Panasonic Micro 4/3 camera image spotted in the wild.

As we head into Photokina, the images and spyshots start to crop up with greater frequency as NDA's and people's ability to keep their mouth's shut are strained to the breaking point. Here we see a picture of a Panasonic Micro 4/3's interchangeable lens camera. I believe the image is a computer generated model (albeit, a good one). But whether it escaped from a PanOLeica engineer's laptop or someone's fertile imagination remains to be seen.

The image evokes all of the design principles put forth in the recent Panasonic/Olympus Micro Four/Thirds announcement and the inclusion of Leica glass is very welcome (even if it is built by Panasonic) but I wouldn't be put off by some Zuiko glass well.

This next image shows the body with the lens removed exposing the 11 electrical contacts (up from 9 contacts in the standard Four Thirds mount). This brings up the mystery of the increase in contacts. For what purpose? Fear not! Our intrepid engineer (artist?) provides us with an answer: a shoe mounted electronic viewfinder (EVF)! Once again, the design specs of Micro Four Thirds are followed. The spec calls for no mirror box in this design. This leads one to believe that the camera would be Live View (on a rather generous rear LCD panel) or some sort of rangefinder affair. A high resolution EVF is an elegant compromise that allows SLR-like framing and maintaining the small size demanded by the spec. This ties in with the increase in electrical contacts between the lens and body.

So, is this image real or fake? I say fake inasmuch as it is a computer model of a camera that I fervently hope they will really build. If the sensor is as good as those offered in recent Olympus SLR offerings, this camera would make an excellent travel camera and backup for a full sized DSLR. Hopefully there will be a Leica version of it.

Big thanks to Leicarumors.com for the heads up about the images. Images courtesy of zuiko.exblog.jp.

Determination 3

Determination 3
Originally uploaded by Carlos Echenique

After deliberating with some of my colleagues, I redid the image back to the original version with the safety rope in place and came up with a better subtitle. Please feel free to comment.

Determination 2

Determination 2
Originally uploaded by Carlos Echenique

Here is a motivational poster I created using Bibble Pro and plugins created by Sean Puckett. I will be posting a comparison of Sean's B&W conversion plugins vs. Silver Efex Pro form Nik Software. Will David slay Goliath yet again?

Phase One Announces Full Frame Medium Format Camera

While rummaging around the Photokina 2008 Press site (see link below), I came across this little tidbit. Phase One A/S (makers of medium format digital cameras/backs and the CaptureOne RAW Converter) have leapfrogged Hasselblad by releasing a 60.5 megapixel digital camera system!

Digital Medium Format cameras are fully upgradeable. Owners can update any of the system modules to keep their investment current. Such modularity comes with a price however. The Phase One P65+ digital back starts at $39,900 USD and the P65+ Camera System starts at $41,990.

So what does a camera that costs as much as a loaded Audi A4 bring to the table?

The Phase One P 65+ is the first digital back and camera system to take advantage of the new Sensor+ design and is the world's first full-frame capture system based on actual 645 film format. The P 65+ provides the largest live capture area available with coverage of 53.9mm x 40.4mm - enabling full viewfinder coverage thus no need for lens magnification. "What you see is what you get." The P 65+ sensor format provides 20 percent more live area compared to 39 or 50 Megapixel, 48mm x 36mm chips currently delivering or announced. Sensor resolution is 60.5 Megapixel with 8984 x 6732 active pixels achieving 180 MB, 8 bit RGB files.

In addition to offering the industry's largest live capture area and highest resolution, the P 65+ offers captures at 1 frame per second, reduction of Moiré artifacts, next generation Lens+ & Focus+ technologies and an unprecedented 12.5 f-stops of dynamic range.

Pros

Lots and lots of big pixels,

Buckets of dynamic range,

Total system upgradability

Cons

Bulky

Price

Slow frame rate (1/sec)

Press Release

(Via Photokina Press Site.)

