Zeiss 135mm f2.0 Apo Sonnar Lens

Posted on June 18, 2013 by rwblogadmin

We have started to see greater numbers of this lens in both the Nikon F (ZF.2) and Canon EOS (ZE) mounts. Now that we have cleared our initial back orders we thought we would give our customers a chance to have a closer look. We hope these images of the ZF.2 Nikon version are of interest. The Canon (ZE) mounted lens is very similar but does not have the mechanical aperture ring.

The lens is very impressive looking with excellent build construction. The lens is a larger optic with a front filter thread of 77mm. The lens has a buttery smooth manual focus ideal for portrait work.

The lens has built in CPU contacts that allow coupling with your Nikon camera’s metering and exposure modes. This is a manual focus lens so no AF contacts or AF drive pins are present

A closer view of the mount really shows its high quality construction. Many of our video users like the mechanical aperture ring so they can aperture pull whilst filming. This feature also makes it possible to use this lens on older Nikon film bodies such as F3, FM2 etc.

The included lens hood is all metal and offers very good shading. It fits to the lens via a lens hood bayonet so the 77mm front filter thread is unaffected.

More information and pricing can be found on our website

The Leica X Vario – aka M Mini

Posted on June 11, 2013 by rwblogadmin

The Leica X Vario; also known as the M Mini has just arrived. First looks are great but here is what Leica say

BRILLIANT PICTURE QUALITY
The integration of an APS-C format sensor in a compact camera is a highlight in itself. But the combination of such an unusually large sensor with a zoom lens in a compact camera is unrivaled in the ar t of camera engineering. The Leica X Vario is the world’s only compact camera to offer this unique combination. A sensor that is extremely large for the camera’s compact dimensions combined with the high per formance Leica Elmar 28 –70 mm f/3.5 – 6.4 ASPH. (35 mm equivalent) lens ensures images of unsurpassed brilliance.
Even with a maximum aperture of f/3.5, this combination allows the creative use of planes of sharpness to lend images incomparable plasticity and depth. The wide-angle to telephoto zoom range of the Leica X Vario offers enormous scope for creative composition. Whether capturing indoor scenes that appear more spacious, impressive landscapes, or intimate portraits, Leica X Vario users can simply and quickly change
the focal length to spontaneously capture the perfect moment of any situation in all its authenticity.

THE LEICA M AS A ROLE MODEL
Even at first glance, it is obvious that the Leica X Vario contains the DNA of the Leica M. Each further exploration confirms this impression. The Leica X Vario is a further development of the Leica X2, and features significant design characteristics of the current Leica M. True to the concept of its role model, it also concentrates on compactness and construction, employing only the finest materials. For instance, the top plate is machined from solid aluminum in the same process as that used for the Leica M. The magnesium
and aluminum body feels comfortably solid in the hand. At the same time, soft leather trim lends the Leica X Vario reassuring grip characteristics. This compact camera, manufactured in Germany, is a visual and tactile experience – a true Leica, made in Germany.

INTUITIVE HANDLING
When it comes to handling, the Leica X Vario follows the lead of the Leica M and offers a persuasively simple handling concept that is reduced to the bare essentials in all respects. Thanks to this simple concept, even unpracticed users will quickly be able t o concentrate on the most important aspect: their pictures. All functions and controls are clearly laid out, and settings can be changed in an instant to meet the needs of any photographic situation. At the same time, the commendably user-friendly menu interface displayed on the high-resolution 3 ” monitor provides a clear overview of all settings at a glance.

FULL- HD VIDEO
The Leica X Vario also lets photographers capture the little stories that life tells in motion pictures. That’s because this compact camera offers a full-HD video recording option with 1920 ×1080 pixels and 30 full frames per second. Video capture can be started and stopped simply by pressing a single button on the camera’s top plate. Particularly practical: the full-HD videos can be saved in Internet-friendly MP4 format and uploaded directly to social media or mobile devices, for example, without any need for conversion. This means that inspiring moments can now be shared with friends in HD videos. An integrated wind-cut filter ensures outstanding audio clarity. The Leica X Vario – the perfect camera for people on the go.

RELIABLE AUTOFOCUS
The Leica X Vario’s autofocus is fast, extremely precise, and virtually silent. The shutter can be released immediately after focusing, with virtually no lag. It is perfect for spontaneous and discreet photography. It’s also perfect for letting you become a part of the action and capturing life’s intimate moments. As the autofocus zone can be selected manually to define the desired plane of sharpness, photographers can compose their pictures exactly as they envisage them in their mind’s eye. The change from autofocus to
manual focusing is particularly intuitive: all you needs to do is move the focusing ring from the setting achieved using autofocus to enable precise focusing on details with the aid of the practical magnification of the central part of the image on the monitor screen.

