Martin Vronsky

Press release: Panasonic Develops the LUMIX GH6 Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless Camera The Flagship of the LUMIX G Series for Innovative Video Expression Expected by End of Year Newark, NJ (May 25, 2021) - Panasonic is proud to announce the development of the LUMIX GH6 that combines the new Micro Four Thirds sensor and a new image processor. This flagship camera of the LUMIX G Series will be commercialized for its release to world markets by the end of 2021. After establishing the LUMIX brand in 2001, Panasonic introduced the world’s first digital single lens mirrorless camera in 2008[*1]. Since then, it has produced a host of innovative cameras and interchangeable lenses by taking advantage of the outstanding mobility and high video performance which are unique to the mirrorless camera system. These cameras and lenses were originally used for photography but have also been used for film creation. After 20 years of innovative contributions to the imaging culture, LUMIX cameras and lenses have earned a solid reputation with a wide range of users, including professional photographers and film creators. As the next milestone in the evolution of the legacy of LUMIX cameras, Panasonic is proud to announce that the development of the LUMIX GH6 is underway. The flagship of the LUMIX G Series and the latest model of the GH line, it is renowned for its stunning mobility and innovative video performance. Combining the high-speed sensor and Venus Engine image processor, the new GH6 realizes next-generation video expression. Providing 4:2:2 10-bit DCI 4K/60p recording capability[*2], the LUMIX GH6 achieves unlimited video recording when the camera is used under the certified operating temperature[*3]. It is reliable enough to record continuous footage for a desired duration. It also provides a 10-bit 4K 120p High Frame Rate (HFR) and Variable Frame Rate (VFR) for high resolution slow/quick motion video. Moreover, the GH6 records 10-bit 5.7K 60p video by taking full advantage of the newly developed Micro Four Thirds sensor. Accommodating a variety of recording modes and shooting assist functions, the GH6 enables photo/video hybrid-use for various purposes including films, music videos, documentaries and short clips for social media to meet the creators’ needs. The GH6 will retail for approximately $2500. In addition to the camera, the new interchangeable lens will be added to expand the G Series lineup, and the LEICA DG 25-50mm F1.7 is also under development. It covers from 10mm to 50mm (35mm camera equivalent:20-100mm) together with the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 ASPH. (H-X1025) which is currently available and has been met with high acclaim. These two lenses have common aperture, high descriptive performance, shape and operability so that it is easy to make the creator’s own unique image product using these two lenses with minimal workflow. While the LUMIX G Series based on the Micro Four Thirds standard boasts high mobility, the LUMIX S Series offers high descriptive performance made possible with the full-frame sensor. With these two series, Panasonic demonstrates its commitment to further providing maximum product value as a tool for users to unleash their creativity and challenge the ever-changing photo/video culture in the digital era. *1 As an interchangeable lens system camera, as of September 12, 2008. Panasonic study. *2 Corresponding to the 4K resolution (4096x2160) defined by Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI). *3 Recordable time depends on the capacity of the battery and the memory card. The camera may stop recording to protect the camera if the temperature exceeds the certified operating temperature.

Zenitar 35mm F2 The 35mm F2 is a lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras. The lens consists seven elements in five groups and has an aperture range from F2 to F22. The aperture consists of nine blades and the minimum focusing distance is 50cm. The lens dimensions are 6.1cm (2.4 ”) long, 4.7cm (1.85”) in diameter and weighs 300g (10.6oz). The price of the lens is 54,000 rubles, which is $730. Zenitar 50mm F1.5 Another lens is also designed for Sony E-mount cameras. The lens consists seven elements arranged in three groups. The aperture range is F1.5 to F22, it is made of 13 blades and the minimum focus distance is 70cm (28 "). The lens dimensions are 6.1cm (2.4 ”) long, 4.7cm (1.85”) in diameter and weigh 287g (10oz). The Zenitar 50mm will cost 56,000 rubles ($755). Zenitar 60mm F2.8 Macro Zenitar 60mm is designed for Canon EF and Nikon F-mount cameras. The lens consists eight elements arranged in seven groups and its aperture range is F2.8 to F22. The lens aperture consists of six blades and the minimum focusing distance is 23cm (9"). The dimensions of the lens are 8.1cm (3.2") long, 7.6cm (3 ") in diameter and weighs 590g (1.3lbs). The price of the lens was set at 36,000 rubles ($485). Selena 58mm F1.9 Selena 58mm F1.9 is designed for Canon EF and Nikon F-mount cameras. The lens consists four elements arranged in three groups. The lens size is F1.9 to F22. The aperture consists eight blades for the Nikon F-mount version and twelve blades for the Canon EF-mount version. Minimum focus distance is 80cm (31.5 "). The lens dimensions are 7.3cm long, 7.5cm (3") in diameter and weighs 450g (1lb). Unlike other lenses described today Selena 58mm F1.9 is available only in pre-order in the Zenit online store. The price of the lens is 52,500 rubles ($ 710), but as in the case of other lenses described today, we will have to wait for the final price until the lens goes on sale outside of Russia.

