efix:photography - News. Thoughts. Pictures. » News

The smallest 28mm M-mount lens

efix — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:52:23 +0000

Japanese optics manufacturer MS Optical has been renowned for quite some time for their conversions of all kinds of lenses from and to all kinds of different mounts. A while ago, they created the smallest ever 35mm lens for Leica M-mount, the MS Optical Super Triplet Perar 35mm f/3.5, a lens which was instantaneously recognized for its optical qualities. After the original version of the 35mm Perar had sold out, MS Optical introduced version II with slight modifications. This lens is recognized as one of the best 35mm lenses for Leica M-mount ever.

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Hot stuff in stock and for pre-order at B&H!

efix — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:56:30 +0000

B&H currently has a number of interesting items either in stock or available for pre-order. For those into mirrorless cameras, and Micro Four Thirds and Leica M in particular, read on!

Currently in stock at B&H

–> Panasonic Lumix GX1 Micro Four Thirds camera (black) + X 14-42mm kit lens — $ 949.– –> silver body only $ 699.– –> Olympus M.Zuiko 12-50mm for Micro Four Tirds (black) — $ 499.00 –> silver version $499.99 –> Voigtländer “knock-your-socks-off” Nokton 50mm f/1.1 for Leica M — $ 1049.–

Available for [...]

SLR Magic 50mm T0.95 for Leica M

efix — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:12:13 +0000

Just recently, Hongkong-based lens manufacturer SLR Magic, best known for their affordable alternative manual lens options for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX, have announced production of a new super fast 50mm T0.95 lens for Leica M mount. The lens is thus a direct competitor to the crazy expensive yet legendary Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95.

The new SLR Magic 50mm T0.95 lens for Leica M

The “T” designation means that the lens’ actual maximum light transmission is that of a theoretical f/0.95 aperture opening with now light loss. In a typical [...]

Camera news: Canon G1X, Fuji X-Pro1, Sigma lenses

efix — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:30:34 +0000

Only a quick update, as I’m currently at work and don’t have time to write a full article. Two interesting new cameras have just been announced, one that has long been rumored, another one that comes as a surprise. Also, Sigma has announced two interesting new lenses.

Canon G1 X

The Canon G1 X

The Can0n G1 X is the latest iteration of Canons acclaimed G-series enthusiast’s compacts that started with the G1 back in 2000. Traditionally, the G-series models have been advanced point-and-shoot cameras with small sensors, medium-fast lenses, a complete range of [...]

New M.Zuiko 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 lens announced

efix — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:23:10 +0000

Olympus today announced a new Micro Four Thirds zoom lens, the M.Zuiko Digital 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3. The lens covers a range of 24-100mm in 35mm full-frame terms, which is 2mm (4mm-eq.) wider and 8mm (16mm-eq.) longer than the current kit lens offering, the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6. On the downside, the initial aperture at the long end is only f/6.3, which is only usable in good light or with a flash.

M.Zuiko Digital 12-50mm f/3.5-5.6

The lens adds the powerzoom feature already known from Panasonic’s new X lens series, which means the zoom is operated via a rocker instead [...]

PAD-Project reinstated

efix — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:34:23 +0000

I decided to continue with my PAD-Project. Recently, I’ve felt a lack of general inspiration, so I thought forcing myself to take one picture each day might bring new motiviation. Also, I’ve put very little work into this site in general during the past weeks and months, so continuing the PAD-Project will also bring new life to my website.

I haven’t been posting new bits here for quite some time, as it always takes some time and effort to go through the interesting links I collect, digest them and write up a short post about what’s new and interesting. [...]

The report of Tri-X’s death was an exaggeration.

efix — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:09:22 +0000

To put it in the words of Mark Twain. After several online source rumored a discontinuation of a number of very popular Kodak black&white films (among which T-MAX 400 and Tri-X 400), Kodak now put the rumors to rest by officially stating that not the films themselves, but several packaging varieties had been discontinued. The films are still being produced and will be offered in the future.

(via British Journal of Photography)

New M9 firmware claimed to solve SD card problem

efix — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:36:49 +0000

Leica Camera AG have released firmware version 1.174 for the Leica M9, claiming to have solved the issue that would render certain SD cards unusable, as well as corrupt their contents. You can find an official statement, a link to the new firmware as well as a recap of the original story over at Leica Rumors. Certain SanDisk cards still remain problematic in use with the M9, though, so make sure your card is compatible before using it.

The new firmware is being discussed in the German and English sections of L-Camera Forum.

The Polaroid is back! Sort of …

efix — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:05:20 +0000

How cool ist that!? Polaroid reinvented their classic instant camera with the Z340, which looks almost exactly like a classic Polaroid camera, except …

The Polaroid Z340 instant camera

… wait … what’s that? Is that an LCD on its back? Why yes it is! The Polaroid Z340 is a full-fledged 14 megapixel digital camera in a body reminiscing the old times when Polaroid instant cameras could be found anywhere. And the fun part is — the Z340 features a built-in ZINK (Zero-Ink) printer that can instantly print your snaps as either full [...]

Kodak getting serious

efix — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:08:39 +0000

Kodak is getting serious and starts selling off “non-central assets” in order to acquire the financial means needed for their transformation to a “profitable, sustainable digital company” — whatever that means. Considering the imaging sensor business went strong, I don’t understand why they decided to sell it off.

Anyhow, here’s the press release at Imaging Insider, and here are some reactions at the English L-Camera Forum.