CREATIVE FREEDOM
Just like the Leica X2, the Leica X Vario is prioritized on achieving one par ticularly crucial goal: the sheer joy of photography. That is why both cameras are perfect in every photographic situation – whether for casual shots or carefully arranged compositions. This is made possible by the ability to switch between automatic and manual control in a split second. The precise click-detent dials on the top plate allow manual pre-selection of the required shutter speed and aperture values. In addition, the required focusing distance
and focal length can be set via the focusing ring on the lens. The Leica X Vario offers further options that enable users to explore their creative horizons; for instance by using the white balance control, autofocus zone selection, and defining of the plane of sharpness. Thanks to live view mode and a high-contrast monitor, photographers have complete control of the creative process at all times – even in bright surroundings.

ALWAYS READY TO SHOOT
The superior performance of the Leica X Vario is revealed in naturally lit situations, and is enhanced by its lens hood. But the camera also shows its true str engths in difficult lighting situations and failing or low light. Thanks to its large sensor and fast Leica lens, it allows exposures to a maximum ISO sensitivity of 12500 and thus offers even greater scope for creative experimentation. The Leica X Vario is simply ready to shoot at any moment – like every true Leica.

FIRST LOOK – THE UNBOXING VIDEO

Leica X Vario – Robert White Photographic unboxing

We were so excited that we could not wait to film a video. This short unboxing is a little rough and ready but this was our first look at this superb camera.

New Schneider 28mm PC-TS Lens

Posted on May 17, 2013 by rwblogadmin

Large format cameras have; for a long time, been chosen not only for their very high image quality, but also for the ability to adjust the relationship between the lens and image plane (Tilt and Shift). However, with increased costs of film, and clients demanding more work for less money, photographers have become more reliant on 35mm style DSLR cameras, which can in the right hands provide ample file size for even the most demanding client.

Perspective control lenses (PC-TS) go a long way to bring the control back to the hands of the photographer; offering many of the advantages of shooting with large format.

For example; when shooting buildings, usually you would have to tilt the camera up in order to fit the whole building in the frame, leading to the problem of converging verticals where the subject appears to be leaning backwards.

Without Shift – Camera Pointing up

With Shift – Camera level front standard raised

However this effect can be combated with a tilt/shift lens. Instead of tilting your camera upwards, you are able to shoot with the camera level and simply rise the front of the lens with the shift mechanism until the entire building is in the frame.

Whilst, there are many software techniques that allow for some correction, this is never without problem. Image quality will be reduced greatly, due to additional cropping and interpolation you may have to perform, and you will also find that the building starts to look shorter.

Many photographers find it very difficult to deal with in software; as it is difficult to make things look accurate when you are away from the subject.

Thank you to Stu for that insight; last week whilst it was sunny he had a chance to have a play. Here are his thoughts:

This lens differs from the usual 35mm PC lenses in a number of ways. First the usual tiny rack and pinion mechanism that you would normally find on a PC, which apply rise/fall or tilt/shift is gone; instead this is replaced with wonderful large collars which simply rotate to apply the movement you require. These mechanisms allow the most precise independent control possible.

The lens is also fitted with a tripod mount so I had the choice of either mounting the body to the tripod, or the lens. The lenses tripod mount can be rotated easily so in this instance I chose to shoot with the lens mounted to the tripod. I found that it seemed to be better balanced and was easier to focus on subjects in the foreground before applying movements.

The collars used to apply movements do take a little getting use to but once mastered I found them very easy to use with a really positive feel. This lens does take practice and discipline to get right so allow a few hours to really get the hang of it. Once you are focusing in the correct place; using the right aperture, and applying the correct movements the results speak for themselves. This lens really slows you down and puts the controls back in your hands. Using this lens is the closest I have been to using a large format camera for quite some time; being fully manual aperture with no AF confirmation or CPU contacts.

The lens has real WOW factor. The construction is elegant and the finish is to a very high standard. The engineering and Germany build quality is evident in every screw, nut and bolt. The front aperture selector in blue is also a very nice touch. This lens is on the larger side but suits a pro body very well.

