In Focus Blog

The weekend’s precipitous frozen flurry presented a wondrous opportunity to capture the majesty of winter’s cloak. Armored in boots, cap and gloves, I marched into the white of Sunday morning’s golden light with my Nikon D-SLR and a spare battery, of course, warm and snug in the pocket of my Gortex jacket!

Strong diagonal rays and shadows ‘accentuate’ a classic winter scenic

©Franklin Viola
IPTC Data: Nikon D2Xs, Nikon 12-24 at 12mm, ISO 200, f/8 at 1/125sec (Manual mode), Tripod

Emphasizing powder coating with ‘close-focus wide-angle’ imaging

©Franklin Viola
IPTC Data: Nikon D2Xs, Nikon 12-24 at 22mm, ISO 200, f/5.6 at 1/250sec (Manual mode)

Recently on assignment in Panama, I used my Nikon 200-400 VR AF-S lens and Nikon D300 camera to capture this image of a Female Black-Chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) drinking nectar from a Hibiscus flower.

©Franklin Viola

IPTC Data: Nikon D300, Nikon 200-400 VR AF-S f/4 at 400mm (effective 600mm on DX body), ISO 640, f/8 at 1/200sec, iTTL fill-flash with Nikon SB800 (EV-2.0), Tripod

Observing the tiny birds ‘routine flight path’ to specific flowers for over an hour, I pre-set focus in AF, then switched to Manual focus to ‘lock’ my composition. Using a Nikon wired shutter-release, Bogen carbon-fiber tripod and Wimberly gimbal-head, the 200-400mm never flinched even in my excitement as the ‘hummer’ flew into position. iTTL fill-flash from a Nikon SB800 (hand-held via SC17 cable) applied just the right  ’stop-action’ to complement the gyrating wing-blur. This artificial ‘light’ also added color ‘pop’, an often under-used tool in outdoor photography!

Nikon’s 200-400mm VR f/4 AF-S lens works with all Nikon ‘full-frame’, as well as Nikon APS-size sensor (DX) D-SLRs. You too can ‘reach out’ with this lens through BCC’s rental department. Call 201.664.4113 or come by the Westwood store for more details.

After working at Bergen County Camera in 1988 / 89, Franklin Viola followed his dreams and became an award winning Commercial and Editorial Photographer. Combining his studies in Marine Science (BS Texas A&M Galveston’82), Scuba Diving (NAUI Instructor 1986) and self-taught photographic skills, Franklin traveled the world shooting underwater photo-stories for such magazines as National Geographic WORLD, Ranger Rick, Boy’s Life, Sport Diver and Natural History to name a few. In 1994, the British Museum of Natural History (London) awarded Franklin one of the top 10 Wildlife Photographers of the Year.

BCC welcomed Franklin back for the 2011 Holiday Season to share his photographic knowledge with our customers and his business savvy with our professional team. As a featured contributor on BCC’s photography blog, Franklin will open up his treasure chest of ‘tips’ for capturing great photographs.

You may see more of Franklin’s work at www.violaphoto.com

Look for Franklin’s first post in a few days.

Bergen County Camera is happy to report Fuji’s announcement of  the 16 megapixel Fujifilm X-Pro1 interchangeable lens camera. The camera has earned a CES “Best in Show” designation. Our buyer who is at CES will share his review when he returns from Las Vegas. The X-Pro1 uses APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor™,  a brand new X lens mount, along with three brand new prime lenses. Bergen County Camera is currently taking orders for the Fuji X-Pro1. Please email or call 201-664-4113 if you would like to add your name to our first come first served list, no deposit required. Should you have questions, our staff of photographic experts are ready to assist.

Download the complete X-Pro1 brochure from Fuji’s website

Here are the Specifications from Fuji’s website

Model Name FUJIFILM X-Pro1

Number of effective pixels 16.3 million pixels

Image sensor 23.6 mm x 15.6 mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS with primary color filter – Sensor Cleaning system: Ultra Sonic Vibration

Storage media SD memory card / SDHC memory card / SDXC (UHS-I) memory card*1

File format still image

• JPEG (Exif Ver 2.3)*2
• RAW (RAF format),
• RAW+JPEG
• (Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible)
• movie: H.264 (MOV) with Stereo sound

Read the rest of this entry »

D-Lux 5 Update

The new firmware will improve the following:

• Auto Focus speed-up.
• The upper limit of the shutter speed in Manual Exposure Mode has been raised (max. 250 seconds).
• [HIGH ISO NR] for ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 has been added to the [REC] menu.
• When [MF] is set, you can make fine adjustments to the focus using a simpler operation than before.
• Improved auto white balance performance. • The position and size of the AF area you have set are now stored.
• [ACTIVE MODE] has been added to the [MOTION PICTURE] menu.
• The AF/AE Lock operated by half-pressing the shutter button has been improved.
• [MINIATURE EFFECT] has been added to My Color Mode
• [MONITOR] / [VIEWFINDER] has been added to the [SETUP] menu.

