New Releases

There was no shortage of lenses at PMA 2009 or teasers behind smudged Plexiglas.Starting with a mock-up of a wide-angle tilt-shift lens for a camera that's still in the prototype stage, Leica is moving forward with lens designs for its medium-format S2. The Leitz Elmar-S 30/3.5 ultra-wide angle tilt-shift lens is a strong indication Leica is serious about bringing out its 39Mp interpretation of the old Pentax 6x7.

Aside from all the lenses and optics displayed at PMA 2009, there were oodles of peripheral goodies to go along with all the 'latest and greatest' photographic toys known to mankind. Some serious, and some less so.

The PortaBrace Director's Cut Series consists of specially modified versions of PortaBrace's most popular cases. Fine details such as soft deerskin suede accents, antiqued bronze-finish hardware, micro-suede lining, suede shoulder strap with memory foam core, and rubber Slip-Not (anti-slip) bottom are some of the enhancements over the traditional blue PortaBrace line. The Director's Cut Series utilizes suede and champagne colors, offset against a contrasting black body color to distinguish them visually. This updated line of professional camera cases are featured exclusively at B&H, and as such we should take a closer look at some of the twelve models that make up the series. Before we do, an examination at one distinguishing feature is required – the leather.           

Continuing our discussion of the year's most interesting lenses, let's revisit those exciting announcements as they pertain to digital SLRs. In 2008 we had PMA, Photokina and PhotoPlus - the trifecta of photographic expositions. These shows brought forth a plethora of delectable tools for both the serious and budding photographer. The following overview is in reverse-alphabetical order (as a change) so we begin with Sony.