RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘returns’

I’m Back returns to Kickstarter with updated I’m Back 35 digital back for old 35mm SLRs

14 Apr

Swiss company I’m Back has returned to Kickstarter with another digital back product, this one following the previous models it sought crowdfunding for in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The new I’m Back 35 will be, according to the company, the only digital back product that can be paired with ‘almost all the most famous analog cameras.’ The I’m Back 35 will feature manual and automatic recording modes, improved battery performance, a new ergonomic design and other new technology if it ends up being produced.

The ‘I’m Back 35’ unit is designed to work with old analog SLR cameras that are still functional, yet obsolete. The digital back will replace the back cover on an old SLR to give it digital functionality and features, including a 2″ touch display, external microphone support, USB-C, WiFi, support for syncing flash and a Panasonic 34112 image sensor.

The aluminum-based universal cover on I’m Back 35 supports 99 percent of existing 35mm analog cameras, according to the company. Should the I’m Back 35 see the light of day, its creators say the unit will have new software controls for the manual exposure function, an exclusive PCBA design and will use NP-F550 and NP-F570 batteries.

I’m Back says it offers dedicated back covers that improve the I’m Back 35’s fit on customers’ preferred analog cameras, including models like the Canon EOS 300, Ricoh KR10, Olympus OM10, Nikon F100, Leica M7, Diana F, Pentax K1000 and Yashica FX3, among others. I’m Back 35 will also include a universal back cover that can be used with most other 35mm analog cameras.

The new digital back will feature an ‘M’ button for switching between manual and automatic modes, a new focusing screen, new alignment and stability system, new clamps, micro HDMI and a microSD slot with support for cards up to 128GB capacity. The device, which is currently only shown as a prototype, captures images in JPEG and raw formats at 8MP to 14MP resolutions, plus video in MOV format at up to 4K/30fps.

Other technical features will include a built-in speaker and microphone, support for a 7.4V-1A power source, 1.5mm sync cable, and 3.5mm microphones, as well as PCs running Windows 2000 or higher and Macs running macOS 10.3.6 or higher.

The company notes that because its digital back uses a focusing screen, the images and video captured with I’m Back 35 won’t be at the same quality level as content captured with a dedicated digital camera, but rather will ‘resemble something between analog and digital.’ Below are a few sample photos shared by the I’m Back team, captured with the working prototype:

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_0657357708″,”galleryId”:”0657357708″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

I’m Back 35 follows the I’m Back MF digital back, which is currently in its final prototype stages, according to the company.

The new 35mm product is a bit cheaper at $ 349 retail price compared to the I’m Back MF’s $ 400 price tag. I’m Back is offering its 35mm model to Kickstarter backers in exchange for pledges starting at CHF 249 (approximately $ 258). The backer kits include the I’m Back 35 digital module, universal back cover, sync cable, USB-C cable, rechargeable battery and battery charger. Assuming everything goes according to plan, I’m Back anticipates shipping its product to backers starting in December 2020.

You can find out more information and secure your pledge on the Kickstarter campaign.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on I’m Back returns to Kickstarter with updated I’m Back 35 digital back for old 35mm SLRs

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Hipstamatic returns with new free app and updated analog camera styles

08 Oct

Hipstamatic, the once-popular image filter app that was largely eclipsed by Instagram, has returned as the Hipstamatic X analog camera app. The new app is free to download for iOS devices, offering users access to image filters that imitate the look of many retro analog cameras.

Unlike Instagram, which requires users to manually apply and edit filters, Hipstamatic functions more like a camera, which means the filter and adjustments are automatically applied when the user snaps an image. ‘This camera brings all the joy, quirk, and randomness of analog film photography to your pocket,’ the Hipstamatic team explains on the App Store.

Hipstamatic offers a number of camera options, including Fisheye, Art House, Classic Toy, Tintype, Disposable, K-PRO X, Instant, and Pinhole. All films and lenses previously purchased for the Hipstamatic Classic app are supported by Hipstamatic X.

Though the app is now free, users can sign up for the Hipstamatic Makers Club at $ 2/month for access to the app’s full preset library, all cameras offered by the app, as well as more than 100 lenses and films released by the company over the past decade. Using these, mobile photographers are able to ‘build’ their own analog camera styles to get the effects they want.