Leica s2 Firmware Update

The new S2 firmware adds support for the new S-Lens Leica Elmarit-S 30 mm/f2.8 ASPH.

This zoom lens has a maximum magnification of 4.2X, covering a range that extends from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent) – ideal for taking wide shots even indoors – to a medium telephoto focal length of 100mm (35mm camera equivalent), – optimal for portraits. A newly developed motorized zoom mechanism makes smooth, quiet zooming while shooting movies possible. The AF system is based on the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism, and enhanced by a newly developed “Linear Motor Drive” that enables faster, quieter focusing. Macro shooting as close as 7.87 inches with a maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent) is possible. Dust and Splash Proof construction lets you shoot in harsh conditions without worry.

We are expecting this lens in January 2012. If you have questions or would like to put your name on our waiting list, please email or give us a call at 201-664-4113.

Bergen County Camera is pleased to offer Leica’s M9 upgrade program. M9 owners can now upgrade their M9 cameras with the product features of the M9-P. Leica Camera is offering two upgrade packages which will be available through Bergen County Camera.

Leica M9 Upgrade Package 1 – Sapphire Glass – $1,295
• The display cover will be replaced with the sought after sapphire glass of the M9-P.
• Choice between Vulcanite Leatherette or Smooth MP-Style Leatherette.

Leica M9 Upgrade Package 2 – Top Cover and Sapphire Glass – $1,995
• The display cover will be replaced with the valuable sapphire glass of the M9-P.
• The top cover will be replaced with either the silver chrome or black painted M9-P top cover.
• The bottom cover will be replaced with the corresponding color.
• Choice between Vulcanite Leatherette or Smooth MP-Style Leatherette.

The M9 upgrade service:
• Please call us to begin your upgrade.
• All work is done at Leica’s facility in Allendale, NJ.
• This upgrade is considered part of a regular repair service.
• All service fees will be paid to Bergen County Camera.
• Turn around will depend on volume for the M9 upgrades & customers can request to be informed of the return ship date.
• Warranty of the M9 with the upgrade will be extended by another year from the original warranty expiration date.
• The upgraded M9 will be shipped back to the dealer.

If you have any questions about the M9 upgrade service, please do not hesitate to contact Bergen County Camera.

Below is a list of FAQs regarding the M9 Upgrade Program.

Can any M9 be upgraded?
Yes, any M9 can be upgraded.

Where will the upgrades be done?
The upgrades will be done at Leica Camera USA’s facility in Allendale, NJ.

How long will the upgrade take? How long will I be without my camera?
Leica’s upgrade capacity is limited. Let us know when you are interested and we’ll get the timing and the day that Leica needs the camera coordinated for you. Leica’s goal is to have a door-to-door time of less than 4 weeks.

For the cost of the M9, should it not have come with these features?
The sapphire glass is unique on cameras. The sapphire glass has a very high material cost. It would raise the prices on standard cameras; therefore we are offering this as an upgrade.

Is this not just Leica charging the customer to fix design flaws in the camera?
The LCD glass is standard in the industry and does not represent a design flaw.

Will I be able to purchase a new M9 with these upgrades? Will they become ‘standard’?
A new M9 will not have these upgrades. The upgrades will not become ‘standard’ to the M9. Customers should instead buy the M9-P.

Will the Sapphire Glass cover be available as a part?
The sapphire glass will not be available as a single spare part.

Can I have either Upgrade Package without the Warranty Extension for a reduced cost?
No.

Can I have a top plate in one color and bottom plate in another color?
No.

Can the leatherette on an M9 be changed?
Yes, it can be changed for an additional charge if not done as part of the upgrade.

What happens to the serial number?
The serial number remains the same.

Is the lettering “M9-P” engraved on the existing horse shoe?
No, it will not have the lettering “M9-P”.

Other questions? Please call Bergen County Camera and we’ll get the answer for you.

Leica Camera just announced the Leica V-LUX 3, a fantastic addition to Leica’s line-up of digital compact cameras. The V-LUX 3 focal length range of 25mm – 600 mm and its full HD video recording function, the new Leica V-LUX 3 expands Leica’s range of digital compact cameras. This innovative “all-in-one” camera combines classic photography functions with video quality that is on par with premium camcorders. We’ll post again once we’ve got a chance to check the camera and have some images to share. Read on for specifications and features from Leica.

