Thursday, December 24, 2015

Imacon Ixpress Adapter kit for Fuji GX 680

Imacon Ixpress Adapter Kit for Fuji GX 680

$1500.00


For mounting an Imacon Ixpress to a Fuji GX 680 Camera.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Purchase a used Sony A7 and save!



The Beau Photo rental department has upgraded to the newest Sony a7S II and a7R II cameras. So now you can buy a used a7S or a used a7R body and save!

Sony a7S Mirrorless Digital Camera features a full-frame 12.2MP CMOS sensor, expansive dynamic range for video and stills, low noise, and extended sensitivity to ISO 409600. The Sony a7S has a top continuous shooting rate of 5 fps, and a fast 25-point contrast-detection AF system. This used camera has only 4160 actuations and is for sale for $1599.00.  SOLD

Sony a7R Mirrorless Digital Camera features a full-frame 36.4MP CMOS sensor. The Sony a7R does not use a low-pass filter in front of its sensor which, in turn, optimizes its high resolution and rich detail. It has an ISO sensitivity range of 100-25600. The Sony a7R will shoot full HD 1080 video capture with 24p/60i/60p frame rates. This used camera has only 12,138 actuations and is for sale for $1399.00. SOLD

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

X-E2 bundles & the Metz 26 AF-1 Flash (finally!)



All of the above for only $1,099 - only 1x left!

Having a hard time finding a fabulous gift for that special someone? How about a huge bundle of Fujifilm goodness! We only have two (2) of these great bundles left that include the following…

- Fujifilm X-E2 Body (black)
- Fujinon XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS Kit Zoom
- Fujinon XC 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS Tele Zoom
- Fujifilm EF-20 Flash Unit
- Hand Grip for X-E1/X-E2
- Half Leather Case and Leather Strap for X-E1/X-E2 (brown)
- Extra NP-W126 Battery Pack

All these items together normally sell for over $2,000 but each of these two remaining special bundles can be had for only $979! Imagine giving someone this whole, complete kit of Fujifilm gear for Christmas! Or, treat yourself and get into a lightweight, high quality Fujifilm system for under $1,000. This is less than $200 more than just the X-E2 body is selling for now after rebate!




Finally, the Metz flashes have arrived! A great Christmas gift too and in stock at $174.95

After nearly a year-long wait, we have finally received a shipment of the new, pocket-sized Metz 26 AF-1 flash units for Fujifilm X-series cameras! I've briefly tested one out on my X-E2 (the X-E1 in the above photo was just being a "model") and its exposures seem accurate. For its size, it seems quite powerful too, with a guide-number of 26 (meters).

It comes with a black fabric, drawstring pouch for storage and includes a clip-on telephoto extender. There is a flip up wide-angle panel and the flash pivots down for close or macro shots, sits in its standard height (as seen in the photo) for normal shots and then pivots up vertically for an angled ceiling bounce. It has a TTL mode, a Slave mode (not tested yet) and a small LED video light with two brightness settings, sufficient to add a bit of a fill or to create a catch-light in the eyes if shooting a video. It even comes with a USB port, presumably to allow for future firmware upgrades when new cameras are released.

It uses two AAA batteries and with alkaline cells, its recycle time is quite snappy. I will be testing it with some NiMH Eneloops as well to see how much faster its recycling may be. Here are two more views, first a side view showing how slim it is…


… and here it is from the back. A power button, then TTL, SLAVE and LED mode buttons: the ultimate in simplicity!


Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Impossible Lift Workshop Dec. 10th 2015

When: 5:30pm, December 10th, 2015
Where: Beau Photo
Cost: $20.00 + tax (includes everything you need!)
To register call the store: 604-734-7771 or email film@beauphoto.com

Join Kathy for an Impossible Lift Workshop! Learn how to create your very own emulsion lifts and transparencies using Impossible Project film. For $20 we provide the cameras and film, all you need to bring is yourself. If you are new to the Impossible Project film or just new to emulsion lifts, this workshop will give you lots of great new ideas to take your artwork to a different level.


 

An emulsion lift is when you separate the emulsion, which contains the actual image, from the plastic backing and put it onto another material. You do this by cutting the edges (the “frame”) off the photo and putting the emulsion and plastic into water and gently brush it with a soft paint brush until it separates. Once the emulsion has come off the plastic it is very jellyfish like and you can carefully transfer it to canvas, water colour paper, wood and many other types of materials!
 


