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Posts Tagged ‘Micro’

Kipon introduces reducer to fit Nikon F and Leica R lenses to Micro Four Thirds bodies

13 Aug

Japanese lens and accessory maker Kipon has introduced a pair of focal length reducers that allow users to mount Nikon F and Leica R lenses to Micro Four Thirds cameras to give a 1.4x crop factor. The company says that the Kipon Baveyes NIK-m4/3 0.7x and Baveyes L/R-m4/3 0.7x reducers make a 50mm lens designed for full-frame systems act as a 70mm equivalent once the focal length doubling effect of the Micro Four Thirds system is taken into account. Kipon also claims that the reducer makes the mounted lenses a stop faster too.

Without the lenses in the reducer a 50mm Nikkor lens mounted on a Micro Four Thirds camera would behave as a 100mm due to the smaller size of the system’s sensors, so the wide-angle elements in the adapters reduce the apparent crop factor applied to the adapted lens. The company gives an example of a 35mm lens mounted via the adapter producing the angle of view one would expect from a 49mm lens on a full-frame body.

The price of the adapters has only been released in Japanese Yen, and is quoted as ¥23,000 plus tax, which is approximately $ 230/£180.

For more information see the Kipon website and a translated version the press release.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Smart Move: Domino Loft Maximizes Space in Micro Apartments

27 Feb

[ By Steph in Design & Fixtures & Interiors. ]

domino loft 1

A 500-square-foot condo feels a lot larger when you can manage to fit a bedroom, guest bed, dining area, work space and closet in one tiny room without cluttering every possible surface. To prove that it’s possible, the designers at ICOSA teamed up with Peter Suen to make the most of a very modestly sized residence in San Francisco’s Financial District, creating a clean, contemporary, adaptable solution that translates to other small spaces.

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The Domino Loft is the result of testing a wide variety of space-saving features within the limited apartment, which has high ceilings, but only one room to work with aside from the kitchen and bathroom. The designers tried drop-down ceilings, movable walls and other more complex ideas, but ultimately settled on the tried-and-true loft concept as the simplest and most effective way to maximize every inch of available space.

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The room-within-a-room features a partially enclosed space topped with a sleeping loft, which is accessible via sliding library ladder from the closet area. Inside, a thin and light bed comes down from the wall, and its bottoms surface acts as a whiteboard when stowed away. There’s a built-in bench next to a fold-down dining table, a standing desk and lots of storage. The closet fits an impressive number of shoes and offers drawers as well as space for hanging garments.

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Made of concrete panels, wood slats, metalwork and custom cabinets, the components were fabricated off-site in an Oakland workshop before assembly within the apartment.

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Sigma announces 30mm F1.4 for E-mount and Micro 4/3 and 50-100mm F1.8 Art for APS-C

23 Feb

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Sigma has added two new fast-aperture lenses to its Art and Contemporary lineups. 

For owners of Canon, Nikon and Sigma APS-C bodies there’s the 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art, which is equivalent to 75-150mm. This lens has a redesigned Hyper Sonic Motor, nine-blade rounded aperture and internal zoom. Being a weighty lens (1490g/3.3lbs), it also has a built-in tripod socket.

The other lens is for Sony E-mount and Micro Four Thirds bodies, and it’s a fast 30mm F1.4 prime, equivalent to 45mm and 60mm, respectively. This lens uses a stepping motor for fast and quiet focus during video and weighs just 263g/9.3oz. 

The 30mm F1.4 will ship in mid-March at an MSRP of $ 339, while the 50-100mm F1.8 is expected in late April priced at $ 1099.

Press release:

Sigma Expands Its Global Vision Lens Line With Two New High-Performance Lenses

50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art and 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary 

50-100mm is first constant aperture F1.8 telephoto zoom; 30mm represents first affordable F1.4 high-performance lens for mirrorless cameras

KANAGAWA, JAPAN — February 23, 2016 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading DSLR lens, camera, flash and accessories manufacturer, today announced the addition of two high-performance APS-C format lenses to the Sigma Global Vision product line: Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens and the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens. 

“Sigma’s aim is to provide high-performance lens options that lead with innovation and break new boundaries for every photographic scenario our customers can dream up,” states Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “These new lenses build on Global Vision’s great IQ technology and reflect this goal, delivering immense value, quality and performance that the Sigma brand is known for.”

Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art

Building on the groundbreaking Sigma Global Vision 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art Lens, the new Sigma 50-100 F1.8 (75-150mm on 35mm format) mid-range zoom lens embodies the same engineering prowess to deliver outstanding prime lens-like results. Factoring in the APS-C image circle of 1.5x, the 50-100mm F1.8 covers three popular short tele prime focal lengths: 85mm, 105mm and 135mm. Like the 18-35mm F1.8, the new 50-100mm F1.8 maintains a constant F1.8 aperture yielding exceptional brightness and resolution throughout the zoom, while simultaneously maintaining focus as the lens is zoomed, a feature videographers will greatly appreciate. 