Leica V-LUX 3:
• Focal range of 25mm – 600mm, with a 24x super telephoto zoom for photo and video modes
• 12.1 MP CMOS sensor and a burst shooting speed of 12 frames per second at full resolution
• Full HD video recording function with stereo sound
• Electronic viewfinder and 3 inch tilting display
• Compact design but packed with features of an entry-level DSLR camera
• Packaged with Adobe Photoshop Elements and Adobe Premier Elements
• 2-year warranty
Features of the Leica V- LUX 3
The Leica Vario-Elmarit 4.5-108mm f/2.8-5.2 ASPH. lens has an impressive focal length range, from 25mm super wide angle to 600mm (35mm equivalent), with 24x super telephoto zoom for photo and video modes, providing the perfect solution for almost any photographic situation. The newly developed 12.1 MP CMOS sensor delivers exceptional picture quality and a burst shooting speed of 12 frames per second at full resolution, making it one of the fastest in its class. The camera also delivers full HD quality videos with stereo sound and HDMI connectivity. The 3″ tilting display can be rotated in almost every direction, making it easy to take worm’s eye view or overhead shots. Compact in design, the camera is easy to transport, making it the ideal companion wherever one goes.

Adobe Photoshop Elements Premiere Elements will be offered as free downloads, a complete software package for editing photos and videos. Customers can request this by registering in the “Customer Area” of Leica Camera’s homepage.

Submitted by George Ligos

Daughter-in-Law Lisa Ligos baked this cake to celebrate the 80th birthday of George Ligos. Lisa bakes specialized forms of cakes for all occasions.

Location: Bergen County Camera - 270 Westwood Ave – Westwood, NJ 07675 – 201-664-4113

Join us between 10 am and 4 pm on Saturday June 25th for Canon Demo Day. Our Canon representative will be on hand to demo their Pixma PRO 9000 printers. Many Canon printers will be on special rebate through July 3, 2011. Full details and rebate information will be available during the demo.

Pixma MG 8120

The PIXMA MG8120 possesses superior quality, functionality and versatility combined with beautiful design. The amazing feature set begins with an all-new interface that turns the top of your printer into a sleek, ultra-responsive touch panel. The Intelligent Touch System provides light-guided direction with gorgeous touch sensitive controls so only the buttons you need light up. Your fingers will realize fluid, effortless operation where once you choose your function you’re one step away from imaging brilliance.

For the first time in home photo printing you can print still photographs from your captured HD movies with your new PIXMA printer. Full HD Movie Print¹ turns your favorite HD movie clips captured with compatible Canon EOS Digital SLR or PowerShot cameras into beautiful photo prints. Built-in Wi-Fi² lets you easily print and scan wirelessly with the added ability to print your photos from compatible iPhone, iPod touch and Android™ devices³. Produce true photo lab quality prints at home with a maximum print resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi⁴ and six individual ink tanks including a gray ink for professional color and black & white photos. Its superior 9600dpi⁵ high-resolution CCD scanner includes a Film Adapter Unit to easily scan 35mm film and slides. Plus, the White LED eliminates warm-up time for document and photo scanning while Auto Document Fix delivers beautiful, easy-to-view scans by advanced image analysis and area-by-area data correction, automatically.

Pixma MG6120

The PIXMA MG6120 delivers high performance, quality and true ease of use in one, sleek machine. It begins with a revolutionary interface that Canon has created where the top of your printer turns into a sleek, ultra-responsive touch panel. The Intelligent Touch System provides light-guided direction with gorgeous touch sensitive controls so only the buttons you need light up. Your fingers will realize fluid, effortless operation where once you choose your function you’re one step away from imaging brilliance.

For the first time in home photo printing your HD Movie moments can now become beautiful photos with your new PIXMA printer. Full HD Movie Print¹ turns your favorite HD movie clips captured with compatible Canon EOS Digital SLR or PowerShot cameras into beautiful photo prints. Built-in Wi-Fi² lets you easily print and scan wirelessly with the added ability to print your photos from compatible iPhone, iPod touch and Android™ devices³. Produce true photo lab quality prints at home with a maximum print resolution of
9600 x 2400 dpi⁴ and six individual ink tanks including a gray ink for professional color and black & white photos. Plus, Auto Document Fix delivers beautiful, easy-to-view scans by advanced image analysis and area-by-area data correction, automatically.