Camera
Ricoh’s Pentax K-3 III 26MP DSLR is finally here
Ricoh has officially unveiled the Pentax K-3 III, a 26MP APS-C DSLR with a host of significant updates over the previous K-3 II.
The camera is built around A stabilized 25.7MP BSI-CMOS sensor and sees most of its critical components entirely reworked or replaced. A new shutter mechanism allows it to shoot at up to 12 fps (11 with continuous autofocus), with less viewfinder blackout as the frames are being shot.
The in-body stabilization system is now rated as offering 5.5EV of correction, the most yet for a K-mount camera. It gains a dedicated ‘panning’ mode in addition to the existing system that auto-detects panning, to ensure the camera doesn’t try to fight against slow, intentional panning motion.
Meanwhile, there’s a completely new SAFOX 13 AF module with wider frame coverage than the existing K-3 II. It offers 101 AF points, 25 of which are cross-type. Ricoh says the camera’s continuous AF prediction algorithms have been revised and the K-3 III gains a subject recognition system that’s been trained by machine learning to improve AF tracking performance.
The K-3 III’s viewfinder is also new, and offers 1.05x magnification, the highest we’ve ever seen on an APS-C DSLR. The pentaprism finder has a transparent display built into the optical path, which allows more information to be shown in the finder and allows a design which is 10% brighter than the existing model. The K-3 III also gains touchscreen control of various functions.
As you’d expect on a Pentax DSLR, the K-3 III features modes such as Pixel Shift Resolution and Anti-Aliasing Filter Simulation, to maximize image detail and avoid moiré, respectively. It also offers 4K video capture at up to 30p, and is able to use its mechanical in-body stabilization to provide 3-axis shake correction while doing so.
A matching battery grip D-BG8 is among the optional accessories launched alongside the camera.
The K-3 III will come in black or silver. Both with be available from late April at a recommended price of $2000. Kits including the battery grip, an ‘exclusive’ leather strap and second battery will be priced at $2300. This Premium Kit will be the only way to buy the silver version of the D-BG8 battery grip (pictured above).
Ricoh announces PENTAX K-3 Mark III digital SLR camera
New flagship APS-C camera delivers outstanding imaging performance and wide range of advanced functions in compact, rugged body
PARSIPPANY, NJ, March 30, 2021 －Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX K-3 Mark III, the new flagship model in its APS-C format digital SLR camera series. Designed around the PENTAX Principles, the new camera offers advanced functions and outstanding imaging performance with a goal of optimizing the fun and excitement of photography in a wide variety of conditions.
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III builds on the PENTAX legacy of outstanding image quality, incorporating a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 25.73 effective megapixels. By coupling this sensor with an AA (anti-aliasing)-filter-free optical design, the camera produces super-high-resolution images. A newly developed, high-performance PRIME V imaging engine and new-generation accelerator unit delivers well-defined images with minimal noise, while retaining high-resolution reproduction at all sensitivities. The PENTAX K-3 Mark III boasts a super-high sensitivity of ISO 1600000 and features a newly developed SAFOX 13 autofocus system with 101 focus sensors.
A new, super-bright optical viewfinder delivers a nearly 100% field of view and magnification of approximately 1.05 times. With a newly developed high-refraction glass prism, the viewfinder provides a wide field of view equivalent to that of a full-frame SLR, fully immersing the photographer in shooting.
The camera’s compact, rugged body is dustproof and weather resistant, making it suitable for use in the most extreme environmental conditions. It features PENTAX’s high-performance, five-axis shake-reduction (SR) system, minimizing camera shake to deliver sharp, blur-free images. Furthering its commitment to producing the highest quality images, the PENTAX K-3 Mark III features the innovative Pixel Shift Resolution System, employing advanced super-resolution technology to capture four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, then synthesize them into a single composite image.
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III is equipped with user-friendly shooting functions, improved efficiency and operability. These include a high-definition 3.2-inch touch-screen LCD monitor—the first touch screen in the PENTAX K series. The screen allows intuitive operation of a variety of functions, including scrolling menu selection and image zooming during playback.
