Free Webinar

Two sessions are available:
Wednesday, January 11th

Session One - 9 AM Pacific Time Register Here
(10 AM Mountain, 11 AM Central, 12 PM Eastern, 5 PM GMT)

Session Two - 11 AM Pacific Time Register Here
(12 PM Mountain, 1 PM Central, 2 PM Eastern, 7 PM GMT)

Join Vincent Versace, best selling author and internationally recognized pioneer in the art and science of digital photography for this webinar co-sponsored by X-Rite and Nik Software. "Oz to Kansas: The Black and White on Black and White Conversions" is the evolution of thought that began with the chapter in his first book "Welcome to Oz: From Oz to Kansas. How to convert an Image to Black and White Without Ever Leaving the RGB Color Space." This webinar takes a practical applications approach to when, why and how to convert an image. In it, you will learn which methods give you the best results and when to choose a simple or a complex solution.

Some of the topics covered in this class are:
- The only soup to nuts overview of the Silver Efex Plug-in. How to use it and when.
- The importance of color management particularly to black and white.
- When and why you should and should not use global de-saturation.
- Split Channel conversions - what they are good for and a way to get the same effect with a file two thirds the size.
- When to use the Black and White adjustment layer to bring out and separate the tones in a color image.
- Multiple Channel mixer black and white conversions that replicate the physics of film.
- What is "Faux-infrared" and a look at how to convert files to black and white from digital cameras that have been modified to shoot Infrared.
- When and how to most efficiently use the Gradient tool for black and white conversion.

Who should attend this webinar:
- Photographers who enjoy black and white photography
- Digital photographers who want to understand black and white conversions
- Anyone who wants to print black and white images

Learn more about Vincent Versace at versacephotography.com.
We hope to see you there!

LEICA CAMERA ANNOUNCES S2 FIRMWARE UPDATE FW 1.0.2.0
Latest update supports the Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH wide-angle lens
 
Solms, Germany (December 19, 2011) - Leica Camera AG continues its commitment to the ongoing development of the Leica S medium format system with a new firmware update, FW 1.0.2.0. This fifth firmware update is specially developed for the use of the camera with the new Leica Elmarit-S 30 mm f/2.8 ASPH. wide-angle lens, ensuring optimum functionality of the lens on the Leica S2 body. Registered S users wishing to bring their camera up-to-date can download the firmware update from the “Owners Area” on the Leica website and take advantage of the latest improvements.
 
The fastest medium format lens in this focal length, the Leica Elmarit-S 30 mm f/2.8 ASPH is now available from Leica dealers. As a result of its wide angle of view and large maximum aperture, this wide-angle lens opens up a multitude of new opportunities for creative composition, particularly in the fields of interior, architectural, landscape and available-light photography. Thanks to its outstanding imaging performance from close focus to infinity at all apertures and brilliant color rendition, the Leica Elmarit-S 30mm f/2.8 ASPH guarantees perfect results in a wide range of photographic situations.
 
About the Leica S2
The Leica S-System is a revolutionary digital camera concept to meet supreme professional requirements. With a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, the S2’s 30 x 45mm CCD sensor features an aspect ratio of 3:2 and an area nearly 60% larger than that of a traditional 35mm camera, resulting in stunning image quality. The S2’s full range of features includes autofocus, high-speed MAESTRO image processor, highly durable design and optimal size and ease-of-use for professional photographers.

Solms, Germany (December 16, 2011) - Leica Camera AG announces the release of a new firmware update for the Leica D-Lux 5. Users wishing to bring their camera up-to-date can now download the firmware update and an installation guide from the ‘UPDATES’ section of the D-Lux 5 page on the Leica Camera website.