During this workshop, Kathy will show you all the steps and some great techniques for getting the best out of your emulsion lifts. The possibilities are almost endless! Just add imagination.

Check out a few examples of what Kathy and Nicole have done below!
 




 
 
 
 
 

Friday, November 27, 2015

Black Friday DEALS at Beau Photo Supplies!


Most of our Black Friday deals are listed below and most run through until Cyber Monday, November 30th, but for all the details and some more items as well, please check out our December PDF newsletter, sent out a few days early…


Lighting


Mola lights and accessories

• Mola Setti white 22” - Sale $299.00 Reg. $356.95
• Mola Opal Glass with Clips - Sale $71.00 Reg. $86.95
• Mola speedring for Alien Bee - Sale $69.00 Reg. $88.95
• Mola vented speedring for Profoto / K5600 - Sale $139.00 Reg. $221.95

Hensel

• Hensel 3-Head hard case - Sale $199.00 Reg.$332.95
• Hensel filter holder w/filter frame #112 - Sale $ 99.00 Reg. $231.95
• Hensel backlight reflector #156 - Sale $160.00 Reg. $256.95
• Hensel barndoor & holder kit, older style # 5041/5043 - Sale $99.00 Reg. $167.95
• Hensel barndoor & filter holder #5044 - Sale $130.00 Reg. $171.95
• Hensel Car adaptor for Porty 1200 #569 - Sale $99.00 Reg. $ 289.95
• Hensel Extension cable for Eh & EHT Pro heads #5791 - Sale $160.00 Reg. $229.95
• Hensel Grid for older Hensel Beauty Dish #8602 - Sale $99.00 Reg. $374.95
** Take 15% off all other in stock Hensel accessories!

Dynalite

Dynalite Grand box: “Grand Series” 16-sided softbox which is designed to offer the ultimate in soft light. (A Grand style speedring is required. Grand speedring for Dynalite is a stocking item, other grand speedrings can be ordered in for many other different strobes)
• Dynalite GSB-35 Grand box 90cm. (36 in.) - Sale $199.00 Reg. $317.50
• Dynalite GSB-71 Grand box 180cm. (71 in.) - Sale $350.00 Reg. $545.50
• Dynalite GSB-79 Grand box 200cm. (79 in.) - Sale $425.00 Reg. $580.50
• Dynalite RBOR-48 120cm (4 ft.) Octobox - Sale $160.00 Reg. $257.50
• Dynalite SR-80 Softlight reflector (Beautydish) - Sale $159.00 Reg. $199.50
• Dynalite 30 Deg. grid for Softlight reflector - Sale $159.00 Regularly $205.50 
 
For information on any of the above items, e-mail Ken!

Cameras


FUJIFILM
Special X-E2 Bundles! $1,179 - ask us about an additional rebate too!
This entire bundle would normally be about $2,100!

The bundle includes all of the following items for only $1,179!
- Fujifilm X-E2 Body (black)
- Fujinon XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS
- Fujinon XC 50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS
- Fujifilm Hand Grip
- Fujifilm Leather ‘Half-Case’
- Fujifilm EF-20 Flash Unit
- extra Fujifilm NP-W126 Battery pack

This is an absolutely fabulous starter kit for someone who wants to get into the X-system at a low cost! All items are genuine Fujifilm products, not cheaper, third-party add-ons.

Fujifilm also has aggressive rebates on nearly every X-system lens and body through December and Boxing Week. Ask us for details!

Please note that below, for Canon, Nikon and Sony, applicable instant rebates are included in the sale pricing.

CANON
** All camera bodies below include a $200 Beau Photo Rental Coupon! **

EOS-1DX Body - SALE $5,599 (reg $6,599)
EOS-5D Mark III Body - SALE $3,199 (reg $3,399)
EOS-5D Mark III w/24-105mm - SALE $3,699 (reg $3,999)
EOS-6D Body - SALE $1,649 (reg $1,899)
EOS 7D Mark II - SALE $1,699 (reg $1,899)
EOS-7D Mark II w/18-135mm - SALE $2,049 (reg $2,249)