The company plans to release additional camera styles in the future; Hipstamatic Makers Club members will get early access to these offerings ‘several times per year.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Hipstamatic returns with new free app and updated analog camera styles

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Shiftcam returns to Kickstarter with a 12mm aspherical smartphone lens

13 Jun

Most current high-end smartphones come with multi-camera modules with integrated ultra-wide-angles that typically offer an equivalent focal length of approximately 16mm, but if you need something even wider, or are using an older single-camera phone, Shiftcam’s latest offering could be worth a closer look.

The company, which has previously completed several successful smartphone lenses on Kickstarter, is back on the crowdfunding platform, this time with a 12mm ultra wide aspherical lens.

Like other lenses in the Shiftcam Pro line, the 12mm can be attached to iPhones via a specific case or to all other phones with a universal lens mount. The company also offers a counterweight for use on gimbals and a filter adapter.

The lens itself features six elements in four groups. The body is made from aluminum, the front element comes with a nano-coating to reduce flare and Shiftcam says the lens is practically distortion-free.

Pledges start at $ 89 for the early-bird lens and mount and go up all the way to $ 299 for the entire Shiftcam Pro lens kit. The funding goal has already been exceeded multiple times, so the project will go ahead. Delivery is estimated for August 2019. You can find more information including a full list of compatible device’s on the project’s Kickstarter page.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Shiftcam returns to Kickstarter with a 12mm aspherical smartphone lens

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Peel apart instant film returns in the form of ONE INSTANT

07 Dec

In 2016, Fujifilm announced it would no longer produce its FP-100C peel apart instant film, citing a dwindling lack of demand for the product. The discontinuation effectively ended the peel apart instant film market, but a new Kickstarter campaign aims to change that. Florian “Doc” Kaps, founder of The Impossible Project, has unveiled ONE INSTANT, a new peel apart instant film expected to launch in 2019.

Following Fujifilm’s FP-100C discontinuation, Kaps had pushed to save peel apart film via SuperSense, the company he founded after leaving The Impossible Project in 2013. The effort wasn’t successful at the time, but has ultimately proven fruitful more than two years later with the unveiling of ONE INSTANT.

As Kaps explains in the video above, ONE INSTANT is a re-invention of peel apart technology featuring single-shot instant film packaged in a paper cartridge. More than two years of research and development went into the innovation.

Kaps explains on the Kickstarter campaign:

In spring 2016 Fuji announced termination of the world’s last instant packfilm production line. Since that day – more than 2 years ago! – we have been desperately searching for “impossible” ways to save this iconic film material. Just like we successfully did with the legendary Polaroid film by purchasing the last original factory in 2008 and restarting production the classic way.

We failed! And honestly this was the best thing that could happen.

The single-shot ONE INSTANT Type 100 glossy color ISO 125 film is ‘based on a new, radical concept,’ the team explains. The product is compatible will all classic Type 100 packfilm cameras and is made with original Polaroid P7 material that was acquired by 20×24 Studio.

The team warns that ONE INSTANT “is truly really expensive to produce,” but they have vowed to bring down the cost when possible by optimizing production. The high cost is due to being mostly hand-made; the campaign explains how production takes place, saying:

ONE INSTANT is a tiny, bespoke, dream-come-true MANUFACTORY in Vienna. ONE INSTANT film editions will be produced WITHOUT the need of giant machines, huge factory spaces and large teams. Our all new manufactory will just consist of a small beautiful darkroom for all production steps that need darkness (mainly the insertion of the negative into the lightproof paper cartridge), a beautiful daylight assembly room and of course our beloved all analog printshop for all paper work, cartridge punching, producing all our hand-made packaging and communication materials.

Backers are offered multiple products to make a pledge for on the Kickstarter campaign, including various ONE INSTANT bundles that feature multiple packs, different box colors, and a Starter Kit that includes a mint condition Polaroid COLORPACK 2 camera. Film shipments to backers are expected to start in May 2019.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Peel apart instant film returns in the form of ONE INSTANT

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Rollei returns with the new Rolleiflex Instant Kamera TLR

27 Apr

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_7656932662″,”galleryId”:”7656932662″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

German brand Rollei has revived its iconic Rolleiflex twin lens reflex lineup with the new Rolleiflex Instant Kamera. This model—Rollei’s first TLR camera in decades—retains the brand’s iconic look but adds modern features including support for Fuji Instax Mini film.

The Instant Kamera joins a lineup first launched in 1927 with the original Rolleiflex prototype. The brand’s final TLR model, the Rolleiflex 2.8F, was released in 1960, “leaving only vintage cameras behind for true photography enthusiasts,” says Rollei.