The lens has been specifically optimised for high resolution DSLR cameras such as the Nikon D800 / D800e (which these images were shot on). The lens has a large image circle to allow for a good degree of movements. This also means that the photographer is using the sweetest part of the lens. Compared with other manufacturers offerings it performs with higher resolution to the edge than any previously used.

Lee Seven5 / RF75 filter system

Posted on May 13, 2013 by rwblogadmin

If you have a small camera system such as a rangefinder or a compact system camera such as a Panasonic G, Sony NEX, Fuji X, etc there is now a filter system to suit your every landscape need.

Light, portable and perfect for street photography and general picture-taking on-the-go, compact system cameras feature the flexibility of manual controls and interchangeable lenses, but it hasn’t always been possible to make the most of filters with them – until now.

Comprising a lightweight, precision engineered filter holder, the LEE Filters Seven5 Micro Filter System is compatible with LEE’s 75x90mm filter range – which includes a Polariser, Neutral Density Filters and now the Big Stopper.

Simply select the correct adaptor ring for your lens thread, screw it onto the lens, snap on the filter holder and drop in the appropriate filter.

In just a few moments you’re ready to shoot.

Lee also offers a superb lens hood for the Seven5 and RF75 holders. Please note that Lee RF75 filter holder and the Deluxe Kit are still available and are currently running along side the new Seven5 system.

The Seven5 / RF75 filters are not just cut down versions of the LEE 100mm System. In keeping with the smaller size the gradation zones have been adjusted to suit the smaller system. These changes have been made through extensive testing in conjunction with top landscape photographers.

Lee also produce a range of filters sets.
Basic Filter Set

Containing

1x 0.6 Neutral Density Grad hard
1x 0.6 Neutral Density standard
1x 81B Graduated
Digital Basic Filter Set

Containing

1x 0.6 Neutral Density Grad hard
1x 0.6 Neutral Density PROGLASS standard
1x 81B Graduated

Advanced Filter Set

Containing

1x 0.6 Neutral Density Grad to 81B Combination
1x 0.9 Neutral Density standard
1x 81B Standard

Digital Advanced Filter Set

Containing

1x 0.6 Neutral Density Grad to 81B Combination
1x 0.9 Neutral Density PROGLASS standard
1x 81B Standard

What is Proglass?
The ProGlass ND is an extremely high quality glass ND standard filter optimised for use with digital cameras, but equally useful for film.

This new filter uses a surface coating made from evaporated metal, and therefore provides very even absorption across the visible spectrum and through the UV and Infra Red regions.

Digital users need to use ND standard filters to prolong exposure times in bright conditions for landscape photography, but the excess UV and IR can cause colour problems in some lighting situations. The ProGlass filter reduces any chance of false colour casts, and also provides a result described as punchier on digital and film because the light forming the image is more specific to the requirements of the film or sensor.

What are Combination filters?
Combination filters are made using the same hands-on process as our ND grads. Typically they feature a warm-up or colour correction filter one end and a ND grad the other end.

“To” Filters have separate colours top and bottom and can only be made with hard grad transitions.

Robert White Open Day 20th April 2013

Posted on April 25, 2013 by rwblogadmin

The Robert White Open Day returned ! based at our new showroom and studio we had a good turnout for both Morning and Afternoon sessions.

Held on, perhaps the First truly sunny day of the year : we held two identical sessions featuring a talk by noted local landscape photographer Jeremy Walker.

Jeremy discussed the use of filters when composing landscape shots, illustrated with some inspiring pictures he has taken. In fact, we were going to post some pictures from the day, but decided Jeremy’s were more interesting….!

All images copyright Jeremy Walker

Our lens handling session , featuring Schneider’s superb TSE lenses, was much praised – thanks in great measure to Stu’s informed demonstrations and enthusiastic delivery.

Our friends from Lee Filters, Gitzo Tripods and Flaghead were also there to talk through their products and answer queries; as were RW staff showcasing Leica and Zeiss product ranges, including the new Zeiss 135mm SLR lens.

Thank you to everyone who attended, helped on the day and also to everyone who sent us feedback. We’re hoping to run other events and open days over the coming year including perhaps a rangefinder day, photowalks and tutorials. If you would to be keep informed on these forthcoming activities as well as new products and latest info; please subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Twitter @Robertwhitephot

That Most Humble of Accessories – the Ultraviolet Filter

Posted on April 5, 2013 by rwblogadmin

In a digital age, why do we need UV filters?

Put simply, UV filters reduce haziness created by ultraviolet light.

