NOVOFLEX announces Stepping motor driven focusing rack

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NOVOFLEX announces Stepping motor driven focusing rack

NOVOFLEX CASTEL MICRO
Focusing rack with electronic control

The CASTEL MICRO introduced by NOVOFLEX Präzisionstechnik GmbH, Memmingen, is a focusing rack driven by a step motor for use in a wide variety of applications in the fields of photography, measurement and science. CASTEL MICRO is the solution when conventional photographic equipment or internal camera functions reach their limits.
This new product is ideal for focus stacking in macro photography, for example to capture images of insects, minerals and scientific documentation, etc. The problem is well known: as the magnification factor increases – usually above 2:1 to 50:1 – manual focusing with a focusing rack becomes impossible. In addition, automatic functions, such as the internal camera function of focus bracketing, are no longer of much use. The consequence is that photographs with such magnification can only be captured with an enormous amount of effort. The solution is the CASTEL MICRO with its specially designed control unit and four different control modes:

• Step and Picture modes are quick and simple to use. In these modes either the step distance or the number of shots can be specified depending on the magnification factor and the aperture of the lense. The software then automatically calculates the number of shots or the step distance required. In addition, pauses between the shots can be taken into consideration, for example for mirror lockup in SLR cameras.
• Continuous mode is available for special applications in which the glider is in constant motion so that there is no need for acceleration and stopping distances and any associated pauses. Exposures are then best done with very fast shutter speeds and/or a flash.
• Bellows mode is designed for use with the optional bellows CASTBAL-PRO. Adjustment at the front or back can be selected.
The Bellows mode is not only ideal for macro photography but also for those fields of photography requiring much effort, special cameras and tilt and shift lenses. The BALPRO adapter system enables the use of various cameras and lenses. For example, it is possible to integrate high-quality, mechanical lenses used in specialist cameras into a modern stacking workflow. The Bellows mode imitates the software control of the autofocus of a lens in order to produce a stack of images with different focus points of one and the same object. The stack of images is then processed by stacking software to produce an image with an astonishing depth of focus.

NOVOFLEX recommends the following stacking software for postprocessing: Helicon Focus Pro, Zerene Stacker and Focus Projects Professional from Franzis.

A similar effect to the one produced by the Bellows mode can also be achieved with external software (e.g. Helicon Remote). However, depending on the software program, only certain cameras and lenses can be used. In contrast, the NOVOFLEX solution is not restricted to any one manufacturer! The control unit is powered by rechargeable batteries and is thus ideal for outdoor applications and fieldwork. For studio work the control unit can be connected to the mains with a power supply.
And NOVOFLEX has designed it down to the very last detail by ensuring that both the batteries and the necessary cables are easy to find all over the world.
Camera cables are available for the following systems: Canon EOS, Fuji, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Samsung, Sigma and Sony. Other cameras on request. The CASTEL MICRO has a maximum travel distance of 100 mm and its smallest repeatable step distance is 0.2μ! The maximum carrying capacity for vertical assembly is 4 kg. Thanks to the high-precision guide the glider moves along the rack judder-free. In addition, the focusing racks with high-precision ball bearings retain their high accuracy and have a long service life.

The electronically controlled focusing rack can be fully integrated into the NOVOFLEX-Q System with tripods, racks, brackets, etc. for complex set-ups. Another very special accessory is the special tube with a fixed achromatic lense for use of the MITUTOYO M-Plan microscope lenses. These excellent lenses are optimized for fixed magnification factors. Lenses with a magnification factor of 5 or 10 are available and they are supplied with the special tube. Further lenses with a higher magnification factor are available upon request. The NOVOFLEX Universal Adapter system allows them to be used with
most cameras up to 35 mm size. With its CASTEL MICRO the accessory specialist in Memmingen provides users with an outstanding high-precision tool for everyday use.

The CASTEL MICRO and the other accessories mentioned are scheduled for delivery as of October 2018.

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Older 50mm#Zeiss lens on the #SonyA7II

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You can now officially modify the look of the new Sony A7rIV

In two day the new  SonyA7rIV will finally start to ship out at BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera, Amazon, BuyDig, Henrys.

And if  you (like myself) will own that new camera you should learn you can now modify the looks using that LifeGuard skin options (Click here).

You can find all skins for all Sony lenses on this page: lifeguard-design.com/categories/sonylensskin
You can find all skins for all Sony cameras on this page: lifeguard-design.com/categories/sonycameraskin

Sony A7rIV and new accessories  (Focuscamera corrected)::
Sony A7rIV in USA/CA at BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera, Amazon, BuyDig, Henrys.
Sony A7rIV in EU at Calumet DE, ParkUK, WexUK, Calumet NL.
Sony A7rIV in Asia at Sony Japan. Sony Australia.
Sony VG-C4EM grip in USA at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon, FocusCamera, BuyDig, ParkUK, WexUK.
ECM-B1M Digital Audio Shotgun Microphone at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon, FocusCamera, BuyDig, Park UK.
XLR-K3M Mic at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon, FocusCamera, BuyDig, Park UK.

