MediuM FOrMAT digiTAL CAMerA sysTeMs
LEAF APTUS-II 12
Another back that reaches into the rarefied
air of 80MP is the Leaf Aptus-II 12. The
back, which is compatible with the Phase
One 645D and AF models; the Mamiya
645DF and AF cameras; and most Hasselblad V models, uses a full-frame 53. 7 x
40.3mm 80MP CCD sensor. The Leaf Ap-tus- 11 12 offers capture speeds of under 1. 5
seconds per frame—those are some big image files—and quick image transfer speeds
thanks to its Fire Wire 800 port. It also has
fast read/write speed with advanced CF
cards. A Leaf spokesperson we interviewed
at photokina last year told us the Leaf
Aptus-II 12 eliminates the moiré problems
that are typical in backs with so much resolution and no anti-aliasing filters. A 3.5-inch
touchscreen resides on the back’s back.
Price: $31,995 (back only)
Website: www.leaf-photography.com
PENTAX 645D RED “JAPAN” EDITION
Yes, this is a little extravagant but it certainly is eye-catching. The 40-mega-
pixel Pentax 645D medium-format camera turned heads when it went on
sale earlier this year but more for it’s relatively low price ($9,995) than for
its design. With this recently announced, limited edition version of the 645D,
which is coated in “candy apple” red lacquer, that’s changed. Pentax created
the custom 645D to commemorate it being named “Camera of the Year” in
Japan. It definitely looks pretty sweet and, we hear, the 645D camera takes
very nice pictures. In addition to the shiny red coating, the premium Japan
version of the 645D includes a custom leather strap; a special body mount
cap, a center-spot-matte focusing screen, and unique paulownia-wood
packaging.
And when it comes to its imaging chops, the Pentax 645D is no slouch on
its own. It boasts a 44 x 33mm CCD sensor and has a dust-proof, weather-resistant magnesium alloy body that can shoot in temperatures as low as 14
degrees F (– 10°C). The camera accepts all Pentax 645 legacy lenses and,
with the help of an adapter, 67 lenses.
Price: $16,000
Website: www.pentax.com
