I recently purchased a single-lens reflex camera which, according to the advertisement, “loads its own film.” But when I placed the camera on a cleared dinner table—after putting a roll of Tri-X next to it—nothing happened. The camera refused to load itself.
The Scotch Action Series 2010 (list:| $99.95 with charger, shoulder strap, and belt clip) is a 12-volt rechargeable NiCad battery designed for use with portable VCRs and the new 8-mm camcorders. The 2010 measures 6¾×1¼×4⅜ inches, weighs two lb., and features two LEDs to indicate proper charging and operation. Normal charging time is 14 to 20 hours. Scotch Div., Berkey Marketing Cos., Inc., 25-20 Brooklyn-Queens Expwy. W.,Woodside, NY 11377.
Berkey Marketing Cos., Inc.,
Spike Suppressor
$21.95
A Spike Suppressor/Multiple Outlet (list: $21.95 has six grounded outlets with solid-state over-voltage protection, a 15-amp circuit breaker, lighted power switch, and heavy-duty cord; it enables the user to protect microprocessor-controlled instruments from the harmful effects of voltage surges and spikes. Available from Spiratone, Inc., 135-06 Northern Blvd., Flushing, NY 11354.
Berkey Marketing Cos., Inc.,
Cullmann line of dedicated-flash units
The Cullmann line of dedicated-flash units is available in four models, all utilizing the SCA 300 system for TTL dedication; they are fully automatic with most major camera systems, and offer Guide Number ratings ranging between 82 and 132 with ISO 100 film. The units have built-in bounce capability and rapid recycling times, with the top-of-the-line Model CX40 featuring an LCD display with five-position zoom bounce reflector. Prices and other information from GMI Photographic, Inc., P.O. Drawer U, Farmingdale, NY 11735.
Berkey Marketing Cos., Inc.,
water-resistant Standard binoculars
$79 to $105
Three new water-resistant Standard binoculars (list: $79 to $105, depending on magnification) from Minolta are touted as ideal for outdoor use. They feature a Bak 4 prism for full-field viewing, with multicoated eyepiece and objective lenses for improved contrast and light transmission. The Standard binoculars have protective rubber eyecups which can be removed or folded back for eyeglass wearers; a rubber coating for sure-gripping covers the entire binocular. Information: Minolta Corp., 101 Williams Dr., Ramsey, NJ 07446.
Berkey Marketing Cos., Inc.,
Expansion kits
$9.95
Helping to organize a growing videocassette library is the aim of Video Titletabs ($9.95 for kit). Light gray vinyl tab pockets adhere to the spine of a tape carton and take slip-in disposable paper tabs for titles, ID, notes, etc. When a change or addition to the tape is made, the irrelevant tab can be easily removed, updated, and replaced. The Titletab starter kit includes 20 self-stick pockets, a pad of 80 disposable tabs, two sets of adhesive numbers (for matching cartons with tapes), an index, and a pen with which to write it all down. Expansion kits are also available. From Sima Products Corp., 4001 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60646
Berkey Marketing Cos., Inc.,
WCP-15 Manual Waterpanel
$160
For critical water-temperature control in the darkroom, the WCP-15 Manual Waterpanel (list: $160) includes check valves to prevent back flow, a quick-turn lever to regulate and adjust flow, a three-inch dial thermometer, and a 30-micron filter with reusable core. This pre-assembled unit lets user select any range of temperature from hottest to coldest available, with three lever controls for full adjustment within a quarter-turn. Information: Leedal Inc., 1918 S. Prairie Ave., Chicago, IL 60616.
Berkey Marketing Cos., Inc.,
Beseler 45 MXT professional enlarger system
$910
The Beseler 45 MXT professional enlarger system can be equipped with the Beseler/Minolta 45A light source and the new three-lens turret. Chassis features include XL printing capability, motorized elevation control with micro-adjustment, plus acceptance of the full line of Beseler 4×5 series glass and glassless rotating-type negative carriers. Formats from disc to 4×5 can be printed with this system. Suggested list prices are $910 for the MXT chassis, $325 for the condenser lamphouse, $875 for the 45S color head; $1,500 for the Dichro-45 Computerized color head. Further information: Beseler Photo Marketing Co., Inc., 8 Fernwood Rd., Florham Park, NJ 07932.
Berkey Marketing Cos., Inc.,
2NA
Paterson is introducing new liquid concentrates for processing color negatives, prints, and transparencies. 2NA is a two-solution kit for prints on Kodak, Fuji, and Agfa papers. Instructions are also given for processing C-41 color negatives and Ilford XP-1 chromogenic b&w film in the 2NA kit. Paterson 2RP features a 3½-minute development of color-negative print papers. This development time is stated to be constant over a 60 to 100 F temperature range. Paterson 3E6 is a three-solution rapid processing kit for E6 slide films. B&W chemicals include Pro-Print, a cool-tone developer with a standard dilution of 1:9. Pro-Fix is a rapid working non-hardening fixer. Information: Challenger Marketing Corp., 200 Pettit Ave., Bellmore, NY 11710.
