First Thoughts

Several months ago Phase One recently released an autofocus version of its venerable 120D f/4 MF Macro. As the 120D MF has been a staple lens for many photographers and one of the sharpest lenses in the Phase One lineup, we wanted to put the two head to head in a quick shootout.

Before we get to the test images, below is a spec sheet highlighting some key changes and differences between the two lenses at a glance:

Despite the close numbers, a feature that doesn’t show on paper is the 120mm AFʼs updated metal lens hood with a rubber coated edge.

On the AF lens, autofocus is engaged by simply sliding the focus ring forward, revealing the word “AUTOFOCUS” on the lens barrel. The 120mm AF also employs a focus limiter feature that can be engaged with a switch on the side of the lens.

Our Test

For this test, we wanted to focus specifically on sharpness and overall image quality. We set up a basic still life scene with controlled lighting and locked down the tripod for a straight forward lens swap test. F/16 was selected because depth-of-field in macro photography is always a challenge and while f/16 may be slightly affected due to diffraction it is commonly used to gain practical depth of field.

• Camera: Phase One 645DF
• Digital Back: P65+
• Software: Capture One Pro (tethered w/ default settings)
• ISO: 50
• Shutter Speed: 1/100
• Aperture: f/16

During these tests, we found it best to engage the autofocus a minimum of 3-4 times in order to confirm that focus is achieved accurately. The limiter function was not used. The 120mm MF lens was focused over several frames by viewing 100% crops using the Focus tab & Focus Mask in Capture One to achieve as close to the same focal plane as the 120mm AF lens as was possible.

NOTE: The AF lens exposure was adjusted -.1 while the MF was boosted +.5 to even the exposure on all test photos.

Full Scene MF

Full Scene AF

100% Crop MF #1

100% Crop AF #1

100% Crop MF #2

100% Crop AF #2

NOTE – Phase One has yet to release a datasheet for the new lens, so as soon as we can get our hands on that we’ll happily share that in comparison to the existing data for the 120MF and compare the data directly to real world images.

Conclusions

This test was specific to image sharpness at f/16 for both lenses, we will be expanding on this test with an in-depth diffraction test, as well as comparing the minimum focusing distances of both lenses. Also, seeing that many photographers may use this lens as a portrait lens, we’ll also use more typical portrait focusing distances and apertures to re-evaluate the sharpness and overall image quality.

In Stock

We have 120mm AF lenses in stock; they can be ordered through our eStore or by calling us at 1-877-217-9870.

Overview

Last week we previewed a rechargeable battery cartridge for the Phase One/Mamiya 645 camera bodies from EJJI. We wanted to put the battery through its paces in order to see if the battery will actually power a body for 10000 frames as claimed.

One of the first things we noticed about the 10K battery was that the base (the part visible when inserted into the camera) is nearly identical to that used by Phase One & Mamiya, right down to the texture. However, we found that the battery is a bit of a tight fit in DF bodies – but does work, and slides a bit smoother on the older AFD1 we tested later. On both bodies the last 2mm of insertion require a bit of force to seal and lock the battery in place.

The Test

We rigged up a Phase One 645DF w/ a P20 digital back on a tripod and pointed it toward a simple still life scene using only available light. Using the camera’s built-in intervalometer, we began firing images in 1/2sec intervals. After more than 3300 identical frames without any apparent change in battery status, we decided we needed to change testing methods since we did not wish to increase the shot count on our P20 by 10,000 frames.

After about 90min on the charger, the battery was  put into a Mamiya 645AFD with an empty film back and cable release. With the camera set to mirror-up and continuous drive we locked the cable release and started shooting. Since we did not have a way to digitally count the number of frames, we counted the number of frames captured per minute (roughly 84fps) and just kept track of the number of minutes it ran for.

At just short of 90min or about 7500 frames, we blew the shutter on the older AFD body we were testing with. This all occurred with the battery indicator on the body showing full charge throughout. We decided to attempt to drain the battery inside a DF overnight with the camera left on (set to never sleep) and the custom function set to Lithium Ion batteries. The battery survived for nearly two days.

Conclusions

This battery is significantly more stout than the often fragile battery cage that is standard for the 645 bodies as it is simply made of more material. Clearly the performance is quite impressive. Since we have yet to find a point where the battery shows a change in charge status (e.g. showing “half full”). So we can not yet tell if the battery will simply die without warning, or if it still as fresh as the indicator shows and has thousands of frames left in it. Look for an update to this test once we’re able to get a definitive answer on when & how you might expect this battery to fully discharge.