This new firmware offers D-Lux 5 users the following updates:

• Improved autofocus speed in the wide-angle domain
• Enhanced functionality when using manual and automatic focusing
• Increased automatic white-balance precision in adverse lighting conditions
• High-ISO-noise reduction for ISO 1600 and ISO 3200
• Incorporation of an ‘Active mode’ for image stabilization and new ‘Miniature effect’ in the ‘My colors’ mode (available for photo and video modes)
• Continuous autofocus with the shutter button half depressed
• Increased longest shutter speed from 60 to 250 seconds
• Addition of manual adjustment of the LCD monitor and the external viewfinder to the camera settings menu

About the Leica D-Lux 5

The Leica D-Lux 5 is a true representation of the Leica design vocabulary and philosophy. Its flat, smooth and uncluttered design ensures its timelessly modern look. The Leica DC Vario-Summicron 5.1-19.2 mm f/2-3.3 ASPH. offers a faster lens than previous models and a zoom with an extremely practical range of focal lengths. Furthermore, the 10.1 mega-pixel D-Lux 5 guarantees exceptional image quality and superb sharpness while its intuitive controls ensure ease of use. Its 720-pixel HD-video function in memory-saving AVCHD-Lite format and optional accessories make the D-Lux 5 the perfect camera for capturing truly distinctive images.

Leica Camera Announces S-Magazine iPad Application

Leica Camera invites users to experience the recently launched S-Magazine application for the Apple iPad. Those who download this complimentary application can view a digital copy of S-Magazine, a new publication allowing professional photographers to share contemporary photographic ideas. Editorial portfolios and current advertising campaigns by prominent international photographers as well information on the latest trends in commercial photography are also offered. 

The new S-Magazine application provides yet another platform for photographers to present work shot with the Leica S-System to a broad international audience. This new iPad application is available through iTunes and perfectly supplements the print version of S-Magazine as well as www.S-League.net, Leica Camera’s new online portal for S Photographers.

Solms, Germany (December 8, 2011) - Leica Camera AG presents the Leica V-Lux 3, a new compact digital camera with an extensive range of features. The camera is extremely versatile, making it ideal for almost all photographic situations. For photographers shooting landscapes, architecture, sport, travel, portraits or wildlife, the V-Lux 3 incorporates an enormously flexible lens. The Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. 24-fold super-telephoto zoom lens covers a wide range of focal lengths equivalent to 25–600 mm in 35 mm format. The newly developed 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor guarantees exceptional image quality for all applications. A truly universal solution for creative photographers looking for an all-in-one camera, the V-Lux 3 also features extensive broad range of video options and offers video quality comparable to premium-range camcorders.

“The Leica V-Lux 3 combines exceptional performance with the handy size of a compact camera. It offers a vast range of focal lengths and covers almost all photographic situations that usually require the use of a camera system. The V-Lux 3 is therefore an attractive alternative to entry-level DSLR cameras with interchangeable lenses,” says Peter Kruschewski, Product Manager for Digital Compact Cameras at Leica Camera AG.

The Leica V-Lux 3 features a very impressive range of video functions, capturing full-HD video in AVCHD format with 1920 × 1080 pixels and 60 full frames per second. This 1080p60 video format not only guarantees the perfect rendition of fast movement in outstanding detail but is also ideal for conversion to alternative resolutions and refresh rates. The entire 24-fold zoom range is available during video recording while an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack

One of the fastest consecutive shooting cameras in its class, the V-Lux 3 incorporates a high-speed burst-shooting capability: bursts of 12 frames per second at full resolution, or 60 frames per second at a resolution of 3.5 MP.

A reliable aid to photographers in the precise composition and assessment of images, the 3" LCD display with 460,000 pixel resolution delivers an extremely bright and clear view. The monitor screen of the V-Lux 3 can be twisted and turned in almost any direction, opening up entirely new horizons for image composition from even the most unusual angles. When shooting stills or video from above their head or down close to the ground, photographers using the V-Lux 3 always remain in full control.

The design of the Leica V-Lux 3 is characterized by a compact form and extremely simple handling. The camera’s integrated handgrip keeps it steady and its light weight allows for one-handed shooting. All controls are clearly laid out and simple to use. For instance, video recording can be started quickly and easily at the touch of a button on the top deck of the camera.