Lenovo Unleashes Monster Notebook for Photographers

Delivers Industry’s First Built-in Digitizer and Color Calibrator Along with Ultimate Power, Multimedia and Display Technologies Lenovo today introduced a monster notebook aimed at photographers. This 17-inch beast includes an Intel Core2 Extreme processor, up to 8GB DDR3 RAM, a 400 nit WUXGA (1920x1200) monitor that displays 72% color gamut, has a built-in color calibrator by X-rite (embedded Huey Pro), Nvidia Quadro graphics (up to 1GB), RAID 0/1, Blu-Ray burner, and built-in Wacom tablet. A 7-in-1 card reader is included and you can add a CF card reader as well. The notebook supports 802.11 BANG, Bluetooth, ultra wideband, and will add Wi-Max support later this year. Pricing starts at $2,978 USD. With everything mentioned above, the price is over $5,000 USD. At first glance the W700 certainly contains all of the desired buzzwords: high res/high gamut monitor, color calibration, Wacom tablet, card readers, Quadro graphics, oodles of RAM, built-in RAID, Blu-ray burner, all of the 802.11's, WiMax, Ultra-wideband (does anyone use this yet?)... The list goes on and on. All this in an 8.3 pound package. Ouch. Be ready to hire an additional sherpa for lugging this baby. Still, photographers have been longing for a mobile workstation that meets their needs and this one appears to fit the bill. I am currently trying to get one in for review and I will let you know how usable this beast is. You can read the full press release here.

DATA ROBOTICS LAUNCHES SECOND GENERATION DROBO

Award-Winning Drobo Adds FireWire 800 and Dramatically Improved USB 2.0 Performance

Mountain View, CA – July 8, 2008 – Today Data Robotics launched the second generation of its award-winning Drobo product. Featuring FireWire 800 alongside improved USB 2.0 performance and an upgraded core processor, the new Drobo is the fastest product in its class for managing and storing digital information. The increased read and write performance now makes the product ideal for use as primary storage for media applications such as photography and video editing, as well as secondary storage.

“Years ago Data Robotics set out on a mission: To create a set of technologies that allows storage to be safe, expandable and incredibly simple. Our customers have been asking for a high-performance FireWire connection since we launched Drobo last year, and this new release is the next logical step in providing users with what they need – and have come to expect – in the Drobo product,” said Geoff Barrall, CEO and founder of Data Robotics.

The second generation Drobo incorporates all of the features and functionality that consumers have grown to know and love in its predecessor: unparalleled ease of use, redundant data protection, and instant expandability that allows storage capacity to grow with users over time. New enhancements include an upgraded core processor, two FireWire 800 ports, dramatically increased USB 2.0 performance, and newly optimized firmware. This release addresses the needs of any user seeking a reliable method of managing vast amounts of data without sacrificing performance; from video editors, to heavy down-loaders, to photographers who shoot raw images.

“Our ability to deliver FireWire 800 in the newest version of Drobo gives us even more of an edge with two particular groups: Creative professionals who rely on the speed and performance of their equipment in their day to day work, and the Apple community which has a strong affinity for FireWire products,” adds Barrall.

"When it comes to video editing, the faster the storage, the better, and this is where the new Drobo with FireWire 800 really shines," said Andy Hirsch of Blue Moon Productions. "I had previously used Drobo as a backup solution for Final Cut Pro, but the enhanced performance of the second generation Drobo has allowed me to use it as my primary storage drive for video editing."

Features include:

Best in class performance Redundant data protection Hot expansion up to 16TB Ability to take advantage of mix and match drive capacities Two FireWire 800 ports (FireWire 400 compatible) One USB 2.0 port

Pricing and Availability

The second generation Drobo is priced at $499 MSRP and also comes in a 2TB version for $899, and a 4TB version for $1,299. All are available for immediate purchase from drobostore.com and B&H Photo, as well as 750 authorized partners worldwide. For a list of those partners or to learn more about how Drobo is changing the way the world stores and protect its data, please visit www.drobo.com.

