BJP will be attending the forum, which, for the first time since 2003, is expanding beyond the Medium Format sphere to welcome more traditional camera players such as Canon. The event used to be dedicated solely to medium format camera makers, but in a shift mirroring that of the industry as a whole, the Forum now showcases digital SLRs capable of shooting HD video.

However, the star of the show is expected to be the Pentax 645 medium format camera, which has been in development since 2005 - but has suffered multiple delays. The camera is now announced for a 11 June release in Japan.

The Pentax 645D features a 44x33mm 40 megapixels sensor designed by Kodak, a Real Image Engine built by Pentax, and the new SAFOX IX+ autofocus system with 11 sensor points. The camera handles 14 bit A/D conversions, has dual SD/SDHC card slots and a trapezoid-shaped glass prism viewfinder.

The camera, which weighs 1480g with the battery, is dustproof, weather-resistant and coldproof thanks to 70 seals. It also uses the Dust Removal II mechanism.

The 645D will accept all 645 lenses available from other medium format camera manufacturers, but will come, at launch, with the Pentax D-FA 645 55mm f/2.8 AL [IF] SDM AW lens, equivalent to 43.5mm in the 35mm format. The dustproof and weatherproof glass sports a SDM focus mechanism and is the first Pentax lens to feature a completely rounded diaphragm. The lens weighs 416g.

Also attending the show will be Alpa, Arca-Swiss, Phase One, Leaf, Hasselblad and Leica, among many others.

Check back on BJP Online on 08 June for a full report from the show and a hands-on preview of the 645D camera.

For more details, visit www.forumdelahd.fr.