Supporting Leica Camera’s commitment to an uncompromising customer experience, the Leica V-Lux 3 comes complete with a two-year warranty. The camera also is supplied with a comprehensive software package, including Adobe® Photoshop® Elements and Adobe® Premiere® Elements. The image-processing software Adobe® Photoshop® Elements offers users options for viewing, organization and administration in addition to a wide range of image-processing solutions. Adobe® Premiere® Elements is especially designed for video processing and offers optimum features for processing videos recorded by the V-Lux 3 in AVCHD format, enabling the creation of professional audio and video effects. Both programs are available as free downloads from the Leica Camera website after registration of the camera.

The Leica V-Lux 3 will be available from Leica Camera dealers beginning January 2012.

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Allendale, NJ (December 6, 2011) - Leica Camera, Inc. announces the latest firmware update, 1.176, for the Leica M9 and M9-P, the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system cameras.  Users wishing to benefit from the new offerings can download the firmware update from the Leica Camera website.

Firmware update 1.176 eliminates a rare fault occurring during the formatting of SanDisk cards, ensuring compatibility with the Leica M9 and M9-P in accordance with the cameras’ respective standards. All card types available from SanDisk have been fully tested by Leica’s expert technical team and firmware version 1.176 guarantees their proper function, resulting in the previous constrictions on the cards being revoked.

Leica Camera is dedicated to providing products that exhibit mastery in optics and mechanics, high-quality design and outstanding craftsmanship, resulting in an uncompromised customer experience. The company thanks all affected customers for their patience and support in searching for the cause of the compatibility issues as well as SanDisk for their intensive technical assistance.

For installation instructions and to download firmware update 1.176, please visit: http://en.leica-camera.com/service/downloads/rangefinder_cameras/m9_m9-p/index.html.

About the Leica M9 and M9-P:

As the world’s first digital rangefinder camera with a 24 x 36 sensor, the Leica M9 carries the proud heritage of the Leica M system into the digital age.  A truly professional camera for authentic Leica M photography in the familiar, classic and timeless M design, the M9 is the perfect contemporary tool for those who set the highest standard in image quality and are committed to creating images of enduring value. The Leica M9-P provides an alternative, even more discreet and resilient design that further reinforces the classic nature of the M9 and specifically meets the needs of professional photographers. The M9 and M9-P are compatible with nearly every Leica M lens in existence. 

Conservation Photojournalist Bridget Besaw leads weeklong experience in Chilean Patagonia

Allendale, NJ (November 29, 2011) – Leica Camera, Inc., the legendary German camera manufacturer, is collaborating with Seedlight Workshops, developer of environmental photography workshops, to host “Preserving Patagonia: Conservation Photography with the Patagonia Sur Foundation.” Taking place March 3-10, 2012 in Chilean Patagonia, this experiential workshop is led by Conservation Photojournalist Bridget Besaw. Throughout the week, participants learn documentary and travel photography techniques and capture all aspects of the story of Patagonia conservation in breathtaking quality with Leica Camera’s flagship M9 and M9-P digital rangefinder cameras as well as the entire portfolio of lenses.

“We are very excited to partner with Bridget Besaw for this incomparable travel experience,” said Christian Erhardt, Vice President of Marketing at Leica Camera, Inc. “A Leica in hand, participants interpret and capture fleeting moments to document the planet’s natural resources and the people who work, play and steward Patagonia’s impressive and irreplaceable landscape.” 

Workshop participants spend the week with Bridget Besaw amidst her six month project of documenting the preservation and stewardship of the Aysén region of Patagonia in conjunction with the Patagonia Sur Foundation. After learning relevant photographic techniques during informative lectures, participants put them into practice in the field. The result is a final portfolio that includes stunning imagery of the vast, pristine wilderness region, one of the last of its kind in the world. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crystalline lakes near the banks of the El Tigre River and abutting Lago Palena National Reserve, Patagonia Sur Nature Reserve’s “La Estrella” serves as home base for the week.

Designed for both professional and amateur photographers with an interest in travel photography as well as environmental issues, workshop participants have the opportunity to utilize the latest additions to Leica’s storied M-System, the Leica M9 and M9-P.  The entire portfolio of M lenses is also available throughout the workshop, including the latest Super-Elmar-M 21 mm f/3.4 ASPH, an amazingly compact super-wide-angle lens.

