JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH is an-8-year-old subsidiary of JENOPTIK AG. It develops a variety of optical components, including professional-grade digital camera backs. The company recently announced the availability of its Eyelike M16 model and an easier-to use version of its software.
M16 Digital Camera Back: The Eyelike M16 digital camera back features Kodak's 16.6 Mpxl sensor and is engineered for outstanding image quality, very good workflow, and quick exposures. The two-level active sensor cooling drastically reduces noise for better image quality. With the hardware-antimoire feature in 1-shot-plus mode, the user can eliminate moire in still and moving objects during the exposure, avoiding costly retouching. For still life exposures, the 4-shot mode captures complete color information with every pixel, eliminating interpolation that reduces contrast and causes moire in 1-shot mode. The 16-shot, or scan mode, allows the user to record and reproduce even the smallest of details.
File sizes range from 18 MB (1-shot, 24-bit) to 381 MB (16-shot, 48-bit). In high-quality one-shot mode, users can capture a new frame every 2.5 seconds.
Measuring 76 x 90 x 67 mm, the Eyelike precision is the smallest digital back with microscan technology, which makes it suitable for location shoots. The backs can be attached to almost every medium format camera, including Mamiya 645 AF and Contax 645. The Hasselblad adapter makes it suitable for use with any view camera and the Horseman Digiflex can be used for wide-angle shoots with the full range of Nikon lenses.
All Eyelike precision backs come with a standard FireWire interface for simple data transfer to the computer and for a power supply to the camera. Photographers can upgrade from the M6 to the M11 to the M16. The M16 retails for $16,900.
Capture Basic: At the request of customers, Jenoptik developed higher-speed, more intuitive-to-use software with pre-set image parameters. When the camera back is connected, the Eyelike Camera Basic software automatically starts in capture mode and is ready for taking images. Exposures are saved sequentially to a gallery. When an exposure is complete, the user can begin to edit and save the images. Epson Gemini users can transfers images directly to that printing system with the software and print them.
Users can also import external images for processing. By the press of a button, Capture basic loads the images into the image processing software.
The Eyelike Capture basic version for Mac OSX will be launched first; a Windows version will be available as basis for a future untethered solution.
The launch of Eyelike Capture basic continues the Eyelike software line that includes Eyelike Capture pro. Basic and pro are intercompatible and interchangable. The modular design on the hardware and software of Eyelike digital backs allow upgrades of the equipment to the level the user requires.
Both Eyelike Capture basic and pro are delivered with the Eyelike backs. Customers owning an Eyelike MF or Eyelike precision can download the software free at www.eyelike.com. (Jenoptik Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbH: www.eyelike.com)