British Photographic Industry News September & October 2023

A brand new 26.1 megapixel imaging sensor combines our existing back-side illuminated technology with a stacked, layered structure that quadruples readout speeds for faster image processing capabilities.

Ready to go. Made for movement.

X-Trans CMOS 5 HS is capable of blackout-free bursts of up to 40 frames-per-second. In burst mode, the sensor’s phase-detection pixels are controlled independently from the image display.

X-H2S also supports 4K/120P high-speed video. Now, fast-moving subjects can be recorded in incredible detail for high-quality, slow-motion footage. Increased video recording time of up to 240 minutes of 4K/60P video.

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ISSN: BPI News (Print)

BPI News (Online)

Gavin Stoker, Editor gavin@bpinews.co.uk @GavinStoker

It really does feel like the start of a new term for the photo trade –except instead of being faced with a stack of new textbooks to laminate after summer’s slumber, we’ve a plethora of exciting new products to investigate over the page. Early to mid September found us hotfooting it from one product launch to the next and scribbling on non-disclosure agreements like they were going out of style. The result is that this issue is publishing a little late so we’re able to report on as much as possible in as timely a fashion as we can. It’s a bang-up-to-date read.

In truth, much of the ‘new’ photo and video gear – while not completely trading on past glories – does look back in order to move forward, or to use marketing-speak, ‘re-imagines a classic’. Nikon’s Z f body is an obvious case in point, inspired by the FM2 film SLR. The latest cameras from Fujifilm, Sony and Panasonic similarly are subtle refinements

ISSN 2634-1344

of what has gone before, while, in the words of TV’s architectural guru Kevin McCloud, ‘respecting the integrity and identity of the original.’ Solid foundations on which to build, then – and at least these products come with some fancy new ‘extensions’: a rotating touch screen here, an improved AF system there, plus video ‘codecs’ that will entice the pros. News this issue also details the return of two pillars of the trade on which the structure of our year is usually built – namely The Photography & Video Show next March, plus, before that, The Societies Convention next January; both events returning to their pre-Covid calendar slots after the disruption of recent years. It feels like a long while since we’ve all met in person – the only larger scale UK photo show on the calendar for 2023 was The Societies’ event back in March – though September has still had all the product launches that would at one time have accompanied Photokina, or in recent years, TPS. We’ve just met secretively in back rooms or restaurants, rather than on the show floor.

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BPI NEWS MEDIA PRODUCTION PACK - ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS LogobasedaroundAndersfont. 3possiblelogouses. Photographic British Industry news Technical Information: AdvertisingandPagesizes VerticalStrip (w) 300mm Quarter (w) 148mm HorizontalStrip 220mm (h) PageHorizontal 220mm (h) Half Vertical 108mm(w) 300mm(h) Full Ad 240mm(w) 333mm Trim 246mm 339mm(h) (3mm)Bleed 220mm (h) Safe Area DoublePageSpread 480mm 333mm 486mm (h) (3mm)Bleed 460mm(w) 313mm SafeCopy(Remember,allow the fold) FullWidthHalfPage 240mm(w) 165mm 246mm(w) 168mm 155mm Copy FullHeight Page 120mm(w) 333mm 123mm339mm (3mm)Bleed 110mm313mmCopy CONTACTUSNOW: ForallmattersrelatingtoBPINews,pleasecontactowner&editorGavin Stoker Call: 020 8274 0578 or07990 974 367 Email: gavin@bpinews.co.uk or info@bpinews.co.uk POSTALADDRESS:BPINews,LegacyMediaLtd,31NewRoad,Richmond,SurreyTW10 REQUEST THE BPI NEWS 2023 PRODUCTION PACK for crucial dates via info@bpinews.co.uk

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Since I last wrote an editorial, emails have flooded in with your nominations for our BPI News Trade Awards 2023, with Retailer of the Year particularly hotly contested, the usual avalanche of customer votes for Grays of Westminster tempered by strong support also for Mr Cad, Wex and LCE. Don’t agree? Then please make sure you have your say! Shortlisted nominees are on page 18. Continuing our Grand Designs theme, thanks also to the trade for the strong support for this issue, which has resulted in plenty of ads and a packed read. Enjoy it, and don’t forget to share your views. They’re the buttresses and architraves on which BPI News is built.

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FUJI GETS A SHIFT ON WITH NEW MEDIUM FORMAT

Fujifilm has unveiled its GFX100 II, a medium format mirrorless upgrade to 2019’s GFX100, at the time a generational step change of its own, thanks to its generous 100MP resolution.

On sale now, the second generation GFX100 II keeps its predecessor’s same high resolution while introducing a brand new back-illuminated sensor built on the X Processor 5 platform. The battery grip incorporated with the prior iteration is now an optional extra, while its eyelevel viewfinder boasts an improved 9.44 million-dot resolution. Auto Focus has been drastically improved, with AF performance now similar to the X-H2S/H2/T5 and S20, there’s been a 30% increase in dynamic range, plus the GFX II has a new base setting of ISO80.

Fujifilm’s built-in Film

Simulation effects are one of its unique features, and newly added to its arsenal here is Reala Ace – also known to photographers as Fujifilm Reala. It’s described by UK Marketing Manger Andreas Georghiades as having a very similar look to Provia film, albeit slightly less saturated.

Thanks to the GFX100 II’s new highspeed sensor, maximum shooting speed is now 8fps, and AI face and subject detection is claimed to be quicker and more reliable than before. For those seeking to shoot handheld, in-body stabilisation has likewise been boosted to an 8-stop equivalent.

Next generation: Fujifilm UK PR Manager Jeannie Corby with the new GFX100 II

manufacturer describes as ‘real colour’ in a combined 100MP resolution image, rather than simply a 400MP equivalent file. On sale now, the camera is £6999 body-only, and, adds Andreas: “we’re pitching this camera at those who were ‘dual system-ing’ because formerly the GFX couldn’t match the shooting speeds DSLRs were capable of. Now we’ve opened up the medium format market to allow it to be considered by those who hadn’t considered it previously.”

Battery life, meanwhile, is good for up to 540 frames, or a 90-minute continuous video recording.

In terms of video, Fuji’s GFX100 II again comes up trumps, offering users the option of 4K 60P movies or up to 8K video resolution at either 24 or 30P. Factor in headphone and microphone slots, full size HDMI output, and the ability to add Time Code to files via 3rd party systems including AirGlu UltraSync Blue, it’s clear this is a hybrid camera as versatile for video as it is stills.

An intriguing feature of the new Fujifilm GFX100 II, and particularly useful for those photographers working in commercial photography, is a four-image Pixel Shift Multi Shot mode. This delivers what its

Three new GFX100 II compatible lenses that had previously been on its maker’s roadmap have also arrived alongside the new camera body. The GF55mm f/1.7R WR (right) is the equivalent of 44mm in the 35mm format, weighs 790g and features a construction comprising 11 rounded diaphragm blades. On sale now, SRP is £2249. Even more notable because they are a first for the system are two long awaited and much demanded tiltshift lenses. These are the GF30mm f/5.6 T/S (left) and the GF110mm f/5.6 T/S (below), with the former coming with its own lens tripod mount. Available around the end of October the 30mm is £3899 SRP, while the 110mm arrives November at £3499 SRP.

www.fujifilm.co.uk

DON’T MISS OUT: KICK-START 2024 WITH A STAND AT THE SOCIETIES’ SHOW

Now in its 21st year, we’re told stand space is filling up fast for the return of The Societies’ annual Convention and London Photo Show to its normal January slot from Thursday 18th to Saturday 20th, 2024

CEO Colin Jones reports an encouraging number of new trade exhibitors now signing up to exhibit at the Hammersmith Novotel venue. Trade stand packages for the 3 days start from just £1100 + VAT with more details on the advert this issue,

which features a QR code you can scan. Online and print advertising campaigns have already started to pull in strong visitor registrations, with the 100+ brands including Canon, Sony, Fujifilm

already at the trade show backed by a full programme of free demonstrations, master classes, business schools, photographic judging and qualifications.