While taking pictures with a high degree of UV light (e.g. long-distance shots, in the mountains or on the water) they can eliminate light haze and enable higher colour saturation. If you’re using film, the UV slightly reduces exposure to the blue layer and reduces the possibility of a bluey tone.

But that’s not the end of the story.

Clearly in the age of digital, the camera’s electronics takes care of most issues that the UV would traditionally do. So why is it important to have it on a digital camera? IN the majority of cases it’s simply protection.

If you are able to keep your UV filter on almost all of the time you use your camera, the UV filter will acts as perfect protection for the front of your lens. Like most things in life there are advantages and disadvantages of using a UV filter to protect your lens. On the plus side they protect the glass on your lens from scratching, stop sand and dust from sticking to the glass and they are easily removed to be cleaned. On the downside, glare sometimes created from the sun can spoil your images, there’s a risk of vignetting on your photos, and it might stop you from being able to use a lens hood.

The UV is usually one of the few screw-on filters a photographer owns, as a square one wouldn’t do the same job – most have one per lens.

Our advice is to spend as much as you can afford – cheap filters will noticeably decrease your picture quality – especially galling if you have invested in some prime glassware. Quality glass will reward you by allowing light to pass through unimpaired.

The filters we recommend come from B+W and Zeiss and range from around £25 to £90. With a typical repair to a front element costing at least £150 buying one is a good investment, as well as great insurance.

A Black and White Masterpiece

Posted on April 2, 2013 by rwblogadmin

It’s a camera that some will question the need for. It’s undoubtedly a significant investment. But for the black and white photographer, struggling to find a true replacement for silver halide, the Leica M Monochrom could be the perfect, no compromises, tool.

Glowingly reviewed in this month’s British Journal of Photography, the Monochrom produces outstanding results in keen hands.

One of our favourite illustrations of this is by Jacob Aue Sobol, the multiple-award-winning Magnum photographer, who made a journey for Leica on the Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian railways. In his baggage: the Leica M Monochrom.

Discover more about this unusual journey from Moscow to Beijing on Leica’s blog (which features some truly amazing images).

This camera isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those adore black and white there’s little to touch it. Visit the Flickr Monochrom group to see some more amazing real-life examples.

Stocks of the Monochrom have improved, so check online for current availability – and watch our hands-on review too.

Robert White Open Day Saturday 20th April 2013

Posted on February 20, 2013 by rwblogadmin

The Robert White Open Day is back, and this time the day will be held at our shop and one of our studio units at Alder Hills Ind Est, BH12 4AR. The day is open to all and we will also be hosting a FREE talk by Jeremy Walker : Landscape photographer who will be appearing in morning and afternoon sessions. As both sessions will be identical do not worry if you cannot make the whole day you can get still get a great deal out of the event by attending a morning or afternoon.

Apart from the talks with Jeremy we will have Lee Filters with us on the day, so a good opportunity to speak with them directly for the latest news and technical information.

Jeremy’s talk as well as the Lee Filters demonstrations are aimed at all photographers with all ability levels, you with get just as much from the day whether you have no experience or equipment at all or are a seasoned pro with an extensive set up.

The shop will be open all day 10.00am to 16.30pm to visitors so if you cannot make the talks or if you want to speak to us about anything else you can still pop in to see us to talk about equipment or shop.

About Jeremy Walker

Jeremy Walker is an award winning landscape photographer based in Dorset, England. His inspirational landscape images, particularly his panoramas have been used around the Globe by advertising and design clients and he is widely recognized as one of Britain’s top landscape photographers (Jeremy was the winner of the British Wildlife Photography Awards, landscape section in 2012 for his stunning autumnal image of the New Forest). He regularly contributes to the U.K .’s photographic press and is in much demand as a guest lecturer and speaker. Jeremy also leads a series of highly sought after workshops in the U.K and abroad including the incredibly successful and popular LEE Filters workshops.

Further information on Jeremy and his work can be seen on his website www.jeremywalker.co.uk

Some of brands on the day;
Zeiss

Zeiss lenses offer legendary image quality and resolution with their famous T* coatings. Every lens is built to the highest quality standards using the very best of materials. The current range consists of two SLR fittings (Canon EOS and Nikon F) with a focal length range of 18mm up to 100mm (135mm coming very soon). All of the lenses are manual focus primes fitted with the latest CPU technology to ensure electronic coupling with
your Canon EOS or Nikon F bodies metering and exposure systems.