EF 24mm f/1.4L II - SALE $1,599 (reg $1,809)
EF 50mm f/1.2L - SALE $1,499 (reg $1,699)
EG 85mm f/1.8 - SALE $399 (reg $459)
EF 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro - SALE $899 (reg $1,039)
EF 16-35mm f/4L IS - SALE $1,099 (reg $1,279)
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II - SALE $1,499 (reg $1,869)
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II - SALE $1,999 (reg $2,309)
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS - SALE $2,199 (reg $2,529)
Kenko Extension Tube Set (Canon) - SALE $175 (reg $220)
Pixma Pro-1 Printer - SALE $749 (reg $999)

NIKON
** All camera bodies below include a $200 Beau Photo Rental Coupon! NIKON rebates continue as below through December and for Boxing Week too! ****

D810 Body - SALE $3,399 (reg $3,499)
D750 Body - SALE $2,249 (reg $2,449)
D750 w/24-120mm - SALE $2,999 (reg $3,199)
Nikon D7200 Body - SALE $1,199 (reg $ $1,349)
Nikon D7200 w/18-140mm VR - SALE $1,499 (reg $1,699)
D7100 Body - SALE $899 (reg $1,029)
Extra Nikon EN-EL15 Battery packs with any above body - SALE $42 (reg $84)*
* while supplies last

AF-S 20mm f/1.8G - SALE $799 (reg $899)
AF-S 28mm f/1.8G - SALE $699 (reg $769)
AF-S 50mm f/1.4G - SALE $499 (reg $549)
AF-S 60mm f/2.8G Micro - SALE $599 (reg $679)
AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G - SALE $2,099 (reg $2,249)
AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G - SALE $799 (reg $849)
AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G - SALE $1,999 (reg $2,099)
AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR - SALE $1,099 (reg $1,179)
AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II - SALE $2,499 (reg $2,699)
AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G VR - SALE $2,849 (reg $2,999)

SONY
** All camera bodies below include a $200 Beau Photo Rental Coupon. SONY rebates continue as below through December and for Boxing Week too! **

A7 Body - SALE $1,199 (reg $1,499)
A7 II Body - SALE $1,799 (reg $1,999)
A7S Body - SALE $2,299 (reg $2,499)
Zeiss FE 35mm f/2.8 - SALE $749 (reg $799)
Zeiss FE 35mm f/1.4 - SALE $1,849 (reg $1,949)
Zeiss FE 55mm f/1.8 - SALE $949 (reg $999)
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 OSS Macro - SALE $1,299 (reg $1,349)
Zeiss FE 16-35mm f/4 OSS - SALE $1,449 (reg $1,599)
Zeiss FE 24-70mm f/4 OSS - SALE $1,149 (reg $1,199)
Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS - SALE $1,099 (reg $1,199)
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 OSS - SALE $1,499 (reg $1,599)

HASSELBLAD

H5D-50C WiFi w/80mm lens - SALE $25,500 Reg $40,250
All Hasselblad lenses are 20% off, saving anywhere from $1,100 to $2,200!

For more information on any of the above camera specials, call or email Mike!


Other Items


GoPro
Purchase a GoPro Camera and get 20% off all accessories!


XRITE

ColorChecker Passport - SALE $115  (reg $130)
ColorMunki Display - SALE $214  (reg $239)
i1 Display Pro - SALE $299  (reg $329)
ColorMunki Photo - SALE $549  (reg $599)

Audio & Video

Rode Video Mic Pro w/Rycote - SALE $275  (reg. $339.95)*
Marshall V-LCD56-MD 5.6” Monitor - SALE $740  (reg $999)*
Beachtek DXA-5Da Sound Mixer - SALE $75 (reg $329)*
*limited quantities

CINEVATE

Cyclops w/ Articulating mount. - Sale $399 Reg. $539.95 (2 only)
Cyclops grip kit - Sale $59 Reg. $102.95 (3 only)
All terrain upgrade - Sale $124 Reg. $216.95 (2 only)
DSLR Core Package Package - Sale $2,099 Reg. $2594.95 (1 only)*
*Also receive a Cinevate Core DSLR Bag at no cost - that’s a $260.00 value!