Sigma Art Line Image Technology Innovation

  • Features three FLD (F Low Dispersion) glass elements, one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element, and one high-refractive index, high-dispersion glass element to minimize aberrations.
  • Redesigned and enhanced, the new Hyper Sonic Motor is 30% slimmer and provides fast and accurate AF.
  • Highly durable polycarbonate diaphragm made with fluorine; blades feature carbon feather film offering exceptionally smooth operation even during continuous shooting.

Outstanding Zoom Lens Maneuverability

  • Inner focusing and zoom design offer versatile shooting options
  • Tripod socket for stable, comfortable operation
  • Features 21 elements / 15 groups, Minimum Aperture: F1.6, 82mm filter thread, Minimum Focus Distance: 37.4in, Dimensions: 3.7×6.7, Weight: 52.6oz

The new Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 Art will be available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. For more information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com/50-100mm-f1-8-dc-hsm-art.

Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary 

Combining outstanding optical performance and compact design, the new affordable Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens brings immense value to mirrorless cameras. Boasting superior image quality with F1.4 brightness, the versatile lens covers a wide range of photo and video capture scenarios, delighting users with its beautiful bokeh effects. 

Contemporary Line Performance and Value

  • Represents first affordable F1.4 performance lens for the mirrorless market
  • Sigma engineered quality within a sleek compact design
  • Fast, smooth AF stepping motor designed to support video
  • Features one aspherical element and one double-sided aspherical element producing imaging quality comparable to the Art line.
  • Features 9 elements / 7 groups, Minimum Aperture: F16, 52mm filter thread, Minimum Focus Distance: 11.8in, Weight: 9.3oz, Dimensions: 2.6×2.9in.

The new Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens will be available in Sony E-Mount and Micro Four Thirds mount. For more information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com/30mm-f1-4-dc-dn-c.

Sigma Global Vision lenses including the new 50-100mm F1.8 DC Art and 30mm F1.4 Contemporary lenses can be updated with the latest lens software from a workstation or laptop using the Sigma Optimization Pro software and Sigma USB Dock (sold separately).

Tested for Optimum Performance

Sigma lenses are born of well-thought-out design concepts, exceptional Japanese craftsmanship and manufacturing, and advanced lens performance testing and evaluation. To this end, Sigma has developed its own A1 proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Even the most elusive high-frequency details are within the scope of Sigma’s quality control inspections. Every Global Vision lens is A1 tested, analyzed and approved before leaving the factory ensuring maximum performance out of the box.

For more information on Sigma’s industry leading testing, please visit http://blog.sigmaphoto.com/2012/a1-mtf-testing-for-new-sigma-lenses/

Specialized Mount Conversion Services 

Ensuring continued ROI, Sigma will convert the current mount of your Sigma Global Vision lens to another of your choice. Sigma lenses currently from the Contemporary, Art or Sports line, in Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax mounts can be converted to Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Sony or Pentax*.  Mirrorless lenses can be converted to Micro Four Thirds and Sony-E Mount. They cannot be converted to either an APS-C or a Full Frame format.  *For specific details, please visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com/service-support/mount-conversion-service

Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary and 50-150mm F1.8 Art specifications

  Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN | C Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art
Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens Zoom lens
Max Format size APS-C / DX
Focal length 30 mm 50–100 mm
Image stabilisation No
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds, Sony E (NEX) Canon EF, Nikon F (DX), Sigma SA Bayonet
Aperture
Maximum aperture F1.4 F1.8
Minimum aperture F16.0
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Aperture notes Rounded blades
Optics
Elements 9 21
Groups 7 15
Special elements / coatings 1 aspherical and 1 double-sided aspherical Three FLD, one SLD, one HRI elements
Focus
Minimum focus 0.30 m (11.81) 0.95 m (37.4)
Maximum magnification 0.14× 0.15×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Full time manual No
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 265 g (0.58 lb) 1490 g (3.28 lb)
Diameter 65 mm (2.56) 94 mm (3.7)
Length 73 mm (2.87) 171 mm (6.73)
Sealing No
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (internal)
Power zoom No
Filter thread 52.0 mm 82.0 mm
Hood supplied No Yes
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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America’s Oldest Mall Now Houses Affordable Micro Apartments

26 Jan

[ By Steph in Architecture & Houses & Residential. ]

mall apartments 1

Built in 1828, the first enclosed shopping mall in America now has affordable housing beyond its grand Ionic columns in place of cramped, struggling retail stores, with most of the historic architectural details preserved. Rhode Island’s Providence Arcade began its long tenure in the capital city’s downtown district as Westminster Arcade, three stories of shops under a glass gable roof with sunlight streaming down to the first level in the airy atrium. But even back then, nobody seemed to want to go beyond the first level, putting the mall at risk of being razed decade after decade.