About Data Robotics

Data Robotics – the makers of Drobo – develops automated data storage products designed to ensure data is always protected and easy-to-manage. Unlike other storage arrays, however, Drobo uses patented software that is designed for non-technical users who demand reliability without the complexity of RAID. Key features of Drobo include some of the most advanced automated features available – including self-monitoring, self-healing and an easy-to-understand visual status and alert panel. For more information visit Data Robotics at www.datarobotics.com

Analysis of Micro Four-Thirds

With the recent press release by Olympus and Panasonic about Micro Four Thirds (m4/3), the photo-blogosphere has been buzzing concerning product announcements around this as Photokina 2008 approaches. To recap, Olympus and Panasonic announced a new variation of their five year old Four Thirds digital camera platform designed for smaller, thinner interchangeable lens cameras using the 4/3 sensor and capable of providing DSLR quality images in a smaller form-factor. However, there are many questions still floating about concerning the implementation of this digital-only specification. Translations of the press release has Olympus & Panasonic targeting women as the main demographic for this new camera format. They also feel, to a lesser degree, that DSLR owners will be interested as well. I feel that they are underestimating the desire of DSLR owners to have a small, easy-to-carry, high-quality backup camera. Sigma botched it with the DP1 and Nikon's recently announced P6000 may be trumped by this technology. Another group missed entirely is the rangefinder crowd. While Leica's M8 is currently the only interchangeable digital rangefinder on the market, the high cost of entry and camera's quirkiness (don't get me wrong, I own one and love it) tends to relegate it to being a niche player. Oddly, rumors have Leica quietly bowing out of the 4/3s Alliance and producing their own lower priced DRF. Will it be m4/3? Among the images shown during the press conference, a silhouette of a m4/3 camera body with a pancake style lens is shown. Will this proposed camera employ an optical or electronic viewfinder? Will it have a viewfinder at all - opting instead for a point and shoot Live View LCD instead? Quoting the Micro Four Thirds website: ...However, growing support for Live View shooting in the market presented another option. We could eliminate the conventional viewfinder and therefore the mirror box altogether. On this basis, the Micro Four Thirds System was conceived. It specifies the optimum flange back length required to reduce camera size and thickness, assuming the omission of the mirror box. The flange back length has been reduced to about 1/2 that of the Four Thirds System. This is considered short enough to allow radical reductions in size and thickness, without causing problems with the lens drive and while still reserving space for accommodating the devices indispensable for digital SLRs such as the low-pass filter and the dust reduction mechanism, as well as devices likely to be adopted in the future. So it looks like the first m4/3 camera is shaping up to be an interchangeable lens P&S design with a large (and hopefully high resolution) LCD display on the back act as a viewfinder. Hopefully, someone will market a shoe mounted optical viewfinder. Moving on to the new lens mount, the m4/3 spec calls for a lens mount that is 6mm smaller and has 11 electrical contacts to 4/3's nine. What are the two extra contacts for? According to the Micro Four Thirds website: "...the lens mount of the Micro Four Thirds System is equipped with two additional signal contacts for smoother Live View shooting with shorter time lags, faster higher communication speeds between the lens and body, and, of course, reduced lens and camera size. These two contacts will also be used in high-speed data processing required for the movie handling capability expected in the future." Movie handling? Interesting choice of words. Since they are using a Live Viewfinder as opposed to a more traditional design, the proposed camera can have a much smaller shutter box and still maintain the features we have all come to expect on high quality cameras: image stabilization, dust reduction and low pass filters. If you have existing 4/3 mount lenses, adapters will be available to allow you to mount them. Since the 4/3 spec for lenses calls for a tele-centric design, the additional distance from the shutter should not have any effect on the image circle. the question here is whether they will produce adaptors for other lens mounts? I, for one, have high hopes for the format. Olympus has really "stuck to its guns" with Four Thirds and now this new format will allow them to enter the blossoming high-end P&S market. I will be watching this with great interest!