The company began exploring ways to revive the Rolleiflex line in 2017, ultimately launching the new Rolleiflex Instant Kamera on crowdfunding website Kickstarter. The reimagined Rolleiflex features the same twin lens system found on the models before it, but has been optimized for use with Fuji’s Instax Mini film.

The Instant Kamera has a built-in electric flash, f/5.2 to f/22 aperture, a magnifier, manual focus (48cm to infinity), Multiple Exposure and Long Exposure modes, an ambient light meter, Fresnel anti-glare coated viewfinder, and a 3-element aspheric lens. Rollei slimmed the Instant Kamera down 30% compared to past twin lens cameras and added simplified buttons and knobs.

Rollei is seeking funding on Kickstarter, where backers can get a Rolleiflex Instant Kamera by pledging at least HK$ 3,100 / $ 395 USD / €325 EUR. Shipping is offered globally, and expected to start for Kickstarter backers in October 2018.

Full specs:

  • Aperture: f/5.6, f/8, f/16, f/22, Bokeh
  • Lens: Aspherical lens with 3 elements, f=61mm
  • Focal Range: 48cm ~ infinity
  • Shutter Speed: 1/500 – 1 second (Mode A) | max. 10 seconds (Mode B = slow shutter)
  • Viewfinder: Twin lens reflex viewfinder with an eyepiece magnifier to lift up
  • Exposure Control: EV+/-1
  • Flash: Integrated, electronic flash with automatic light emission control
  • Power Supply: 3AA Batteries (1.5V)
  • Film: Instant film magazine 54 x 86 mm (w x h)
  • Dimensions: 141 x 102 x 80mm
  • Weight: 525g

Sample Photos:

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_9861915796″,”galleryId”:”9861915796″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

Press Release

Rolleiflex™ Instant Kamera

An instant camera with the legendary twin lens design and modern features

Rollei™, a well-known German brand, has over a hundred years worth of experience in camera and optics development. Rolleiflex™ is the name of our premier line dedicated to medium format twin lens reflex (TLR) cameras.

The first Rolleiflex™ twin lens reflex camera came out in 1927. For the next few decades, we continued to innovate and push our development of TLRs until we reached our limit. The last Rolleiflex™ TLR update was released in the 1960s – leaving only vintage cameras behind for true photography enthusiasts.

We have never forgotten TLR. So in 2017, we gathered camera enthusiasts, experienced technicians, TLR lovers and other camera manufacturers together in order to brainstorm new ideas for how to re-introduce the TLR for the modern era.

In 2018, after 90 years old birthday of the first TLR, we’re proud to introduce you to the newest edition to the Rolleiflex TLR Camera.

A new instant film camera by Rolleiflex™

Over the years, we’ve received countless messages. And we developed a new idea and adding the twin lens element and classic design aesthetic in a way that meets the needs of today’s users.

Rolleiflex™ Instant Kamera produces high quality images optimized for use with Fujifilm Instax Mini film. You will be amazed by the wide range of apertures from f/5.6 to f/22, accurate focusing from 48 cm to infinity with cinematic viewfinder and the built-in electric flash with automatic light emission control. This allows you to have a taste of instant photography with the well-loved twin lens system that Rolleiflex is known for. We hope to honor our legacy and let all of you enjoy the amazing visuals this camera will produce.

Twin Lens Design: Reinhold Heidecke was inspired to make the Rollei TLRs while photographing soldiers in the German trenches in 1916 – the twin lens design provided a periscope approach to focusing and taking photos which radically reduced the risk of the photographer being hit by sniper fire.

Aperture Control: Enjoy shallow depth of field with f/5.6. This allows you to get the most out of the instant film format and really help your subjects stand out.

Viewfinder Design: A Fresnel anti-glare coated viewfinder that is operated at waist-level allows you the perfect setup for street photography while on the move: shoot photos any time just by looking down.

3-element Aspheric Lens: Takes sharp images bursting with detail, and has a focal length of 61mm.

Magnifier: As with traditional Rolleiflex cameras, our new instant TLR camera includes a magnifier so you can take a closer look.

Accurate Focusing: Adjust the focus manually so you can eliminate excess noise and hone in on what matters most.

Ambient Light Meter: Don’t worry about having to figure out the exposure, simply check the green/orange light to know if the exposure is correct. Then just point and shoot!

Multiple Exposure Mode: Create beautifully layered images by exposing a frame as many times as you like.

Long Exposure Mode: Keeps your shutter open with B mode so that you can unleash your creativity in light paintings or anything you could imagine.

Portable: 30% slimmer than traditional twin lens cameras with simplified knobs and buttons.