The camera also features PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System, supported by the latest artificial intelligence technology. It can instantly detect a subject’s face and eyes using advanced image recognition technology and makes a real-time analysis of the subject’s movement. The system assists the camera in optimizing exposure settings and improving autofocusing accuracy, assuring more accurate subject detection and more reliable scene judgment.
“The development of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III has been a longtime labor of love,” said Kaz Eguchi, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. “At Ricoh, our goal is to develop high-quality cameras with the power to capture images that speak louder than words and inspire photographers to continue pursuing their passion for photography every day.”
| Pricing and Availability|
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III will be available in late April at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and can be pre-ordered at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets starting on April 6 at 5 p.m. ET for the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,999.95.
Ricoh is also producing two limited-edition kits — the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Black Premium Kit and PENTAX K-3 Mark III Silver Premium Kit. These special packages include a camera body and battery grip (the Silver Premium Kit comes with a silver camera body and a silver battery grip that is exclusive to this package), plus an exclusive leather strap and a spare battery. The specifications of the limited-edition models are identical to those of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III. The Premium Kits will be available in late April for the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2,299.95.
| The Five Principles of PENTAX |
- We design new cameras through sheer devotion.
- Our goal is to produce cameras with the power to capture images that allow for direct communication with the subject.
- We design cameras that allow our users to enjoy all the processes involved in taking a picture.
- We pursue a level of quality and performance that can’t be measured by numbers alone.
- We respect and value the photographic experiences of our users and view this as an invaluable asset.
| Main features of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III |
1．Optical viewfinder with nearly 100% field of view and approximately 1.05-times magnification
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III features an optical viewfinder with a nearly 100-percent field of view and a magnification of approximately 1.05 times. A newly developed, high-refraction glass prism assures comfortable viewing with a wide field of view equivalent to that of a full-frame SLR. Also, by using a distortion-correcting optical element and optimizing the lens coatings, it delivers a clear, true-to-life viewfinder image free of distortion, with brightness improved by nearly 10 percent over the PENTAX K-3 II’s viewfinder. Incorporating a Natural Bright Matte III focusing screen — known for ease of focus during manual-focus shooting — it also delivers a sharp, clear subject image with faithful reproduction of the bokeh (defocus) effect. In addition, its transparent display lets the user monitor a wide range of operational data in the viewfinder window.
2．High-resolution images assured by approximately 25.73 effective megapixels and super-high-sensitivity photography at a top sensitivity of ISO 1600000
As part of its passion for higher image quality, PENTAX equipped the PENTAX K-3 Mark III with a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 25.73 effective megapixels. By coupling this sensor with an AA (anti-aliasing)-filter-free optical design, the camera produces super-high-resolution images. PENTAX also renewed all key devices, including the newly developed, high-performance PRIME V imaging engine and new-generation accelerator unit to deliver well-defined images with minimal noise, while retaining high-resolution reproduction at all sensitivities — even in the super-low or super-high range. Also, by greatly improving the noise-reduction performance at high-sensitivity ranges, it boasts a top sensitivity of ISO 1600000 to extend the range of scenes that can be photographed.
3．Pentax SR II Shake Reduction System delivers high-performance, 5-Axis, 5.5-shutter-step camera shake compensation
(1) In-body SR mechanism, compatible with all mountable lenses*
The built-in SR II shake-reduction mechanism means that the PENTAX K-3 Mark III effectively minimizes camera shake and delivers sharp, blur-free images, even in camera-shake-prone conditions such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting low-light scenes without flash illumination, or photographing sunset scenes. In addition to horizontal and vertical camera shake caused by pitch and yaw, this five-axis mechanism compensates for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift (often generated in macro photography) and camera shake caused by roll. It assures a compensation effect of approximately 5.5 shutter steps（CIPA standard compliant, HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR、f = 85mm） — the highest level in PENTAX history — to expand the limits of handheld photography. This mechanism also provides a new Panning mode to capture sharp, clear images of slow-moving subjects.