Olympus Imaging and Panasonic announce new Micro Four Thirds System standard

Olympus Imaging Corporation (Olympus Imaging) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic) today announced joint development of technologies and devices for the "Micro Four Thirds System standard," a new standard that extends the benefits of the Four Thirds System standard for interchangeable lens type digital camera systems by enabling dramatic reductions in size and weight. Under the terms of an agreement between the two companies, they will work jointly toward commercial production of significantly lighter and more compact interchangeable lens type digital camera systems.

The global market for interchangeable lens type digital SLR cameras is growing steadily, but still only accounts for a 7% share of the total digital camera market. Considering the much larger share held by interchangeable lens type SLR camera systems when film was the dominant imaging medium, it seems that there is still ample room for sales growth in the category. But compact digital cameras continue to offer an expanding range of features and performance, and market surveys indicate that customers choose compact models because they find digital SLR cameras to be "big, heavy, and difficult to operate."

Recognizing this market trend, Olympus Imaging and Panasonic have introduced products based on the Four Thirds System standard, and have led the industry in bringing features such as Live View and contrast-detection autofocusing systems to interchangeable lens type digital camera systems.

Now, Olympus Imaging and Panasonic are expanding the potential of the Four Thirds System standard even further, enabling the development of radically more compact and lightweight interchangeable lens type digital camera systems based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard. Together with the existing range of Four Thirds System products, the new range of Micro Four Thirds System products will enable customers to enjoy true interchangeable lens type digital camera system performance.

When compared to the Four Thirds System standard, the primary distinguishing characteristics of the Micro Four Thirds System standard are:

Approximately 50% shorter flangeback distance (mount-to-sensor distance)

6mm smaller lens mount outer diameter

Electrical contacts in mount increased from 9 to 11

* Image sensor diagonal dimensions are the same for both Four Thirds System and Micro Four Thirds System standards.

The Micro Four Thirds System enables users to enjoy the high image quality benefits of the Four Thirds System's 4/3-type image sensor in a much more compact camera body, and also take advantage of significantly more compact lenses, particularly in the wide-angle and high-power zoom range. The Four Thirds System offers compact, lightweight performance, and the new Micro Four Thirds System will take this even further by making it possible to develop ultra-compact interchangeable lens type digital camera systems unlike anything seen before. The new Micro Four Thirds System also incorporates a greater number of lens-mount electrical contacts, enabling support for new features and increased system functionality in the future.

In addition, users will be able to mount their existing Four Thirds System lenses on Micro Four Thirds System bodies via an adapter.

Moving forward, Olympus Imaging and Panasonic will jointly develop relevant technologies and devices for both Four Thirds System and Micro Four Thirds System standards, and will develop and introduce standards-compliant products in accordance with their respective business strategies.

While continuing to develop Four Thirds System interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, Olympus Imaging will also develop a range of Micro Four Thirds System lenses and accessories, and Micro Four Thirds System camera bodies that are even smaller and slimmer than the light, compact, and widely acclaimed Olympus E-410 and E420.

While continuing to develop Four Thirds System interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, Panasonic will also develop a new generation of compact, lightweight, interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, including ultra-portable camera bodies, interchangeable lenses, and related system accessories.

About the Four Thirds System Standard The Four Thirds System standard defines design and development standards for interchangeable lens type digital camera systems that fully realize the performance potential of digital technology. Four Thirds System cameras utilize a 4/3-type image sensor that delivers the high image quality expected of interchangeable lens type digital camera systems in a form factor that assures outstanding mobility. The Four Thirds System standard is an open standard that enables bodies and lenses produced by participating manufacturers to exchange information and be used interchangeably with one another.

*The company names and product names specified in this release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of each company. Please be advised that press releases and information posted on this site are current at the time of the original publication date. Please note that they may now be outdated or rendered inaccurate.