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Preservationists intervened to save it in 1944, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, which still didn’t do much for business. It languished, with most of its retail spaces empty, until its closure in 2008, when its owners realized it had become “economically obsolete.” But as housing costs in the city rose through the proverbial roof, one developer saw the potential for the Arcade to shift its primary purpose.

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A $ 7million renovation completed in October 2013 added 38 standard rental units  and eight larger apartments to the second and third floors, keeping the bottom floor for commercial use. The micro apartments measure from 225 to 300 square feet and include a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and storage, including built-in bed platforms and wardrobes. Some even have sleeping spaces for guests in the form of twin Murphy beds.

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Residents at the complex also have access to a game room, laundry facilities and additional storage space, and in case you’re wondering what it would be like to basically live in a mall, the commercial spaces on the bottom floor are enclosed by bay windows to keep noise to a minimum. Rent starts at just $ 550 a month, luring in a waitlist that’s at least 4,000 names deep.

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ZY Optics unveils new Lens Turbo adapters for Micro Four Thirds cameras

13 Jan

Chinese lens maker Zhongyi Optics has added M42, Canon FD and Minolta MD lens adapters to its second-generation Lens Turbo lineup for Micro Four Thirds cameras. Like Metabones’ Speedboosters, the adapters shorten the effective focal length, increasing the F-number by one stop and partially negating the crop factor. The 0.726x focal length reduction combines to give a net 1.45x focal length crop, rather than the 2x crop that you’d usually experience on a Micro Four Thirds camera.

These three adapters join ZY Optics’ existing Lens Turbo Version II adapters for Canon EF and Nikon G lenses. Among the adapters’ four optical elements is an extra-low dispersion element, and all three offer stainless steel mounts and metal bodies.

All three adapters are available directly from ZY Optics for $ 149 USD.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic adds Leica 100-400mm F4-6.3 tele-zoom to Micro Four Thirds lens lineup

09 Jan

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Panasonic is adding a high-end super telephoto zoom lens to the Micro Four Thirds lineup: the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 ASPH. This lens has the longest focal length of any MFT lens, and Panasonic promises fast autofocus thanks to its 240 fps AF drive speed.

This lens is equivalent to a whopping 200-800mm when attached to a Micro Four Thirds body and features much-needed ‘Power’ optical image stabilization to keep things steady. It has has one aspherical, one UED, and two ‘regular’ ED elements, as well as a nine-bladed circular aperture. The minimum focus distance is 1.3m, with a magnification of 0.25x. 

A cool feature of this lens is its compact tripod collar which rotates with the camera body, taking the buttons with it. The collar has a tripod screw mount built into it, into which a longer (included) ‘foot’ can be added if additional clearance is need. The zoom lock is built into the lens barrel, as is a small pull-out lens hood (a full-sized hood is available as an optional accessory). The 100-400mm is also sealed against dust and moisture.

The Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400 F4-6.3 will be available in early April at a price of $ 1799.99.


Press release:

Panasonic Launches LUMIX G 100-400mm Telephoto-Zoom, LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR Lens

Las Vegas, NV (January 5, 2016) – Panasonic has today introduced a new telephoto lens for its LUMIX G range of Micro Four Thirds System cameras – the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH. Telephoto-Zoom (H-RS100400) with Power Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.).

Small, light and highly durable, the latest addition to Panasonic’s range of interchangeable lenses is perfectly suited for photographing birds and other wildlife in all types of environments.

The lens is constructed of 20 elements in 13 groups and incorporates a number of aspherical and extra low dispersion elements to assure best quality and avoid flaring. The advanced construction of the new Telephoto-Zoom leads to highest quality standard earning the LEICA Logo for a LUMIX Lens once again.

Outstanding image quality and Telephoto-Zoom performance

Elegantly designed with a metallic black finish, the new 100mm-400mm LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR lens from Panasonic provides superb image rendering across the entire zoom range. The lens’ 200-800mm focal length (35mm equivalent) and 0.5x Magnification capability provide highly detailed shots from distance, as well as stunning close up capability– ideal for subject matter regardless of shape and size.

In order to capture steady, vibration free images across the entire zoom range, the lens also incorporates Power O.I.S. to keep unwanted shaking under control and ensure pictures look crisp and clear. 

The 100mm-400mm lens is also suited to a variety of photographic styles – with nine diaphragm blades providing a circular aperture to produce a smooth and beautiful bokeh.
 