So Colin invites the trade to kick-start their 2024 and get in touch now for details of available stands by calling 01745 356935 or info@thesocieties.net

Finally, get your staff and key customers to register for free trade show tickets at www.thesocieties.net/convention

JUST A ‘PHASE’ PANASONIC’S GOING THROUGH

We’re more used to seeing firmware upgrades than new hardware from certain manufacturers these days, but Panasonic has defied our expectations by announcing a new Lumix G9 II (right) mirrorless camera body and two accompanying lenses. Notably the second-generation camera is claimed to be the first in its Micro Four Thirds Lumix G series to feature Phase Detection Auto Focus technology. It also incorporates what we’re told is a new 25.2MP CMOS sensor and new high speed processor, along with AI powered recognition technology that now recognises cars, motorcycles and the eyes of animals, while it’s said to be able to shoot at up to 60fps in continuous AF mode.

Panasonic suggests the new launch is also aimed at providing videographers with flexible framing options to suit varying social media formats, along with slow motion recording and active image stabilisation technology to counterbalance camera shake when filming on the move. Further features include burst shooting at 60fps in AFC mode and pre-burst recording that can begin shooting up to 1.5 seconds before the shutter is released and take approximately 113 consecutive shots. Built-in image stabilisation provides the equivalent of 8 stops, while new modes include a real time LUT (Look Up Table) function, enabling for customised colours through the use of LUT files,

The Photography Show to return with changed format

plus a new added Leica Monochrome mode for deep contrast B&Ws and a handheld 100-megapixel High Resolution mode and Live View Composite mode. Up to 5.8K 4:3 format full sensor video recording is achievable here, or it’s 5.7K at 17:9 aspect ratio. Alternatively 4K recording at a choice of 120P/100P enables slow motion video footage.

Suggested pricing for the Lumix G9 II is £1699, with a November arrival promised. Dealers looking to bundle a deal are further directed to a new compatible battery grip for the Lumix G9 II in the DMW-BG1, which also works with the previously available Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX.

The new lenses, also arriving November, are a pair of high-spec telephoto zooms in the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 35100mm f/2.8 Power OIS (right), plus the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 (left). The former has an SRP of £1099 while the latter is £1499. www.panasonic.co.uk

Nanlite in the spotlight

Members of the photo trade seeking illumination and profit are directed to a new pair of Nanlite FC-series LED spotlights in the FC-500B and FC-300B (seen right), which respectively offer 500 watts and 300 watts of power. Further features include lightweight heads with built-in controls and separate power adapters, while the FC-500B features dimming in 0.1% increments so users can fine-tune the light’s intensity. Additional control is provided via locking 3.5mm DMX ports, Bluetooth and 2.4G Wi-Fi. The FC-series comes supplied with a Bowens mount as standard, thus ensuring

that a host of light modifiers can be used. Also included are integrated umbrella mounts to enable further creative light shaping. An integrated yoke allows for 360° rotation.

The two new lights come supplied in foam packed cases, engineered to allow for fast packing or unpacking. Pricing wise, the 300B is £545 SRP while the 500B is a suggested £795 at retail. Contact distributor MAC Group Europe for more. Nanlite.co.uk

After taking a sabbatical this year, the doors to the UK and Europe’s largest photo show – The Photography Show – are being thrown open again at Birmingham’s NEC next March 16th to 19th. With a fresh new logo design, organiser Future has been back in touch to provide an update on what’s been happening behind the scenes, and what we can look forward to in 2024. This includes 250+ exhibitors and an extensive programme of live demos, interactive tutorials, intriguing discussions and debates featuring a global panel of creators across the realms of photography and video.

Those logging on to the website from October 1st will be able to see the list of exhibitors so far, as well as the initial speaker line up. While it’s not giving much away at this point, we’re told the TPS team will be announcing ‘exciting changes and developments’ over the coming months.

Interim Event Manager Hazel Soper tells BPI News: “We’re delighted to have the big brands back with us for 2024 and also to be engaging with many we’ve not seen on the show floor before. We’re changing the format of the show next year to build on our inclusivity objectives and plans to enhance visitor interaction with our exhibitors and speakers are well underway.”

Those in the trade looking to grab space and one of the remaining stands should direct enquiries towards richard.macey@futurenet.com or see the advert on page 23. www.photographyshow.com

ALPHA MAIL FROM SONY

The electronics behemoth has been in touch to tell us that two new compact and relatively lightweight Alpha cameras will be available to your customers by the time you read this, along with a new G-master series premium lens.

Key features of the second generation Alpha 7C II (right) include a 33 effective megapixel full frame, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. The camera’s core sensitivity range of ISO100 to 51200 for both photo and video is further expandable to ISO50 to 204800 for stills. The device also boasts the same AI processing unit as the A7R V. Compared with the Alpha 7 IV, meanwhile, the newer camera is up to 22% lighter and has up to 45% less volume, with the body weighing a manageable 513g approx. Available now at £2,100 SRP, a kit bundle that adds a 28-60mm lens is £2,350 SRP.

A full frame Exmor R CMOS sensor and the same Bionz XR processor also

feature in the second new Sony, the Alpha 7C R (right), except that this time the priority is resolution, with up to 61 MP images achievable.

Compared to the A7R V, the new camera is approximately 29% lighter and has roughly 53% less volume. In terms of light sensitivity, a core range of ISO100 to 32000 is expandable from ISO50 to 102400. The camera’s 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system is said to be so accurate it can detect slight blurring in a single pixel and correct for it. A Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode and a GP-X2 grip extension, the latter of which allows for a stable hold when shooting for extended periods or using a telephoto lens, are also included with the body. Available this October, SRP has been set at £3,200.

Both new cameras offer 4:2:2 10-bit 4K video recording up to 60P and support Sony’s S-Cinetone Colour science to deliver cinematic looking video described as ‘rich’.

APPEAL OF NIKON’S ‘PLENA’ IS PLAIN TO SEE

Not content with launching the retrostyled Nikon Z f camera body this month (see page 8 for more), the brand has unveiled an excitingly unique new lens compatible with it this October in the Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena (right). With ‘Plena’ a brand new class of lens for Nikon and described as something of a one-off by UK Marketing Director Julian Harvie, the brand defines the term as meaning ‘plenty / full to the brim’, with light flowing freely across the frame.