Dromos Bowl Riser - Sale $229 Reg. $399.95 (1 only)
Durus Follow Focus 15mm - Sale $799 Reg. $1225.95 (2 only)
Simplis Base + Cyclops - Sale $399 Reg. $684.95 (3 only)

Miscellaneous Specials and Clearance Deals!
** Below items limited to in-stock quantities only **

Metz 64 AF-1 Flash - SALE $410 (reg $475)
Nissin Di622 Flash (Canon) - SALE $115 (reg $215)
WeibeTech ToughTech FS Mini HD Enclosure - SALE $25 (reg $95)
Panasonic GX1 Body - SALE $249  (reg $499)

Tripods and Video Monopods

Manfrotto MVM500A Video monopod with Video head - Sale $325.00 Reg. $405.95
Manfrotto 562B Video monopod with sliding head - Sale $220.00 Reg. $283.95
Manfrotto 560B1 Video monopod tilting head - Sale $175.00 Reg. $199.95
Vanguard GH-300T Pistol grip ball head - Sale $175.00 Reg. $239.95
Vanguard Alta Pro Tripod with SBH100 head - Sale $175.00 Reg. $274.95

Filters & Accessories

- 10% off all screw-on filters
- 20% off all screw-on filters when purchased with a new lens!
- 15% off all in stock Rogue products
- 10% off all in stock Peak Design products

For information on any of the above items, e-mail Ken!

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

NEW! Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0R WR and 1.4x Teleconverter...




Update #2: I have now received my own XF 35mm f/2R WR lens and published a detailed review, with lots of sample images as well. Check it out on my blog at the following link: http://mikemander.com/2015/11/tested-fujinon-xf-35mm-f2r-wr.html



Update: We now have the new 35mm f/2 (black version) in stock! The silver model will be coming in a week or so. I'll be receiving my own personal one within the next week too and I'll be doing some testing and reporting on the quality of a production version of this new lens soon. See the rest of this blog entry for some preliminiary testing notes.

Announcement & Initial Testing Notes



[October 21, 2015]: Today, Fujifilm took the wraps off a couple of new items. First off, let's talk about their new, compact 50mm equivalent normal prime lens, the Fujinon XF 35mm f/2.0R WR. You can see it above in the lineup, starting on the left with the 23mm f/1.4, then the existing 35mm f/1.4, the new 35mm f/2 and then the 18-55mm kit zoom (click the image for a larger view). As you can see, the lens is a fair bit smaller than the current 35mm f/1.4.

The new 35mm f/2 is due to be available for sale on November 14th at a price of $499 CDN. The lens will come with a small, 43mm thread-on lens hood and you can use the standard lens cap with it. There will also be an optional bayonet metal lens hood for an estimated $59.95. This hood is tapered and "vented" with slots cut in to allow for better optical VF viewing with the X-Pro1, and presumably, future models with a similar rangefinder-style Hybrid Multi Viewfinder. Despite its tapered design, thankfully it will still allow for use of the supplied, normal snap on lens cap, which is something you cannot do with the rectangular metal hood on the 35mm f/1.4. Not sure yet if the hood can be reverse mounted though? Here is a shot of the optional hood…


The lens will be available in both black and silver, however the hood seems to be available in black only. We are taking preorders on this lens, so contact us if you'd like to order one!

Here is a photo of the black and silver versions, side by side (again, click for a larger view) which might help you decide which one to preorder…

I had a chance to test out a prototype 35mm last week and considering it was optically not a final version, I was still impressed with its image quality.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Used AF-S NIkkor 500mm f/4G ED VR for sale







This professional 500mm super-telephoto prime lens stops distant action in its tracks. Featuring Nikon’s superior Vibration Reduction (VR II) image stabilization and performance enhancing lens technologies, superior NIKKOR optics and a lightweight magnesium die-cast barrel with dust and moisture resistance, it’s ideal for photographers in the field shooting motor sports, outdoor athletes, wildlife and much more. Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization provides 3.0 stops of blur free handheld shooting, assuring dramatically sharper still images and HD video capture. Great condition, like new. Comes with original hard case.

Tag # 5523                                                                         $6800.00   now $6200.00  SOLD!

Used EOS-1D Mark IV for sale




























The EOS-1D Mark IV is a combination of speed, accuracy and image quality, the perfect choice for professional photographers and subjects on the move. It has a redesigned 45-point AF system including 39 cross-type points, a AI Servo II AF focus tracking system with improved algorithm combined with 10 fps continuous shooting. The EOS-1D Mark IV can handle high-speed situations with ease. The 1D Mark IV has the APS-H sized 16.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, and comes with Dual DIGIC 4 image processors.