Smaller and lighter than other Telephoto-Zoom lenses

When compared with conventional super telephoto DSLR lenses, the latest addition the LUMIX G line up offers outstanding mobility – perfect if you’re travelling and don’t want to pack too much. Similarly, the lens also boasts a durable, gapless construction so you no longer have to worry about unwanted dust or light rain damaging your equipment.

In addition to the lens’ practical size and weight, a compact, two-part tripod mount has also been incorporated to enable faster conversion between landscape and portrait orientation. While conveniently and speedily turning to the 90° angle, the levers for Focus Limiting, Power O.I.S. and the manual focus switch remain right at your fingertips as they do not move when you turn the lens. 

The lens also incorporates an integrated, hide-away hood to help you capture that perfect shot, without having to worry about sun glare.

Stunning 4K video capability

Panasonic’s new LEICA Telephoto-Zoom lens is perfectly suited for 4K video recording with its construction assuring the best contrast and colors. Furthermore the Telephoto-Zoom incorporates Panasonic’s high speed and precise 240 fps AF-motor. Due to the modern design, filming can also be conducted silently, so you can get up close to the subject without drawing attention.

As well as high resolution video, the lens’ 4K capability also enables you to take photos like never before. Panasonic’s 4K Photo function – found on LUMIX G cameras including the LUMIX DMC-G7 – lets you extract an 8-megapixel still from 4K video (30fps) easily right on the camera’s screen with a simple fingertip touch.

Key features:

  • Longest focal length for Micro Four Thirds
  • Compatible with Dual Image Stabilization
  • 240fps AF Drive
  • Zoom ring lock
  • Weather Sealing
  • Integrated Quick Shifting Tripod Mount
  • Integrated shift-away lens-hood

Panasonic Leica DG 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size FourThirds
Focal length 100–400 mm
Image stabilisation Yes
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Aperture
Maximum aperture F4.0 – F6.3
Minimum aperture F22.0
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Aperture notes Circular blades
Optics
Elements 20
Groups 13
Special elements / coatings 1 aspherical ED, 1 UED, 2 ED elements
Focus
Minimum focus 1.30 m (51.18)
Maximum magnification 0.25×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Micromotor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Extending front
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter Yes
Physical
Weight 985 g (2.17 lb)
Diameter 83 mm (3.27)
Length 172 mm (6.75)
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock Yes
Filter thread 72.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar Yes

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Origami Apartment: Instantly Shape-Shifting Micro Interiors

17 Dec

[ By Steph in Design & Fixtures & Interiors. ]

origami apartment 1

Origami-inspired folding screens stretch and retract in many different ways to transform one 312-square-foot micro apartment for a variety of uses, separating the spaces for different functions or opening to create one big room. The Biombombastic project by Madrid’s Elli Architects offers an innovative and affordable solution to customizing existing apartments so they’re more livable despite their small size.

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In a mission to renew an aging flat in the center of Madrid, the architects combined two strategies: knocking down the existing walls to create an open space that can be divided as desired, and creating an L-shaped arrangement of built-ins holding a complete kitchen, fold-down table, fold-down bed, washing machine and access to the bathroom.

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The system revolves around a three-paneled folding door reminiscent of a shoji screen, with diagonal timber supports and a translucent upper portion for the transmission of air and light. The door is designed to work in conjunction with other hinged and foldable elements in the space, hooking onto wooden rails in a variety of configurations.

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Even the lighting is strategically positioned to work with the system, illuminating the various ‘domestic stages’ even when the partitions are closed. Create a cozy bedroom with the screen pulled tight around the bed or a larger sleeping and lounging space, and pack it all away to transform the apartment into a social space for hosting parties.

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ZY Optics launches optically improved version of its Turbo Adapter for Micro Four Thirds

23 Oct

Chinese lens manufacturer Shenyang Zhongyi Optics has redesigned the optical construction of is Turbo Adapter that allows Micro Four Thirds users to mount Nikon and Canon lenses to their cameras. The details are slight, but the company says the configuration is completely different, although still using four elements, and new coatings have been applied to reduce flare and increase contrast. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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F0.95 Mitakon Speedmaster 25mm compact lens announced for Micro Four Thirds system

12 Sep

Chinese optics company Shenyang Zhongyi Optical and Electronic has announced that it is adding a super-fast standard lens to its range designed for the Micro Four Thirds system. The new 25mm lens features a maximum aperture of F0.95 but has a very small and lightweight body. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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To the skies! DJI launches Zenmuse X5 and X5R 4K Micro Four Thirds aerial cameras

11 Sep

Drone maker DJI has announced a pair of Micro Four Thirds aerial cameras including a model that can shoot lossless 4K Raw footage. The Zenmuse X5 and X5R are built around 16MP Four Thirds sensors, are compatible with a handful of small Micro Four Thirds lenses and can be flown on the company’s Inspire 1 drones. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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