Claimed by its manufacturer to provide ‘flawless’ auto focus, the high-end ‘S’ series lens is, it says, all about delivering beautiful, perfectly round ‘bokeh’ in all

The new lens is the Sony FE 1635mm f/2.8 GM II (below), described as the world’s smallest and lightest high-resolution f/2.8 wide-angle zoom. Features here include the ability to bring out the best in compatible camera bodies via fast and precise AF, while the operability and reliability of the lens is said to make it as adept for shooting video as capturing stills. Functionality is said to have been improved for this iteration, which features an aperture ring that can be clicked on or off via a switch, two focus hold buttons that can be assigned a function from the camera body, plus flourine coating applied to the front lens, so any dirt adhering can be easily removed. The manufacturer’s suggested cost for the lens is £2,400 and it’s also available now. www.sony.co.uk

situations. The combination of the largest mount diameter and the shortest flange focal distance minimises vignetting, while redefining what can be done with f/1.8, according to the brand. Featuring extensive sealing and fluorine coating, the lens weighs 995g and features dimensions of 98x139.5mm. With early to mid October availability promised, SRP is £2699.

www.nikon.co.uk

NIKON Z F: A CLASSIC REINVENTED

Sharing technical DNA with its Z 8 and Z 9 mirrorless cameras and a retro look resembling the earlier Z fc, the powerful full frame Nikon Z f appeals to traditional photo enthusiasts and contemporary vloggers alike

Featuring traditional manual dials and levers aplenty, plus – in a first for the Nikon Z range – a fully rotating LCD touch screen that can face whoever’s in front of the lens, the new Nikon Z f is offering the best of all worlds. With a new grip, embossed artificial leather finish and sturdy yet compact feel thanks to a magnesium alloy body, the design of the Nikon Z f is inspired by the 1980s era Nikon FM2. Yet that classic styling, which here comes complete with rugged brass dials on the top plate for controlling shutter speed, light sensitivity and exposure compensation, now incorporates a lot of fresh features.

A case in point: at the heart of the camera is a 24.5MP resolution full frame sensor, wedded to a latest generation EXPEED 7 processor. Native ISO tops out at IOS64000, but is expandable to ISO100,000, while, impressively, AF sensibility is as low as -10EV.

With capabilities clearly rivaling that of Nikon’s own flagship Z 8 and Z 9 mirrorless models, including a sophisticated AF system with top-level subject tracking, the new camera lets users rotate a dial to switch from stills to video and from colour to black and white. Two new B&W capture options here are Flat Monochrome and Deep Tone Monochrome. Also included for budding astrophotographers is a Starlight view option. Subject detection is available when manual focusing, even if using an older Nikon F mount lens on the camera. In terms of burst shooting, this starts out at 7.8fps for continuous Raw / JPEG shooting and rises to 30fps for JPEG

Coats of many colours: Nikon’s latest Z series mirrorless is widely available in regular black, with different colour variations exclusive to the Nikon store. However it’s more notable for the series’ first of a fully rotating touch screen (see right)

capture only. On top of this, the camera boasts a pre-release capture function, which shoots up to 30 frames before the user fully presses the shutter release.

Another first here – not just for Nikon, but for any camera – is Focus Point VR (Vibration Reduction). While we’ll need to try out the camera to see how this works, it involves a tilting of the sensor and the concentration of stability on one particular point.

“The Nikon Z f is easily the most powerful camera in its category that Nikon has,” enthuses Nikon Northern Europe Marketing Director Julian Harvie of the feature-festooned newcomer. “That also makes it a good second body option for professionals.”

Commercial photographers will want to make use of its new Pixel Shift shooting feature, which can deliver up to 150MP files when used in conjunction with Nikon NX Studio software.

Suffice to say, the Nikon Z f is also a great camera for shooting portraits too. Here there are several helpful image-enhancing modes to choose from, including Portrait Impression Balance, Skin Softening and Rich Tone Portrait options. Users can shoot HEIF format files as well as JPEGs, to be able to achieve greater dynamic range in their shots via the former.

Of course, like any contemporary camera, video capture is integral to the Z f. There’s the ability to shoot 4K resolution

clips at up to 60P as well as Full HD at 120P, with 8-bit or 10-bit recording offered. And there’s up to 125 minutes of recording time, even in 4K mode. Further features to enhance the experience for videographers include a red record border displayed via the LCD, so they can tell when they’re recording, with the video info display akin to that of the Z 8 and Z 9. Like the Z 8, the Nikon Z f also includes 24-bit professional sound recording. Interestingly the camera records to a choice of SD card or microSD. Finally, a fluorine coating to the sensor protects it from dust and other undesirable elements. A classic made new, at the time of writing the new Nikon Z f has a release date of this October, at a suggested £2299 body only price. There are also a couple of kit options that bundle the body with a 40mm f/2 SE lens for £2519 RRP (exclusive to WEX), or with a 24-70mm f/4 for £2849 RRP. The camera will be widely available as a black body, with different colour variations exclusive to the Nikon store.

www.nikon.co.uk

For more on how and why the Nikon Z f is a modern classic in the making, visit www.nikon.co.uk or speak to your local Nikon rep

Street smart: the camera includes two stylish new monochrome modes for full retro effect

SPACE

A great way to kickstart your year now back in January.

Chat with Colin Jones to book your trade space today colin@thesocieties.net

GOING FAST FOR JANUARY 2024 SHOW GET IN TOUCH NOW TO SECURE YOUR SPACE & London Photo Show

FREE* Trade Show Dates: Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 January Venue: Novotel London West, Hammersmith

MEET 1,000’S OF PHOTOGRAPHERS AND POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS AT EUROPE’S LARGEST PHOTO CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW

We are committed to ensuring that your company will find great value in working with The Societies of Photographers.

The Societies have been running successful events and for the last 20 years we have ran the largest photographic Convention in Europe.

Key reasons to exhibit at the 2024 London Photo Convention

Don’t get left behind This is a great opportunity to launch your company into the New Year by showcasing your products and services. This event takes place before any other industry show in 2024.

Meet your customers

Network with over 10,000 industry specialists and photographers who are looking to make informed decisions on which kit and services to invest in.

Refine your strategy

Gain invaluable market insight by speaking to the people who are going to be using your products and services. Find out what they expect and how you could expand your client base.

Raise your profile

Join a highly targeted and integrated visitor campaign reaching in a excess of a million contacts and maximise your brand exposure in the photographic industry.

The Convention is supported by the majority of the leading photographic companies in the UK including: Canon, Sony, FujiFilm, Epson, Holdan, Transcontinenta UK and Rotolight to name a few.

You can exhibit from just £1,100 (+VAT) for the three-day show. Call us today to find out more 01745 356935 or email info@thesocieties.net

thesocieties.net/convention/

REGISTER TODAY FOR YOUR FREE TRADE SHOW TICKETS.*

Attend The Societies 2024 London Photographic Trade Show for FREE*

NOW IN ITS 21st YEAR!

All the latest photographic equipment, products and services will be on show, and attendees will be able to watch demonstrations from leading manufacturers on their products.

All the major players in the industry will be exhibiting, so it’s a good opportunity to meet the key personnel behind the latest photography equipment.

Many of the 100+ brands exhibited will also be offering special deals on their products and services, exclusive to the show with Park Cameras and Camera Centre UK the main supporting dealers. Register today to secure your FREE tickets to the 2024 Trade Show for yourself and staff.

CALL TO ACTION SCAN ME TO DOWNLOAD THE 2024 CONVENTION EXHIBITION PROPOSAL

Open to all from aspiring to pro...

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*Visitors can Pre-register before 1 Jan 2024 for FREE and avoid £10 entry fee to Trade Show.

