Kigamo scanning back for large format digital photography.Better Light and PhaseOne are so well known and highly regarded scanning backs for 4x5 large format cameras that other brands don't get talked about much. The FLAAR. network of digital photography web sites seeks to make as much alternative information available as possible, so here we present scanning backs from two other companies. I have never seen the Kigamo scan back listed in many reviews, but did see their ad in Electronic Publishing. The other scan back is also from a German company, Anagramm. Since I live in Germany when not testing digital equipment at the Maya ruins in Guatemala, I will report on the German scanning back early next year. In order to report on the Kigamo I will need to obtain a review unit, so as soon as this is accomplished, please return to this site and you can see the results. In the meantime, BetterLight and PhaseOne are definitely the leaders in high-end large format photography. Indeed the BetterLight is selling so well that it is hard to actually get your hands on one. If you are thinking of moving to large format CCD scanning systems, you better order one now. BetterLight was sold exclusively by Calumet Digital Solutions (Calumet Photographic) for two years and is now also sold directly by BetterLight, e-mail info@betterlight.com. If you prefer an entire solution (lights, repro stand, color management system, etc) you ought to consult with Parrot Digigraphic, a licensed dealer for all aspects of input (photography and scanning) through output (printing with Epson and Mutoh printers). Michael Collette is the capable engineer who has developed the BetterLight. The advantage of the BetterLight over other systems is that these scan backs are built in the United States. I have a prototype model and it has never needed repair but when you drop your scan back it is good to know that spare parts are available without having to send to Europe or Japan for them. betterlight.com offers all the necessary information on professional digital photography. Advantage of the BetterLight is that it uses the Kodak CCD sensor. PhaseOne uses the Sony sensor, which has been discontinued a few months ago. Hence we do not know if PhaseOne will switch to Kodak or drop their line of tri-linear scanning backs. We do not know the situation for Anagramm either, since few camera companies specifically admitted they had the Sony chip. Sony will continue to make their low-end sensors for their Cybershot and other point-and-shoot cameras. Fortunately Kigamo uses the Kodak sensor, so we assume they will stay in business. Although we do not have a Kigamo, we like what they show on their web site, especially the adapter for the Fuji 680 camera. In my younger more impressionable years I went the Hasselblad route, and after ending up with two ELX and one SuperWide C I never skipped to Rollei or the Fuji 680. Today I realize that either are probably more practical than the Hasselblad. While on the subject of 4x5 scan backs, what is the best camera to hold them? Sinar Bron, Arca-Swiss, Cambo or Toyo are all recommended. What about the Fuji 680? That's why we offer a comprehensive course and provide tips on all this (via the Internet so you can take it at home or in your office). Calumet sends Cambo Ultima 4x5 camera to the FLAAR. Photo Archive for evaluation. Last updated July 3, 2003. |
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