Pre-Order

As a result of this testing we are placing a large order with the manufacturer. Once they arrive we’ll put it on our eStore. But if you would like to place a pre-order to be at the front of the line (before we even put the item up on our eStore) please call 877-217-9870 or email info@captureintegration.com.
The price is $219 per battery and $109 per charger, or $499 for a kit of two batteries and a charger.

We just received EJJI’s 10K Battery and Charger kit for use with the Phase/Mamiya 645 bodies. The battery was just plugged into the wall and we’ll be doing some testing. Stay tuned.

Improved Integration

• Better support for exporting annotations/metadata to XMP sidecars.
• Catalog sets, custom fields and hierarchical keywords may be exported to XMP sidecars. Will always be included when extracting metadata.
• Two new general preferences increasing flexibility of importing of annotations/metadata.
• People and Event annotations/metadata now also maps according to the IPTCExtended definition.

Camera Support

• Support for images from additional cameras when using the Phase One renderer.
• Bugfixes on Mac
• Fixed an issue with Import Items > From Camera for German language.
• Bugfixes on Windows
• Fixed an issue with the crash reporter not always appearing correctly.

We will be downloading and testing the release in the coming week.

Enhancements:

• Better color noise suppression in previews.
• Improved ISO 400 and ISO 800 noise settings for P20, P20+, P21, P21+, P25 and P25+.
• Linear film curves for Leaf Aptus-II and Afi-II series backs.
• New firmware for a number of Leaf backs.
• In addition, a number of minor improvements.

Camera Support:

• The following cameras have been added:
• Canon S100 (preliminary)
• Fuji X10 (preliminary)
• Nikon J1, V1, P7100 (all preliminary)
• Panasonic DMC-GX1 (preliminary)
• Ricoh GR DIGITAL IV (preliminary)
• Sony SLT-A35, DSLR-A450 (all preliminary)

About Capture One Updates

Capture Integration is constantly testing new releases of Capture One and has many customers who are kind enough to keep us informed about their testing. We recommend a user update critical software or their operating-system only when:

1. The update contains an improvement, new feature or bug fix which is relevant to the user (“if it isn’t broke – don’t fix it”)
2. The update has been out long enough to give a sense of whether it contains any nasty bugs
3. The user has time/desire to do a complete test of anything workflow critical (e.g. tethering, processing, retouching, printing etc)
4. The user has a complete bootable backup of the computer. We recommend SuperDuper.
5. The user has the time to do a clean install. This means removing the previous version before installing the new version in the case of a software update. For an OS that means doing a erase+install.

Click here to download the new firmware.

We are investigating an issue with the Phase One IQ series, whereby the camera locks up and will not capture an image. The issue appears to only happen when using this combination:

• Phase One IQ back with 2.0 firmware
• Phase One DF body (confirmed with 1.21, 1.23, and 1.25 firmware)
• DF Body is in MUP mode
• A Schneider Leaf Shutter lens is being used (e.g. 80LS)
• The Leaf Shutter is being used

We are unsure if this affects all IQ backs or just the IQ180. We are unsure if it affects all units or just a subset.
Based on our investigation so far) this only occurs when the Leaf Shutter is being used. This means as a workaround you can use the custom function “Shutter in” accessed via the DF menu of the IQ back to disable the Leaf Shutter and use only the focal plane shutter. Of course if use of the Leaf Shutter is critical to your application (e.g. you need fast flash sync) this workaround will not be acceptable.

For now we’d recommend DF users to hold off on the 2.0 firmware update if they ever (even rarely) use mirror up mode.

Update: 12:45pm
Phase One is aware of the issue and has posted 1.47 firmware to allow users affected to downgrade. They promise a revised 2.X firmware “very soon” to correct this issue.

If our customers have any questions about this they are of course welcome to call or email. Or just stay tuned to this page as we learn more.

1. Format a CF card in the IQ back, then insert it into a card reader on your computer
2. In Photoshop create a new document 800×480 in the sRGB color space
3. Arrange/create your graphics/logo as desired to fit inside that canvas
4. Save it as an “BMP” at “24-bit” called “splash.bmp” to the main/top level of the CF Card (i.e. not a subfolder)
5. Eject the CF card from the Computer / Insert the CF card into the IQ
6. On the IQ select [Menu > Display > Splashscreen] Load From CF card
7. The back should display “Successfully Created New Splash Screen”

Update: Phase One has now posted an “official” Knowledge Base article that confirms the above procedure.