Photo printing has had a makeover!

We talked to Dupli’s print expert Phil Barker about their key partner Epson’s retail portfolio and discovered how you can add profit boosting products by utilising dedicated SL-D1000 and SL-D500 printers

Let’s talk about Epson’s new printers, the SL-D1000 and SL-D500, what are they and who are the aimed at?

The much loved Epson SL-D1000 and the new SL-D500 are part of the lab series on offer from Epson and form part of a suite of printers offering total connectivity for a fully rounded photographic print service.

They’re both high quality commercial photo printers aimed at photo printing businesses who regularly print small format photos, whilst the SL-D1000 has the added ability to print personalised cards and cut sheets for photobooks.

They produce exceptionally highquality photos in gloss, lustre or matt and have extremely low running costs.

Our typical customers for this type of printer will include schools and graduation photographers, retail photo shops and event photographers as well as education establishments.

What were these customers using in the past and is there a market for inkjet photo printers?

The commercial photo print space has traditionally been using silver halide colour negative printing technology from the likes of Noritsu and Fuji, but as the industry evolves, the demand for these larger, energy hungry high throughput machines diminishes. The evolution of inkjet commercial photo printers fits that void perfectly.

Over the years hundreds of our customers have transitioned from traditional wet labs (paper and chemistry labs) to inkjet photo printers.

Their purchasing decisions differ; from quality, space, running costs, reliability, support, the availability of paper and chemistry or availability of spare parts and good engineers.

For most, running Epson inkjet labs is cheaper than running a wet lab as energy costs are greatly reduced and the support costs and consumable costs are lower.

So, what is the cost per print and are they slow like domestic inkjet printers? Not at all, these are professional business printers and a very different beast to small domestic printers.

The cost per print depends on the image and the amount of ink needed to be laid down. The worst case scenario for a 6x4 print is a production cost of 6.5p per print ex-vat.

The SL-D1000 is quicker than the SL-D500 and can produce a 6x4 in 10 seconds, so 360 6x4 prints an hour compared to the SL-500 taking 20 seconds for a 6x4.

What’s the main differences between the SL-D1000 and the SL-D500?

The SL-D500 can work in conjunction with the SL-D1000 via the Epson order controller software or Windows/Mac drivers or run independently.

The SL-D500 is cheaper with fewer features but offers the same print quality by sharing the same print head and ink. The key difference is the SL-D500 has a fixed print size of 6x4 sheet printing and not roll printing like the SL-D1000 which can also print multiple widths and lengths so that makes it much more versatile.

Over 70% of prints produced using this type of printer are 6x4, so the SL-D500 is designed to take on the 6x4 printing and the SL-D1000 to do the other sizes.

We’ve created a handy comparison chart to highlight what, in our expert opinion, are the key differences.

How does the print quality compare to a silver halide chemical print? Inkjet technology offers a much wider colour space than silver halide printing so you can accurately reproduce colours that silver halide couldn’t, you should also see a much sharper detail available on inkjet prints so perfect for images that need to capture detail and text.

Do you require a certain specification PC to run these printers? No, that’s another benefit to running inkjet SL-D1000 or SL-D500 printers, they will run on the latest Windows or Mac platforms so no need for a dedicated lab PC. This also helps when integrating with third party ID, school package, or RIP layout software as you can run all software from one device.

Dupli are known for their additional services, so is there technical support, installation, and extended warranties? Yes, as you’d expect from Dupli, your Partners in Print, we have our own inhouse technical team and field-based engineers to support our customers 6 days a week.

The SL-D1000 comes with a 1 year warranty but can be extended for up to 5 years, that includes all parts and engineer on-site at customers location.

The SL-D500 includes 3 years warranty and can be extended to a 5 year cover, again with all parts and engineer onsite at customers location.

If you have the older Epson SL-D700 or SL-D800 printers will the newer printers work alongside them?

Yes absolutely! Using the Epson order controller software we can set up the new channels (print sizes & settings) for the SL-D500/D1000 and they can sit alongside the SL-D700 or SL-D800.

And, as we are Dupli, we would even update our customers version of the order controller to the latest version for free. Because that’s what partners in print do!

Are there any new features and enhancements on the SL-D1000 over the older SL-D700 and SL-D800?

Yes there are multiple feature improvements over the older models.

Firstly the SL-D1000 has a print head life of 400k prints, (100k on SL-D700, 200k on SL-D800) and you can now print on cut sheets to produce photo books and greetings cards.

There is now a handy screen on the front of the printer to navigate the menu screens, there is also ethernet and wifi connectivity as well as USB cable like the SL-D700 and SL-D800.

So, if people are interested in finding out more, what should they do? Get in touch! We have a dedicated print showroom so customers are welcome to come along and see the printers at close quarters themselves.

Trade-in offers, bespoke quotations and sample prints are available on request. As you’d expect from Dupli.

HAHNEMÜHLE: SUPPORTING PHOTOGRAPHY’S NEW GENERATION IN PRINT

With a call for entrants to the 2024 Photo London x Hahnemühle Student Award launching November, we quiz those who made this summer’s shortlist to discover what they’re up now – and the impact the award has had on their work and careers

Fine art inkjet paper specialist Hahnemühle has been working hard this past year to promote its natural advantages when it comes to quality, permanence and sustainability. Having partnered with the prestigious annual Photo London fair for the inaugural Photo London x Hahnemühle Student Award, the shortlisted photographers and subsequent winner were revealed back in May.

Those selected had the opportunity to oversee production of their exhibition prints at one of Hahnemühle’s certified print studios. These were then shown at Photo London 2023 in a special Hahnemühle Student Award space, with the students’ shots enjoying exposure to an international audience. Six months on, we catch up with four of those shortlisted to discover what they’re currently working on, and the impact the award has had on their work and careers.

As usual, it all starts with the paper the images are printed on. Fine Art Photography student at Glasgow School of Art, Alan Bell works primarily with film, his images seeking to challenge our habitual ways of seeing by focusing on signs and semiotics. Bell selected Hahnemühle FineArt Baryta 325gsm paper for his ‘No Parking’ series of images, with the bright white high gloss paper lending his shots depth of field and detail. The media also has the feel of a traditional analogue paper, making it the perfect choice given Bell’s own creative process.

“Being nominated for the award has led to direct enquiries about buying my

work,” the student photographer reveals. “The feedback from the judges and others at Photo London made me realize that although it is a long road to being a fine art photographer, if I continue to work hard I have a great chance to succeed. As someone who loves the photographic medium, I aim to work with a printer or in other technical facilities. Getting to work with Lucid Imaging to print my work as part of the Hahnemühle Award was very worthwhile and seeing my work at Photo London was a great culmination of the process.”

NEW TALENT + HAHNEMÜHLE EXPERTISE = A WINNING COMBINATION

Cieran Jay Forster, a final year student of Fashion and Fine Art Photography at the London College of Communication at the time, selected Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl 285gsm for his three prints –which went on to make him the overall winner of the award. The bright white

Talent on display: shortlisted student photographers with Hahnemühle UK MD Nancy Janes (in pink, far left)

Sharp contrast: Fashion and Fine Art Photography Student

Cieran Jay Forster chose Hahnemühle’s FineArt Pearl 285gsm paper to reproduce reflections and shadows

Signs of the times: Fine Art Photography student Alan Bell was shortlisted for his images of signs, with which he wants to challenge our habitual ways of seeing

paper with a subtle pearl gloss effect is especially suited to images with contrasts and shadows, as well as those involving reflections in water. His enigmatic winning images included ‘Bird’, which shows a fleeting moment of birds rising off into the distance, created in memory of a cousin who committed suicide. As winner, the photographer receives the opportunity to spend time at the Hahnemühle mill in Germany – which he’s doing this month – and oversee the production of a new body of photographic work using the brand’s internationally respected papers.

