Olympus released firmware update 2.2 for the E-M1 Mark II


E-M1 Mark IIcan enjoy this new update just released by Olympus. It ads following improvements:

  • Stability of operation when shooting still images has been improved.
  • Corrected issue of C-AF not operating correctly when using the “LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm / F1.4 ASPH.(H-X025)” interchangeable lens produced by Panasonic.

Thanks Alexander

a bit of everything…


Panasonic Lumix DC-FT7 (TS7) review

THE FLOW | dance inspire Panasonic lumix g7 + Samyang T2.2/12mm Samyang T1.5/24mm Feiyu tech mg-v2 (Tripartstudio).
Cheap “Speedbooster” for M42 (Vintage Russian) Lenses to Micro Four Thirds (PhotoJoseph).
Introducing LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm /F2.8-4.0 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. (PanasonicLumixVideo).
In the Field with the Lensbaby Sol 45 (Explora).

Holger:I did a short film About the total lunar eclipse. This was the longest eclipse in Germany this century.Taken with Lumix GH5 an Leica 2,8 200mm with TC1.4. https://vimeo.com/284585545

Share your best pictures on our new Instagram MicroFourThirdsGallery.

Plenty of news on the facebook E-M1II group and the GH5 group.

Sony announced the world’s fastest and toughest SD cards

If you need the fastest and most reliable SD card this might make you happy:

Sony introduces the world’s toughest and fastest SD Card

World’s toughest[i] SD card is 18x[ii]bend proof[iii] and drop proof[iv]
World’s first[v] one-piece molding structure for strength and hardness
Ribless and switchless design ensures there are no fragile components
World’s fastest[vi] read speed up to 300MB/s and write speed up to 299MB/s[vii]
Waterproof and dustproof world-class ratings of IPX8and IP6X respectively[viii]
Keep your work safe with the SD Scan Utility and File Rescue Software

Sony today announced a brand new innovation in storage media with the launch of the “SF-G series TOUGH specification”UHS-II SD card. Addressing the needs of photographers who are reliant upon their photographs remaining safe when their SD cards are removed from the camera, the new SF-G series TOUGH specification range combines the world’s fastest read and write speeds with an ultra-rugged design that is bend proof to 180N, and drop proof to 5 metres. For photographers who are fighting against the elements to get the perfect shot, the SF-G series TOUGH specification range of SD cards are also waterproof with an IPX8 rating and dustproof with an IP6X rating.

The new SF-G series TOUGHspecification range of SD cards are 18 times stronger than the SD standard[ix] with world’s first monolithic structure (one-piece molding, no empty space in the card) and materials of high-grade hardness, unlike conventional SD cards with a thin, 3-part ensemble. They areprotected against typical physical damage that can affect conventional SD cards such as a broken plastic casing, broken data protection lock and broken connector ribs. This has been achieved through a new means that it is the world’s first rib-less SD card with no write protection switch. These developments ensure that the SF-G series TOUGH specification is more resistant to bending and easy to break parts are removed entirely and has been engineered by Sony to deliver the best balance of hardness and toughness. Completely sealed with one-piece molding structure, no waterdrop, dust or dirt is not allowed to come into the card, meeting highest grade of waterproof (IPX8) and dustproof(IP6X).

Unleash the power of the camera

In an industry trend, driven by Sony, full-frame mirrorless cameras such as the α9 and α7 series are packing in more and more performance in both stills and video performance. These high-end cameras rely on fast memory cards to maximise their performance and with professional photographers now using SD cards more frequently, users are demanding the levels of reliability and durability associated with other professional card types. With the world’s fastest write speed of up to 299MB/s, buffer clearing time is minimised. This allows the photographer to shoot many frames per second and capture the action that they want. The SF-G series TOUGH specification range also supports V90, the highest standard of video speed class, making it an ideal companion for shooting high resolution video.

Furthermore, transferring high capacity photo and video files is made simple with the SF-G series TOUGH specification, thanks to a read speed of up to 300MB/s. This is another world’s fastest which dramatically enhances workflow efficiency after the shooting is all wrapped up. In a further acknowledgement of the practical needs of photographers, the SF-G series TOUGH specification range feature bright yellow banding design, making the card easier to spot in dark shooting conditions.

Ultimate Assurance

SF-G series TOUGHspecification SD cards offer a series of further features, designed to give photographers peace of mind. These include an ‘SD Scan Utility’ which allows the user to check that the card is good condition and File Rescue Software[x] which can recover data and photos that might have accidentally been deleted. Furthermore, SF-G series TOUGH specification SD cards are also X-ray proof, magnet proof, anti-static, temperature proof and feature UV Guard.

Pricing and Availability

The SF-G TOUGH series of memory cards will be available in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB capacities. They will launch in Europe from October. Full product details are available at: http://www.sony.net/sfgt/

[i]As a consumer SD card, Sony investigation as of August 2018.

