Chicago, IL - Zacuto is announcing the release their new packages for the Letus35 Extreme Lens Adapter [http://www.zacuto.com/Letus.htm]. Zacuto’s product line for Letus35 Extreme [http://store.zacuto.com/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=37] features a complete setup for handheld use that is lightweight - while integrating all the functionality of Zacuto’s highly rated line of camera support accessories. Besides the handheld package, configurations are also available in two other kits for tripod mounting.

Zacuto’s Letus Studio Handheld Package [http://www.zacuto.com/Letus_studio_handheld_kit.htm] includes the Letus35 Shallow Depth of Field Adapter [http://www.adapterplace.com/content/view/21/5/lang,en/] plus all the Zacuto brand hardware necessary to achieve a balanced and completely quick-releasable (Zacuto trademark) shooting outfit that is quick to setup and fast to move about on location.

The DOF adapter is a powerful tool, allowing inexpensive DV, HDV and HD cameras with small CCD’s
to capture a shallow depth-of-field to achieve a 35mm motion picture look. One interesting benefit is that while the DOF is very similar to 35mm film cameras; with the 1/3″ pickup area, the field-of-view is much wider. This is a huge benefit to independent filmmakers because they are typically on location vs. a studio and need the widest field-of-view (wide angle) they can get. The Letus35 Extreme adapter is an affordable yet high quality unit which is easy to use and will fit all cameras.

“After extensive tests, I’ve found that Letus35 Extreme loses the least amount of light of any of the DOF adapters on the market (including P+S-Technik & the Movie Tube)” says, Jens Bogehegn, Product Designer/Technician Zacuto USA.

“We invented a new part just for the Letus35 called the Z-Riser [http://www.zacuto.com/Z-Riser.htm]. When using a DOF adapter two issues are important. Balance & Support [http://www.zacuto.com/Letus_07.htm]. These setups tend to be very front heavy so designing the system with balance is critical for both handheld and tripod use. Second, support is key to your equipment lasting. Electronics are delicate, in a Zacuto setup, the electronic components including the Letus35 just sit with no pressure on them on the Zacuto rig. The Zacuto setup has to take all of the stresses or damage will occur to the electronic components.” Says, Steve Weiss, Product Designer/Sales Zacuto USA.

The Zacuto Letus35 Extreme case [http://www.zacuto.com/Letus_Zacuto_case.htm] is the first of its kind to be able to put the entire built Letus35 setup in a case fully assembled. It could take 30 minutes to assemble all of the parts of your rig each time you set it up. “The less you take the components on and off the less breakage you will have. Plus, you can come out of the case and shoot within 1 minute, who wouldn’t want that?” says, Steve Weiss, Product Designer/Sales, Zacuto USA.

“Our handheld kit for the Letus35 adapter uses more than a dozen of Zacuto’s best products, including our latest (Version 3) Universal Baseplate [http://store.zacuto.com/product.php?productid=30&cat=0&page=1] and Z-grips [http://store.zacuto.com/product.php?productid=69&cat=0&page=1] ” says Steve Weiss, Zacuto’s Co-Designer/Sales Director. “Z-Grips give you that Zacuto low hand position that DP’s say is much less fatiguing when shooting for many hours. Plus, the handgrips themselves fully articulate for further comfort.”

For more information about the Zacuto/Letus Extreme Configurations visit http://www.zacuto.com/Letus.htm

The Tribeca Film Festival was founded seven years ago after the 9/11 attacks to revitalize lower Manhattan through a celebration of film and culture. Since its founding, the Festival has generated more then $425 million in economic activity for New York City. It has been a home to more than 950 filmmakers debuting stories from around the corner to around the globe.

Each year, the strength of the film program has increased. The acclaimed documentary, Taxi to the Dark Side, which premiered and was acquired at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival, was just nominated for Best Documentary at the 2008 Academy Awards. Another 2008 Academy Award nominee, Salim Baba, had its North American debut at the 2007 Festival and is now up for Best Documentary Short Subject. The 2007 Festival also featured more than 30 films that received distribution.

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 appears it may rain, photographers 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 300 f2.8, 400 f2.8, 500 f4, and 600 f4, making it ideally suited for sports and nature photographers.

Hydrophobia comes with two extended sleeves through which photographers insert their arms to access all of their camera controls. It allows them to shoot vertically in either direction, and they can add a tele-converter 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.

For more info go to http://www.thinktankphoto.com