Tag # 2025                                                                                                        $2750.00

Used Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 IS USM



























Used Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens for sale. Very good condition
Tag 2034                                                                                                        $4299.00

Thursday, September 3, 2015

FUSION 2015 is just around the corner



Fusion is back for the 5th year and not only are we continuing to grow, we’re also on the move – we’re taking over the new and beautiful Anvil Centre in New Westminster. For the second year we’re teaming up with the Professional Photographers of Canada BC division as part of their weekend “PHOTOGraphie” event. PHOTOGraphie is British Columbia's only professional photography festival. The festival’s purpose is to inspire and share the value of photography through education, gallery exhibitions and salon competition.

 The scope of FUSION 2015 is to not only focus on the latest in DSLR video but also to include many aspects of still photography including lectures, demos and even a round-table discussion.

This year we will have 12 amazing speakers, each presenting 90 minute talks/Demo sessions running throughout the day. There will be a wide range of topics presented; from fine Art Digital Printing, Fashion and Still life Photography, the ins and outs of Destination Wedding Photography as well as Audio for film and Video, and Documentary film making, just to name a few. You are guaranteed to come away having learned something if you attend this year’s show. For a full listing of the speakers, their bios and times they will be presenting go to: http://www.photographiefestival.ca/event-schedule/fusion/speakers/

There of course there will be an opportunity to tryout all the coolest new gear from some of the industry’s best known suppliers. This year joining us we have the good people from; Sony, Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm, PhaseOne, Profoto, Cinevate, Moab, Epson, Gentec with Manfrotto, Gitzo, CAPIC, Langara college, VanArts, Red Raven with Novaflex and B+W , Amplis with Vanguard and more. The trade show will run from 8:30am to 4:00pm.

This will be an fantastic event with so much to see and do. We have amazing speakers, great gear to try, FUSION 2015 special sale prices, and not to mention some amazing door prizes as well.  You really don't want to miss FUSION 2015!

Fusion 2015 will be held on Sunday, September 27th at the Anvil Centre. The Anvil Centre is a boutique conference centre conveniently located in the heart of the City of New Westminster, with easy access from the Skytain station and lots of underground parking.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Profoto B2 Summer Promo



Profoto Canada launches the new B2 Flash with a great introductory sale.
Purchase the all new Profoto B2 between now and September 30th 2015 and get these
great introductory prices.
Profoto B2 250 AirTTL to-go-kit - Promo $2628.00 Regular price $2928.00
Profoto B2 250 AirTTL location kit Promo $3526.00 Regular price 3996.00

The Profoto B2 is an on or off-camera battery powered flash. The B2 head is a small strobe that is light enough to be put on a bracket on your camera or on a monopod or stand, the choice is yours. With the Profoto Air TTL remote, the B2 offers full TTL operation with both Canon and Nikon cameras. The B2 is designed to help you to add a little, or a lot, of extra light wherever it is needed. The entire B2 kit fits in a bag no larger than your average shoulder bag. Where and how you shoot is all up to you.

The B2 features:
• TTL and HSS (High Speed Sync).
• 2 fully asymmetrical outlets.
• Lightweight and compact flash heads with powerful LED modeling light.
• Exchangeable high capacity Lithium-Ion battery.
• Power range over 9 f-stops (1-250Ws) adjustable in 1/10th f-stop increments.
• Fast recycling of 0.03-1.35 seconds.
• At lower power settings, it will produce up to 20 flashes per second.
• Built-in AirTTL fully supports wireless operation with all existing Profoto Air transceivers up to 300 m (1,000 ft) away.
• Battery capacity of up to 215 full power flashes or 90 minutes of full modeling light in one charge.
• Built-in reflector creates a wide and even light spread.
• Intuitive and easy-to-use user interface.
• Compatible with more than 150 light shaping tools from Profoto’s renowned light shaping system.

B2 250 AirTTL To-Go Kit (901109)
1 x B2 250 AirTTL with Li-Ion Battery for B2
1 x B2 Head
1 x B2 Location Bag
1 x B2 Carrying Bag
1 x Battery Charger 2.8A
Promo $2628.00

B2 250 AirTTL Location Kit (901110)
1 x B2 250 AirTTL with Li-Ion battery for B2
2 x B2 Head
1 x B2 Location Bag
1 x B2 Carrying Bag
1 x Battery Charger 2.8A
1 x Extra Li-Ion Battery for B2
Promo $3526.00

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Red Light in a Dark Room - Part 19

We have another installment for our darkroom series, this time from David. Thanks a lot for contributing, David!

