Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/02/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi LUGnuts It seems that the first gizmo to turn traditional film cameras into digital devices will be marketed from next June. Point your browsers at: http://www.imagek.com/ In summary, it's a simple replacement for the film cassette with a CMOS sensor lying on the film plane. Resolution 1280x1024 pixels producing files of around 1.4Mb. 30 pix per load, and download direct to a PC or Mac. 'Film speed' is 100 ASA, but they hope to raise sensitivity in later devices. Cost under USD800. As far as I can make out, it will work best with the R series which have a film reminder window. This way you can see all the info, but it also has audible signals which make it suitable for any camera with a hinged back and no reminder window. It might just work on the M series, but I doubt that it will be suitable to digitise LTM cameras with solid bodies and bottom-end loading.. Personally I'm not rushing out to buy the Mark I. I would imagine that prices will drop rapidly when production gets into its stride, and the technology will no doubt be rapidly refined over the next couple of years. Anyway, folks, it's no longer a straight choice between film and digital. Now you can use either in the one camera. Tho' I doubt that the quality will be anywhere near film yet, using Leica glass should make up at least some of the leeway. Slan Alex Alex Hurst Cork Florists 19 Winthrop St, Cork Republic of Ireland Tel: +353 21 270 907 Fax: +353 21 271 248 email: corkflor@iol.ie Website: http://www.flowerlink.com/corkflorists Home website: http://homepages.iol.ie/~corkflor/