Latest News from Prague Workshops

If you shot medium or large format before the introduction of digital but have subsequently been thwarted by the lack of film, developer or the expense of using your old gear these days, Sinar has introduced a solution. They call it the p-slr system and it pretty much locks your DSLR onto a bellows and then lets you use your old gear to make new digital photos. Pretty slick! Below is the press release. 

Sinar p-slr - the professional attachment of 35 mm SLR cameras to Sinar view cameras

July, 2010: The Sinar p-slr was designed especially for photographers who would like to combine the convenience of digital single lens reflex cameras with the advantages and quality characteristics of a Sinar view camera. Exact control of perspectives and selective sharpness - the most important creative tools in photography - can be set and evaluated precisely on a view camera.

And now, Sinar also made all of these advantages available to the users of 35 mm SLR cameras. This well thought-out solution brings a significant enhancement of quality to users of 35mm cameras, because the high-resolution digital Rodenstock lenses can be used. The Sinar p-slr complies with the Sinar policy of offering photographers modular systems that are in keeping with the latest trends of the market. This upgrading set will be available as of August 2010 and it can be ordered right now at the price of 1980 Swiss Francs (not including the Value Added Tax).

Professionalism in the details

The Sinar p-slr can be used with all Canon and Nikon single lens reflex cameras currently on the market. Thanks to the quick locking adapter supplied with the Sinar p-slr, the format can be changed from vertical to horizontal with only a few motions and within seconds. If the single lens reflex camera is controlled by a computer, the integrated support for the cable ensures the safety and the protection of the USB / Fire Wire socket on the camera. A positioning- and centering aid serves for the exact positioning of the digital single lens reflex camera on the optical axis. That ensures that the sensor of the digital camera is positioned perfectly for vertical as well as horizontal exposures. This function is essential for making full use of the advantages of the view camera and for working professionally.

• A summary of the advantages:
• Unlimited creativity in composing an image
• Unrestricted use of an existing single lens reflex camera
• Cost-effective use of an existing Sinar view camera for digital solutions
• Quick change from the vertical to a horizontal format
• Adapters for a variety of 35 mm cameras
• Unique expansion possibility for a live image by means of an additional monitor
• Increased quality by the use of digital medium format- and view camera lenses
• Support for USB- and power supply cables
• Extensive assortment of professional accessories, such as bellows lens hood and filters

Press Release:

Panasonic is pleased to announce the development of the world's first twin digital interchangeable lens. The revolutionary new accessory will make high quality 3D shooting possible with an interchangeable lens system camera for the very first time. As 3D content becomes increasingly popular across a variety of platforms, Panasonic plans to release this new lens for sale before the end of the year to deliver the joy and excitement of 3D shooting to interchangeable lens system camera users.

 

Having already taken the lead in 3D technology, Panasonic has had great success with the launch of their 3D-capable VIERA televisions and 3D Blu-rayTM Disc Players. The 3D market is predicted to steadily grow over the coming years, as explained by industry analysts, Screen Digest: “As consumers slowly replace the main TV set in their house, and as the price of 3D TVs continue to fall, Screen Digest expects that 3D TVs will be in around a quarter of households in major developed markets by the end of 2014. “

The introduction of the 3D lens aims to respond to demands of consumers who want to enjoy 3D shooting for themselves whilst also expanding Panasonic’s range of 3D products. The lens will allow users to capture images in 3D which can then be viewed back using 3D-capable VIERA televisions in the comfort of their own home.

In 1992, I was interviewed by Melinda Whiting for Artscape, a public radio arts and culture program in Philadelphia. Our discussion started with my Middle East work. It went on to explore the intersection between art and photojournalism. Though the interview is 18 years old, the questions it raises are still relevant.