [STEP ZOOM] and [ZOOM SPEED] in the setting of [Fn] (Function) button and [Q.MENU]
- - Reflection of [DRIVE MODE] settings to [CUSTOM SETTING]
- - [MENU RESUME] in each menu tab
- - Page flip in the menu tab with [DISP.] (Display) button
LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300)
- - Improved performance of O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
Panasonic Has Not discontinued the DMC-GH2HK kits, despite the rumors. **UPATE**
Jan 21st
In an email conversation with our high ranking representative from Panasonic I was able to confirm that the Panasonic DMC-GH2HK kit that was recently reported as discontinued here, is in fact not discontinued from the manufacturer. Though we are out of stock currently, more are on order and will be arriving soon. I will update when I receive information on the DMC-G3 bodies. To my knowledge, they are also still a current camera and are not discontinued yet.
Conversation with our Rep. from Panasonic. (Names have been removed to protect our source)
If you would like to pick my brain more about these issues, feel free to leave a comment as I will be monitoring them daily.
-Sean Robinson
*** UPDATE *** 1/21/12 12:12PM
The Panasonic DMC-G3K Bodies are also NOT discontinued and still available! The same source has confirmed that the DMC-G3K Bodies are still available and in stock
Employee Photo of the Week: Sean Robinson
Jan 20th
"Untitled" by Sean Robinson 5D Mark II + 24 1.4L (ISO100 f/5.0 1/60s)
This shot was taken on the final day while I was out at CES this year at the Bellagio Hotel. Originally I was just making an image of the light coming through the window when the person happened to step into the light. I spent the day walking around Vegas after a long few days of meetings. I find true tranquility when I am just walking around making photos with no rhyme or reason. It amazes me how much an image changes with the addition of a person. This same shot without the guy walking through the light was, in my opinion, missing it’s soul. I often quote Henri Cartier-Bresson about how the camera is an extension of the photographer’s eye. For me, this image exemplifies my feelings on photography. More images from my trip to CES can be found here: http://www.smrphotographyllc.com
Sigma Proud to Sponsor Underwater Sculptor and Photographer Jason DeCaires Taylor
Jan 20th
In the waters off Cancun, Mexico, photographer, artist and conservationist Jason DeCaire Taylor has been creating the Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA.) This underwater sculpture garden is filled with realistic and fantastical sculptures that attracts underwater creatures–which in turn attracts scuba divers and snorkelers. And Sigma Corporation of America is proud to announce sponsorship of this photographer and his important and intensely compelling work.
© 2011 Jason DeCaires Taylor
Kodak Files for chapter 11 Business Reorganization
Jan 19th
ROCHESTER, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Eastman Kodak Company (“Kodak” or the “Company”) announced today that it and its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for chapter 11 business reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
The business reorganization is intended to bolster liquidity in the U.S. and abroad, monetize non-strategic intellectual property, fairly resolve legacy liabilities, and enable the Company to focus on its most valuable business lines. The Company has made pioneering investments in digital and materials deposition technologies in recent years, generating approximately 75% of its revenue from digital businesses in 2011.
Kodak has obtained a fully-committed, $950 million debtor-in-possession credit facility with an 18-month maturity from Citigroup to enhance liquidity and working capital. The credit facility is subject to Court approval and other conditions precedent. The Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity to operate its business during chapter 11, and to continue the flow of goods and services to its customers in the ordinary course.
Kodak expects to pay employee wages and benefits and continue customer programs. Subsidiaries outside of the U.S. are not subject to proceedings and will honor all obligations to suppliers, whenever incurred. Kodak and its U.S. subsidiaries will honor all post-petition obligations to suppliers in the ordinary course.
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