Nikon Unveils Coolpix P6000

NEW COOLPIX P6000 OFFERS DIGITAL SLR SHOOTING CONTROL IN A COMPACT CAMERA New Performance Series Camera Enables Users to Test the Photography World with Creative Control and "Geo-tagging" Capabilities with built-in GPS MELVILLE, NY (Aug. 7, 2008) - Nikon Inc. today introduced its newest flagship COOLPIX compact camera, the COOLPIX P6000. Featuring 13.5 megapixels, a new, built-in global positioning system (GPS) unit, my Picturetown connectivity and the power of Nikon's exclusive EXPEED™ image processing concept, the P6000 offers the perfect photographic tool for photo and camera enthusiasts seeking the creative control of a D-SLR in the compact body of a COOLPIX camera. "We are eager to see the response to the integration of the new capabilities for COOLPIX cameras, as the demands of our consumers are always a priority in product design," said Bill Giordano, general manager marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. "The P6000 is an exciting product offering for Nikon's COOLPIX line, as it not only provides expanded creative control for photo enthusiasts, but also empowers them with GPS functionality and my Picturetown connectivity." The P6000 knows where the "best shots" are taken, thanks to the integration of the new GPS unit. With the added GPS function, P6000 users will be able to record "geotags" of the location where their images are captured based on latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. This further heightens the photographic experience, allowing users to pinpoint the location via maps available in Nikon ViewNX Software, my Picturetown, Nikon’s photo sharing and storage website, or any other software or website that recognizes GPS data. Additionally, the P6000 makes my Picturetown connectivity for uploading and sharing photos simple and easy, thanks to added wired LAN support via a dedicated Ethernet port built into the camera. Users can upload their images and data directly from the P6000 with an Ethernet cable to the secure Picture Bank service on my Picturetown. In line with other COOLPIX P-Series cameras, the P6000 includes intuitive controls via dedicated command and mode dials, providing easy access to shooting controls and exposure mode settings. The P6000 offers Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] modes granting users the ability to tap into the creativity of D-SLR functions while maintaining the simplicity of COOLPIX functionality. Owners can utilize two user-defined settings, a shooting menu, an efficient, tabbed menu interface, as well as customizable Function buttons to quickly switch between camera settings. Additional shooting innovations engineered to maximize image quality and offer greater control over the final results include Nikon’s original COOLPIX Picture Control System and a new NRW* (RAW) support. The COOLPIX Picture Control System features intuitive controls that enable users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome and apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Furthermore, images shot in the all-new NRW* (RAW) format can be opened and viewed in Nikon ViewNX Software (available early October 2008) for increased editing abilities. Adding even more synergy between D-SLR cameras and compact COOLPIX cameras, the P6000 incorporates a pop-up flash, optical viewfinder for easy composition and the added bonus of system expansion with an optional convertor, Speedlights, and wireless remote control. Nikon's new 0.76x Wide-angle Convertor WC-E76 offers users the option to utilize focal lengths as wide as 21mm (35mm format equivalent). P6000 users can also take full advantage of Nikon's Creative Lighting System with the built-in accessory shoe that supports Nikon's i-TTL flash control, which enables wireless control over one group of remote Speedlights including the newly announced SB-900 Speedlight. The P6000 features a quality finish and a front panel constructed of solid Magnesium alloy, as well as a comfortable grip and well-placed controls for streamlined performance. The new P6000 camera is compatible with new high-capacity SDHC cards, and utilizes a Nikon EN-EL5 rechargeable Li-ion battery. The P6000 also comes bundled with the COOLPIX Software Suite for editing, organizing and sharing images. The Nikon COOLPIX P6000 will be available nationwide beginning September 2008 at a MSRP of $499.95.** For more information about the P6000 and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com. * COOLPIX Picture Control NRW (RAW) files can only be processed in-camera. NRW (RAW) files are compatible for use in-camera, with ViewNX (Windows version only, available early October 2008) or with WIC-based applications. Capture NX, Capture NX2 and NEF files are not compatible with NRW (RAW) images. ** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. About Nikon Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 75th anniversary of NIKKOR optics and the 60th anniversary of Nikon cameras. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Analysis Pros

Magnesium body

RAW Support

Manual Controls

Built-in GPS

Built-in wired LAN support

Support for Creative Lighting System (with adapter)

Cons

New format for RAW file. Third party converters will lag behind.