What is your darkroom? A room, closet or bathroom? Please tell us a bit about it.

It is a storage room, no running water, very dark with overall constant temperature. Small space.

What is your process? Tell us a bit about your developing routine, especially if it's tricky!

Stainless steel Kindermann tanks. Agitate 1st minute continuously, then 5 seconds per minute up to 10 minutes, then 10 seconds per 2 minutes after 10 minutes.

What is your go to developer?

AGFA Rodinal or Kodak HC-110.

What is your all time favorite film/developer combo?

AGFA APX 100, Rodinal. 1:50 68F/20C.

What kind of look does this give you?

Crisp.

Have you tried any or are you interested in any alternative processes, such as cynotype?

Palladium, salted silver. (1986)

What is the best processing tip you can give?

Cleanliness, constant temperature, correct times, patience.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Beau Photo / Fuji Guys - Photo Walk



Click on the image above to register for a fun and informative photo walk with us (Beau Photo) and Fujifilm! Two reps will be on hand to help answer questions, and I (Mike Mander) will be there too. Try out the latest lenses and bodies from Fujifilm's renowned X-system! Whether you are already an 'X-shooter' or just want to learn about Fujifilm great lineup of camera bodies and amazingly good lenses, this walk will be a good chance to find out more. For more info about this event, just call or email us...

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Folding 120 Cameras on Consignment

I am very excited to say our point & shoot consignment department has grown recently with many 35mm and 120 additions.

I'd like to share with you a few of the 120 pocket folding cameras:

The first camera I pulled from the box immediately caught my eye, with its lovely 1930's art Deco detailing - "The Billy Record". Made by Agfa it has F-stops F16, F11 and F8.8 and a shutter speed range of 100 to Bulb. It's selling for $40.






The second camera in the box, though lower end, is brilliant! The Kershaw King Penguin Eight-20. Released in the 1950's it has a fixed focus and a very simple design with only two shutter speeds: B, I and two aperture settings: F16 and F11. It's selling for $25.






The third camera is the less stylish Agfa "Billy I", however where it lacks in looks it makes up for in function.  This "Billy I" is fitted with a 105 1:6.3 Agfa Agnar lens and shutter speeds range from 200 to Bulb and its apertures are F6.3, F8, F11, F16, and F22. It's selling for $35




There are many more in the store to choose from. Come by and have a look for yourself!



Monday, June 22, 2015

Phase One XF and IQ3 in-store demo...



Join us, and Walter Borchenko from B3K Digital, for an in-store one-on-one introduction to the exciting new Phase One XF camera system and IQ3 digital backs.

Where: Beau Photo Supplies Inc.

When: Thursday, June 25th 2015 - time-slots from 10:00am to 1:30pm

How: Please call us at 604-734-7771 and ask for Mike to book a time-slot for this hands-on intro.


Here are a few links with some info on the new Phase One products…

Phase One XF Camera System

Phase One IQ3 Digital Backs

In addition, Phase One has also announced some excellent new leaf-shutter lenses that have been designed with 100 MP plus digital backs in mind. For example, here is a link to the new wide-angle Schneider 35mm, said to have exceptional edge sharpness and minimal optical distortion…

Schnieder Kreuznach 35mm LS f/3.5

Monday, June 1, 2015

Canon's Best in Glass Promotion!

Canon has extended their Best in Glass promo event until July 2nd. Many of the same deals can be had that were on during the Mother's Day promo period (details after the break), so free accessory kits with the purchase of a DSLR, rebates on bodies and lenses, as well as generous bundle-rebates when you buy a body together with one or more 'L' lenses. For full details on the current promotions give us a call at 604-734-7771…

Friday, May 15, 2015

NEW! Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4R WR

The new XF 16mm f/1.4R WR (second from the right)

Update [May 15, 2015]: Due to an unexpected delay in shipment, we did not receive our stock on the 14th as hoped for. According to tracking, we should be seeing a partial shipment arrive on Tuesday, May 19th. Unfortunately, the first shipment is not quite covering our pre-orders either. Hopefully we'll see the balance in a couple of weeks...

