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Contax Introduces Zeiss T* Tele-Apotessar 350mm F4 Lens and Zeiss T* Mutar 1.4x Tele-Converter

New Optics Are First Step in 645 Lens Expansion

LAS VEGAS, NV -- February 3, 2000 -- Kyocera Optics, Inc. is expanding its Contax 645 lens line with the introduction of two new products for the popular medium-format camera: the Carl Zeiss T* Tele-Apotessar 350mm f4 lens and Carl Zeiss T* Mutar 1.4X Tele-Converter.

The 350mm lens is the perfect answer for those awaiting a longer focal-length lens for the Contax 645, while the tele-converter expands the focal length of existing lenses by 1.4. The Tele-Apotessar 350mm f4 Lens and The Carl Zeiss T* Mutar 1.4X Tele-Converter are being introduced by Kyocera Optics, Inc. at the 2000 Photo Marketing Association show, February 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth #N61.

The basic Tele-Apotessar design, a proven top performer in 35mm as well as medium format photography, offers great benefits. Photographers no longer need to worry about the halo effect that some lenses create around a subject because these chromatic aberrations are reduced to zero through the incorporation of two ultra-low dispersion lens elements. In fact, the Tele-Apotessar formula consists of nine elements in eight groups. The angle of view for the lens is 11 degrees. This new lens was crafted to offer the photographer a wide array of shooting variations. It was designed with a minimum focus distance of 5.8 feet along with a magnification of 1:3.98, virtually placing the lens into the macro range. As with all Carl Zeiss lenses, photographic performance is exquisite.

Adding to the advanced optical design of the Tele-Apotessar, Carl Zeiss managed to integrate Auto Focus capability. An Ultra-sonic motor is incorporated for fast and extremely precise focusing. The lens also comes complete with a detachable tripod collar.

The Tele-Apotessar weighs 134 ounces (8.38 pounds). The length is 10 3/4 inches and the filter size is 95mm.

Also introduced for the Contax 645, is the new Carl Zeiss T* Mutar 1.4X Tele-Converter. This new converter is matched for use on the Sonnar T* 140mm f2.8, Sonnar T* 210mm f4 and the new Tele-Apotessar T* 350mm f4. It provides for a 1.4X increase in focal length for the installed lens while consuming only one f-stop of light.

When the tele-converter is used in conjunction with the new Tele-Apotessar T* 350mm f4, the resulting lens is a 490mm f5.6. Such a combination is eminently useful for applications including wildlife and sports photography, as the resulting focal length allows the photographer to isolate a subject from a great distance.

The Mutar 1.4X is composed of six elements in five groups. It offers a fully automatic diaphragm and the amazing ability to carry Auto-Focus through itself to operate the Carl Zeiss T* lens.

The weight of the new Mutar 1.4X is 17 1/2 ounces. The length is 3 1/4 inches and the diameter is 2 1/2 inches.

For retail locations, consumers can call Contax North America at (800) 526-0266 or visit the company's website at www.contaxcameras.com.

About Contax: Contax North America, a division of Kyocera Optics, Inc., markets a complete line of high-end photographic equipment including medium format cameras, SLR's, rangefinders and sophisticated compact zoom cameras. The company also maintains the exclusive license to distribute world renowned Carl Zeiss T* lenses for 35mm and Advanced Photo System cameras, and auto focus lenses for the medium format Contax 645.