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“A-peeling” newcomer
 Large- and medium-format shooters who use Polaroid’s 679 and 689 instant proofing products (a.k.a. “peel apart” films) often bemoan the lack of critical sharpness, inconsistent developing times, and slow drying. Enter: Polaroid’s latest peel-aparter, T690. Claimed to be visibly sharper, with more consistent results over a wider range of ambient temperatures, T690 is also faster drying. At a street price of $10.49, a 10-pack is about $1 more than the 679. (Polaroid; 800-662-8337; www.polaroidworks.com)
Tri-legged travel mate
 Meet the latest entrant into the competition now raging for “Best Lightweight Travel Tripod”: Slik’s Sprint Pro (approx. street price: $79). Weighing under two pounds, measuring just 18.9 inches when folded, and extending to an eye-level 64 inches, the silver-toned Sprint Pro is well suited for low-angle work, thanks to its two-section center column and variable-angle leg positions. The tripod comes with a compact ball-type head; retractable spiked feet; easy-to-operate, flip-style leg locks; and a shoulder-sling carrying case. (THK Photo Products; 800-421-1141; www.thkphoto.com)
Leather or not
 Camera bags made of real leather tend to be more rugged and age more gracefully than fake leather bags. The problem with leather? Price. The real thing costs up to three times as much as faux. But Lowepro is changing that with its new leather LZ and LEX bags. The LZ 10 (street: $15) and slightly taller LZ 20 ($20) will hold small- and moderate-sized compact cameras, while the LEX 60 (shown, $30) is large enough for a miniDV camcorder. All give you belt loops, shoulder straps, zippered pockets, and the look, feel, and ruggedness of leather—at prices just a tad higher than vinyl. (Lowepro; 800-800-5693; www.lowepro.com)
Thiz Cleanz Cameraz
 Spudz are micro-fiber cleaning cloths tucked inside tiny canvas pockets, and they look kinda like—how’d ya guess?—small potatoes. With their plastic hooks, Spudz (street: $5) clip easily onto camera bags, backpacks, vests, or keychains. The cloth is sewn into the pocket so it shouldn’t ever get lost, and, if it needs cleaning, you just toss the whole thing into the wash. (Alpine Innovations; 866-489-6788; www.alpineproducts.com)
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