After finally passing, through “enhanced” security at JFK, I was waiting patiently in “group D” to board a Boeing 777 headed to Photokina when I received the following shocking text message from an old friend, who evidently wasn’t just being sarcastic: “I can’t imagine why you’re going to Photokina this year! Everyone knows that cameras are dying and hardly anyone uses them anymore.” Well, you can certainly make a case that today’s high-performance smartphones have largely supplanted low-end point-and-shoots, have generated a galaxy of performance-enhancing accessories, and are even being used to create creditable fine art projects, but to paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the digital camera’s demise are highly exaggerated. Indeed, Photokina 2016 is abuzz with tons of ingenious new cameras, lenses, and imaging concepts that exemplify the wild diversity that becomes possible when you make use of advanced technology and think way outside the box.
Fujifilm, certainly no stranger to medium-format roll film cameras including the late lamented GF670 folding rangefinder camera, has finally brought forth their long rumored Fujifilm GFX a handsome, compact digital medium format mirrorless system camera, It sports a 51.4 MP 43.8 x 32.9mm CMOS sensor, a new mount with a flange back distance of a mere 26.7mm, and there will be a series of at least 6 compatible GF lenses ranging from a 23mm f/4 super-wide to a 63mm f/2.8 normal, to a 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS with built-in optical image stabilization.
The new system will also have a collection of advanced accessories aimed at pros, including a vertical battery grip, and a rotary adapter that can rotate the detachable EVF to virtually any angle to best suit the subject. Sadly, all the GFX stuff including cameras and lenses on display at the Fujifilm booth were said to be prototypes, and locked up in a glass case. The good news: the system is slated to debut early in 2017, reportedly at a “very competitive” price.
Meanwhile, Hasselblad is certainly not resting on its laurels, delivering a double- barreled barrage in the form of two new medium format mirrorless digital models. The H6D range includes the H6D-100c with a 100MP CMOS sensor option and the H6D-50c with a 50MP CMOS sensor. Common features: A wider range of shutter speeds from 60 minutes to 1/2000th of a second, an increased ISO range, and a faster shooting rate along with USB 3.0 Type-C connector that delivers exceptionally fast data transfer. The H6D-100c also provides 4K video capture, a high-definition rear touchscreen LCD, Wi-Fi as standard, and an HDMI connector for external monitors.
The new Hasselblad X1D is perhaps even more groundbreaking in terms of its form and function, and seemed to generate more buzz at the show among fans and journalists, possibly because it too was enticingly displayed in a locked glass case. Hasselblad claims the form factor of this 50MP mirrorless beauty was inspired by the brand’s iconic V-system design that combines excellent ergonomics, compactness, and exceptional handling, creating “a precision performance camera that can fit in the palm of your hand to honor the company’s 75-yer heritage”. The 50MP CMOS sensor is said to capture exquisite detail and vivid natural colors. A completely new family of dedicated autofocus lenses has been developed to support the X1D’’s optical quality and portability, offering a wide range of shutter speeds and full flash sync up to 1/2000 sec. It weighs in a just 725g and includes HD video capture, Wi-Fi and built-in GPS, all in a robust, durable body that’s dust and weather resistant for consistent performance even under adverse conditions.
On the optical front, Sigma unveiled two impressive DG-series lenses, an 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lens with one SLD glass and one molded aspheric element aimed at performance-oriented portrait and sports shooters, and a new fast 12-24mm f/2.8 wide zoom, both shown in Canon mount. Leica’s rumored new Leica T and Leica M, Type 24- failed to materialize, but they did show a nifty (and very substantial) 50mm f/1.4 Summilux mounted on their hefty, high-performance full-frame mirrorless Leica SL (Type 601) that challenges even the legendary 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M in terms of overall image quality—a high bar indeed.
Finally, we just couldn’t help being charmed out of our socks by Fujifilm’s popular Instax instant picture camera done up in pink Hello Kitty livery, which manages to transcend kitsch in its irrepressible little girl cuteness.
cover photo:Sorbis / Shutterstock.com