Built-In Flash & Flash Off Mode: Lets you decide just how much light you want to shine on your shenanigans.

Instant Films: Uses Fujifilm Instax Mini – the most common instant film and widely available!

We’re confident that Rolleiflex™ Instant Kamera will evoke memories of days gone by when in the hands of people who grew up with one in the 60s. But we also want to introduce ourselves to a new generation of analog photographers to help them release their untapped creative potential.

Specifications

  • Aperture: f/5.6, f/8, f/16, f/22, Bokeh
  • Lens: Aspherical lens with 3 elements, f=61mm
  • Focal Range: 48cm ~ infinity
  • Shutter Speed: 1/500 – 1 second (Mode A) | max. 10 seconds (Mode B = slow shutter)
  • Viewfinder: Twin lens reflex viewfinder with an eyepiece magnifier to lift up
  • Exposure Control: EV+/-1
  • Flash: Integrated, electronic flash with automatic light emission control
  • Power Supply: 3AA Batteries (1.5V)
  • Film: Instant film magazine 54 x 86 mm (w x h)
  • Dimensions: 141 x 102 x 80mm
  • Weight: 525g

Box set includes: Rolleiflex™ Instant Kamera, lens cap, user manual, warranty guide, and 3 AA batteries.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Rollei returns with the new Rolleiflex Instant Kamera TLR

Posted in Uncategorized

 

‘I’m Back’ digital back for analog SLRs successfully returns to Kickstarter

13 Mar

Last year, a Kickstarter project for a product called ‘I’m Back’ offered a digital back for 35mm film cameras, but it wasn’t successful. Now, the product has relaunched on the crowdfunding platform, where it has successfully raised (and exceeded) its €20,000 (~$ 25,000 USD) funding goal. As with other digital back products, “I’m Back” claims to transform an analog film camera into a hybrid that can capture digital images.

‘I’m Back’ is billed as a low-cost alternative to other digital back products, one that offers a 16MP Panasonic sensor with options to capture images starting at a 2MP resolution. The system works by capturing images off the device’s focusing screen, which results in “the nice vintage flavor of your 35mm camera,” according to the product’s creator.

The digital back also features a 2-inch touchscreen display, Wi-Fi for image transfers, and mobile control via smartphone. Other features include HDMI, USB, a 128GB microSD card for storage, a NOVATEK 96660 processor, and rechargeable battery.

According to the Kickstarter page, ‘I’m Back’ is directly compatible with many 35mm analog cameras, including multiple models from Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax, Yashica, Leica, and Contax. However, a universal adapter accessory enables the digital back to be used with nearly any 35mm camera, including the Lomography Diana seen in the photo above.

‘I’m Back’ has raised nearly €29,000 (~$ 35,500 USD) on Kickstarter so far. Interested buyers can back the project with pledges starting at €225 (~$ 277 USD) for the ‘Pro’ kit, with global shipping to backers estimated to start in September of 2018. For more info, or to put down your own pledge, visit the Kickstarter page here.

And if you’re curious what DPReview thinks of these digital conversion products, this opinion piece by resident curmudgeon Richard Butler just about captures it:

Why Your Beloved Film SLR is Never Going Digital

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on ‘I’m Back’ digital back for analog SLRs successfully returns to Kickstarter

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Lume Cube returns to Kickstarter with the Life Lite mini LED cube

01 Nov

Lume Cube launched the first generation of its high-powered LED-lighting cube for smartphones and action cameras back in 2014. Now, the company has returned to Kickstarter to raise funding for its follow-up product Life Lite. Compared to the original Lume Cube the Life Lite is about half the size and weight but, at 1000 lumens, still offers approximately 70% of the Lume Cube’s light output. 

As before, you can control one Life Lite, or several units, via a smartphone app and a Bluetooth connection. The Life Lite is waterproof down to 10m/33ft, making it suitable for filming surfing and other water-based activities. There are multiple levels of strobe mode for creative lighting effects, a physical multifunction button and a custom fresnel lens. The emitted light has a color temperature of 5600K and the light is charged via a microUSB connector. A full charge gives you approximately 30 minute of illumination. 

