Amateur Photographer – 06 July 2019

6 6 July 2019 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I subscribe 0330 333 1113

LEICA has announced the M-E (Typ 240)

digital rangefi nder camera, positioned

as the entry-level model in the M range. The

camera is based on a 24MP full-frame CMOS

sensor with a 2GB buffer, which is double the

capacity of the original M240. The ISO range

is a relatively conservative 200 to 6400,

however, and the camera only records Full HD

video rather than 4K. What the camera lacks

in cutting-edge technology it makes up for in

looks, with a stylish anthracite grey paint fi nish

and leather trim. Other features include a 3fps

burst mode, a weight of only 680g, resistance

to dust and water spray. The price is yet to

be confi rmed but even though the camera is

described as entry level, expect to pay £3500.

New entry-level

Leica M

HASSELBLAD has updated a 50MP

medium-format mirrorless camera,

the X1D II 50C, along with a new XCD 35-

75mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. The camera replaces

the original X1D, and though it packs a 50MP

sensor (44x33mm) – 1.7 times larger than

35mm full-frame chips – the camera itself is

smaller than a typical full-frame DSLR.

Hasselblad has incorporated a new image

processor which the company claims

signifi cantly speeds up the camera’s operation.

‘The X1D II 50C’s live view features a faster

refresh rate, reduced shutter lag and black out

time between frames, an improved continuous

capture rate, and a startup time cut almost in

half from the fi rst generation,’ says Hasselblad.

Other new features include a higher

resolution 3.6-inch, 2.36-million-dot touch

display around the back of the camera.

Hasselblad claims this is the largest LCD display

currently available on a digital medium-format

camera. There is also a higher resolution

OLED electronic viewfi nder (EVF), now offering

3.69-million dots and a higher magnifi cation

of 0.87x. In addition, the new Phocus Mobile 2

app enables photographers to transfer images

to the iPad Pro or iPad Air via USB-C or Wi-Fi.

As for the new 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5 mid-

range zoom lens, it is the ninth addition to the

X System lens range and features an integral

central lens shutter, offering exposure times

from 68 minutes to 1/2000s with full fl ash

synchronisation throughout. ‘This really is the

best lens Hasselblad has developed,’ says Per

Nordlund, Lead Optical Designer.

The X1D II 50C is available now for £4,

excl. VAT, while the zoom lens costs £4,

excl. VAT, with estimated delivery in October.

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The Hasselblad

X1D II 50C

sports a 50MP

sensor and a

3.6-inch touch

display screen

Manfrotto pro tripod

fi nds new angles

Hasselblad unveils medium-

format X1D II 50C

MANFROTTO has released the Befree

GT XPRO pro travel tripod, the fi rst

from the company to feature a built-in 90°

column and 180° foldable legs. It inherits

the 90° column from larger Manfrotto

tripods. ‘The 90° column is smartly stored

out of the way, until it is time to defy gravity

with a low-on-the-ground or a challenging

overhead macro shot,’ said the company.

The new tripod features three leg

sections, which open using Manfrotto’s

M-lock twist system, and comes with

Manfrotto’s 496 Center Ball Head. There

are also side pull selectors which enable

you to adjust the leg

angles independently.

The Befree GT XPRO

is available in carbon

fi bre (1.76kg) and

aluminium (2kg)

versions, with the

former costing

£409.95 and the

latter £269.95.

The Befree

GT XPRO has a

90° column

for macro or

low-angle

shots

Hasselblad unveils medium-

The stylish Leica M-E (Typ 240) weighs only 680g