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Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air APS-C lens for Fujifilm X-Mount released

The previously rumored Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 Air APS-C lens for Fujifilm X-mount is now officially released and available for purchase at:

Additional information:

  • 113.8° Ultra-Wide Angle
  • 13 Elements in 11 Groups (3 ED, 3 HRI, 2 ASPH)
  • 7-blade Aperture
  • 0.13m MFD | 0.15× Magnification
  • Eye & Face Detection AF
  • 58mm Filter Thread
  • 175g Lightweight
  • Compact Size: Ø65 × 56.7 mm
  • MSRP: 199 USD / 229 EUR / 190 GBP

The lens already exists for Nikon Z and Sony E mount:

Announced: Viltrox AF 9mm f/2.8 & AF 14mm f/4.0 Air lenses

The Viltrox Black Friday deals are now live – they are offering 20% off on everything they sell:

Additional information can be found here.

  
  
More Black Friday deals can be found here:

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DJI drones will be banned in the US next month – here is your last chance to get one (DJI Black Friday deals)


DJI drones will be banned in the US next month. Here are the DJI Black Friday deals this year – probably the last chance to get a DJI drone in the US:

Additional information on the DJI drone ban:

A federal ban on DJI drones in the US is set to trigger on December 23, 2025, unless a designated national security agency (such as the Office of the Director of National Intelligence) completes a mandated security audit beforehand. This deadline stems from Section 1709 of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed by Congress in December 2024. If the audit doesn’t happen, DJI (along with fellow Chinese manufacturer Autel Robotics) will be added to the FCC’s “Covered List,” prohibiting the import, sale, and FCC certification of new DJI products. Existing drones owned by consumers and businesses would likely remain usable, but repairs, parts, and software updates could become challenging.

State-level restrictions are already in place in some areas. For example, Florida implemented a ban on DJI drones for government use in 2024, leading to the seizure of equipment worth over $200 million and a switch to pricier US-made alternatives. Similar restrictions exist in states like Arkansas and Mississippi for public agencies, often driven by the same federal concerns.

Reasons for the Potential Ban

  • Data Privacy and Espionage Risks: Fears that DJI drones could transmit sensitive flight data, images, or videos back to China via backdoors, enabling surveillance. This echoes restrictions on other Chinese tech companies, such as Huawei.
  • Forced Labor and Subsidies: Accusations that DJI benefits from unfair state subsidies and supply chains involving forced labor in Xinjiang.
  • Military/Combat Use: Claims that DJI tech could be repurposed for warfare, though DJI counters that it has never marketed military products and actively discourages combat applications.

DJI disputes these, emphasizing features like “Local Data Mode” (which disables internet connectivity) and offering full access for independent audits. The company argues the restrictions are politically motivated, benefiting U.S. competitors like Skydio (which holds only 5-10% market share) by creating a $1-2 billion domestic opportunity at the expense of innovation and affordability.

More Black Friday deals can be found here:

BLACK FRIDAY

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ARRI is cutting jobs and closing two locations in Germany


A quick update on the previously reported rumors that the German manufacturer of professional motion picture cameras, lenses, and lighting ARRI was up for sale. Bloomberg now reports that ARRI is cutting jobs and closing two locations in Germany:

“Arri Group, a major Hollywood equipment supplier, is cutting jobs and closing two locations in Germany, the latest fallout from the continued decline in movie production. Operations at Arri’s lighting factory, repair and distribution centers in the municipalities of Stephanskirchen and Brannenburg will halt by the end of the year, resulting in the loss of 150 positions, Arri spokesman Kevin Schwutke said in an email.”

Who is going to buy ARRI?

BLACK FRIDAY

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Aftershoot Black Friday Deals


The Aftershoot Black Friday Deals are now live:

  • Get 20% off unlimited AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching starting at $7.99/month.
  • BONUS: Get 6 months of AI Retouching free when you join with the Pro plan this Black Friday.


Additional information on Aftershoot:

AfterShoot is an AI-Powered Photo Workflow Tool for Photographers

AfterShoot is an all-in-one, AI-driven software platform designed specifically for photographers to automate and accelerate the post-production process. It handles culling (selecting the best shots from a shoot), editing (applying consistent adjustments like exposure and color grading), and retouching (subtle enhancements such as skin smoothing or blemish removal), allowing users to spend more time shooting and less on tedious desk work. The tool runs entirely offline on Windows or MacOS computers (requiring at least 8GB RAM and a modern CPU), supporting RAW and JPEG files from most major cameras—no internet upload or complex setup needed.

