|
TWO-FER POD
 Like other new-age travelpods, Sunpak’s totable FieldMaster (black) and FieldMaster LE (limited-edition green) are remarkably lightweight (2.6 pounds), compact (19 inches, collapsed), and rise to an eye-level 57.8 inches when extended. In addition, they are outfitted with desirables such as ultrawide leg spread for ground-level shots, removable accessory hook for attaching a camera bag as a weight, split-center column, and bubble-level, retractable spiked feet. Unlike the competition, though, Sunpak throws in a slew of extras: two quick-release plates (each with another bubble level) and two tripod heads (a miniball and a three-way pan/tilt head—see inset), all for under $100. Oh, please, let this be the start of a trend! (ToCAD America; 973-428-9800; www.tocad.com)
BELARUS BEAUTY
 If you’re a Nikon, Pentax, or Ricoh 35mm SLR shooter who’s always wanted a circular fisheye, but haven’t wanted to part with the $450 (or so) that it typically costs, check out the 8mm f/3.5 Peleng circular fisheye imported from Belarus by Kiev USA for $325. It uses a 42mm screw mount for older Pentax or Ricoh 35mm SLRs, and accepts K-mount adapters for newer model cameras. The 2.5-inch long, 14-ounce Peleng also ships with a Nikon bayonet-mount adapter that screws into place. Either way, the lens lacks mechanical or electrical contacts, as well as autodiaphragm operation. Its preset diaphragm system requires you to set the shooting aperture, open up to focus, and then flip a preset ring to return to the working aperture before shooting. (Complicated at first, but doable.) Among the Peleng’s attractions: a depth-of-field scale, a soft leather case, and a set of four rear-mounting filters. There’s even an instruction booklet—in Russian. (KIEV/USA; 203-531-0900; www.kievusa.com)
SON OF XPAN
 Familiar with the Hassie dual-format XPan? It’s the rare 35mm rangefinder that carries the vaunted Hasselblad marque, and instantly backflips from a 35mm to a double-wide (24x65mm) panoramic at the flick of a switch. Now the Swedes are back, with the turbo-charged (turbo-tweaked?) XPan II. Its chief attractions are an enlarged camera-back LCD panel that offers film speed settings (among other info), and a viewfinder LCD showing shutter speeds and new exposure readouts. Added bonuses: nine multi-exposures (up from two); bulb exposures up to 540 sec; self-timer settings at two and 10 seconds; first- or second-curtain flash syncing; and a film leader in/out option. Replacing the XPan, the “II” uses all three original lenses and most XPan accessories. (Hasselblad USA; 973-227-7320; www.hasselblad.com)
SPECK-TACK-ULAR!
 Even Kinetronics would agree that its SpeckGRABBER dust-busting device is, well, a little tacky. In fact, it’s a lot tacky. We aimed its business end at a dust spot on an SLR mirror, and the SpeckGRABBER’s adhesive surface lifted the dust away, without leaving a visible residue. Among other uses, the new de-duster is said to handily lift specks from digital camera CCDs. You can buy the Speckgrabber separately ($3), but it also comes in kits, such as the Pro version ($20) with three grabbers, a finger-friendly handle, cleaning solution, and anti-static cloth for cleaning lenses or camera bodies. Best of all? Should the SpeckGRABBER grab too many specks and lose adhesion, after a quick rinse in H2O, the tack is back! (Kinetronics; 800-624-3204; www.kinetronics.com)
|
