Carl Zeiss announces new 18mm super wide angle lens for SLR cameras

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 25.06.2008.

Distagon T* 3,5/18: the super wide angle lens for dramatic perspectives

Carl Zeiss expands its range of SLR lenses with the addition of the Distagon T* 3.5/18 super wide angle lens. With an impressive field of view of 99°, this new, rectilinear lens provides dramatic perspectives for architectural, landscape and close-range photography for photographers utilizing full-frame DSLRs or film-based cameras. The Distagon T* 3.5/18 is a derivative of the ZEISS designs for the Contax RTS series of cameras, but utilizing all modern materials and eco-friendly glass materials.

The Distagon T* 3.5/18 is designed with a floating lens element in the rear lens assembly, which results in impressive image quality from infinity to the closest focus range. Utilizing the superior ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating and critically designed interior elements, the lens is remarkably free from stray light artifacts and internal reflections. Images are brilliantly rendered, with extremely crisp resolution right to the edges – even at wide-open apertures under the most difficult lighting conditions. Like all Carl Zeiss SLR lenses, the Distagon T* 3.5/18 uses the ZEISS ‘color matching technology’, which provides homogeneous color rendition across all focal lengths in the product range. The front filter diameter of 82 mm allows for use of standard screw-in filters when combined with the included lens shade.

In addition to the outstanding optical qualities, the special hallmarks of all ZEISS lenses are designed into the Distagon T* 3.5/18. This includes an all-metal mount for secure mounting to the camera, extreme robustness for professional applications in a wide range of conditions and precision workmanship, which result in a ‘silky’ smooth focus rotation.

The Distagon T* 3.5/18 ZF for F-mount cameras is scheduled for delivery beginning July 2008 through authorized Carl Zeiss photo dealers. The Distagon T* 3.5/18 ZK for K-mount cameras will be available within Q3/2008. The suggested list price is 960,00 Euro (without VAT) and includes the standard lens shade. For more information about this new lens, please visit:
www.zeiss.com/photo.


Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZF Technical Specifications
Focal length: 18 mm
Aperture range: f/3.5 - f/22 (1/2 stop intervals)
Number of elements/groups: 13/11
Focusing range: 0.3 m (0.98 ft) - inf.
Angular field* (diag./horiz./vert.): 99/90/67 °
Coverage at close range: 44 x 29 cm (1.7 x 1.1")
Image ratio at close range: 1:12
Filter-thread: M 82 x 0.75
Length (with caps)**: 84 mm (3.3")
Diameter**: 87 mm (3.4")
Weight**: 470 g (16 oz.)
Camera mounts: ZF (F bayonet), ZK (K bayonet)
Scope of delivery: Lens Shade included

* referring to 35 mm format
** dimensions and weight may vary according to the camera mount


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Kodak appoint Matthew Yarrow as Country Business Manager

London, May 19th, 2008

Kodak Announces the Appointment of Matthew Yarrow as Country Business Manager, Consumer Digital and Film and Photofinishing Groups, UK and Ireland

Kodak, the world’s foremost imaging innovator, today announces the appointment of Matthew Yarrow as Country Business Manager, for the Consumer Digital Imaging Group (CDG) and the Film & Photofinishing Systems Group (FPG), UK and Ireland. Mr. Yarrow will be responsible for leading and managing the consumer business in the UK and Ireland, continuing to strengthen Kodak’s position as a leader in the imaging field.

Mr. Yarrow joins Kodak from Lexmark, Inc, where he was General Manager for the Consumer Division. Prior to this he served as General Sales Manager for Mattel Inc, and served as Director of Sales at Black and Decker Ltd.

Mr. Yarrow’s strong background in sales and business management will be key in driving Kodak’s continuing growth track to ensure sustained and profitable growth through 2008 and beyond.

“Mr. Yarrow brings great leadership skills and an outstanding business perspective to the role of Country Business Manger. I am confident that he will do a great job in his new role, building on previous success and embracing new challenges”, said John O'Grady, Managing Director, Europe, Africa and Middle East, and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company.