(2) Pixel-Shift Resolution System
This innovative system captures four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, then synthesizes them into a single composite image. Compared to the conventional Bayer system, in which each pixel has only a single color-data unit, this system obtains all color data in each pixel and delivers super-high-resolution images with more truthful colors and much finer details than those produced by the conventional system. To make this system more useful with a wider range of scenes and subjects, the camera provides ON/OFF switching of the Motion Correction function, which automatically detects only moving elements of the image during continuous shooting and minimizes negative effects during the synthesizing process.
(3) AA-filter simulator to minimize moiré and false color**
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III features an AA (anti-aliasing)-filter simulator, which effectively reduces moiré patterns to the same level as an optical AA filter, by applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor at the sub-pixel-level during exposure. Unlike a conventional optical AA filer, this innovative, PENTAX-original simulator provides ON/FF switching and level selection to assure the optimal filter effect for a given subject or photographic condition.
4．High-definition LCD monitor with intuitive touch-screen control
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III features a high-definition, 3.2-inch LCD monitor with approximately 1,620,000 pixels. Incorporating touch-screen control for the first time in the PENTAX K series, this monitor provides intuitive operation of monitor functions, including menu selection and image zooming during playback. Its air-gapless construction, in which a special resin material is injected into the gap between LCD layers and a protective tempered-glass cover, effectively reduces reflections and the dispersion of light to improve visibility during outdoor shooting. The viewfinder eyepiece is designed to protrude away from the LCD monitor screen, so the user’s nose does not contact the camera body. Positioned at the bottom of the eyepiece is an eye sensor, which turns the monitor off the moment the photographer looks into the viewfinder, preventing monitor illumination from affecting visibility during shooting.
5．SAFOX 13 autofocus system with 101 focus sensors
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III features a newly developed SAFOX 13 phase-matching AF sensor module for dependable, high-precision autofocus operations. It has 101 focus sensors, 25 of which are cross-type sensors positioned in the middle, to assure pinpoint focus on the subject at minimum brightness levels as low as -4 EV.*** Also, by featuring a new, high-capacity RGBIr image sensor with approximately 307,000 pixels and a newly developed image-tracking algorithm, the camera also assures accurate tracking of subjects moving at varying speed or in irregular motion. A newly installed AF point selector lever allows the user to select the desired focus point more intuitively (up to 41 points).
6．PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System, supported by the latest artificial intelligence technology
Supported by the combination of the new, high-density RGBIr image sensor and the high-performance PRIME V imaging engine, the PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System instantly detects the subject’s face and eyes using the advanced image recognition technology, then makes real-time analysis of their movement. This assists the camera in optimizing exposure settings and improving autofocusing accuracy. By adopting Deep Learning**** — the latest, much-publicized artificial intelligence technology — the PENTAX K-3 Mark III assures more accurate subject detection and more reliable scene judgment.
7．High-speed continuous shooting at a top speed of approximately 12 images per second
Thanks to a newly developed mirror-driving mechanism assuring high-speed, high-accuracy control of the mirror and shutter mechanisms, and the high-performance PRIME V imaging engine that performs high-speed data transmission, the PENTAX K-3 Mark III provides high-speed drive continuous shooting — with a maximum speed of approximately 12 images per second in the AF.S mode, or approximately 11 images per second in the AF.C mode.
8．User-friendly shooting functions to improve shooting efficiency and operability
- PENTAX-exclusive Hyper Operation system, featuring a new Advanced mode for more flexible exposure control.
- Operation Control Lock function, to prevent accidental operational errors of exposure-setting buttons and the four-way controller.
- New-generation Smart Function with the dedicated Smart Function button, for speedy selection and setting of various functions without the need of switching on-screen menus.
- Button Customization function, to assign user-selected functions to 10 different control buttons.