Phase One released the IQ back earlier this year with a few of the promised features not yet completed. Most of these were added and improved upon with firmware 1.33 and 1.47. This firmware update 2.0 released today (December 14th, 2011) completes most of the remaining features on the original target list (the remaining two are noted at the bottom of this article).

Features & Fixes

• Language (French, Italian, German, Spanish, Swedish, Russian, Korean, Japanese and Chinese)
• 645DF camera control from Capture One
• 645DF custom settings control from the IQ digital back
• New Splash Screen option in Menu > Display > Splash Screen for display of custom image (up to 800 x 480 px) at startup.
• Support for Schneider Kreuznach USB controlled shutter (Native – no need for special setting)
• New Aerial setting in Menu > Camera Mode for use with special Aerial applications.
• General speed improvements for all IQ digital backs, especially on the H platform.
• General stability improvements for all IQ digital back

Install Instructions

Update should be performed with the digital back disconnected from the camera, and without FireWire or USB connected. Also make sure you have a fully charged battery in the IQ back.

• Download the latest IQ Firmware from phaseone.com.
• Transfer the .fwr file to an empty compact flash card and insert it into the IQ’s compact flash card slot.
• Select “Update Firmware” from the Firmware menu.
• After upgrade the digital back will have to be rebooted, a full reboot is performed by removing the battery from the IQ back, and reinserting it.
• After rebooting select [Menu > Restore Defaults] to ensure the back is on default settings.

Note: If you have any issues with the update, the “Restore Firmware” option will revert to the factory installed firmware version. If you experience errors you can use the menu “Dump Log” to transfer Log information to the CompactFlash card – this log file you can use to send to support for further analysis

Standard Note of Caution

Note: Capture Integration firmly believes that professionals who rely on their cameras for their reputation and income should avoid doing any major software or firmware updates immediately upon release. We have seen problematic firmware updates from Apple, Canon, Leica,  While we have no specific reason to be hesitant with this particular update we recommend waiting several days for our in-house testing and the results of updates of our early-adopter customers before updating your IQ firmware.

Final Features Still to be Completed

This firmware does not enable two features. These will be enabled in a future firmware update.

• UDMA7 Support
• USB3 Port Support
• Turn on both the body and back from body.

Profoto D1 Air 250, $899 (CI Exclusive)

A Rare Discount from the Standard Price of $1,105

Why are we running a special on the “little brother” in the D1 line? Don’t let the lower number fool you. Compared to the D1-1000 the D1 Air 250 is not only less expensive (at our promotional price, it’s nearly 50% less than a D1 Air 1000 on B+H), it’s 25% lighter, has a faster max recycle speed, and a faster flash duration. It also has all the great features of the D1 Air 1000: remote control from the Profoto Air Transceiver, built-in wireless Air receiver, wireless flash sync at 1/1600th (requires leaf shutter lenses), 7-stop range, easy digital control in 0.1 or 1.0 stop increments. If you don’t need a full 1000-watt strobe, or if you already have 1000-watt strobes and just need an extra kicker the D1 Air 250 is a great value.

Faster Flash Duration (t 0.5)

D1 1000 1 /  700 – 1 / 1800
D1 500 1 / 1000  – 1 / 2600
D1 250 1 / 1400  – 1 / 3700

Faster Flash Recycle (120v)

D1 1000 0.2 – 1.8
D1 500 0.1 – 0.9
D1 250 0.05 – 0.45

Lighter Physical Weight

D1 1000 2.9 lbs
D1 500 2.4 lbs
D1 250 2.2 lbs

Have Questions? Ready to Purchase?

Contact Us today.

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FREE Accessories with Broncolor Scoro or Verso Purchase

Have Questions? Ready to Purchase?

Contact Us today.

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Demo Mobil A2R Kit: $3,359 $2,199

Once-a-year Availability of Demo Units at a Great Price.

LIMITED QUANTITY: We have a handful of Mobilite Kits available on a first come, first serve basis. We strongly suspect they will be gone before the end of the year. Included in Kit:

• Two “Mobilite 2″ Heads
• 1200Ws Power Pack
• Cables
• NEW Battery, Multi-Voltage Charger
• Sync Cord, Pack Shoulder Strap
• Soft Kit Case

Have Questions? Ready to Purchase?

If you are interested we suggest you call (rather than email) to ensure your request is received ASAP.

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Visatek Monolight Special

Read More about the Visatec Special by clicking above