Workshop leader Bridget Besaw’s work is inspired primarily by her passion for environmental protection. Her projects have tackled issues such as development threats to northern Maine’s wilderness, loss of working farmland in New England and climate change research and prevention in South American and Indonesian forests. As a newspaper and magazine photographer, Ms. Besaw has won numerous national press awards for her work in publications such as Newsweek, Time, Forbes, Fortune, The New York Times, Business Week, Smithsonian, National Geographic Adventure and Nature Conservancy Magazine. She now produces imagery, multimedia, exhibits and books for environmental organizations and teaches photography workshops. She has also published two books, Wildness Within, Wildness Without and From the Land, in partnership with environmental organizations.

Class size is limited to 12 students. The 8-day/7-night workshop costs $5,800 per person and includes transport between Puerto Montt, Chile and La Estrella and all food, beverage and lodging. Transportation from origin city to Puerto Montt, Chile is not included.

For additional information and to register, please click here or email Reservations@PatagoniaSur.com.

About Leica Camera:

Leica represents a union of craftsmanship, technology and experience. It is at once an extension of art, knowledge and philosophy, providing a state-of-the-art optical experience in a precision, hand-made photographic instrument. Leica Camera has a simple mission: to provide users with an incomparable experience, an instrument that defines an unsurpassed heritage and sets a standard of excellence for the industry to meet.

About Seedlight Workshops:

Seedlight workshops use advocacy photojournalism to elevate environmental awareness through the creation of powerful imagery that reminds the viewer of the importance of protecting the planet. Seedlight workshops connect photographers with a passion for the environment to environmental organizations with urgent, compelling stories that need telling.  Photographers are partnered with local and global environmental organizations working at the heart of the story. Each workshop focuses on creating effective visual media projects while helping environmental organizations to better utilize visual storytelling in their work.

About Patagonia Sur:

Patagonia Sur is a for-profit conservation venture that invests in, protects, and enhances scenically remarkable and ecologically valuable properties in Chilean Patagonia.  An innovative blend of conservation + capitalism, Patagonia Sur seeks to deliver competitive financial returns to investors by preserving pristine ecosystems and the traditional culture of Patagonia in perpetuity by developing and nurturing a diverse portfolio of self-sustaining and environmentally sensitive businesses. www.PatagoniaSur.com

Solms, Germany (November 16, 2011)- Leica Camera AG invites professional photographers to submit entries to the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, an international photography competition. Photographers wishing to take part may submit their projects online between January 16 and March 1, 2012. The terms and conditions of entry can be downloaded from www.leica-oskar-barnack-award.com shortly before the start of the competition.

The winner of the 2012 Leica Oskar Barnack Award will receive a Leica M9-P camera with lens worth approximately €10,000 (approximately US $14,000) in addition to a cash prize of €5,000.
A second honor will be awarded in the category 'Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award', for (aspiring) professional photographers aged 25 and under. The winner of the first prize in this section will also be awarded a Leica M9-P complete with lens.

Competition entry conditions: An international jury awards the Leica Oskar Barnack Award/Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award to photographers whose unerring powers of observation capture and express the relationship between man and their environment in graphic form in a portfolio of up to 12 images. Submissions must be a self-contained series of images in which the photographer perceives and documents the interaction between man and his environment with acute vision and contemporary visual style - creative, unobtrusive and groundbreaking.

With this competition, Leica Camera AG remembers Oskar Barnack (1879-1936), the inventor of the Leica. From 1914 on, he increasingly used the prototype camera he developed, the so-called Ur-Leica, for photography. The history of photojournalism is closely tied to his invention, as, beginning in 1925, the compact and easily carried Leica cameras were instrumental in enabling entirely new and expressive forms of photography.

Allendale, NJ (November 14, 2011) - Leica Camera, Inc. is pleased to announce the latest firmware update, 1.174, for the Leica M9 and M9-P, the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system cameras. Users wishing to benefit from the new offerings can now download the firmware update from the Leica Camera website and take advantage of new, improved features.

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