9．Compact, sturdy body with dustproof, weather-resistant construction
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III’s top, bottom, front and rear panels are all made of lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy. Coupled with a dustproof, weather-resistant construction with special seals applied to crucial parts of the camera body, and outstanding cold-resistant performance to ensure stable operation at -10°C, the camera is designed to be extremely durable and dependable even in harsh environmental conditions, such as when shooting in the rain, or at dust-prone or low-temperature locations. The camera also features a durable, dependable shutter unit — verified in an endurance test of 300,000 shutter-release actions — to perfect the rugged body for worry-free shooting at any location.
10．4K-resolution movie recording with a range of functional settings
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III captures 4K-resolution movie clips (3840 x 2160 pixels; 30p/24p frame rate) or Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels; 60p/30p/24p frame rate) in the H-264 recording format. Equipped with a stereo microphone input terminal and headset terminal, it also allows the user to manually set the audio recording level and monitor the sound pressure level for microphone input. Thanks to quiet touch-screen control on the LCD monitor positioned on its back panel, the desired shooting function and exposure compensation level can be set without worrying about operational noise.
11．Bluetooth® and Wireless LAN connection
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III provides two wireless interface options — Bluetooth® and Wireless LAN — for connection with mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. By installing the dedicated Image Sync application in a mobile device, the user can view Live View images on a smartphone screen or capture images and change camera settings using the mobile device. This application also allows the user to transfer captured images to a mobile device and upload them to various SNS sites.
12．Other features
- DR II (Dust Removal II) mechanism, for effective removal of dust particles using ultrasonic vibrations
- Effortless recharging of the camera battery via USB Type-C terminal
- Outdoor-friendly monitor with a Night Vision LCD Display function, for speedy adjustment of the monitor’s brightness level depending on the shooting location
- HDR (High Dynamic Range) function, for simplifying handheld photography and saving captured images as RAW-format files
- Dual SD-card slot (with Slot One conforming to the UHS-II standard)
- Ergonomic design of camera exterior and control parts, optimized to accommodate different hand sizes and finger lengths
- Compatibility with old lenses without electronic contacts, for shooting in the Av (Aperture-priority) mode and saving the lens focal length as Exif data
- Latest version of Digital Camera Utility 5 software included
Optional Accessories
D-BG8 Battery Grip
Designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX K-3 Mark III, this battery grip features dustproof, weather-resistant construction, and provides an extra set of control buttons (shutter release, Smart Function, AF/AE lock, exposure compensation, and green), a focus point selector lever, and a pair of electronic dials to facilitate vertical-position shooting. It is powered by the large-capacity D-LI90P Lithium-ion Battery, which is also used to power the camera body. This battery can be recharged using the camera’s USB terminal.
O-HC177 Hot shoe cover
A high-quality hot shoe cover for dressing up the camera body. The material is a stainless alloy, and the design is such that it is integrated with the pentaprism part.
Footnotes:
* This mechanism is compatible with K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2-, KAF3-and KAF4-mount lenses, and also with screw-mount and 645- and 67-system lenses using an adapter. Some functions may not be available with certain lenses.
** This function works most effectively with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function may not be compatible with some shooting modes or certain functions, including the Pixel Shift Resolution System.
*** Light metering at -4 EV is available for F2.8-luminance-flux focus points, only when an F2.8-luminance-flux lens is mounted on the camera.
**** Deep Learning technology is available when the exposure mode is set to Scene Analyze Auto, or when the Custom Image mode is set to Auto Select.
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Out-of-camera JPEG. 50mm equiv. crop.
F4 | 1/450 | ISO 80 |
This week, Fujifilm announced the GFX100RF, a 102MP medium format camera with a fixed 28mm equiv. F4 lens. The sensor will be familiar to those who’ve seen samples from the GFX100 S II or GFX100 II, but the lens is an interesting factor – the company says it put a lot of engineering work into it in order to make it as compact as it is.
You can get a feel for what kind of results it produces from the samples we took with our pre-production unit. We were lucky enough to get to test the camera out in a variety of locals; many of the pictures are from Prague, as Fujifilm flew us out for its X Summit and Fujikina event, but there are also images from London, Paris and, of course, Washington.