“Winning the award definitely had a massive impact on me – I’ve gone on to

For more on the Photo London x Hahnemühle Student Award ‘class of 2023’ and their

receive commissions and sell a few of my images, which is a first,” he says. “I’m currently working on expanding my portfolio and getting my name into the industry more. My advice to current final year photography students would be create what you think is good, not what someone else thinks is, then your best work will come through.”

The photography of fellow nominee Fion Hung-Ching Yan, who recently completed her Master’s in Photography at London College of Communication, focuses on challenging the ways we experience daily life by creating ‘invisible realities’ in her images. Shortlisted series ‘Skeletons in the Closet’ was printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta 315gsm, renowned for its high colour contrasts and definition, as well as delivering warm skin tones and a

Putting a gloss on it: Fion Hung-Ching Yan chose Hahnemühle’s Photo Rag Baryta 315gsm paper for its warm skin tones and high gloss finish, and will additionally exhibit the work in Kuala Lumpur (see poster above)

high gloss finish. Now living back in Hong Kong she describes the opportunity to exhibit her finished prints as “an amazing chance to introduce my work to a wider audience after graduating with my MA. I’m currently working on a new project and will be shooting this October. This award has encouraged me to continue my artistic path and I started teaching Photography in the Academy of Visual Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University as a part time lecturer this year. The Hahnemühle team has been very supportive and encouraging –from printing our artworks to exhibiting at Photo London. I was very impressed by the print quality and set up.”

Finally, as a student of London Metropolitan University, Sri Lanka born Lakruwan Rajapaksha’s series of images capture the early morning light at various Surrey locations. His work, in which he seeks out landscapes that evoke his vanishing memories of Sri Lanka, was printed on two different Hahnemühle papers: Natural Line Bamboo 290gsm and Photo Rag Pearl 320gsm. The first is a soft, slightly textured paper that’s warm in tone and complemented the soft pinks

Vanishing point: Sri Lanka born Lakruwan Rajapaksha says his shortlisted images of the Surrey countryside evoke fading memories of his homeland

in the photographer’s skylines, while the latter is a natural white glossy paper that added more density and contrast to a shot that was darker in tone.

Like the others here, Rajapaksha says that his shots being shortlisted for the

award has led to “Increased motivation, recognition and print sales. I’m currently employed as a photographer on movie sets – as I want to work as a photographer in the film industry, I’m getting there. I will also work as a photographer at my university’s request as they’ve offered me a part time position as a content ambassador. The Photo London x Hahnemühle Student Award is a great experience for young photographers and a good opportunity to meet up with senior photographers and artists.”

Submissions open for the 2024 Photo London x Hahnemühle Student Award this November. Visit the Photo London website for further details.

shortlisted images, please visit https://photolondon.org/hahnemuhle-student-award/

Photo London x Hahnemühle

TIPA LAUNCHES ‘PICTURE THIS’ PHOTO COMPETITION

Taking a leaf out of the Blondie songbook, the BPI News affiliated international Technical Image Press Association TIPA (www.tipa. com) has launched a second initiative alongside its annual trade awards, in inviting photographers to ‘Picture This’. Open to everyone, this photo competition is a little different in that it’s looking for submitted images that best show an engagement with photography and photo gear, highlighted by categories including ‘My Camera and I’, ‘My Camera in Action’ and ‘What’s in My Camera Bag’. Free to enter, photographers can submit up to five images in each category, with each category offering a €500 cash prize. Additionally there

is an overall grand prize for ‘Best in Show’ which comes with a €1500 reward. A panel of experts, comprising the editors of TIPA member publications, will choose the winning entries.

“TIPA members share their avid and passionate involvement in photography throughout the year in their work on magazines and websites dedicated to all aspects of the imaging art, craft and trade,” says the Association. “Consider this call for entries as an invitation to all photographers to celebrate that shared passion.” Selected entries will also be shared on the TIPA website.

Head to the below URL to submit your or your customers’ entries and read the usual T&C’s: https://site.picter.com/tipa-photo-contest-2023

GOPRO IS BACK IN BLACK

Those customers seeking to take their photography and videography beyond previously accepted limits are directed to the fact that leading action camera brand GoPro has unveiled its latest iteration in the HERO12 Black , which it says is suited to content creation enthusiasts and professionals. The new model is claimed to not only have the expected durable design, but also serious upgrades to its performance and usability. These include up to 2x longer run times, with the ability to capture 70 minutes of recordings at 5.3K and 60fps, over 95 minutes at 5.3K and 30fps, or a whopping 155 minutes of continuous 1080P 30fps video – all with its HyperSmooth 6.0 video stabilisation feature engaged. There’s also an 8x slow motion feature and wireless support

SIGMA LENS HAS ‘X’ APPEAL FOR FUJI USERS

The third party lens manufacturer has made its Sigma 100400mm f/5-6.4 DG DN OS ‘Contemporary’ series lens (right), previously released for Sony E-mount and L-mount camera owners, now available to Fujifilm X Mount camera system owners.

for Apple AirPods and other Bluetooth enabled devices. Effects modes such as TimeWarp, Time Lapse, Night Lapse and Night Effects are now available across all video resolutions as is an 8:7 aspect ratio. The camera is further compatible with standard camera mounts and accessories. Suggested pricing for the latest GoPro is £399. GoPro.com

Want a picture? Find a ‘Pal’

Fujifilm’s ever-popular Instax camera releases show no sign of abating, with the launch of the palmfriendly Instax Pal being the latest. Described as the range’s ‘first ever pocket sized digital camera’, the shoot-only compact device is designed to work alongside Instax Link smartphone printers (whether mini, square or wide format) – as it doesn’t feature a built-in facility to generate prints when used standalone. Alternatively, its images can be transmitted via Bluetooth to a smartphone. Five different colours are available for the

Pal that are sure to appeal to teenagers and the young at heart: Milky White, Powder Pink, Pistachio Green, Lavender Blue and Gem Black. An Instax Pal Design Silicone Case also comes in five colours (£12.99 SRP for all except the black version, which is £14.99) while a new mini film ‘Soft Lavender’ (£8.99 for 10 sheets) is available on launch. The camera itself has an SRP of £89.99, apart from the black version, which is a costlier £104.99. Availability is from October 5th.

https://instax.co.uk/instax-pal/

Twinning the lens with Fuji’s APS-C sensors provides an equivalent focal length of 150-600mm, with the effectiveness of its optical stabilisation increased from 4 to 5 stops. Sigma says that due to the difference in camera software between Fuji and Sony E-mount and L-Mount systems, the AF/MF switch and AF-L button have been replaced with a new AF Function Setting switch and AF Function button on the Fuji example. Said switch swaps between AF and AF-L modes. Available now, the Fuji X mount version of the lens is £899.99 SRP. The lens manufacturer has also now given us a price for the Fujifilm X mount version of its 23mm f/1.4 DC DN ‘Contemporary’ lens. Also now available, it’s priced at £449.99 SRP. Sigmauk.com

THREE NEW TAMRON LENSES IN A ROW

Take advantage of the world’s first all-in-one mirrorless zoom with an f/2.0 maximum aperture for the Nikon Z, plus new prices that shave up to £150 off key Tamron lenses in Sony, Fuji and Nikon mounts

There’s good reason to make sure you’ve sufficient Tamron product to meet demand this autumn. Its exclusive UK and Ireland distributor Transcontinenta UK has informed us of a ‘price adjustment’ that sees up to £150 shaved off the SRP of some of its most popular optics. Plus there are three exciting new lenses to create great new business leading into peak season.

