The Chapter Leaders Conference for the Professional Picture Framers Association gets under way this morning, and will wrap up tomorrow afternoon.

  Representatives from 26 Chapters from the United States and Canada will undergo leadership training and discuss new and dynamic ways to promote their Chapter events and activities.

  Keynote presenters are consultant and trainer Jim Everett of Los Angeles-based Think180, and Bob and Matt Manna of The Manna Group, Houston, Texas.

PMA is highlighting just some of the new trends and innovations in its PMA 07 coverage this year in the "PMA 07 Trends" section of Newsline International and the online PMA Show Daily. For a full and exhaustive listing of all the new products and services, visit the Virtual Press Office, where many exhibitors post full product releases in the "PMA 07" section.

Despite the decline in sales of One-Time-Use Cameras, apparently there's still sufficient market for the majors to announce new models.

  Fujifilm U.S.A. Inc., Valhalla, N.Y., introduced its QuickSnap 1000 featuring a 1/200 sec. shutter speed and 1000-speed film. This OTUC is available with flash and in red, blue, and purple versions.

  Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N.Y., launched its HQ Maximum Versatility Single Use Camera, which is 20 percent smaller than the camera it replaces and uses 800-speed film.

By PMA Senior Editor Don Long

Now here's something you don't hear these days in a digital world, a film brought back by popular demand. Fujifilm U.S.A. Inc., Valhalla, N.Y., has brought back Fujichrome Velvia 50 for Professionals (RVP 50). Fujifilm says it has found new materials and manufacturing technologies, and can now restart production of the high color saturation, high contrast transparency film. Yes, says Fujifilm, the characteristics of new Velvia 50 will mirror that of the previous Velvia, with initial shipments scheduled for early summer 2007.

  Also returning is Ilford SFX 200 film, distributed by Wynit Inc., North Syracuse, N.Y. This is a special film with extended red sensitivity, said to be "perfect" for landscapes, mountainscapes, and similar subjects due to its ability to add high definition to green foliage, cloud formations and open skies, especially when combined with the Cokin "P" series mounted red filter. It is also popular with architectural photographers due to its characteristic for emphasizing contrasting textures. It's a panchromatic film available in 35mm and 120 roll film. Because of its sensitivity, the film will be produced in small quantities on a "made on demand" basis to ensure that it is always fresh and fully active.

  And if you're a fan of Agfa films, Lupus Imaging & Media GmbH Co., Germany, has saved the brand name and is offering a range of Agfa 35mm films in ISO 100, 200 and 400 speeds, in singles and multipacks.

  And what do you do with that film when you've finished running it through the camera? Process it, of course. Enter the FP150 SC Film Processor from Fujifilm. This is a compact, economical film processor designed for today's retail photo labs. Despite a footprint of 5 square feet, the FP150 SC is capable of processing 14 rolls of 135-24 exposure film per hour. Both 135 and 110 film formats can be processed "out of the box," and APS films can be developed using an optional accessory. Deliveries are expected to begin this summer.

By PMA Senior Editor Don Long