The good news is that I have had an opportunity to thoroughly test a production sample of the lens and have posted a follow-up review and a gallery of images on my personal blog here:


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A couple of weeks ago, Fujifilm announced a new, fast wide-angle 16mm prime lens, equivalent to a 24mm in full-frame terms. Notably, this is Fujifilm's first prime lens with the WR designation, meaning it has dust and water resistant construction. I had the opportunity to test a pre-production sample of the new 16mm and while I cannot share any photos from it, I will say that I was extremely impressed. Compared to the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4R, which I consider one of the very best wide-angle lenses I have ever used (regardless of brand), I would say that even the preproduction 16mm held up to the 23mm as far as image quality.

Like the 23mm and the 14mm f/2.8, the new 16mm seemed 100% corrected optically for distortion, therefore no software correction will be needed; straight lines render straight with no apparent barrel or pincushion distortion, even at the very edges of the frame. In addition, I could see no evidence of any chromatic aberration either. With its Nano-GI anti-reflection lens coatings (which the older prime lenses do not have), it proved extremely resistant to lens flare when shooting into the sun as well, something that fast, wide-angle primes are often not very good at. Corner sharpness on the preproduction lens was exceptional as well, and once the lens was stopped down to /2.8, the corners were already essentially as sharp as the centre. Even wide open at f/1.4, the centre of the frame is tack sharp, the edges were very good and only the extreme corners showed some obvious softness. Even the wide-open bokeh was surprisingly smooth and pleasing, not something one would necessarily expect from such a wide lens.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Meet A Scientist

This weekend was fun! Kathy and I got to do an event at Science World called 'Meet A Scientist'. Of course Kathy was the scientist, I was her assistant.


We showed kids and adults alike what's inside an instant photograph using the same technique that we teach people when doing emulsion lifts. First, we needed some photos to take apart so I ran around Science World shooting instant photos, much to the delight of the many onlookers who were there for the Dragon Boat races!





To create an emulsion lift, cut the frame from an Impossible photograph, then peel the back from the front protective plastic. After doing this you'll notice the emulsion has stuck to one of the sides. Submerge the side that holds the image in warm water. After a few minutes you'll see the image layer rise up off the plastic.

                           

Then remove the plastic from the water and you are left with a gooey gelatin layer, which is the emulsion. Next we put a piece of paper into the water and poke the emulsion around until it floats over the paper. Using your fingers, pin two corners of the emulsion to the paper while pulling the paper and emulsion from the water. The weight of the water will help pull the emulsion flat over the paper.



After it is laying on the paper just the way you want, leave it flat on paper towel to dry.

If you're interested in doing a workshop on emulsion lifting please email film@beauphoto.com. We hope to have another emulsion lift workshop in early June.















Saturday, May 9, 2015

Review! Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8R LM WR


Please click on the above image to go to my personal blog for a review and gallery of images shot with the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8R LM WR zoom...

-Mike Mander

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Review: Deep ND Filters Compared (updated)...



[Update April 2015: Added a few comparison images and at the end of this post taken with a Hoya Pro ND1000, as well as some notes about that filter.]

This article is a quick review on some of the latest and greatest IR-blocking ND filters and how they stack up against the “old standby," a standard B+W 10-stop ND which has no IR filtration. The above image is a screenshot from Lightroom, showing a side-by-side comparison with the image thumbnails conveniently colour coded to match the colour cast of the filter used! The B+W 10-stop ND gives colour images a somewhat ruddy-brownish colour cast (the red thumbnails) and it has been speculated that this is due to infrared light affecting cameras with sensors that still have some residual IR sensitivity.

In response to the IR issue, several companies have come along and made filters that purport to solve this with the promise of easily corrected colour balance. The issue is that if a scene being photographed is heavy in IR, a sunny day with foliage perhaps, or anything that reflects a lot of IR, then a deep visible light blocking filter that lets through IR, like the B+W, might affect some areas of an image differently than others, meaning that a simple WB correction in post might still yield an image with strange looking colours or colour casts. There are two image galleries that accompany this article as follows…

There are details about what adjustments were made in the second colour corrected gallery. Also, the filters being discussed in this review are as follows (with the image filename suffix indicated in brackets, also detailed in the galleries)…

- (TA) Tiffen Apex XLE-series 10-stop IRND
- (BW) B+W 10-stop ND (110 ND 3.0 - 10 BL 1000x
- (FHF) Formatt-Hitech Firecrest 16-stop IRND



Monday, April 20, 2015

Red Light in a Dark Room - Part 18

We're back this week with a new installment of our dark room series from Ron. Sounds like a good set up and a reoccurring theme in the advice column definitely seems to be STAY ORGANIZED and be meticulous about recording what you do. Thanks, Ron!