Tamron’s line-up of mirrorless lenses for Nikon Z mount has expanded with the addition of the outstandingly sharp 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD lens (below) which went on sale on 21st September. First available for Sony full frame mirrorless users in October 2021, it was met with worldwide acclaim, creating huge demand and a good challenge for the product planning department. The new Nikon Z mount version is a lens that Nikon users have been asking Tamron for, as it fits so well with the wedding and portrait market and is a great single lens option. Timing is also great, with the new Z 8 camera launched earlier this year.

At £1799.99 SRP the lens makes economic sense too compared to purchasing separate standard and telephoto lenses, not to mention the saving in weight. Furthermore there’s less chance of getting dust on the sensor, if not having to change lenses.

Sony E-mount full frame mirrorless camera owners can likewise celebrate with the new Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD (right), a lightweight wide to standard focal length lens at just 460g. Designed to offer photographers and videographers maximum versatility, it has a quiet, agile and precise VXD linear motor focusing mechanism,

plus, as usual with Tamron lenses, weather protection via moisture resistant construction and fluorine lens coatings. Easy to balance, even when attached to a gimbal, closest focusing is 19cm at the wide end and 30cm at the telephoto end. Due after 19th October, SRP is £749.99. Also new for Sony E-mount telephoto zoom users is the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (above), which comes with Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism for outstanding stability, plus a more sophisticated optical construction giving improved edge to edge performance. Improvements to close focus take

Ready for your close up: There are three new Tamron zooms to add to stock this autumn, including the Sony full frame fit 70-180mm, shown above along with sample image, and 17-50mm for the same E-mount pictured below. These join the world’s first zoom with f/2 maximum aperture for the Nikon Z mount (left)

this lens to 30cm at a focal length of 70mm (1:2.6 magnification), appealing to lovers of macro photography. The zoom also supports Tamron’s Lens Utility software and Lens Utility Mobile apps, which allow customisation of the lens & buttons for various stills and video requirements. It arrives after 12th October at £1329.99 SRP.

NEW LENSES… AND NEW PRICES TOO

As indicated, there have been adjustments to existing optics to hit keener price points. The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.56.3 Di III RXD has reduced by £110 in Sony FE (full frame) fit to £419.99, while the Nikon Z version with its USB-C port for firmware updates has reduced by £50 to £649.99. This one was originally pitched as the world’s smallest and lightest telephoto zoom for full frame mirrorless cameras.

Sony FE users are in for a further treat as the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD has also seen a reduction of £130 to £749.99. Stills and video shooters will enjoy the unique and fast aperture ultrawide-to-standard-zoom lens that can easily be carried around for everyday use.

Photographers seeking a very broad focal range without the need to swap optics should check the Tamron 18300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD, reduced by £110 to £589.99 for both Fuji X and Sony E-mounts. This capable allin-one was awarded Best Travel Zoom lens in the 2022-23 EISA Awards.

Finally the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Sony FE has reduced by £70 to £829.99 and the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD for Fuji X mount has reduced by £150 to £679.99. The first offers a creatively flexible constant large aperture, ultra wide angle zoom range, while the latter is a compact, fast and quiet general-purpose lens, as suited to landscapes as it is portraiture. Given the above price realignment and new products, now feels like a very good time to speak to your local Tamron / Transcontinenta UK ASM! www.tamron.co.uk

SNAPSHOT OF THE FUTURE: FUJIFILM SUPPORTS UP-ANDCOMING PHOTOGRAPHERS & CUSTOMERS OF TOMORROW

Encouraging the photographers of tomorrow, who, after all, are future customers for specialist retailers and manufacturers alike, is crucial. We hear how Fujifilm teamed up with the Association of Photographers to sponsor its Student Awards ‘Best in Show’ category, and how the winner’s next steps in our industry are being documented for a Fujifilm ‘Print To Prove It’ campaign video

BPI News has covered Fujifilm’s long-running ‘Print To Prove It’ campaign, aimed at inspiring and encouraging photographers to print their images, on several occasions – we’ve not just shared how the manufacturer is promoting its message, but also talked to UK print labs it has partnered with. Now, a new promotional video for the campaign is being created to star the winner of the ‘Best in Show’ category at the annual Fujifilm sponsored Association of Photographers Student Awards. These esteemed awards have been running since the 1980s and look to, like everything the AOP does, showcase the best in contemporary photography, albeit with the impetus here on actively nurturing future talent. We can see, therefore, why a partnership with Fujifilm makes perfect sense.

As we explore in the side panel on this spread, as well as a cash grant of £2,500, this year’s AOP Student Awards Best in Show winner Jimmy Fletcher – who won for his project focusing on gannets breeding at Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire – is being loaned use of Fujifilm’s highend GFX medium format mirrorless camera kit. Plus is now being mentored by its brand ambassador and AOP

member Kristina Varaksina. Fletcher’s next steps within the photo industry are also being documented to feature in a video that will form part of the brand’s Print To Prove It promotional push –which should encourage photographers to seek out labs and retailers that will professionally print their images for them.

As well as encouraging and supporting the next generation, it’s clear that word-ofmouth is the strongest sales tool for getting the message across and around, and that the work of Fletcher and fellow up-and-

Ambition takes flight: Winning student Jimmy Fletcher’s artistic endeavours will be documented for Fujifilm’s ‘Print To Prove It’ campaign

coming photographers and videographers can inspire and influence their peers. With that in mind Fujifilm sat down with Fletcher for the following Q&A…

Q: What kick-started your passion for photography and made you pick up a camera for the first time?

A: It’s a bit of an odd one to be honest. I’ve been an avid bird watcher for a long time now and originally I used a telescope to get a closer view of them while out in the wilderness. Unfortunately I found using the telescope started to give me motion sickness, leading me to pick up a camera. At the beginning it started out as a bit of a hobby, as I really enjoyed editing my pictures to blur out the background and make the birds stand out. I found the whole process so interesting, as I hadn’t used a camera properly before that. Luckily it came rather naturally to me, and I fell in love with taking pictures. My wife then encouraged me to take my photography to the next level by studying it at university. After attending an open day, I swiftly applied for a course at the University of Gloucester and the rest, as they say, is history.

Tell us about your award-winning entry to the AOP Student Awards and how it felt winning ‘Best in Show’?

While I was at university in 2021, I saw an exhibition of The Colony by Dinh Q. Lê, a prominent Vietnamese American photographer. It was a multi-screen piece showcasing the incredible mass of seabirds that live on the Chincha Islands in Peru and it really inspired me. Watching it took me back to Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, where I had seen the Northern Gannets. It compelled me to return and create my own multi-screen piece documenting their breeding season. The project took over a year to complete and I eventually chose to enter it into the AOP Student Awards.

