Photo life blog..
Fujifilm has released a minor upgrade to the firmware for its FinePix S5 Pro DSLR. Version 1.06 upgrades the camera’s barcode reader and adds noise reduction, maintenance, date/time and file-tag-option selections to the function lock menu. S5 Pro owners can download the new firmware from Fuji’s Web site.
SR has introduced an LED ring light that features two flexible arms. The Digi-Slave Flex-Ring 6400 has 32 LEDs mounted on the ring and 16 LEDs on a panel at the end of each arm.
The Flex-Ring 6400 features a variable power dial for adjusting the LEDs’ brightness and can be either switched on as a continuous light source or triggered from a standard PC or hotshoe sync. The ring and side-panel LEDs can also be used separately.
The light mount is threaded to fit on a 72mm-diameter lens and can be used on smaller-diameter optics with a step-down ring. It operates on four AA batteries or an optional AC adapter.
The Digi-Slave Flex-Ring 6400 is available now from SR for $400.
Tenba has introduced a new line of protective portfolio cases. The Airbook cases use the same Air Case frame that Tenba employs in its photo equipment cases. According to the company, the cases are made of a “multi-layered skeleton of air-channeled plastic panels, high-density foam and specially molded framing components.” The frame is designed to be rigid and sturdy enough protect the cases’ contents during shipping.
The Airbook cases all have soft interior linings and corner cutouts to protect mounted prints and books. There are also hand cutouts on each side to allow easy removal of case contents. Storage compartments for cards and documents can be added to the interior of the lid. The Airbooks have Ballistic Nylon exteriors with triple-lockable zippers and interchangeable windows for shipping waybills. For an additional fee, Tenba will laser-engrave an anodized aluminum exterior plate with a logo or other graphic.
Airbooks are available now in four sizes: a $159 model that accommodates 8.5×11-inch portfolio books, a $169 case that holds 11×14-inch books, a $179 Airbook that holds 11×17-inch books and the largest Airbook, which holds 16×20-inch prints and costs $199.