Press Release: Vazen launches the 50mm T2.1 1.8X Anamorphic Lens in PL/EF mount for Full Frame cameras Vazen has unveiled the 50mm T2.1 1.8X anamorphic lens, adding a ultra wide angle option to its full frame EF/PL 1.8x anamorphic lens line-up. The new Vazen 50mm T2.1 is designed to cover large format cinema cameras like Red Monstro, Alexa LF, Kinefinity Mavo LF and Z-CAM E2-F8 fully. A 135mm lens is expected to be ready to ship in 1-2 months to complete a 3-lens set (50 – 85 – 135) in phase 1. The new 50mm features a super compact and lightweight design. Weighing merely 3.42 pounds (1.55kg) and 5.24” long (13.3cm), it is one of the world’s smallest 1.8x anamorphic lens for full frame cameras. Its compactness allows it to be balanced on gimbals and rigs very easily. The 50mm has the same focus and aperture position as the 85mm for easy lens switching on set. And a consistent 86mm front filter thread is handy for ND filters or diopters installation. The front diameter is a standard 95mm for matte box mounting. The entire lens is built up of aluminum and the independent aperture and focus rings are incorporated with 0.8 mod cine gears. The lens is available in an interchangeable PL and EF mount. Both mounts and shims can be found with the lens in a Vazen hard case. All Vazen 1.8x anamorphic lenses feature a front anamorphic design. It delivers a buttery smooth oval bokeh, signature blue, but not over saturated, horizontal flare and the widescreen cinematic look. The lens also features a ultra-wide 65? horizontal field of view (similar to a 28mm spherical lens) and the closest focusing distance is 3.6” from sensor. The lens delivered outstanding sharpness, even at wide open, which is unparalleled by other PL/EF anamorphic lenses with the similar squeeze ratio. Vazen chose to adopt a 1.8x squeeze design to balance the anamorphic characters as well as the resolution of the image. The 1.8x squeeze can producee a cinematic widescreen 2.39:1 aspect when paired up with 4:3 sensors. When paired up with 16:9 sensors, much less data (than 2X anamorphic lens) is needed to be cropped away to create the desired 2.39:1 ratio. Pricing & Availability The lens is currently available to order from authorized resellers and from Vazen website (http://www.vzlens.com/). It is available to ship in late August. Free Priority shipping provided. The retail price in US is USD 8,000/pc. A $2,000 discount will be offered for a 2-lens (50 + 85) purchase. Product Page https://vzlens.com/product/vazen-50mm-t2-1-1-8x-anamorphic-lens/ Specifications Focal Length50mm T-stop range - T/2.1 – T/16 Angle of View - Around 65 degrees (Horizontal) Format Compatibility - Full Frame and Super35 Filter Thread - 86mm Front Diameter - 95mm Min. Focusing Distance - 1.1 m (3.6 feet) Dimensions - 9.5 x 13.3 cm Weight - 1.55 kg (3.42 lbs) Mounts - PL / EF (User Inter-changeble)

Tokina Cinema 25-75mm T2.9 cinema lens test. The lens is a small size ground-up true cinema design featuring a compact 174mm overall length, 2kg weight, industry standard 0.8 MOD cinema gears, T2.9 iris, 86mm filter thread, and 95mm front diameter for common cinema accessories. The new 25-75mm T2.9 is designed to cover super35+ type sensors up to a 36mm image circle size. The larger 36mm image circle enables native coverage of RED Helium 8K, RED Dragon 6K, RED Monstro 6K, Alexa LF in 4K UHD, as well as popular cinema and mirrorless cameras from Canon, Blackmagic Design, and Panasonic in 4K DCI or 4K UHD. The 25-75mm is designed to match the mechanical and optical properties of the popular Tokina Cinema 50-135mm T2.9 MKII and 11- 20mm T2.9 zoom lenses. The 25-75mm retains optical design features similar to the 11-20mm T2.9 and 50-135mm T2.9 MKII including parfocal design to retain focus while zooming, limited focus breathing, and low distortion. All lenses in the series feature an interchangeable mount between PL, EF, Sony E, MFT, and Nikon F mounts.