To discover how Fujifilm can inspire ideas and help boost the profile and bottom line of your own store or minilab, get in touch

I truly felt on top of the world when I was announced as the winner of the Best in Show award. It was a huge shock, as I wasn’t expecting it at all. To have my work classed as ‘award-winning’ shows huge confidence in my abilities and that I can turn what started as a hobby into a professional career.

How do you plan on using the prize?

I have something in mind that I would like to work on; I’m originally from a small town on the edge of the Cotswolds, and truth be told, my education wasn’t amazing. Many residents there barely graduated with any qualifications to get them out of the town, and it was expected that you would end up working at a factory on the town’s industrial estate.

After I finished my education, this was the route I followed until the age of 27, when I was encouraged by my wife to pursue professional photography.

Now that I’ve graduated from university, my work has been recognised within the industry and I’ve grown so much as a person, I would like to return there to showcase that way of life. Using pictures, I want to show what my life as a teenager was like – uncertain of what the future held other than working in that factory. It looms over the whole town and at night you can see it wherever you are. This nighttime imagery is what I hope to capture using the Fujifilm GFX system.

I know this is vastly different to my previous work, but showcasing the full circle – from my youthful experiences to returning as a photographer – will be incredible to capture. Having Fujifilm’s expertise to back me will be a huge help as well and allow me to fully show that feeling of being trapped with no way out, although I eventually did get out.

Have you had your work printed by a professional lab before?

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, I believe that students on my course were taught professional printing and how to use a darkroom. Due to the restrictions at the time, this was something that my class couldn’t practically do. All our course submissions were done online via PDF, whereas previous years had to hand in physical copies. And this is something that has stayed in place, instead of returning to the old format.

I’ve tried to print images on my own but as I wasn’t taught best practice, I haven’t had much success. With my latest project, I will be shooting at night, so ensuring that all the details that make the image so special are visible when printed is vital.

I’m therefore really looking forward to meeting and working with a professional lab to help me understand which types of paper and finishes are best to help fully capture my images in print. It will be a true first for me and I can’t wait to get stuck in.

THE AOP & FUJIFILM: A STRONG TALENT NURTURING PARTNERSHIP

Established in the 1980s, The Association of Photographers’ Student Awards aims to provide newcomers to the industry with the opportunity to showcase their work among peers and industry professionals. It looks to recognise and highlight talent across the UK through multiple categories including Places, People, Things and, ultimately, Best in Show.

This year, thanks to sponsor Fujifilm, Best in Show winner Jimmy Fletcher is set to receive a prize that will aid the professional development of his career. By working and partnering with The Association of Photographers’ Student Awards, Fujifilm is actively encouraging and supporting the next generation of photographers.

With the aim of nurturing creativity within the sector, Fujifilm hopes that winners such as Fletcher have everything they need to create beautiful photos and become the next generation to lead the industry.

Fujifilm will be supporting Fletcher throughout his project, loaning him kit from its GFX series for professional photographers. As can be seen from our news report on the GFX100 II launch this issue, its GFX mirrorless digital camera combines a large 102MP CMOS sensor with high-performance GF lenses to deliver image resolving performance and colour reproduction capability it describes as unsurpassed. Its large sensor features high-speed phase detection AF, first seen in the X Series range of mirrorless cameras. More information and a video on the winner’s project will be available towards the end of the year. For more on the AOP Awards this year please see: www.aopawards.com/aop-student-awards-2023-finalists/

For more information about Fujifilm’s ‘Print To Prove It’ campaign meanwhile, please visit: https://www.fujifilmprinttoproveit.com/

with Fujifilm Photo Print Services at photoimaging_uk@fujifilm.com or by visiting www.fujifilmphotoservices.co.uk

Association of Photographers

YOUR BPI NEWS AWARDS 2023 SHORTLIST

Which winners will take it all? Since we asked you last issue to give us your category nominees, we’ve been deluged with suggestions.

So below we present our shortlisted runners and riders. Who will be first past the post? It’s up to you…

We now have a shortlist compiled from your suggestions for our annual BPI News Trade Awards, for which the final voting closes November 17th. The results are then revealed in our December 2023 / January 2024 combined issue. Time is therefore running out for you to make your voice heard. Give us a shout for whatever – or whoever – you believe is worthy of recognition throughout the trade. Simply pick from

our shortlist below and send us an email with your proposed winner. Maybe it’s even a product, campaign or promotion of your own. And yes, you can vote in more than one category. In fact, if suitably inspired and you’ve been keeping up with what’s been going on in the photo / video trade this past year, you can send us your choices for all of them.

So without further ado, your shortlist of trade award nominees for this year runs as follows:

„ Retailer Of The Year (Shortlisted: Mr Cad, Grays Of Westminster, Wex Photo Video, LCE )

„ Promotion Of The Year (Shortlisted: The Societies Convention & Trade Show 2023, ‘The Future of Photo Looks Sure With Swains’, Skylum software ‘Photo Trade At War’, ‘Five Great Reasons To Partner With Fujifilm UK’, Transcontinenta UK Brands Come Home To Roost At Global Bird Fair )

„ Product Of The Year (Shortlisted: Nikon Z 8, Canon EOS R8 )

„ Accessory Of The Year (Shortlisted: Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens, Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD for Fuji X fit, Nanlite Forza and Pavotube lights via MAC Group Europe, Tenba Axis c2 and Shimoda Action X v2 bags via MAC Group Europe )

„ Innovation Of The Year (Shortlisted: Falcam Geartree & video accessories via Transcontinenta UK, 3 Legged Thing Alfie & Ollie L-brackets, Shimoda Women’s Collection bags via MAC Group Europe, Spider Camera Holster via Lumesca Group, Fujifilm ‘Scribbler Lite’ partnership )

„ Media Of The Year (Shortlisted: Hahnemühle Digital FineArt Baryta papers, Lomography Color 92 IS0400 film )

„ Printer Of the Year (Shortlisted: Epson large format ‘P’ and T’ series, via the DPS Group, Epson SL-D1000 and SL-D500 via Dupli, Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 smartphone printer )

„ Consumer Camera Of The Year (Shortlisted: Canon EOS R100, Canon PowerShot V10, Fujifilm X-S20, Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40, Sony ZV-E1 )

„ Campaign Of The Year (Shortlisted: Tetenal UK becomes ‘Dupli’, Fujifilm pro labs ‘Print To Prove It’ partnership, PermaJet shares The Knowledge )

„ Distributor Of The Year (Shortlisted: Transcontinenta UK, Dupli, MAC Group, Swains, PhotoTEQ )

„ BPI News Special Award For Services To The Industry (Category chosen by BPI News)

So there we have it, get yourselves, your supporters and your customers behind the above nominations and let us have your votes!

REMINDER OF HOW TO VOTE

Got a winner – or winners – in mind? Just mail us with your choices in all, or as many categories as you like, to info@bpinews.co.uk or DM or send us a message direct via ‘X’, formerly Twitter, via our regular address of @bpi_news

Our eventual winners are the ones from the shortlisted nominees that receive the most votes. It’s as simple as that! So don’t delay, have a think, and don’t lose your vote.

Make a note: The closing date for votes is Friday November 17th. Winners will be notified and awarded in our end-of-year December 2023 edition.