We’ve added some new photos taken since our initial review went up, including ones taken using a tripod to remove hand shake as a limiting factor on resolution.
Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing; we do so in good faith, so please don’t abuse it.
| Images: Godox, Tilta and Think Tank |
Happy weekend, everyone! This week was fairly busy in terms of announcements. The most notable, of course, was the Fujifilm GFX100RF fixed-lens medium format camera. There were also plenty of accessories, too. But before diving into those, here are the deals we spotted this week.
Pro-grade goodness
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| Photo: Richard Butler |
The Canon EOS R3 was released in 2021, so it is getting a bit long in the tooth for modern camera standards. However, it’s an impressive device that’s well-positioned for sports and wildlife photography thanks, in part, to its advanced Eye Control AF. Making it even better right now is the fact that it’s currently $1000 off, bringing it to the lowest price I’ve ever seen.
A classic focal length
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| Image: Sony |
A 50mm prime is a great lens to have in any kit. Sony’s FE 50mm F1.4 GM is a lighter, more affordable alternative to the F1.2 GM version. It still offers plenty of quality, though, and hits the sweet spot for most photographers. In fact, it earned Honorable Mention in the 2023 DPReview Annual Awards. This capable lens is $100 off right now at multiple retailers.
Godox goodies
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| Image: Godox |
Lights seem to be a constant trend here in the accessory roundup lately, and that continues this week. Godox has recently released two different lights. First up is the Godox ML100R, the successor of the ML100Bi. It is a compact, lightweight, full-color LED video light meant for content creators and vloggers. It offers temperature ranges from 1800K to 10,000K and is equipped with the Godox Mount, making it compatible with a wide range of compact modifiers.
Godox also announced the M1000R full-color LED light, a more powerful light for film, broadcast and video production. It delivers 1000W in a lightweight package and offers a color temperature range from 1800K to 10,000K. The light is IP54-rated as well, providing more protection when shooting outside.
Get a grip
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| Image: Tilta |
The new Tilta Fujifilm X-M5 Cage is a lightweight option for X-M5 cameras that adds an L-bracket with a built-in walnut handgrip, an Arca-Swiss quick-release plate and a vintage-looking hot shoe thumb grip. It also comes with two leather strap attachments (not a strap), adding to the vintage appeal. Plus, the kit comes in a unique and vintage-looking metal gift box complete with a postage-style wrap.
Carry your gear
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| Photo: Karen Lane featuring Nicole Chan |
Think Tank Photo has announced a new lineup of backpacks. The Walker Pro Backpacks come in 16L, 24L and 30L capacities, providing plenty of room for gear. Each features a dedicated laptop sleeve, trolley handle pass-through, multiple attachment points for tripods and plenty of pockets for water, snacks and accessories.
A free resource
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| Image: Blackmagic Design |
Here’s an accessory of sorts that’s totally free. Blackmagic Design has released a free, 684-page step-by-step training guide for DaVinci Resolve 19. The Beginner’s Guide to DaVinci Resolve 19 is aimed at new and experienced users of the powerful video editing software. It walks users through all of the tools available in DaVinci Resolve, including video editing, color grading, audio enhancement and visual effects. The guide uses a project-based approach, giving you hands-on experience while working through the lessons. You can download the PDF from the Blackmagic Design website.
A new analog format
Finally, this week’s video is all about innovation. Ethan Moses, also known as Cameradactyl, has crafted numerous unique cameras and remixes of famous formats. He has built a 20×24-inch instant camera, a 3D-printed 4×5 field camera and so much more. Most recently, he’s created a new format called the Cameradactyl Master System, which uses color photo paper that is exposed in-camera in a roll format. The video walks through the new process along with some of Ethan’s other ambitious projects. It’s a fascinating look at some truly wild cameras and processes.
Magnum Photos, a cooperative agency since 1947, boasts an extensive photographic archive covering a vast range of global events. Naturally, much of that collection is film, with images that haven’t seen the light of day in some time. The agency aims to address this with its newly launched “A World in Color” project, aiming to digitize its Paris color library archive.