What is your darkroom? A room, closet or bathroom? Please tell us a bit about it.

When it comes to developing film I use my whole house. The Laundry room (loading reels), the Main Bathroom (for drying the film) and the Kitchen (for mixing the chemicals and "souping" the film).

My darkroom does double duty as a laundry room. It works well since it has no windows and I've set a curtain before the door so no light sneaks through from the outer hall. The top of the washer and dryer make a good large workspace. I haven't expanded into printmaking yet. (I have an enlarger and all the accessories, but I need to build a proper darkroom before I can use them.)

What's your process? Tell us a bit about your developing routine, especially if it's tricky.

I like to keep my process as simple as possible. I use two 2-reel Paterson tanks which I load in the darkness of the laundry room.

Before loading I check Massive Dev chart (http://www.digitaltruth.com/devchart.php) to ensure that the films I am developing have the same development times (not a concern for colour but important when developing black and white)

I make a note of each roll and its position in which tank.
ie. tank 1 - Top: HP5 - Olympus OM 10 - March 5 - Gastown

Bottom: HP5 - Canon QL17 - Feb 3 - Strathcona

I often check filmdev.org to see what other people are doing; but, for the most part, I like to stick to the tried and true methods found on the Massive dev chart website.

I don't do stand developing, not because I don't like it but because I haven't the patience to sit around waiting :) My general rule of thumb is agitate for the first 30 seconds and then 4 or 5 inversions every minute after that.

Sometimes I will pick up Ilfostop, but if I run out I do a water stop for two minutes (30 seconds agitation/empty/refill and repeat)

I use Ilford Rapid fix as my go to fixer and, even though it says three minutes is adequate, I like to fix for 6 - 7 minutes using the same agitation as in developing. I've read that it is difficult to over fix and I haven't yet.

Once the film is developed, I hang dry it in the main bathroom (I run the shower for about 15 minutes before hand to keep any dust from ending up on the film as it dries)

Once dry I scan it to my computer with an Epson V550 scanner and store the negatives in archival sheets and binders.
What is your go to developer?

I like Ilfosol 3 because it's low maintenance. I can mix it and go. Unlike a powder mixes like D76 where I have to mix it ahead of time and let it cool.

What is your all time favorite Film/Film developer combo?

I can't give an opinion on this as I haven't been doing this long enough to have experimented with different combinations. I often use whatever I have in the house. Currently I have enough Ilfolsol 3 for two more rolls and a liter of D76 mixed/ready to go. I just picked up 3 - 5L mixes of Xtol and am excited to give it a try.

What result/look does this give?

I will say this... When I've developed HP5 in Ilfosol 3, I've found the results to be grainy with a nice contrast; however, Ilfosol3 with Tmax 400 ended up with a nicer grain and less contrast. Now, take it all with a grain of salt since, like I said, I haven't got the years of experience that many, more knowledgeable, folks may have.

Have you tried any or are you into any alternative processes, such as cyanotype?

I haven't done anything like cyanotype, but I have had great fun playing with caffinol. If you're unfamiliar... Caffinol is a process in which you create your own developer using instant coffee, vitamin C, and washing soda. (It smells as revolting as it sounds) A great video can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYjOqcbBEco and many different recipes and guides can be found at http://www.caffenol.org/

What is the best processing tip you can give?

1) Leave your phone, smart watch etc outside the darkroom! I learned this lesson a couple days ago when I forgot to take off my watch and, half way through loading some 120 film on a reel, it lit up.

2) Invest in a film puller - makes life soooooo much easier.

3) Set everything up the same way every time. Its so much easier to find the reel, scissors, film rolls etc... when you put them in the same place.

4) Label your film - often it will be weeks or months before you process some rolls (Gary Winogrand would let his film sit for a year) and it sucks trying to archive your stuff when you can't remember when/where the photo was taken, or what camera/ lens combo was used.

5) Make a note of what film is where in the tank and keep track of where it hangs when drying ( I work top to bottom/left to right - so when hanging the film the top roll in the tank is always on the left and the bottom roll is on the right (tank 1 is left, tank 2 is right.))