For more information on Kodak digital cameras and accessories, visit www.kodak.co.uk


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About Kodak

As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.

To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com, and our blogs: 1000words.kodak.com, and PluggedIn.kodak.com.


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Fujifilm - Free Film Offer

Fujifilm Professional has joined forces with innovative London lab, The Printspace, to offer customers free Fujicolor Pro Series film.

Hire a Hasselblad Flextight film scanner at The Printspace for one hour and receive a free 5 roll pack of Fujicolor PRO Series 120 film. Photographers can choose from PRO160S, PRO160C and PRO400H film.

Launched in October 2007, The Printspace occupies two floors of a 4000sq foot area comprising of retouching booths, film scanners, walk-in print stations, large format digital C-type on Fujicolor Crystal Archive paper, Epson Giclée printers and an exhibition space. The Printspace’s ‘DIY’ concept gives photographers the ability to produce their own professional prints on the highest specification equipment with a user-oriented, creative approach to print production.

The Printspace is located at 74 Kingsland Road, London E2 8DL. For directions and further information, visit www.theprintspace.com call 020 7739 1060 or email info@theprintspace.com

All films in the Fujicolor PRO Series have been optimised for digital scanning, and give excellent performance when used for digitally printed images. The whole range offers fine grain and a wide exposure latitude. The PRO160S is a low contrast film, PRO160C is high contrast and the PRO400H is low contrast at a higher speed. They are ideal for photographers who want to combine the exceptional image quality of film with the flexibility that a digital workflow can offer.

For further information on Fujifilm’s range of professional films, visit www.fujifilm.co.uk/professional or email Jerry Deeney on jdeeney@fuji.co.uk

This offer is open from 1st May 2008 and will be available only while stocks last. One free 5 roll pack of Fujicolor PRO Series 120 film to be claimed with the hire of a Hasselblad Flextight film scanner at The Printspace, London. This offer is limited to one pack of free film per person, per day.


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Lumix DMC-FX500 awarded Best Compact Digital Camera in Europe 2008

Panasonic is pleased to announce that the Lumix DMC-FX500 digital still camera has received the prestigious TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) Award for the Best Compact Digital Camera in Europe 2008.

TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) is an independent association of photo and imaging expert editors, representing 12 countries across Europe. The eminent TIPA Award is presented honouring the product for its superiority in quality, performance and value to distinguish the best in each classified category.

The DMC-FX500 features intuitive touch-screen operation on a large, 3.0-inch LCD to provide an advanced hybrid control system with both touch-screen and joystick control. In addition to the 25mm ultra-wide angle Leica DC lens with 5x optical zoom, manual operation controllability give users great creative freedom. A variety of advanced functions, including Intelligent Auto mode, HD motion picture recording and HD component output, together with slideshows enhanced with music, further enrich the camera and user experience. The official TIPA comment is as below.

“The FX500 is the first of a new family of compact cameras with a 5x, image-stabilized zoom that covers the 25 to 125mm range – ideal for any subject from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto portraits. The images captured by the 10.1 megapixel sensor are processed by the new Venus Engine IV, and ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 1600, and from 1600 to 6400 in High Sensitivity mode. The 3-inch touch-screen LCD offers an easy image composition and review. For the more advanced photographer, the FX500 offers a full manual control with an innovative MASP dial solution via the touch-screen.”

For further editorial information please contact:

Tanya Frost
Tel: 01344 853552
Tanya.frost@eu.panasonic.com

Stephanie Jell
Tel: 01344 853550
Stephanie.jell@eu.panasonic.com


Panasonic UK, Panasonic House, Willoughby Road, Bracknell, Berks, RG12 8FP


Visitors, users and viewers of the foregoing content may copy and re-use it in other internet content sites on condition the source of all material so used is acknowledged with the attachment of the following.
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