The Life Lite also comes with an internal magnet and a standard tripod mount, allowing for attachment to a wide range of metallic objects and camera support systems. You can secure a Life Lite now by pledging $ 39 on the project’s Kickstarter page. Shipping is planned for March 2017. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Lume Cube returns to Kickstarter with the Life Lite mini LED cube

Posted in Uncategorized

 

High-profile camera expert leaves Microsoft, returns to Nokia

03 Aug

As the former Head of Imaging at Nokia, Juha Alakarhu was a key figure in the development of the Finnish company’s PureView cameras. The innovative technology was implemented in models such as the Nokia 808 or Lumia 1020, which by many mobile photographers are still viewed as the best smartphone cameras ever made. Unfortunately, slightly slower than usual camera processing speeds and the high cost of the technology meant the devices never really caught on in the mass-market.

When Nokia’s device division was sold to Microsoft, Alakarhu and his team moved as well, but now it looks as if Microsoft is pretty much abandoning its entire smartphone business, making redundant a large proportion of the employees that were hired as part of the Nokia acquisition. Camera expert Alakarhu is among a number of high-profile engineers who have already found a new role, though, and it’s with his former employer. He is returning to Nokia as the head of the Ozo VR camera.

If you’d like to refresh your knowledge on Nokia’s PureView technology you can read our interview with Juha that was conducted on the occasion of the Nokia 808 launch in 2012.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on High-profile camera expert leaves Microsoft, returns to Nokia

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Magnum signed square print sale returns for third year

08 Jun

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_1660447426″,”galleryId”:”1660447426″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

Signed or estate stamped prints for $ 100 from over 60 Magnum photographers and artists will be available for a limited time, from 9am EST on Monday 6 June until 11pm Friday 10 June 2016, here: shop.magnumphotos.com

Magnum’s Square Print sale is back, offering up museum-quality signed prints for just $ 100 each. Upwards of 70 prints are on sale from photographers like Martin Parr, Alex Webb, Rene Burri, Eve Arnold, Tim Heatherington and many more. Each photographer contributed an image that plays on a theme of ‘The More or Less Decisive Moment(s)’. 

The 6×6″ prints are available for five days only, starting now through 11pm ET on Friday, June 10 at shop.magnumphotos.com.

Press release:

THE MAGNUM SQUARE PRINT SALE, June 6 – 10, 2016 THE (MORE OR LESS) DECISIVE MOMENTS

Signed and estate stamped, museum quality, 6×6” prints for $ 100. For 5 days only.

Magnum Photos co-founder Henri Cartier-Bresson is synonymous with the idea of ‘the decisive moment’, a critical idea in the theory and history of photography. In this Square Print Project the agency looks back at the impact and legacy of Cartier-Bresson, his influence on contemporary photography and the ways in which the decisive moment is manifest in the work of Magnum photographers today.

For five days only, prints by Magnum photographers which respond to the meaning of the decisive moment, will be available to buy as signed, museum quality, 6×6” square prints, exceptionally priced at just $ 100. Including both classic and contemporary photography, over 60 works by Martin Parr, Alex Webb, René Burri, Elliott Erwitt, Tim Hetherington, Newsha Tavakolian, Peter van Agtmael, Eve Arnold and many more Magnum photographers will be available for a limited time only.

ABOUT THE DECISIVE MOMENT

The notion of the decisive moment was coined by Cartier-Bresson’s English language publisher Simon & Schuster in 1952, translating the French title of the book, Images à la Sauvette. Cartier-Bresson annotated Martin Parr’s personal copy to read ‘The More or Less Decisive Moment(s)’, hinting at the plurality and ambiguity of its meaning.

Every photographer within Magnum Photos has been invited to select an image from their archive and to reflect upon how the photographic concept of the decisive moment influences their practice. Accompanied by personal written responses, these images and texts create a collective portrait of the critical thinking that defines the agency.

The works included in the Square Print sale are intended to spark debate around the meaning of the decisive moment. What goes through a photographer’s mind when capturing a shot? What are the moral or ethical implications in the quest to find the decisive moment? What part does the unconscious play? Is the realisation of a decisive moment always in the present, or can that come later? Is there even such a thing as the decisive moment?

The Magnum Square Print Sale will take place at the Magnum Photos Online Shop: shop.magnumphotos.com.

It will be open from Monday, June 6th, 2016, at 9AM EST until Friday, June 10th, 2016, at 6PM EST.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Magnum signed square print sale returns for third year

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Hasselblad returns to roots with new aerial camera series, this time with no moving parts

05 Jun

Hasselblad has announced a new aerial camera that it says provides the ‘ultimate’ in image quality for aerial photographers. The camera, the Hasselblad A5D, has no moving parts and as such avoids unintentional internal mechanical movements that aircraft vibrations can cause. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Hasselblad returns to roots with new aerial camera series, this time with no moving parts

Posted in Uncategorized

 
« Older Entries