[ii]Performance is 18x stronger compared to SD bending test specification of 10N

[iii]Bend proof to 180N

[iv]Drop proof to 5m

[v]As a SD card of 2.1mm thick. Conformance to ribless card specifications of Standard Size SD Card Mechanical Addendum 6.0. Sony investigation as of August 2018.

[vi]As of August 2018, Sony investigation.

[vii]Based on Sony internal testing. Transfer speeds vary, and are dependent on host devices, the OS version or usage conditions. To effectively utilize the product’s high-speed capabilities, your compatible device must support UHS-II. Sony investigation as of August 2018.

[viii]Conformance to IP68 standard. We cannot guarantee against damage to record data or card in all situations and conditions.

[ix]SD standard withstands 10N force, while this card withstands 180N force.

[x]Downloadable from the Sony Support site

a bit of everything…


Vary-i – the most secure camera cage for Gh5, Gh4, Gh5s

Introducing LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm /F2.8 II / POWER O.I.S. (PanasonicLumixVideo).
At the Bench: LED Lighting Modes and Technology (AbelCine).
Novel optics for ultrafast cameras create new possibilities for imaging (MIT news).
10 Recommended Full-Sized Tripods (Explora).

Share your best pictures on our new Instagram MicroFourThirdsGallery.

Plenty of news on the facebook E-M1II group and the GH5 group.

New HiPock “bolidist” cage system for Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K by LockCircle

The new Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is expect to ship out in September (preorders here at BHphoto). And today LockCircle announced the first cage system for the camera.Press text:

New HiPock “bolidist” cage system for Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K by LockCircle

The HiPock is another innovative professional LockCircle cage designed to fit like a glove around the latest Blackmagic Pocket 4K camera featuring the exclusive “Asymmetrical Design Approach” for right hand camera grabbing and control with the original camera ergonomic feeling.
The aesthetics follows the innovative Pocket 4K camera design adding a touch of italian “bolidism” style with an streamlined and organicly shaped form-factor, matching the cutting edge needs of handling ergonomics, always available in the LockCircle camera cages.
Creative filmmakers loves tools that reflects serious design approach and ergonomic research, but not only, the HiPock has a systematic approach offering three steps of caging for a modern 4K camera: the new concept starts with the Minimal Top Plate and follows up to a more extented Essential Plate and ending up to a complete wrapping System Cage!

All the three set-ups can accept many accessories like: Top Grip Handles, Hot Shoe (cold) mounts, BoomBooster action grip handles.
These different set-ups can satisfy different levels of shooting requirements from blogger shooters to sophisticated cinematic shooters.
The HiPock integrates the MultiPort for secure connectors locking HDMI/USB-C/Headphone and Microphone mini-jacks.

A professional grade of mounting plates and Positive-Lock Mounts for universal cine-style lens mounting are available,offering precise professional follow-focus work.
The HiPock camera baseplate has a mounting “receiver”for the Meta Block (adjustable), designed for a Metabones “state of the art” mounting/locking, a Novo-Block for Novoflex mounts integration and a IMS-Block for high grade professional Positive-Lock Mounts, PL-Mount, Canon EF, Nikon F, Panavision, Leica R, Leica M.
The camera baseplate has three camera mounting threads (1/4“ and 3/8” with 1/4“ adapter) for heavy-duty safety mounting.

A heavy-duty baseplate is available for heavy cinematic primes and zooms. A titanium grade 5 camera 1/4-20 screw is coming with the cage.
A new MicroMega-M ultra compact professional modular baseplate for 15mm rods is available together with the RodRocket Titanium Grade 5 15mm rods system.

Asymmetrical classic LockCircle cage design concept with a touch of italian “bolidism” form-factor-style.

Right hand camera grabbing/control with original Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K cameras ergonomics.
90 threads 1/4”-20 and 4 3/8”-16 threads for heavy duty grip rigging.
Top Grip handle and Boombooster compatible accessories.

CNC machined from billet aircraft grade aluminum.

Ultra-Lightweight and professional heavy-duty grade strength. High quality deep organic anodizing with “professional grade” velvet surface finish.
Dark-T (Black) and Amber-T (yellow-orange-gold) with fixing process (unallergic) colors.
Anodized in Switzerland.

Custom genuine titanium grade 5 screws and knobs.
MultiPort HDMI/Audio port savers with connector locking.
Meta-Block mount (adjustable) for Metab cinematographers needs.
Novo-Block mount for Novoflex mounts.
Several IMS Professional lens mounts available: PL-Mount, Panavision, Leica-R, Canon EF and Nikon with Positive-Lock.
Novo-Block mount for total integration of Novoflex mounts.
New MicroMega-M ultra compact modular expandable 15mm baseplate.
Designed by Dante Cecchin (an italian/australian cinematographer with passion for design).
High-Grade manufactured in Italy.

Available from end of October!

For more informations: info@lockcircle.com

www.lockcircle.com