Melbourne ADAPTs to hi-tech image repro

If large-format digital professional imaging is your thing then get on down to the Melbourne Park function centre next week, which on Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be hosting ADAPT – the Australian Digital Art and Photo Technology show.

Visitors to ADAPT will get the first look at the new 22 Megapixel professional system camera from Mamiya, which will be on display at the stand of photographic and art repro supply house Borge’s Imaging.

Mamiya film cameras have long been one of the professional image maker’s favourite tools. When digital backs capable of rivalling film became available, they continued to be used by substituting the film back for Leaf, Imacon or Phase One digital CCD backs.

Now Mamiya has come up with its own complete digital system camera at 22 Megapixels – far beyond the resolution of DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that range from 6 MP to 16MP.

Utilizing Mamiya's exclusive 14-bit A/D (Analog to Digital) converter, the 12-bit images are recorded at 1.5 fps, making it the fastest digital medium format camera. With its CF and SD storage options, built-in 1.8 inch LCD imaging preview screen and tethered FireWire® (IEEE1394) to Mamiya Digital Photo Studio software it provides the prefect solution for studio and/or on-location shoots.

Simple but powerful, Mamiya's Digital Photo Studio software offers a complete image capture, processing and editing solution in both MAC and PC based computers. Best of all, the Mamiya ZD digital camera is fully compatible with all Mamiya 645AF lenses.

Borge’s Imaging will also show its comprehensive range of professional lighting, digital printing, colour management, software and accessories for discerning image-makers.

Photographic-quality ‘indestructible’ signage to be shown at ADAPT

A long-held dream of marketers and brand managers is to offer true photographic-quality signage, POS and nameplates that match their glossy magazine ads. Whilst this has been possible thanks to digital inkjet printing from manufacturers such as Mimaki; durability and vandal-proofing has been a problem.

At the ADAPT (Australian Digital Art & Photo Technology) exhibition in Melbourne from July 13-15, DGS Mimaki will show striking results from the Australian-bred integration of four existing technologies. On demonstration will be the printer (Mimaki), sublimation inks and materials (KiwaJet), Metals (Gradess) and coater/laminator (Noritsu) that enable absolutely stunning brilliant colour images to be transferred to almost any material.

Moreover, the finishing process with KiwaJet/Gradess makes the result graffiti-proof – whatever ‘handle’ the ‘homeboys’ spray on your signs, in whatever paint or pen – it can not penetrate and comes right off with a simple wipe of a solvent rag, with no affect on the image. The encapsulated image is impervious to acid, petrol, turps, thinners, acetone, hydraulic fluids etc. Images on Gradess metal will not crack even if hit it with a hammer.

There are two methods of image transfer to a variety of materials; pressure-sensitive heat encapsulation and sublimation. Both produce images that match or exceed photographic colours and resolution. UV protection for 3, 5 and 7-year outdoor use is possible.

Using industry-benchmark Mimaki piezo digital printers onto KiwaJet sublimation material, images can be transferred to polyester film, textile, backlit film for lightboxes, vehicle fleet marking film, metallic chrome, floor tiles, steel, stainless steel or aluminium. The process is fast and covers all image sizes from postcard up to 2.4 metres x 1.2 metres and beyond.

The process offers enormous potential for marketers, advertising agencies, professional photographers, pro labs, art reproducers, printers and designers to expand their offerings. Applications are limited only by the extent of creative ideas.

“Never before has colour fidelity of this quality been seen in a durable, almost indestructible medium, “ says DGS Mimaki’s managing director Peter de Maagd whose Wollongong-based operation has a national dealer network.

The system has to be seen in action to be believed, and ADAPT is the opportunity for this from July 13-15 at Melbourne Park Function Centre. Doors open at 10am daily.