Here are some of the available Aftershoot features:

AI Culling 

Automatically sorts and ranks photos based on sharpness, composition, and duplicates, learning from your preferences to improve accuracy over time:

  • AI analyzes 30+ factors to rank the best photos.
  • Software continuously improves with updates.
  • Options: manual, AI-assisted, or fully automated culling (customizable for user comfort).

AI Editing

Applies batch edits that match your style, such as white balance, lens corrections, and creative presets:

  • Works offline.
  • AI learns user style and improves with use.
  • Pro profiles & instant profiles available.
  • Lightroom + Capture One integration.
  • Marketplace with pre-built paid and free profiles from well-known photographers (growing library).

AI Retouching

New feature for natural-looking touch-ups, including wrinkle/blemish removal, teeth whitening, and skin enhancements that mimic professional human retouching:

  • Natural look, no plastic/polished skin.
  • Skin smoothing, blemish & wrinkle removal, teeth whitening.
  • Glasses glare & stray hair removal.
  • Real-looking results, designed to keep skin texture without overdoing it.

Personalization

  • The AI adapts to your individual editing style by observing your actions, ensuring outputs feel custom rather than generic.

Unlimited Processing

  • Handles as many images as you want without per-image fees or storage limits.

More Black Friday deals can be found here:

BLACK FRIDAY

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New $99 Kodak Snapic A1 film camera released with a double exposure function



A new Kodak Snapic A1 film camera was released today with a double exposure function. You can get one for $99 at B&H Photo. Here are the details:

The Kodak Snapic A1 35mm film camera is a versatile full-frame film camera. Apart from the high-quality 3-element glass lens, it also features a range of automatic functions, including auto wind, rewind, and auto flash, ensuring ease of use. The 2-zone focus allows for quick adjustment between portrait and landscape shots, while the double exposure function invites creative expression by blending two images into one.

  • Equipping a high-quality 3-Element Glass Lens: The Snapic A1 ensures stunning clarity and detail in every shot.
  • Focus switching: Features 2-zone focus, allowing for a quick adjustment between landscape and close-up settings.
  • Built-in Auto Flash: Users can select auto-flash function with red-eye reduction.
  • Double Exposure: The unique double exposure function also invites creative expression by blending two scenes into one captivating image.
Key features:
  • 35mm Film Camera
  • 25mm f/9.5 Lens
  • Two-Zone Manual Focus
  • Built-In Flash with Red-Eye Reduction
  • Optical Viewfinder
  • Auto Film Loading, Advance, and Rewind
  • Accepts 2 x AAA Batteries

Technical specifications:

BLACK FRIDAY

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Venus Optics Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D tilt-shift 0.5x macro lens officially announced (E/Z/RF/L/GFX/XCD)




The previously reported Venus Optics Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D tilt-shift 0.5x macro lens (E/Z/RF/L/GFX/XCD) is now officially announed and available for order (coming soon to B&H Photo).

Additional information:

Designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras and also compatible with GFX/XCD medium-format systems, the Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5× Macro lens with 3-in-1 optic combines tilt, shift, and half-macro capabilities into a single, compact package (±12mm of shift on Full Frame and ±8mm on Medium Format). The Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5x Macro boasts the Zero-D (Zero Distortion) optical design, ensuring sharp, geometrically accurate images. The APO (Apochromatic) elements deliver impeccable color fidelity and edge-to-edge clarity, while a bright f/2.8 aperture excels in low-light conditions. The price is USD 1,249.


