Phase One PPE News: 3 Schneider Lens Updates, XF Body FW Update

[Doug Peterson]

Phase One has two announcements this year for Photo Plus: something new and some things blue.



Something New: Phase One XF Feature Update 1 (free firmware update)
- Copyright Embedding
- WLF Focus Confirmation
- Hyperfocal Point Calibration
- Seismograph Based Vibration Mode
- Remote Focusing
- Bullseye Level



Three Blue Ring updates to the Schneider LS Line:
- Schneider 55LS, 80LS, 150LS Blue Ring versions
- Electronically Serialized
- Tighter Tolerances
- Improved Feel
- 5-Year Warranty when purchased w/ IQ3 Kit

Links for more info:
New Schneider Blue Ring LS Lenses
New Phase One XF Firmware

Want to See Them?
We'll have the new lenses and the new firmware at our party tonight and at the Photo Plus Expo (booth #855).

Questions? Post them here and I can get an answer for you as the morning progresses. Or you can email us at info@digitaltransitions.com.

[teamwiess]

Any news about when the XF will be usable with Credo backs?  Still in the cards?  (I might have missed something.)

[Doug Peterson]

Any news about when the XF will be usable with Credo backs?  Still in the cards?  (I might have missed something.)

Still in the cards.

No update on when.

[stevenf]

Doug

Have you tested the new lenses versus the old ones to see if there is a difference?

Thanks Steven

http://www.friedmanphoto.com

[Doug Peterson]

Doug

Have you tested the new lenses versus the old ones to see if there is a difference?

Thanks Steven

http://www.friedmanphoto.com

The 35LS (previously announced and already shipped en masse) was new optics and a huge leap forward in optical quality for that focal length. The 120LS (previously announced) and the 55LS, 80LS, and 150LS are all optically the same as the previous generation. Manufacturing tolerances have been tightened and the physical housing is a more durable metal construction, but no large difference is expected in optical performance. We still have new-in-box inventory of the previous generation, which are by all means  still excellent options, and will sell those off at a discounted price.

The most profound impact will be for rental houses and production companies that own multiple bodies/lenses (see article linked in first post about details on serialization). For other users this is less revolution and more evolution; but it is nice to see them continue to invest in upping their game across the board in backs/bodies/lenses.

[stevenf]

Thanks Doug.

[teamwiess]

Thanks Doug.  Jeff pinged me with that information today as well.  Great minds think alike. 

[Doug Peterson]

Thanks Doug.  Jeff pinged me with that information today as well.  Great minds think alike.

Thanks Doug.

My pleasure.

[BernardLanguillier]

Thanks Doug.

Glad to see the system being further consolidated.

No EVF yet then? It struck me recently that the XF was in a position to offer one when the technology is ready which would enable photographers to pick OVF + AF or EVF + MF depending on need/situation.

Anyway, I am digressing.

cheers,
Bernard

[Doug Peterson]

No EVF yet then? It struck me recently that the XF was in a position to offer one when the technology is ready which would enable photographers to pick OVF + AF or EVF + MF depending on need/situation.

Not yet, but I agree it's something for them to consider! Since the XF Viewfinder is removable and features a modern high speed communication bus it would seem to be possible in the future.

For some use-cases you can use the IQ250 / IQ350 wireless live view to an iOS device, but of course this is not really the same as an EVF for use-cases where EVFs excel.

[BernardLanguillier]

Not yet, but I agree it's something for them to consider! Since the XF Viewfinder is removable and features a modern high speed communication bus it would seem to be possible in the future.

That could be an appealing option indeed, not that the XF lacks appeal without it of course.

Cheers,
Bernard

[alifatemi]

thanks Dough for all these info and updates. Its first time, to my knowledge, someone from industry take part in this forum and update people and answer their questions directly. Epson, Canon or Nikon for example, people got lots of question from them but nobody from themselves or their distributors ever to bother answer or help or update people hear as if the only things they think of is just sell their products. contributing in forums and directly help customers is great. If I wanted to buy something, I surly buy from those people like Dough because they care. Well they advertise and also help people too...

[BernardLanguillier]

It's funny (probably subliminal thinking) but every time you do this I buy something from Steve Hendrix.

I just hope for you that nobody comes here to promote Hassy and Leica, because you'll soon be stuck with a Holga!

I am sure you'd take nice pictures with it though.

Cheers,
Bernard

[Doug Peterson]

thanks Dough for all these info and updates. Its first time, to my knowledge, someone from industry take part in this forum and update people and answer their questions directly.

To be fair I'm not the first. David Grover, Steve, Yair all still participate.

There have also been others in the past, but they generally do not last long. It's harder than you might think; you sort of have to roll with the punches and not take things personally.

Regardless, thanks for the kind words!