The French color library, housed in the historic Saint-Cyr Fort in Paris’s suburbs, contains over 43,000 slide sheets—approximately 650,000 color slides—from the 1950s to the early 2000s. Organized by country, theme, and personality, these images provide a valuable historical record of the second half of the 20th century.
| Photo: Magnum Photos |
Some of the slide cabinets have remained untouched for 20 years, potentially holding surprises. The French color library represents the lesser-seen works of Magnum’s members, including images from the foundational years of photography, making digitization and preservation particularly meaningful. “Our commitment to preserving this unique photographic heritage ensures it remains an invaluable resource, honoring the past while inspiring future generations to learn from and build upon this vibrant visual history,” notes Marine Merindol, Chief Operating Officer at Magnum Photos.
The project is supported by Magnum’s long-term partner, Fujifilm, and the Médiathèque du Patrimoine et de la photographie (MPP). With that support, the Magnum Archive and Production teams will digitize each sheet of color slides to identify and index every image. Given that Fujifilm is a partner for the project, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the digitization process will happen with the Fujifilm GFX 100 II medium format camera.
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| Photo: Magnum Photos |
The Magnum teams will work through the collection country by country, starting with a focus on Europe. Each month, they will share a new selection of images from a different country. The first batch highlights Czechia, featuring images from the 1960s to the 1990s, including the Soviet Union invasion in 1968 and the Velvet Revolution in 1989. “As a counterpart to Josef Koudelka and Ian Berry’s iconic black-and-white images from the Prague Uprising in 1968, the archive now reveals a new perspective in color from Marilyn Silverstone, a year after she became one of the first five women to join Magnum as a Member,” explains Magnum. There are also images by Elliott Erwitt, Thomas Hoepker, Marc Riboud and more.
You can follow along on the Magnum website or its social media platforms. In addition to the online content, Magnum will be hosting six in-person events across Europe as part of Fujifilm’s Fujikina events, starting with Prague, where Fujifilm just hosted an event to announce the GFX100RF. The Prague event is on display from March 22–23, with images curated by Magnum photographer Rafał Milach.
MAGNUM PRESENTS: A WORLD IN COLOR
Magnum Photos embarks on a historic project to digitize the agency’s Paris color library archive, which has remained dormant for decades.
Stored away at the historical Saint-Cyr Fort in the suburbs of Paris lies Magnum’s colossal French color library archive. Over 43,000 slide sheets, totaling approximately 650,000 color slides dating from the 1950s to the early 2000s, are estimated to be held there. Classified by Country, Theme and Personality, many of these images have remained, until now, unseen to the public eye. Revisiting the unexplored cabinets today is a step back into the workings of Magnum Photos as an agency in the pre-digital age, as well as a historical visual record of the second half of the 20th century.
Preserving the Magnum Archive
In January 2025, Magnum Photos began the monumental project of digitizing the color library archive, both as a step to preserve Magnum’s legacy for future generations and to unearth the unseen color images that have been hidden away for decades. With the support of long-term partners Fujifilm and the Médiathèque du Patrimoine et de la photographie (MPP), the Magnum Archive and Production teams will revisit the full archive and digitize each sheet of color slides, before identifying and indexing the unseen images, ensuring that they are preserved correctly for future generations.
An Invitation Behind the Scenes
Working country by country, the teams will begin by focusing on Europe, home of the color archive. Throughout the year, Magnum invites the public to join them behind the scenes in the digitization process, using the Fujifilm GFX 100 II medium-format digital camera. Every month, a new selection of unseen images will be unveiled, each reveal focusing on a different country. Six unique in-person activations will also take place across Europe as part of Fujifilm’s FUJIKINA events, giving the public the opportunity to discover a further selection of curated unseen images, as well as the physical slide sheets themselves, with the original photographer and editor annotations preserved. Beginning in March with Czechia, this year will also see exclusive reveals of unseen images from Italy, Belgium, the UK, France, Germany, and more, with aspirations to move beyond Europe and to the United States in 2026.