Specification:

Name Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D Tilt-Shift 0.5x Macro
Format Full Frame
Focal Length 35mm
Aperture Range F2.8-22
Angle of View 87.5°
Tilt ±10°
Shift ±12mm
Mount Rotation 360°
Magnification 0.5x
In-focus driving mode Manual Focus
Lens Structure 14 elements in 12 groups
Aperture Blades 15
Min. Focusing Distance 22.8cm
Filter Thread Size Ø77mm
Dimension Approx. Ø148.9mm* Ø104.9mm
Weight 1,350g (exclude front cap & rear cap )
Mounts E/Z/RF/L*/GFX/XCD
Price USD 1,249
*Remark: Not compatible with the following Panasonic Lumix models: S52 S1M2 S1R2 S1M2E S5M2X


Unrivaled Tilt & Shift Control

  • Full Frame Systems: Offers an expansive ±10° of tilt for precise plane of focus manipulation and ±12mm of shift for advanced perspective correction.
  • Medium Format Systems (GFX/XCD): Delivers ±10° of tilt and a robust ±8mm of shift, providing critical control without noticeable vignetting. These movements enable photographers to correct converging verticals in architecture, create stunning miniature effects, achieve extended depth of field across vast landscapes, and minimize reflections, all directly in-camera

Zero-D (Zero Distortion) Optical Design

  • As part of Laowa’s renowned Zero-D line, the 35mm f/2.8 ensures virtually no optical distortion, delivering perfectly straight lines crucial for architectural and interior photography. Its APO (Apochromatic) design further eliminates chromatic aberration, guaranteeing superior image quality and edge-to-edge sharpness across its broad 87.5° angle of view.

Exceptional Macro Capabilities

  • With an impressive 0.5x maximum magnification and a minimum focusing distance of just 22.8 cm (the closest in its class for tilt-shift lenses), this lens excels in macro photography. This close-focus ability, combined with tilt-shift movements, opens new avenues for detailed product shots, creative tabletop photography, and unique close-ups.

Versatile for Diverse Applications

  • The fast f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance, making it ideal for night scenes, long exposures, and indoor shooting. Its unique combination of features makes it a versatile companion for architectural, landscape, product, and fine art photographers seeking to push creative boundaries.

Seamless Photo Stitching and Panoramic Imaging

  • Using the shift function, panoramas can be created with ease through photo stitching.

Photographer-Centric Design

  • Built-in 77mm Filter Thread: Offers practical and cost-effective filter use without bulky adapters.
  • Adjustable Tilt-Shift Direction: Provides flexible composition adjustments with 15° clicks for precise control.
  • Integrated Arca-Swiss Lens Support: A detachable support allows for quick and secure mounting to tripods, crucial for precise tilt-shift work.
  • Frog-Eye Coating: The front element features Laowa’s water and dirt-repellent coating for easy cleaning and reliable performance in challenging environments.


Venus Optics Laowa photo lenses Black Friday deals

Venus Optics Laowa cinema lenses Black Friday deals

More Black Friday deals are available here:

BLACK FRIDAY

The post Venus Optics Laowa 35mm f/2.8 Zero-D tilt-shift 0.5x macro lens officially announced (E/Z/RF/L/GFX/XCD) appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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New Thypoch Eureka 28mm f/2.8 lens for Leica M and Fujifilm X mount officially announced inspired by the Dallmeyer 35mm f/3.5 Anastigmat



The previously reported Thypoch Eureka 28mm f/2.8 lens is now officially announced and available for pre-order at (this is the second Thypoch Eureka lens):

The lens is available for Leica M and Fujifilm X mount as well as M-mount with Fujix X-mount adapter:


Additional information can be found here and here:

  • Crafted with a brass body and finished in pearl white infused with delicate gold powder
  • Classic appearance design from the 1950s
  • Ultra-lightweight: around 130 g
  • Compact size: 19.5~21.9 mm height
  • Outstanding sharpness from center to edge
  • Accurate rendering: only 0.462% distortion
  • Multi-layer coating
  • Two colors available
  • 0.4 m minimum focusing distance

New Thypoch Eureka 28mm f/2.8 lens for Leica M-mount officially announced

Check out also the Typoch Black Friday deals at Typoch’s website, B&H Photo, and Amazon:


More Black Friday deals can be found here:

BLACK FRIDAY

Press release:

Classic and Compact: Thypoch Eureka 28mm f/2.8 ASPH. Pre-order Available Now

Thypoch today announced the pre-order of the Eureka 28mm f/2.8 ASPH, the latest addition to its vintage line of compact, high-performance pancake lenses. Following the success of the series’ inaugural 50mm lens, the new 28mm model maintains the signature blend of classic aesthetic appeal and cutting-edge optical engineering, offering photographers a wider option.  

