Sony released their full Q3 financial reports. The company as a whole and the Imaging Segment did well. The only negative note is that Sony changed their forecast in the Imaging Business expecting a “decrease in unit sales of compact digital cameras“.

It means they expect less fixed lens camera sales (RX line for example). Not something really surprising. What matters at the end is that they are steadily making profit with the business.

Kamlan announced two new manual focusing E-mount lenses. Here are the google translated specs. Lenses should be available soon on Amazon US and Amazon DE (note the 50mm lens is a new updated version of an existing lens).

FS 50 mm F1.1

Focal length: 50 mm
Maximum aperture: F1.1
Minimum aperture: F16
Angle of view: 31 degrees
Format compatibility: APS – C
Lens construction: 5 groups 5 pictures
Focus distance: 50 cm
Focus: Manual focus (MF)
Filter size: 52 mm
Mount: Canon EF-M / Sony E / Fuji Film X / Micro Four Thirds
Dimension: 56 × 59 mm
Weight: Approx 248 g
Store Forecast Price: About 25,000 yen Tax

FS 28 mm F1.4

Focal length: 28 mm
Maximum aperture: F1.4
Minimum aperture: F 16 Viewing
angle: 56 degrees
Format compatibility: APS – C
Lens construction: 7 groups 8 images
Minimum focusing distance: 25 cm
Focus: Manual focus (MF)
Filter size: 52 mm
Mounting: Canon EF-M / Sony E / Fuji Film X / Micro Four Thirds
Dimensions: 66 × 58 mm
Weight: Approximately 348 g
Store Forecast Price: About 25,000 yen Tax

via DC.watch

This screenshot of the Panasonic S presentation leaked on L-rumors.com perfectly shows how camera companies really mess up with us users. Don’t blame Panasonic only, It’s something nearly all companies do.

But this screenshot is simply extraordinary as it states one thing and it’s contrary in the same image :)

Zeiss 40mm f/2.0 CF lens at Adorama and BHphoto.

Hugh Brownstone shared this Zeiss press text info he received directly from the Zeiss marketing department:

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The ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF is our allrounder, it’s the perfect tool for ambitious photographers in a variety of situations. The versatility of the lens is also due to its close focus (CF): the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF allows photographers to get incredibly close to the object they want to capture – the CF, i.e. the minimum distance between the object and camera sensor, measures just 24 centimeters.
To ensure exceptional image quality at close range, the lens automatically stops down when it’s a short distance from the object. This ensures the ZEISS lens delivers the high contrast and resolution across the entire focus range that users have come to expect. In the image, automatic closing of the aperture may become visible in highlights within a blurred background (bokeh). At times, these will not appear perfectly round when focusing at close range. SonyAlphaRumors
We are currently developing a software update that will allow us to work within a larger focus range with a wide-open aperture. The update will be available to download for free from the ZEISS website in early 2019. We will notify all registered customers via email.

What are the benefits of the software update?
Once you’ve installed the update, the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF will only automatically stop down at preset aperture values between f/2 and f/2.5 at close range; in extreme cases (close focusing distance) to max. f/2.8. With a preset aperture value of f/2.8 and up, the aperture will remain unchanged across the entire focus range.

Will I be able to achieve circular highlights in my photos after the software update?
Automatic stopping down is required at short focus distances and with a wide-open aperture in order to meet the high ZEISS image quality standards while ensuring a compact and lightweight lens. The software update will mean highlights appear in an extended focus range round-shaped, fully up to close focusing distance is not possible.

Does the lens only automatically stop down at full aperture, or at other aperture values too?
How many f-stop intervals does this concern? Once you’ve installed the update, the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF will only automatically stop down at preset aperture values between f/2 and f/2.5 at close range; in extreme cases (close focusing distance) to max. f/2.8. With a preset aperture value of f/2.8 and up, the aperture will remain unchanged across the entire focus range. At what object distance will the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF automatically stop down? We are still developing the configuration of the software update. For this reason, we cannot provide any further details at the present time.

What does automatic stopping down mean for the exposure measurement and the EXIF data of my camera? Will I get incorrect results?
The camera performs exposure measurements correctly because the exposure time is calculated in line with the actual aperture. The exposure time is then saved to the photo’s EXIF data. The camera saves the aperture value as per the manual setting to the EXIF data, e.g. with a setting of f/2 on the camera, the EXIF data will also show an aperture value of f/2 regardless of the focus distance.

When taking photographs at close range, will I be able to identify how open the aperture actually is?
We are still developing the configuration of the software update. For this reason, we cannot give you any further details at the present time.

I manually set the exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO). How can I achieve correct exposure in my photos at close range with the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF?
If you manually adjust the exposure settings, please take test shots to check whether the exposure is right for you. In some cases, when focusing at close range it may be necessary to set the exposure time up to one exposure step (+ 1EV) higher than usual.

I use the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF for filming. Will the aperture also close automatically in movie mode?
The ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF behaves in the same way in movie and photo mode.”

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Download page: tamron.jp/en/support/a036_firmware.html

This update improves the stability of control signal communication in continuous shooting for a long time.

Tamron 28-75mm lens at at Amazon, Bhphoto, FocusCamera and Adorama. in Europe at Amazon DE, Amazon UK and Amazon FR.

Press text:

We are starting 2019 with the introduction of a new generation of Primers for Sony.

This is a massive overhaul affecting all Sony camera models in our Primers lineup. Through further research, findings and advancements we are now able to achieve further improvements of image in multiple parameters, bringing more accurate, stable, thicker, richer, more cinematic and organic looking image. New generation now also offers easier look matching between different cameras and improved creative range in post production, especially with S-Log2 in 8 bits, where the tendency of banding has been greatly reduced.
Newest generation is online for F55, FS7, FS5, A7R2 and A7S2 and updates are hitting emails soon. Update is free of charge, as our way of saying thank you to all the Creatives worldwide who recognized the potential of our tools and helped this project grow. A6300/6500, RX10mk2 and A7S1 are soon to follow.

Primers project info:
Primers are per-sensor and base colour science designed, scene-independent image transformations, embodied into a set of high precision 3DLUTs, which improve imaging performance of a camera. Each set is designed on professional, in-depth camera signal analysis, to provide superior imaging results with organic and stable image basis. The optimization of the image provides multiple improvements in aesthetic and technical parameters, further empowering post production.

More info and examples on Primers page:
http://omeneo.com/primers/
http://omeneo.com/primers/sony/