 

Official Sony A7rIV support added to Capture One

The new Sony A7rIV is now supported by Capture One.

Sony A7rIV and new accessories  (Focuscamera corrected)::
Sony A7rIV in USA/CA at BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera, Amazon, BuyDig, Henrys.
Sony A7rIV in EU at Calumet DE, ParkUK, WexUK, Calumet NL.
Sony A7rIV in Asia at Sony Japan. Sony Australia.
Sony VG-C4EM grip in USA at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon, FocusCamera, BuyDig, ParkUK, WexUK.
ECM-B1M Digital Audio Shotgun Microphone at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon, FocusCamera, BuyDig, Park UK.
XLR-K3M Mic at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon, FocusCamera, BuyDig, Park UK.

Here are two new A7rIV video from Miguel Quiles:

And a  Sony A7rIV review from Hanna Saba:

IRIX has announced this new Cine 11mm T4.3 FE lens

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Irix Cine 11mm T4.3
into the art of cinematography

IRIX, known for high mechanical and optical quality, pleasantly presents the 11mm T4.3 – the second full frame lens from it’s new cinematography line. Enjoy the new perspective of super panoramic film shots made with Irix Cine lens!

Irix 11mm T4.3 is the second unique lens from the new Cine line. Its extremely short focal length, rectilinear image projection and the large image circle of 43.3mm (covering the full frame format) make it one of the most outstanding cine lenses on the market. Depending on the diagonal of the sensor, the lens can provide a moderate wide angle of view for classic wide-angle shots or super-panoramic 123 degree viewing angle in a 2.39:1 widescreen format. Irix 11mm T4.3 thanks to its unique parameters, provides perspective not available in film optics, thus releasing creativity in creating dynamic shots.SAR

The same, but different optics
The lens optical system is based on the new optical formula, developed especially for cinematic purpose. It consists of 16 optical elements, which four are made with high refractive index (HR) glass, three other have aspherical surfaces and last two are made with low-dispersion glass (ED). The use of large front lens and other special glass elements provides crisp cinematic shots in a resolution up to 8K while keeping the focus “breathing” effect at the lowest level. The lens offers large maximum T number of 4.3 which can be reduced to T22, thanks to rounded shape of iris blades.

Functional and highly innovative
When designing the lens mechanical system of 11mm T4.3, we used newly developed technical solutions that have been successfully implemented in the Irix Cine 150mm T3.0 lens. The new Multi Start Thread focusing mechanism allows quiet and precise focusing even under adverse weather conditions such as rain, humidity or extreme temperatures. The focusing geared ring rotates 180 degrees and depending on the lens version, has focusing scale with metric or imperial units.

Thanks to the another innovative solution like adaptive ring, the Irix Cine 11mm T4.3 ensures great ergonomics of operation both by hand and with follow focus mechanism. Moreover, despite of the very short optical system layout, geared rings of focus and aperture were placed at the same height as in other Irix Cine lenses – all for better ergonomics and more intuitive use.

The exceptional functionality are a distinctive feature of all Irix products. The same applies to the Irix Cine 11mm T4.3, whose extremely compact design (weights 1,1 kg) has been also equipped with an innovative Magnetic Mount System for accessories. The MMS system allows quick and easy attachment of variety dedicated accessories. The lens hood included in the kit with the lens is the first element of the MMS system. The system will be expanded with further accessories in the future.

Prepared for all weather conditions
The ultra wide field of view of the Irix 11mm T4.3 means that its natural work environment is outdoor. It’s durable magnesium housing and numerous rubber seals guarantee the safety of both the optical system and the camera sensor in an every weather conditions.

Designed to work in accordance with film industry standards
The 11mm T4.3 is another lens of the Irix Cine line that proves that newest technical solutions can perfectly harmonize with well-established film industry standards. The lens has a front flange with a diameter of 95mm and geared rings in the Mod 0.8 standard, which ensures its compatibility with most cine gear accessories. Attention to maintaining the standard also applies to the family of Irix cine lenses whose geared rings are in the same position and have unified rotation angle.

Irix Cinematic
The new line of Irix Cine Lenses is created in close cooperation with professional filmmakers; their ideas and suggestions were an important factor in the design process. The designers earlier experience in the field of photography led us to create new and better solutions for the Irix Cine products.

Available camera mounts
The new Irix Cine 11mm T4.3 will be offered in following lens mounts: Canon EF, Sony E, MFT and Arri PL.

Price and availability
The price and availability of the Irix Cine 11mm T4.3 lens will be announced shortly.

Sony Tidbits…


FIRST LOOK! Sony 35mm F1.8 FE | John Sison

The Sony A-mount to E-mount LA-EA Adapters Explained (Gary Friedman).
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM Review (Dustin Abbott).
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Personal photos and tests from SAR Admin Andrea on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and 500px.

Join the new Sony Alpha Camera Facebook group.
To get news from our Forum subscribe that RSS feed.
I kindly invite you all to follow our RSS feed, follow us on Facebook and Twitter to not miss news and rumors