Built-in zoom lacks range - relies on Adapter lenses to broaden range

Wired connectivity only supports Nikon's online service

Nikon is taking a bead on the market niche currently filled by Canon's G9 P&S digicam. The addition of RAW support (albeit in a new format so that no third party apps will support it yet) will be very appealing to photographers who are on the lookout for a nice, light backup camera. Its apparent ruggedness and built-in GPS will be a big hit with the outdoorsy types. How this will hold up in the market against the rumored large sensor P&S camera Nikon has waiting in the wings remains to be seen. UPDATE: the buzz around the blogosphere is generally singing a dirge for this camera before it hits the market. PanOlympus' Micro-4/3 spec looks to outshine this model (as well as all the "bridge" P&S category) and that may be outdone by Nikon's rumored "Micro-APSc" camera. UPDATE 2: The Nikon P6000 is now available for pre-order from: Amazon B&H Ritz All sites are at list price of $499 USD.

CV intros new 28/2 Ultron lens in M-mount

In a press release dated July 17, 2008, Cosina Voigtlander introduced (or should I say, reintroduced) a new lens for the Leica M-mount: the CV Ultron 28 mm F2.

Based off of the now discontinued Ultron 28/1.9 LTM (Leica Thread Mount), the Ultron 28/2 is available only in black, adds a focusing tab that its predecessor lacked, and uses a 46 mm filter size.

Available Specs
Focal Length:	28 mm
Lens Assembly:	10 Elements in 8 groups
Aperture Range:	f2 - f22
Min. Focusing Distance:	.7 meters
Weight:	244g (8.6 oz)
Filter Size:	46 mm
Estimated Availability:	Mid August 2008

Pricing is not available at this time, however, Stephen Gandy over at Cameraquest is accepting pre-orders with a deposit of $100USD. It is unknown at this time whether the lens will maintain the aspherical lens element of its predecessor or whether the M-mount will bring up the correct framelines on a Leica M8. One would assume that since the Leica M8 is the only digital M-mount rangefinder currently in production that CV would set the mount up correctly for it. Regardless of any potential mount issues, this introduction bodes well for the continued life of the Leica M8 and its successors by providing high quality, lower cost alternative to expensive Zeiss and astronomical Leica glass.

Cosina Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f2 SL II Review

Cosina Voigtlander (CV) is a japanese camera maker that specializes in 35mm film rangefinder cameras. They also make their own lenses and are quite good at it since Cosina is the manufacturing partner of Carl Zeiss, AG. While the lion's share of lenses they make are for Leica Thread Mount (LTM) and Leica M-mount, they do make a few SLR lenses in Nikon F and Pentax KA mounts. Today I present to you the CV Ultron 40mm f2 SL II.

Specs

Two surface Aspherical Element lens for maximum correction

CPUs for metering compatibility with Nikon or Pentax digital SLRs

Compact Pancake lens extends only 24.5mm from lens mount (Nikon AIS)

Six elements in five optical groups

9 Aperture blades

Size 200 grams, 63mm diameter, 24.5 length from lens mount (AIS)

Filter size 52mm

Close Up to .45 meter (1:7) without close up, close up range of .38 to .25 meter (1:4) with close up lens

Angle of view with film 57 degrees

Smallest aperture f/22

Included with the lens is the dome shape lens hood and the close up lens. Features The CV Ultron 40mm is a pancake lens, very short and compact by design. Made completely out of metal and glass, it is surprisingly very light, tipping the scales at a mere 200 grams. When mounted on my D300+MB-D10 it looks positively puny.