Berkey Marketing Cos., Inc.,
Photo Calendar
$8.95
The Photo Calendar (list: $8.95) is a 12-month, spiral-bound, 8½×11 flip calendar with space in each month to insert up to a 5×7 photograph of your choice. Two different calendar designs are available—“The Adventures of Mr. Bonehat” and “The Family Photo Calendar,” both on thick stock and cleverly illustrated. Available at photo dealers, or information from Click!, Minneapolis Technology Center, 1313 5th St., S.E., Suite 330, Minneapolis, MN 55414.
Berkey Marketing Cos., Inc.,
camera backpack
$180
Photopack (list: $180) functions as both a camera backpack and shoulder bag. In the backpack mode, a foam-padded harness spreads the weight across the shoulders, while a nylon waist strap keeps the pack from bouncing. Conversion to a shoulder bag is made by tucking the harness and waist strap into a zippered rear pocket and attaching the foam-padded shoulder strap. In either configuration, the top fully padded compartment holds a camera; a middle section has adjustable dividers, while a lens hatch provides access to equipment in the lower part of the pack without the need to remove the gear above. Side and “paraphernalia” pockets have room for film, lenses, strobes, etc. Information: Tamrac, 6709 Independence Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91303.
Berkey Marketing Cos., Inc.,
System J Archival Slide Storage Cassette
The System J Archival Slide Storage Cassette is composed of injection-molded 8½×11-inch clear acrylic cassettes, a J-Box that holds six cassettes, and J-System cabinets. The individual cassettes hold 24 35-mm or 12 2¼ square transparencies. Cabinets can be designed to hold built-in viewers, lockable doors, pull-out drawers, etc. Prices and information from Leedal, Inc., 1918 South Prairie Ave., Chicago, IL 60616.
Wilderness Photography/Trinity Alps: Owens Valley Landscape Photography Workshop, Bishop, Oct. 11-18. David Cavagnaro and Mary Ellen Schultz provide individualized instruction; field trips to the White Mountains, Alabama Hills, and Bishop Creek to photograph autumn color at its peak; $700, all-inclusive.
If you’ll be in the market for a new SLR within the next year, chances are that it will be one of the new models with auto-focus. As you compare their features and claims, you're bound to ask, “How good are they, really, at focusing?’’ We’ve been asking that same question, and getting the same answers for years.
“It’s one thing to take pictures of a tragedy, but it’s something else to take pictures capitalizing on the grief of bystanders, victims, and survivors of victims,” said Professor Jay Black of Utah State University, one of the editors of the Journal of Mass Media Ethics.
Be sure that heart and brain are engaged before releasing motor drive
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Howard Chapnick
I edit pictures; I rarely take them. But looking at roughly a million photographs each year is a challenge to my patience, my visual acuity, and my appreciation for pictures which can excite and stimulate. Forty-four years of dealing with photographs have not yet led to boredom.
Try these tips for raising your Exposure I.Q., and be in better control of your pictures
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Cora Wright Kennedy
Automation, I love you! The 35-mm field is chock-full of automatic SLRs that do so much for picture-makers. They let us really concentrate on seeing and composing. They definitely minimize the time lag between spotting the subject and recording it.
The finer points of additive color printing — part 2
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Larry Sribnick
Because its colors are purer, the conventional additive color-filter system offers a more precise method for filtering color prints. However, since you have to make three separate exposures, it’s almost impossible to dodge and burn-in prints as easily as with the single-exposure subtractive filter system.
Not many traveling photographers would think of a car as a piece of photographic equipment, but this four-wheeled accessory can serve many purposes. The front seat provides perspective to contemplate the photographic potential of nature.
An exciting new breed of cameras for outdoor, active lifestyles hits the beach.
ALL-WEATHER & UNDERWATER CAMERAS
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George Schaub
Photographers with active lifestyles need cameras they can take climbing, sailing, skiing, or just plain beachcombing. Until a few years ago, few options existed in "rough and ready” gear—cameras that could withstand the worst outdoor shooting conditions.
Pros show and tell their shooting tips for in, around, and underwater.
TOTAL IMMERSION
SPLASHY BACK LIGHT
WET LOOKS
SOME LIKE IT HOT
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George Schaub
As a regular contributor to Ski, Powder, Surfing, and Sailboarder, Ron Dahlquist feels that sports photographers should be part of the action so they “will know what to look for.” Dahlquist, who is an experienced sailboarder (as well as skier), donned goggles and fins and swam 100 yards off-shore for this shot.
Three photographers tell how they make striking black-and-white portraits in the light of the summer sun.
