There are widespread reports from the photo industry that Bowens Lighting is to go into liquidation. The company would have celebrated its centenary in just 6 years time.
Bowens used to rule the roost when it came to lighting rigs for professional photographers. Countless stars and celebrities over the decades where illuminated by Bowens lighting in studios and on location across the globe. So dominant was the company that the company name was often used as the noun that described a photographer’s lighting, particularly studio flash lighting in more recent years.
The company started in the UK as a camera repair specialist in 1923 and later found its niche in studio lighting. It’s true to say that the industry segment Bowens once dominated has now become crowded and very competitive.
Do you use Bowens gear – what does the bad news mean to you?
Have you switched away from Bowens and, why?
Do you have any memorable anecdotes about using Bowens lighting over the years?
Tell us now via the comment box below; we’d love to hear from you!
FANTASEA LINE INTRODUCESENHANCEMENT PRODUCTS FOR UNDERWATER HOUSINGS NEW RELEASES Fantasea introduces a selection of products designed to upgrade underwater housings and enhance the experience of underwater photographers.
UMG-02 LCD Magnifier Cat. No. 5052
When installed on the camera housing, the UMG-02 LCD Magnifier provides the underwater photographer with an enlarged, clear, bright and sharp view of the camera LCD screen.
Using the UMG-02 makes it easier to compose and focus with the camera system, resulting with sharper and more impressive underwater images. UMG-02 was optically designed for underwater use. The rubber sleeve serves as a sunshade and ensures a clear view also in the brightest conditions. Installation is quick and simple. An adjustable diopter allows focusing the lens to a finer degree customized to individual eyes.
The UMG-02 LCD Magnifier was designed to be installed on Fantasea housings. It can also be installed on other housings featuring a similar design of anti-glare hood rails.
Specifications
Magnification: 2.3X (underwater)
Materials: Hard anodized aluminum bezel, rubber LCD hood
Lens construction: 2 groups and 3 elements
Lens coating: AR multi layer coating
Depth rated to 100 meters / 330 feet
Dimensions: 79.6 x 76 x 93mm / 3.13 x 3 x 3.66 inch
Weight: 192 g / 6.77 oz
Included in package: Lens cap, lens cap secure string and rubber hood quick release secure string
The Fantasea Moisture Detector can be installed inside any housing featuring sufficient space for the alarm unit.
The Fantasea Moisture Detector is very sensitive, so whenever moisture is detected by the sensor, the moisture detector LED light begins flashing and a warning alarm starts beeping, thereby alerting the user of a possible leak.
The Fantasea Moisture Detector includes an alarm unit and a moisture sensor unit, connected by a thin wire. The alarm unit is installed on any of the housing side panels using a double-sided installation sticker, included in the package. Make sure that your housing offers sufficient space for the alarm unit to be installed (34 x 24 x 7 mm) without interfering with a proper watertight seal. The Moisture Sensor unit is installed just under the camera or camera tray inside the housing.
The Fantasea Moisture Detector is operated by a 3V Lithium #CR1220 battery. A replaceable and non-rechargeable battery is included.
Important Notices
All components should be handled carefully during installation.
The Fantasea Moisture Detector assists with detecting moisture inside the housing. Installation of the Fantasea Moisture Detector inside the housing does not eliminate the user’s responsibility of validating housing watertight seal prior to and during the dive.
3 Legged Thing is proud to introduce …
The QR11-LC & QR11-LG
British Tripod brand, 3 Legged Thing has launched its latest Universal L Bracket. The QR11-LC and QR11-LG are the result of six months of research and development, offering universal compatibility, accessory attachment and flat storage.
What’s the story?
The QR11 comes with triangular pads, designed to tessellate and provide as much surface contact as possible on the baseplate, which translates to more grip and a more secure connection. The base itself is the optimal length for most cameras, enabling more compatibility and better access to cable sockets. It features a quarter-inch threaded hole on the upright, for attaching other accessories, and a strap connector on both aspects.
“I really wanted to produce something cross-compatible with as many cameras as I could. I wanted to make something that is more than just an L-Bracket. Our Mission at 3 Legged Thing has always been to add as much value in innovation as we can to our products, and the QR11 is no exception,” said 3 Legged Thing’s Founder and Chief Executive, Danny Lenihan (pictured).
“I also wanted to produce something that was affordable,”said Lenihan. “So many L Brackets are upwards of $150 to $250, which is a lot of money for a student or any photographer, really. It’s important that we are as inclusive as we can be, so that photography enthusiasts on smaller budgets, can still have the opportunity to use an L Bracket. At $49.99, I think we’ve achieved that.”
The QR11-LC on a Canon 5d Mark IV. Image courtesy of 3LT Team Pro, Ben Eaton-Williams.
The QR11 also has another neat trick – it can be disassembled in seconds, using the included multi-tool (3LT-TOOLZ) and stored flat, making it easier to transport and stow. It also comes in two colour options: Equinox Copper and Eclipse Grey, to suit your style.