That being said, the lens makes carrying my D300 very, very easy even with the MB-D10 grip attached. With the D300's DX sensor, this lens' effective focal length is 60mm, making this a nice, wide-ish portrait lens suitable for walkabout. But as Master Yoda said, "Size matters not." And like the diminutive Jedi Master, this little guy packs a big wallop. Fast and sharp, the lens has a medium focusing throw, going from minimum focus to infinity in 180 degrees. The lens included a small dome-like lens hood (this has to be seen to be believed) and a screw-on close-up lens which reduces the minimum focusing distance from 38cm to 25cm (about a foot for the metrically challenged). Wait a second, focusing throw? Yes, this is a manually focused lens. In fact, all of CV's lenses are manually focused - not an AF motor in the bunch. However, this lens (and it's 58mm Nokton stable mate) are both CPU Matrix lenses that support Program, Shutter & Aperture Priority modes. The apertures can be set from the camera without having to move the mechanical aperture ring. Just set it on f22 and forget it. The camera does the rest, even in Manual mode. Another thing to consider is that this a prime lens (fixed focal length) and zooming is achieved by moving closer to/further away from your subject (aka "sneaker zoom"). So why would anyone buy this dinky non-zoom lens? Besides the obvious size factor, the lens is razor sharp, has a lovely smooth bokeh (rendering of out-of-focus areas) and is quite a value for the price. Here are some bokeh samples: As you can see in the samples, the soft out-of-focus areas add a 3-dimensional aspect to the subjects, making them pop out of the image. The lens is also equally adept at handling color as well as black & white. [Editor's note - all images in this article were shot using a Nikon D300 in NEF format and processed in Apple Aperture 2.1. Black & White conversion accomplished with Nik Software's SilverEfex Pro for Aperture 2. Fuji ISO 100 film was simulated.] One thing to remember when using a fast prime lens is that the plane of focus with the lens wide open is very thin. The faster the lens, the thinner the plane of focus. This next shot shows how thin the plane of focus is.

As you can see above, the camera is focused on the balloons behind my son's head. The balloons are in sharp focus, but my son's face is slightly out of focus. With a manually focused lens, you have to be extra-careful to make sure that the focus is on the right spot. This end, Nikon has provided the D300 with a focusing aid that tells you when the subject under the center spot of the viewfinder is in focus. The Nikon D3 and D700 share this feature with some enhancements. Test Photos The set of test shots above show the lens' performance at various f-stops ranging from f/2 (wide open) to f/22 (fully stopped down in 1/2 EV increments). At f/2, the lens' paper-thin plane of focus is readily apparent. For the record, focus was set on the bundles of thread in the center of the photo in every shot. By clicking in the individual photos, you can see larger versions including full-size (12.3Mpx) images. As you can see, items a couple of inches behind or in front of the threads are softly out-of-focus. As the lens is stopped down, the scene is pretty much in focus by about f/5.6 with maximum detail rendered about f/11. Corner sharpness is very good and center sharpness is excellent. Color rendering is excellent as well. Chromatic aberration is pretty much non-existant even stopped down thanks to the aspherical lens element in the design. One last test: the included close up lens. This lens is screwed into the dome hood and does not interfere with any filters mounted between the hood and the lens barrel. On the left you can see the diminutive close-up lens and on the right a test shot of my Leatherman Skeletool from about 25cm (1 ft) away. The close-up lens does not add any distortion. Price The lens is available from major online photo stores like B&H, Adorama, and Cameraquest (the main Voigtlander importer for the United States). The price is $379 which is a bargain considering how well built this lens is and how well the optics perform. Zeiss lenses for Nikon cost about 2-3x as much. Conclusion The CV Ultron 40mm F2 SL II is an excellent choice as a prime lens for walkabout use. On a D300, it is a lovely short tele portrait lens and on the D3/D700 it is slightly wider than a normal lens (50mm). It is available in Nikon F-mount (the one I have) and Pentax KA-mount. If you have either of these camera brands, you want to get this lens.