Debbie Fleming Caffery
Michael Lavine
Joyce Tenneson
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Steve Pollock
This is the season for outdoor portraiture. While famous monuments may make fine subjects for postcard images, people really want to see pictures of themselves, their friends, and fascinating strangers. Whether you're strolling down a city street or visiting a country church, the opportunities for making fine portraits are everywhere.
It’s picture time, when the livin’ is easy and the light is right. Here are some fascinating experiments and picture-taking ideas that can help make the summer of 1986 your season for photographic discovery.
2. Flash a black background:
3. Is there only one “correct” exposure?
4. Through a filter darkly:
5. Expose for the subject, or for the light:
6. Show your colors:
7. Flash pops up in the strangest places:
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The camera shutter is a unique imaging mechanism that allows the photographer to freeze time, or to record its passing. Here, George Schaub used a 1/1,000-sec shutter speed (left) to stop the splashing of a waterfall, and a 1/8-sec speed (above) to transform the rushing water into glassy smoothness.
Take along some practical tips for capturing your summer travels on videotape
Air travel
Shooting from boats
By car
On foot
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John Lachky
Travel and photography have always been natural companions. Today, vacation picture-taking is likely to be done with video equipment as well as—or even instead of—a still camera. To get the best possible video record of your journey, a little advance planning is needed.
By introducing an electronic still camera for photojournalists and other pros, Canon is taking photography into a new era.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
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Sean Callahan
Norman Goldberg
A new age of electronic-still photography is dawning. Predictably, the first rays emanate from the land of the rising sun. Last April in Japan, POP PHOTO was given an exclusive preview of the Canon RC-701, the first electronic-still photography (ESP) camera to come to market.
Riccardo Marcialis makes food studies into graphic anecdotes.
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Susan Piperato
To Italians, eating is an art. So, for Milan commercial photographer Riccardo Marcialis, it’s not enough that his still lifes of food look perfect; they must also taste perfect. Raised by two generations of great chefs, Marcialis learned early on to create gourmet delights.
Type of camera Integral-motor dual autofocus 35-mm SLR (single-lens reflex). Exposure system Light-intensity feedback measurement for programmed and automatic modes, TTL full-aperture centerweighted exposure measurement in manual; employs one silicon photo diode.
Making the move from a conventional single-lens reflex to an autofocus model is like changing from a stick shift to an automatic transmission. At first you resist, feeling that the driving experience will be diminished. Then you slowly begin to see how easy it is to get around in rush-hour traffic.
Well below average—7.5 millivolts on our scale. (Average for all cameras tested during past five years is 20.06 millivolts.) Below average—0.2333 volts on our scale. (Average for all cameras tested during past five years is 0.3345 volts.)
Don’t think of the N2020 as an N2000 with piggybacked autofocusing capability; instead, consider the N2000 as an N2020 without autofocus. An inside look reveals that the similar body design used for both cameras was originally designed to be an autofocus SLR.
Jade Albert specializes in children's fashion and her energetic work appears in advertising and fashion magazines here and in Europe. For the father and son shot, Albert used the S (single) autofocus mode and shot at 1/125 sec at f/11. “This is a more casual shot,” said Albert, “with the models playfully moving side to side.
Japanese camera makers have virtually abandoned home-movie equipment in favor of video. But now there’s a French revolution in super 8—the Beaulieu 7008 S sound camera.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
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Elinor H. Stecker
Home movies made with a good super-8 film camera have a look that is very different from that of video. In terms of image sharpness, tonality, and color saturation, film is simply superior. So the arrival of a new top-of-the-line super-8 movie camera, such as the Beaulieu 7008 S, is a cause for celebration—preferably with French champagne.
The Friends of Photography’s Ansel Adams’ Center in San Francisco
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Arthur Goldsmith
The misty town of Carmel, California is haunted by photographers — past, present, and yet-to-come. Edward Weston did some of his finest work there at Point Lobos. Ansel Adams chose to live in Carmel during the final years of his life; today a colony of active photographers keeps the image-making scene alive.
Centering: The center of curvature of each lens surface should lie on a common line. Contrast Test: Electronic comparison of contrast levels between the image of a coarse and a fine slit; the result is expressed as a percentage. Distortion: Barrel distortion causes straight lines in image to curve out; pincushion distortion causes lines to curve in. Does not influence sharpness, nor is it improved by stopping down.
Grancel Fitz: world-class pioneer in advertising photography
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Harvey V. Fondiller
Where are the prints of yesteryear’s advertising pictures? Like yesterday’s newspapers, most of them have vanished, except for those by a few famous names such as Edward Steichen, Nicholas Muray, and Lejaren à Hiller. The reason is obvious: Most advertising photography is throw-away stuff; its usefulness ends with each ad campaign.
When I use a 24-mm wide-angle lens plus a 52 → 55-mm step-up ring, then add a 55-mm polarizing filter, all four corners of my photos are darkened (as shown, in part, below). Is this vignetting inherent in wide-angle lenses and polarizers? Or did the step-up ring just move the polarizer far enough out to cause the problem?