Looking for some accessories to help make your shooting easier? Here are a few new items worth considering:

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Keep Your Camera Dry with Think Tank Photo's Hydrophobia

Think Tank Photo announces the release of Hydrophobia™ 300–600, the first rain cover specifically designed to be pre-mounted for quick deployment.  When in the field, where inclement weather can destroy a shot or gear, photographers need a simple and hassle free system for immediately deploying  a  rain cover  to protect their SLRs and lenses.  
   
When it looks like rain, photographers can attach the Hydrophobia over their lenses before going out into the field, rolling it up tight and out of the way. Then, when weather threatens, they simply unroll the rain cover over the rest of the lens and body, securely protecting both.  The rain cover fits onto a 300mm f/2.8, 400mm f/2.8, 500mm f/4, and 600mm f/4, making it ideally suited for sports and nature photographers.
   
Hydrophobia comes with two extended sleeves through which photographers can insert their arms to access all of their camera controls.  It allows them to shoot vertically in either direction, and they can add a teleconverter to the lens by simply unzipping the back. (Eyepieces for different camera models are sold separately.)
   
The fabric used on the Hydrophobia is ten times as waterproof as normal fabric.  Instead of a “spray” coating, a “film” is applied to the underside of the fabric, as well as a tricot mesh to protect it, making it a far more impenetrable three-layer fabric. In addition a waterproof tape is applied to all seams, providing an even more waterproof barrier.
    
Other key features include:
•    Clear PU back and top to see controls.
•    Memory cards and batteries can be changed without taking the cover off.
   
For professionals and amateur SLR shooters who can’t afford to lose a shot or to have their cameras and lenses damaged, the Hydrophobia 300 - 600 is a powerful new tool for getting the shot in even the roughest conditions.

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Skooba Design Introduces Shock-Absorbing Camera/Binocular Strap

Skooba Design has added a collection of camera/binocular straps to its patent-pending Superbungee™ Shoulder Strap line. Like the original Superbungee Bag Strap, the camera/binocular version features what the company calls a “sport-tuned suspension system,” consisting of a high-density, floating bungee cord ring which acts as a shock absorber, minimizing carrying discomfort and perceived weight. On the reverse (wearer) side of the shoulder pad is a flexible strip of individual, air-filled cells. The cells add to the shock absorption and comfort, and are covered in a friction laminate to help prevent slipping.

The strap is designed to fit any current camera or binocular with standard, 3/8”/11mm strap slots, or it can be threaded to the split keyring-type connectors on older cameras. Strap length has a nominal overall length adjustment range of 21-45 inches, and is equally well-suited for carrying around the neck or over the shoulder.

The Superbungee Shoulder Strap is available in 5 different color combinations, at a suggested retail price of $19.95. The original Superbungee Bag strap—a larger version designed as an upgrade to standard straps found on laptop/photo bags, sports duffels, luggage and other carrying cases—is available in 6 color combinations at $25.95. www.skoobadesign.com.

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U.S.A. PocketWizard MultiMAX Revised!

The latest version of the MultiMAX has several incremental features that distinguish it from previous MultiMAX versions.  Based a new radio chipset, the units now have:

• A USB Port for firmware updates
 • Enhanced close range performance – they work better when very close together
 • FAST MODE, a welcome return to the feature set
 • An improved user interface
 • Remote pre-release control – turn on or off pre-release remotely using the proper cables 

USB Port – Firmware Updateable

The USB Port will be used for future firmware updates as needed.  It requires a common Mini-B USB cable like those used with many digital cameras, PDAs, cell phones, MP3 players, etc.  The cable is not included but is widely available.

Firmware updates will be announced on PocketWizard.com.  They will be available in both MAC and PC versions.  See below for instructions on finding your current firmware version.

Recent MultiMAX units without a USB port may also receive firmware updates in the future, but those models will need to be shipped to the distributor or factory for reprogramming.  Older MultiMAX units are not likely to receive any more updates.

Enhanced Close Range Performance

Extreme close range operation (working distances between 1 and 3 feet) has been improved, while retaining PocketWizard’s legendary long distance capabilities.  This is a benefit for users that use MultiMAX units grouped very close together like at sporting events where transmitting and receiving units may be used at the same fixed location.  It is still recommended that units be a few feet apart for best performance, but these improvements increase reliability and reduce overload at close range.

FAST MODE

The latest chipset used in the MultiMAX is capable of FAST MODE, a feature that enables photographers to use faster shutter speeds with remote flash.  Some units produced in 2007 lacked this feature (firmware versions 6.11 and prior 6.xx versions) while previous versions (4.xx, 3.xx) did have FAST MODE.  With compatible cameras and flash units, up to 1/500 shutter speeds can be used with focal plane shutters (SLR digitals) or 1/1000 with leaf shutters.

Improved User Interface / Menus and other features

Introduced mid-2007 in the 6.xx models, the easier-to-use menus are continued in this latest MultiMAX.  Previous models were marvels of programming with their rich feature set packed into a small memory space, but had to compromise on simplicity.  Newer chipsets have much more memory and thus an improved UI and better features including: 

 •  Faster Frames Per Second handling in line with the latest SLRs (12 F.P.S. or more)
 •  Hours:Minutes:Seconds display in Intervalometer mode, including countdown to next trigger
 •  Low power operation in Intervalometer Mode (up to 2 weeks on a set of AA batteries)
 •  Maximum times for many features increased (Contact Time, Intervalometer, Multipop, etc.)
 •  Ability to use arrow keys in menus
 •  Consistent numeric entry across all functions
 •  Improved low battery / AC adapter detection
 •  “Contrast adjustment” and “Reset to factory defaults” have their own menu items

Remote Pre-release Control

Utilizing the 6-pin ACC port and a new cable design, it is now possible to toggle on and off pre-release (like pressing the shutter button halfway) for a remote camera.  

Pre-releasing a camera causes it to auto-focus / meter and it also responds more quickly and consistently.  It also consumes the camera’s batteries more quickly.  Previously, using older style cables, setting up the camera before an event required you to flip a hard switch that left the camera pre-released for the entire event, or until the batteries died.

Now, when you toggle on a Quad-Triggering Zone on the transmitting MultiMAX, pre-release is enabled on remote cameras set to the same Channel and Zone.  Imagine setting up a camera hours before an event and not pre-releasing it until just a few minutes before it is needed.  The camera’s batteries will last much longer and the entire event will be captured.

The new cables are currently being sourced and should be available mid-February. This feature is already available on 6.xx and 7.xx MultiMAX units.

Version 4.04 units with the 6-pin ACC port have a limited version of this feature.  On 4.04 units, toggling any zone (including local) on or off will cause remote cameras to be pre-released, but only for 6 seconds.  It may be possible to extend this time using Custom Functions in some cameras.

For more information, contact www.PocketWizard.com.

Let us know if you found this article useful, and tell us what kinds of articles you'd like to see in upcoming issues. Send your comments and ideas to Lynne Eodice.