Press release: Leica Releases A New, Universal SL Zoom Lens and Two Bundles Perfect for SL-System Newcomers. May 6, 2021 - Leica Camera is expanding the Leica SL lens portfolio with another versatile zoom lens, also launching in two new bundle options with the SL2 and SL2-S. The Leica Vario-Elmarit - SL 24 - 70 f/2.8 ASPH. is the ideal lens with broad appeal for any photographer given its ability to equally capture reportage, travel, studio, architectural and landscape photography, as well as portraits, close-ups, and video content. With its extensive focal range, consistent maximum aperture of f/2.8, and vast scope of uses, this new addition is a shining example of a lens that can be enjoyed by professionals, enthusiasts and first-time SL-System adopters alike. As a bundle option with the SL2 and SL2-S, the SL-System now becomes an even more viable option for all kinds of users to realize their creative passions. The elaborate Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 ASPH. lens design ensures an outstanding optical performance as it is comprised of 19 elements in 15 groups, featuring three elements with aspherical surfaces on both sides. This sophisticated lens also offers an outstanding ability to provide correction of chromatic aberrations across the entire focal range, resulting in a crisp photograph no matter where you zoom. The internal focusing is based on a single, lightweight lens element, and utilizes a silent stepper motor to deliver a fast and precise autofocus. In addition to its lightweight design, the metal body and weather sealing make the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH durable in any environment, ultimately making it suited for even the rigors of outdoor landscape and adventure photographers or the hustle and bustle of a pro wedding photographer. The compact dimensions of the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. are made possible by the omission of in-lens optical image stabilization. When the lens is mounted on the SL2 or SL2-S, the camera’s stabilized image sensor steps up to the task with highly effective image stabilization while affording the lens its smaller size and lower weight. This makes the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. the ultimate tool for both still photography in low-light and video recordings with rock-solid dynamic camera movements. The aperture of the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. comprises 11 blades that create a consistently lovely, circular bokeh to make subjects stand out and pop from the background, while its minimum focusing distance ensures exceptionally high-quality images even when shooting at close range. From near to far, low-light to broad sunlight, portraits to fast action, 24 to 70 mm, the new addition to the L-Mount portfolio enables photographers to capture any kind of photo with top-level sharpness and the Leica look. Supplementing the launch of the Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70 f/2.8 ASPH. lens are two camera and lens bundles, offering the latest of the SL-System at a more approachable price when purchased as a set. Choose either the high-megapixel flagship SL2 or the jack-of-all-trades hybrid SL2-S along with the new 24-70 lens for an even further value proposition, enabling photographers or videographers to pursue their path to creative freedom. The new Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24–70 f/2.8 ASPH. is available to order today at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers for $2,795. The SL2 and SL2-S camera bundles coupled with the new 24-70 are priced at $8,795 and $7,195 respectively – representing a savings of $595 in either bundle. Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-70mm F2.8 ASPH specifications: Principal specifications Lens type - Zoom lens Max Format size - 35mm FF Focal length - 24–70 mm Image stabilization - No Lens mount - L-Mount Aperture Maximum aperture - F2.8 Minimum aperture - F22 Aperture ring - No Number of diaphragm blades - 11 Optics Elements - 19 Groups - 15 Special elements / coatings - 3 aspherical elements Focus Minimum focus - 0.18 m (7.09″) Maximum magnification - 0.34× Autofocus - Yes Motor type - Stepper motor Full time manual - Unknown Focus method - Internal Distance scale - No DoF scale - No Physical Weight - 856 g (1.89 lb) Diameter - 88 mm (3.46″) Length - 123 mm (4.84″) Materials - Anodized aluminum Sealing - Yes Colour - Black Zoom method - Rotary (extending) Power zoom - No Zoom lock - No Filter thread - 82 mm Hood supplied - Yes