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Headquartered in a converted chicken shed (The Chicken Shed) on Kinsbourne Farm, in Stagsden, Bedfordshire, 3 Legged Thing is a small, British company of passionate people, creating and innovating camera support systems for photographers and videographers.
Versatile, purpose-built camera bag delivers ultimate protection for photographic equipment and laptop or tablet
Cradley Heath, UK – 28 June 2017: Billingham has announced the introduction of a new model to its acclaimed Hadley range, providing photographers with the highest quality protection for valuable camera equipment, laptops and personal possessions.
Building on the success of the Hadley Pro, the Hadley One has been designed and precision-engineered in England by the Billingham team, incorporating a host of new features following feedback from photographers around the world. Manufactured from rugged, weather-proof FibreNyte canvas, complemented by strong top-grain leather, this premium bag is slightly larger than the Hadley Pro and offers spacious storage to accommodate a mid-sized DSLR body and lens combination, or a core CSC kit, along with a small laptop or tablet.
Completely adaptable to each photographer’s needs, its removable, full-height padded insert can be positioned within the bag to divide the interior and provide optimum space for all items, and a second optional insert can be added, for extra versatility. A fully padded laptop sleeve has been stitched into the back of the main compartment, to hold a tablet, 13” MacBook Pro or similar device securely in place.
A robust top handle has been incorporated into the design, allowing the Hadley One to be carried as a briefcase or holdall, a features a re-engineered leather covering to provide extra comfort and a secure grip. The adjustable shoulder sling is manufactured from Billingham’s shuttle woven spun polyester and solid brass fittings, and can be completely removed if required.
Billingham’s weather-resistant FibreNyte canvas delivers exceptional durability, colour fastness and protection from external elements. Extremely tough, yet light in weight, it never requires reproofing, retaining its water and heat-resistant properties throughout the life of the bag.
Delivering maximum protection for heavier lenses and the all-metal bodies often featured in current CSC and DSLR products, the rear, side and bottom faces of the bag have been strengthened with foam padding. This also adds structure and support, making sure the Hadley One retains its shape whether completely full or just carrying a small number of items – and safeguards any equipment carried in the outside pockets.
For additional customisation and storage capacity, external pockets can be fitted to the Hadley One, fastened to the thick leather layer to provide a secure mount for valuable accessories. The shoulder sling attachment has been riveted through the leather to form a core structure of the bag.
In response to numerous requests from Billingham owners, a durable luggage trolley strap, enabling the user to retain the bag over the handle of a trolley suitcase, has been integrated into the Hadley One. This practical feature allows the photographer to access the rear zipped pocket when mounted, while a weather-proof zip closure keeps all contents dry in inclement conditions.
The Hadley One is available in three FibreNyte and leather colour combinations: Sage & Chocolate, Khaki & Chocolate and All-Black.
Harry Billingham, director, commented, “We have been listening to feedback from our customers for more than four decades, and we continuously look for improvements in our products and processes to exceed the expectations of photographers. While fulfilling the essential requirements of protection and strength, we also manufacture to exact technical specifications and quality standards, giving owners the peace of mind that they can trust and rely on our bags to perform throughout their lifetime. With the Hadley One, we’ve responded to the suggestions of photographers from across the world, incorporating features that will make their daily working lives easier, particularly those travelling frequently from location to location.”
Billingham’s meticulous sourcing procedures ensure that all textiles and materials meet stringent criteria, guaranteeing that every bag is built from tested, innovative and durable components. As with all Billingham bags, the Hadley One is subject to extensive inspections and quality checks before being made available to purchase. Once complete, the bag receives its own laser-engraved label and individual serial number, allowing the owner to register the product, and enabling it to be identified and tracked throughout its lifecycle. The Hadley One comes with a five year guarantee.
An extensive range of matching accessories is available for all Billingham bags, including top-grain leather shoulder pads for added comfort when travelling and leather luggage tallies in various colour options.
Hadley One technical specifications
External dimensions: (W x D x H) 370 x 140 x 280mm
Internal dimensions: (W x D x H) 350 x 120 x 250mm (without padded insert); 150 x 120 x 240mm (inside the padded insert); 120mm is maximum depth at bottom, 100mm at the top
Capacity: 8.75 litres
Weight: 1.38kg (inc removable sling and padded insert)
Pockets: 3 (plus integrated padded 13” laptop area)
Front dump pockets: Two – 140 x 30 to 80 x 210mm
Rear zipped pocket: (W x H) 330 x 200mm (capacity nominal)
Included: H1 removable shoulder sling (48mm width); Hadley One standard insert (1/2 length, full height including one padded divider flap)
Additional information on the Billingham Hadley One can be found at www.billingham.co.uk.
Availability and pricing
The Billingham Hadley One will be available from 1 July 2017 at www.billingham.co.uk and authorised Billingham stockists at a suggested retail price of £265 including VAT.
We gave a Zeiss ExoLens PRO to an experienced photographer to use. His review features a gallery of samples taken with the ExoLens and an iPhone 6 Plus.