A Visual Time Capsule
The color archive has aged to represent a time capsule — a portal back to the second half of the 20th century, with many of the cabinets remaining untouched for over 20 years. The images revealed through this project represent the power of photography to bring the past to life, but they also revisit the lesser-seen archives of Magnum’s photographer Members, and the foundational years in the history of photography itself.
“With A World in Color, we celebrate a visual treasure trove too often overlooked: the color slides from Magnum’s vast archives. Developed in collaboration with Fujifilm and MPP, this project transforms the archive into a wellspring of opportunity — enhancing its value across press, editorial publications, and cultural partnerships. By uncovering unseen material, we open new doors for storytelling, collaboration, and creative exploration. Our commitment to preserving this unique photographic heritage ensures it remains an invaluable resource, honoring the past while inspiring future generations to learn from and build upon this vibrant visual history.” writes Marine Merindol, Chief Operating Officer at Magnum Photos.
“We are very excited to know that some of the 650,000 images will now be brought to light and available to the public. This opens up an incredible window into the world and into our past — helping us understand our present. We would like to thank our partners for their interest and support, well as their solid contribution to our visual archive, which belongs to all of us.” writes Emin Özmen, vice president of Magnum’s longstanding Paris office.
A New Chapter for Magnum and Fujifilm
A World in Color marks a new chapter for the long-term collaboration between Magnum and Fujifilm, offering the photographic community a rare glimpse into the unseen images of Magnum’s color archive, as well as a newly commissioned, exclusive series by Magnum photographers for each country, made in response to the archive, and shot using the Fujifilm GFX camera.
A series of exhibitions and talks will take place in six European countries throughout the year with Fujifilm’s traveling FUJIKINA global events, starting in Prague in March. Each exhibition, unique to that country, features unseen images from the same geography, tracing its history and culture during the 20th century, alongside the new series made in response to the archive. The Magnum photographer commissioned for each country will be present throughout the weekend, and will give a talk around their practice.
“This new collaborative series with Magnum Photos is key to our mission of contributing to the production and history of photography as it develops over the decades. No camera can shoot the past, and our inability to turn back time is central to the human desire to capture moments and memories through photography today. We are excited to be part of this project, which by using our GFX technology to digitize Magnum’s color library archive, we feel that we are helping to record a moment of history before it is lost — both the history of the countries we will be visiting with our FUJIKINA global events, and the history of photography,” writes Kunio Aoyama, General Manager of Fujifilm Europe.
Chapter One: Czechia
The first drop of unseen images will be published on the Magnum website (magnumphotos.com) and social media platforms on March 17. The selection zooms in on Czechia from the 1960s to the 1990s, featuring two pivotal post-war events: the Soviet Union invasion in 1968 and the Velvet Revolution in 1989. As a counterpart to Josef Koudelka and Ian Berry’s iconic black-and-white images from the Prague Uprising in 1968, the archive now reveals a new perspective in color from Marilyn Silverstone, a year after she became one of the first five women to join Magnum as a Member. Images by Elliott Erwitt, Thomas Hoepker, Marc Riboud, and more follow suit, documenting the dawn of a new era following the Velvet Revolution — a visual journey from the deep reds of communism to the vivid blue, red and white of the independent Czech flag, now seen in striking color.
To launch the series of in-person events across Europe, the first FUJIKINA will take place in Prague from March 22–23, with Czechia as the focus. Curated by Magnum photographer Rafał Milach, the exhibition will present 10 unseen images and a number of slide sheets from the Magnum color library archive. Milach, in response to his findings in the color library archive, has also made a new series of 10 images in Czechia using a Fujifilm GFX camera, and will be hosting a talk during the weekend. Further FUJIKINA events will take place throughout the year in Milan, Brussels, London, Arles, and Germany.
Visit https://store.magnumphotos.com/pages/a-world-in-color or connect with Magnum Photos on Instagram to follow the digitization project in real-time and be among the first to discover the drop of unseen images each month.
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