Kodak To Release New Large-Format EKTAR Film

Kodak Press Release:

Large-format photographers will now be able to shoot with the world’s finest grain color negative film, as Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) announced the upcoming availability of its KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTAR 100 Film in 4x5 and 8x10 sheet formats. EKTAR 100 Film, also available in 35mm and 120 formats, is the ideal choice for commercial photographers and advanced amateurs for applications such as nature, travel, fashion and product photography, where the emphasis is often on color and detail.

Since its introduction in September 2008, the EKTAR 100 family of films has won numerous industry awards, including the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) award (2009), Professional Photographers’ Hot One Award (2009, 2010) and American Photo Editor's Choice Award (2009).

“Large-format photographers, such as landscape and fine-art photographers, will love the impact and flexibility that EKTAR 100 brings.  It's the ideal choice for creating high magnification enlargements for commercial display, while preserving even the finest detail,” said Steven Decker, general manager of Film Capture and Paper and Output Systems in Kodak’s Film, Photofinishing and Entertainment Group.  “Introducing EKTAR 100 Film in 4x5 and 8x10 further continues our commitment to providing photographers with high quality, relevant films that support a broad segment of the market.”

EKTAR 100 Film features high saturation and ultra-vivid color, incorporating KODAK VISION Motion Picture Film technology to achieve its unparalleled fine grain.  It is ideal for photographers who want the superior resolution of large-format film and look for extraordinary enlargement capability when scanning and printing.  Also, EKTAR 100 illustrates Kodak’s ability to continually innovate by leveraging assets, technologies and expertise across the company to bring the best products to market.

The new KODAK EKTAR Film in 4x5 and 8x10 sheets formats will be available worldwide beginning in April 2010.

FujiFilm To Announce New Instax Cameras

Polaroid isn’t the only company trying to keep instant film alive.  Below is a recent press release from FujiFilm.

FUJIFILM North America Corporation has announced it will showcase its most recent instant camera models during PMA 2010 – the commercial grade Instax 210, and two consumer models – the newest addition to the Instax family, the Instax Mini 25 and the Instax Mini 7S which was introduced last fall. Fujifilm has been producing instant films in Japan since the late 1980’s and by 2003 was introducing branded peel-apart type instant films to the United States. In November 2008, the company introduced its first instant camera, the Instax 200 to the U.S. market.

“The response to Fujifilm’s instant cameras and films in the United States has been excellent because they not only fill a need but also produce the exceptional quality photographers have come to expect of Fujifilm products”, said Kayce Baker, director of trade marketing, Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Consumer interest in the Instax Mini 7S was very strong during the holidays. As a result of its popularity we are now able to offer U.S. consumers our newest model, the Instax Mini 25. There is still a need for instant film in professional and commercial markets. For consumers, the Instax Mini provides a nostalgic experience for some, and a whole new photo experience to those who grew up on digital.”

Instax 210 Instant Film Camera 
Successor of the Instax 200, Fujifilm’s newest commercial grade instant camera, the Instax 210 uses Fujifilm’s Instax Wide Instant Color Film to produce vivid images in a wide picture format. The Instax 210 also offers an automatic adjusting flash, high-resolution retracting lens, a new close-up lens adapter and a big clear viewfinder. With a high precision Fujinon lens, the Instax 210 has a programmed electronic shutter, two range selectable shooting options, and an LCD control panel displaying focal distance and film count. The Instax 210 instant camera is sleek black and sports a rounded shape, easy-to-hold side grip, and finger controllable composite control panel. The Instax 210 camera and film provide a high quality instant film solution for a variety of commercial applications including: law enforcement, health care, fashion, and event marketing.

Instax Mini 25 Instant Film Camera 
Fujifilm’s newest consumer model, the stylish Instax Mini 25 produces vivid credit-card sized instant prints using Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film. In addition, this instant camera boasts added features such as an LCD film count and shooting mode display as well as a camera mounted shooting mirror for taking self portraits. The Instax Mini 25 also includes a built-in automatic electronic flash for low-light shooting, a detachable close-up shooting lens and three exposure modes – auto mode for dark settings, fill in flash mode for auto flash on bright or dark areas, and landscape mode. The programmed electronic shutter has two release buttons for vertical and horizontal shooting. Available in white.

Instax Mini 7S Instant Film Camera 
Also for consumers, the Instax Mini 7S is an instant film solution equipped with high end Fujinon optics and four selectable shooting modes. With its silken white finish and cute design the Instax Mini is a sleek looking camera that produces high-quality, credit-card sized instant prints using Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film.

Instax Instant Color Films are ISO 800 films that produce sharp clear reproduction for vivid color, natural skin tones and super fine grain instant prints. Instax Wide Format Film has an image size of 3.90” x 2.44”. Instax Mini Film is 2”x3” while the image area is 1.8” x 2.4”.

Fujifilm’s line-up of Instax instant cameras and instant films have been enjoying success in Asia and Europe for years, which has helped generate a loyal following in the United States, particularly over the last year. The continued introduction of instant film products in to the U.S. market is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to the culture of photography.

Availability:
  Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 25 Instant Film Camera will be available in Q2 2010. The Instax 210 and Instax Mini 7S Instant Film Cameras are now available.

New Polaroid One-Step On The Way?

The next generation of Polaroid cameras was apparently displayed at the 2010 CES back in January.  The available photos of the new, instant-film camera, called PIC-1000 show off its retro style including a metallic plastic finish and woodgrain.  The new model has a self-timer, flash and even red-eye reduction.  It will be interesting to see just how serious they are considering pricing and a release date have yet to be announced.

FujiFilm Announces New GF670 Film Camera

In the category of “Didn’t See That Coming” the FujiFilm announced the GF670 Professional medium format folding camera. The foldable camera resembles the classic shooters of old and features 6×6 and 6×7 dual-format shooting for use with120 and 220 roll film. It features a Fujinon EBC 80 mm lens, coupled rangefinder, exposure compensator, and aperture-priority automatic and manual exposure modes.

But why this camera, now? "There is a segment of studio, portrait, and landscape photographers who find that medium-format film is the perfect solution for their businesses because of the unique look that film offers as well as the ability to produce high-resolution photos in very large sizes" said a Fujifilm spokesperson. "Many photographers still have a passion for the art of traditional film photography."

The GF670 Professional includes exposure counter display, an ISO setting dial, manual film advancement and offers -2/+2 exposure compensation. There is a a hot shoe flash mount and a PC sync socket. The camera is expected to be available in Q2 2010 at a cost of $2199. At that price you better still love film.