Inspired by the iconic British legend – the Dallmeyer 35mm f/3.5 Anastigmat mounted on the Ilford Advocate camera, the Eureka 28mm f/2.8 ASPH embodies a heritage design re-imagined for today. The creation of this lens was born from the Thypoch team’s passion for shooting reversal film during long-distance travels, using compact 28mm lenses. Dissatisfied with the market’s lack of options that were truly small, elegant, and exhibited minimal vignetting—a critical flaw for reversal film, where dark corners significantly impact viewing pleasure, unlike digitally adjustable files—they decided to develop their own.

Thypoch’s optical designers iterated through three distinct versions before arriving at the optimal result seen today, achieving outstanding resolution, minimal vignetting, and low distortion—all within an exceptionally compact form to meet the demands of fine reversal film. To match this optical excellence, countless hours were dedicated to refining the fine white paint finish and perfecting the surface texture of the black version. Although the black model does not use lacquer, the team employed a special method to achieve a tactile quality as pleasing as traditional black lacquer, making the Eureka 28mm a precision instrument for the artist, and a work of art in itself.

Besides the M mount version, Thypoch specially releases an X mount version and an M-X adapter to maintain the aesthetic consistency between the camera body and the lens based on the refined, vintage appearance of Eureka and the design of Fujifilm cameras. Even when adapted, its compact size remains lightweight and balanced, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate classic aesthetics without compromising modern optical quality.

There are 3 options available for pre-order, all of them enjoy a 10% discount of the MSRP and a special gift of pre-order:

  • Eureka 28mm M mount (Pearl White/Matte Black), pre-sale price at $413.
  • Eureka 28mm X mount (Pearl White/Matte Black), pre-sale price at $413.
  • Eureka 28mm mount (Pearl White/Matte Black) + M-X adapter (Silver/Black), pre-sale price at $431.

Via LeicaRumors

The post New Thypoch Eureka 28mm f/2.8 lens for Leica M and Fujifilm X mount officially announced inspired by the Dallmeyer 35mm f/3.5 Anastigmat appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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Additional information on the upcoming Viltrox 2.0x teleconverter



Here is some additional information on the previously reported Viltrox 2.0x teleconverter (see patent):

Update – pre-orders now open at B&H Photo.

  • 9 elements in 5 groups
  • Weighing approximately 229 grams
  • Features electronic contacts
  • Supports EXIF ​​data transmission
  • Lens-based image stabilization
  • 120fps continuous shooting
  • Dust and splash resistant.
  • Expected price around $160





The first third-party teleconverter for Nikon Z-Mount is coming soon (from Viltrox)

  
  
The Viltrox Black Friday deals are now live – they are offering 20% off on everything they sell:

Additional information can be found here:

Viltrox Black Friday deals started today: 20% off everything they sell

Via SonyAddict

The post Additional information on the upcoming Viltrox 2.0x teleconverter appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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New Sony FX8 cinema camera rumors




Here are some additional rumors on the Sony FX8 cinema line camera:

  • The FX8 will be smaller than the Sony FX9 model.
  • The rumored Sony FX8 cinema camera features a 12K sensor with a horizontal pixel count of 12,032.
  • The Sony FX8 will support dual native ISO and enhanced sensitivity similar to the Sony FX6.
  • 16 stops of dynamic range at three ISO settings: 500, 2000, and 8000.
  • The Sony FX8 will support high-quality full-frame/S35 format 8K30p and 4K60p recording (17:9, 16:9), and supports 1.04x cropped 16:9 4K120p recording.
  • Although the FX8’s sensor is marketed as an 81-megapixel effective sensor based on a 16:9 crop factor—in line with Cinema Line conventions—it is clearly a full-frame sensor with a total of 96 million pixels.
  • Similar to the relationship between the Sony FX30 and Sony A6700. Sony appears to be planning to debut its new image sensor in the CineLine first. This implies that after the FX8’s release, the Sony A7S/A7R series may launch new Alpha cameras featuring a full 3:2 aspect ratio 96-megapixel sensor.
  • Unfortunately, Sony has no plans to support Open Gate for cameras, including the FX8 and BURANO.

Additional information on the two upcoming Sony professional video cameras

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