For the rangefinder user :Zeiss also produce the impressive ZM range. These Leica M mount lenses work perfectly on film and digital cameras such as Leica, Zeiss, Voigtlander. They are successfully used on other digital camera systems such as Fuji X-Pro 1, XE-1, Sony NEX systems and Panasonic G with the aid of the camera manufacturers own M mount adaptors.

We will be showing these lenses at the day please feel free to bring your camera along to try them and speak with our experienced staff.

Voigtlander

We are proud to be the official UK Voigtlander importer. Voigtlander offers incredible lenses that are small and light, offering high image quality at very affordable prices. The majority of their lens range has been designed for Leica M (Voigtlander use the term VM) but they also offer Micro Four Third specific lenses as well as a range of compact prime lenses for Canon EOS and Nikon F.

Voigtlander also produce an extensive accessory range including lens adaptors allowing the use of their lenses on other camera systems such as Sony NEX and Micro Four thirds.

Again please feel free to bring your camera on the day to try them out.
Lee Filters

Lee filters need little introduction. This incredible filter system has become the landscape photographer’s essential accessory. Simple to use and extremely effective. Lee offers a filter system for almost every camera set up; from the DSLR cameras to your compact camera (with filter thread). Come and see them on the day.

For more information on the Lee Filter range please visit their website

Gitzo Tripods

For many years we have specialised in selling Gitzo carbon fibre tripods. Made in Italy using the very best quality materials. Systematic tripods and Travellers are our main lines, which combine the best of strength and weight ratios. Gitzo have promised to send a representative on the day so this is your chance to see what a Gitzo tripod offers.

The Gitzo website – www.gitzo.co.uk

Arca Swiss heads
The tripod head of choice. Made in France in small production lines guaranteeing excellent quality control and precision. Come and see the range from the Cube to the tiny P0, not forgetting the long standing Z1 ball head and the new D4 pan tilt.

Schneider

Schneider made some very exciting announcements at Photokina 2012. We are hoping to have the new 28mm PC-TS tilt shift lens at the day plus some more of their new announcements. Details are yet to be confirmed but this could be your opportunity to see the lenses in action. More details will follow….
How to book a space on the Seminar
Please email or call us (01202 723046) to book your place. The talks are FREE but spaces are limited. When booking please provide your full name, email address and contact telephone number.

Location
Robert White Photographic Ltd
Units 3 Alder Hills Ind Est
Poole
Dorset
BH12 4AR
Tel:01202 723046
Email: sales@robertwhite.co.uk

Date: Saturday 20th April 2012
Times: AM Talk 10.30am – 11.30am
PM Talk 14.00pm – 15.00pm

The shop will be open 10.00am to 16.30pm

Please note that lunch is not included but there is a local Sainsbury’s Supermarket and a couple of Pubs a short walk away.

Keeping in contact
We would like the email address of every talk attendee as we would like to keep you informed of further developments of the day. As soon as we have any further news be it a new product announcement or a new brand attending we want to let you know.

Voigtlander Factory Images

Posted on February 19, 2013 by rwblogadmin

A great deal goes into the manufacture of Voigtlander lenses. We have always been impressed with their build construction and image quality. Voigtlander has become known as a high quality brand that offers compact lenses at affordable prices.

After many email requests we have managed to get a few select images showing stages of their production line. We hope you find them interesting

Our Latest YouTube Videos

Posted on January 24, 2013 by rwblogadmin

Since our last post we have made a number of YouTube videos. Please see links to the latest six here. If you like what you see please subscribe as with your help we have had over 1,000,000 views and counting.

Zeiss 15mm f2.8 Distagon T* Lens.

This superb ultra wide angle lens is available in two fittings. ZE (Canon EF) and ZF.2 (NIkon F). The ZF.2 version is used in the video on a Nikon D800E. A great combination.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAhfQgTMZvc

How to Use the Lee Seven5 / RF75 system

If you own a small camera system and want to use filters this video should help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WTS-UDnGig

Voigtlander 21mm f1.8 Ultron ASPH VM lens

This is the latest offering from Voigtlander, adding yet another FAST PRIME lens to their already extensive Leica M (VM) range.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_ycsPX8Cdc

How the Lee 100mm system works – Part 1

How do I use Lee Filters? What do I need? These are questions we are asked a great deal. The variety and choice offered by Lee can be confusing. We hope this helps. Don’t forget to watch part 2.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vych_S-wwg

How the Lee 100mm system works – Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1lo9hsI35M

The Leica Monochrom

What a camera. We fell in love with it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kCftoJ66qs

Robert White Photographic Limited

Supplier of the finest photographic equipment