DPS Group straight out the gate with Epson’s large format workhorses

Epson’s revamped ‘P’ and ‘T’ series SureColor printers will jump any retail hurdles this autumn, promises official reseller the DPS Group

With the busiest trading season of the year almost upon us, don’t delay in taking advantage of Epson’s newest large format ‘P’ and ‘T’ series printers. With nine in total to choose from if counting all the variations, these updated and improved workhorses can help retailers and minilabs expand on or add to their current photo printing services.

The ‘runners and riders’ comprise the 24-inch SureColor SC-P6500E, P6500D and P6500DE; the 44-inch SC-P8500D; the 24-inch SC-T3700E, T3700D and T3700DE; the 36-inch SC-T5700D and the 44-inch SC-T7700D (above, left). And, if you’re weighing up which will best fit your business, official reseller the DPS Group can advise.

In aiming to deliver high quality photos and posters, the 2400x1200 dpi SureColor SC-P6500E, P6500D, P6500DE and SC-P8500D (above, right) and DL (with 1.6 litre ink pack) each feature 6-colour ink sets claimed to be equivalent to other 8-colour printers on the market. Smart features enable ease of use, while high print speeds combine with low maintenance to improve productivity and reduce total cost of ownership. A flat-sided design conveniently allows the latest offerings to be installed against walls, cabinets or in spaces with a shallow depth, while Wi-Fi capability ensures operation anywhere.

READY TO USE, OUT OF THE BOX

Also new is a UltraChrome Pro6 pigment ink set that includes grey ink to broaden the colour range. Dual roll models can load two different media types or sizes, and automatically and effortlessly switch between them. A 4.3-inch touch panel is conveniently positioned for easy access to printer functions, while the devices are ready to use out of the box with no assembly required.

“The Epson SC-P6500E/D/DE and SC-P8500D/DL are brilliant, cost effective

replacements for thousands of Epson, Canon and HP large format printers out there at retail which are definitely due an upgrade,” enthuses DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel. “The potential to profit from photo printing in-house has never been higher. Epson’s new large format models offer improved productivity while still providing high quality output.”

POINT-OF-SALE MATERIAL PRODUCED IN HOUSE

Alternatively the large format, state-ofthe-art SC-T3700E/D/DE, SC-T5700D and the SC-T7700D can reproduce detailed CAD drawings and, more relevant to our own trade, retailers’ point of sale material. This family capitalises on 6-colour UltraChrome XD3 all-pigment inks to deliver bright, precise and long lasting colour at high speed. A new red ink can match the exact colour of red in corporate logos and accentuate red hues. The printers’ flat-top can serve as a proofing bench, while their flat back, front and sides allows for installation against walls and cabinets, as does the integrated and retractable catch basket.

Enhanced IT and security features

are also central to the 24-inch SureColor T3700E, with the facility for encrypted pin/passwords. Such capabilities are also offered by the T3700D/DE, which add a dual roll facility. Where they differ is that the ‘D’ model is available with worldwide imaging standard Adobe PostScript 3 and the ‘DE’ comes without. The 36-inch SureColor T5700D likewise offers a dual roll facility for increased productivity plus a new 2.64-inch PrecisionCore Micro TFP print head for high-speed output. Finally the 44-inch SureColor T7700D also features the promised 6-colour UltraChrome XD3 all-pigment inks including the aforementioned red ink, while its high print speeds and dual roll facility boost productivity. An alternative ‘DL’ model provides an integrated bulk ink solution with 1.6L UltraChrome XD3 all pigment inks.

So go big with your ambitions this autumn and contact the DPS Group now to talk through your large format print requirements via sales@dpsb.co.uk or by calling 020 8466 7230

www.thedpsgroup.co.uk

www.dpsb.co.uk

A pair of thoroughbreds: Whether you choose an Epson ‘P’ or ‘T’ series large format printer, do so in the knowledge you’ll be receiving a machine with high print speeds yet low maintenance to improve productivity and reduce cost of ownership, making your business the winner

“The potential to profit from photo printing in-house has never been higher than with Epson’s new large format machines”

DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel

THE IMAGE YOU PROJECT

Are your business and particularly its staff in the best shape to maximise the potential of the busiest trading season of the year? If not, here’s how to get motivated and inject some added ‘oomph’ this autumn

With staff and customers finally back from their holidays, and just prior to the busiest sales season of the year, it’s time to make sure your business is operating to its fullest potential – and make adjustments if not.

First off, bricks and mortar retail is dependent on physical contact and enthusiastic engagement with the buying public; more so now than ever in a cost of living crisis. So anything that has an impact

on the public perception of a shop should be kept high on the management’s agenda. Don’t just look at the obvious of whether the shop floor, website or shop window could do with a re-think and re-fresh – what about the staff you employ too? While they may be proficient in their work, any perceived lack of motivation or poor interpersonal skills can affect the mood and the success of the business. And regardless of how much time you invested in trying to recruit the right

employees in the first place, inevitably one or more of them may prove incredibly difficult to manage. So with this in mind, how should managers and business owners motivate their staff to perform to the best of their capabilities and show the business at its best?

It’s important to understand that commanding individuals to undertake a task isn’t the same as motivating them to do it. The reality is that individuals have to want to do something; coercion

Got your own ideas about how the photo industry can counter the challenges arising from the cost of living crisis,

is never going to work long-term, and can even be considered bullying in some instances. In essence, most staff members are only really going to do something if the possible outcome appeals to them in some way.

MOTIVATIONAL AIDS

There are two main motivators that managers can use to achieve a given outcome: extrinsic and intrinsic. The former occurs when a factor ‘external’ to the individual causes them to take action. A good example would be the carrot of double time pay for working on a Sunday. In general, many managers use extrinsic motivation to get things done through what are, in effect, bribery, promises and compliments.

The problem with this form of motivation is that its effects rarely last. And so larger and larger incentives to keep the motivation going are inevitably required. Boosting someone’s salary or sales commission doesn’t last long as a motivator, as they soon become used to the extra money, or become annoyed by the amount of tax taken when they see the pay-slip.

The other form of motivation, intrinsic, follows when someone takes a course of action for reasons personal to them. Good examples here would be going the extra mile to help a customer with a refund when they’ve genuinely lost a receipt, or alternatively, working over lunch to help a customer who doesn’t understand what type of camera or lens they need to get the result they’re after. Everything people do is ultimately determined by the values they hold – the standards to which they live their lives and their attitudes and behaviours.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR STAFF

Managers who are good with staff are the ones who understand what makes people tick and what interests them. The time they invest with staff in creating a bond, finding the intrinsic motivators and matching those to extrinsic options is often well spent. However this matching process is actually quite an art – and one that not everyone can master. It requires an understanding of an individual’s personal circumstances, abilities, level of education and experience. And this boils down to asking questions and listening to the answers. A good manager may even discover something during the process that needs fixing and then go on to offer a solution where possible.

So when should such an exercise be run? The answer is, of course, that it’s a continual process that can be carried out in ad hoc conversations, formal appraisals or in meetings.

MONEY ISN’T ALWAYS THE ANSWER

In terms of extrinsic motivations, managers shouldn’t be deluded into thinking that offering more money is the cure-all panacea. Staff in the world we live in now consider it their right to be paid at the true market rate – even if retail is not known for its extravagant pay. This means that in addition to paying the going rate, and, where possible, matching outside inflationary pressures, firms need to think about other benefits to keep staff working onside.

Staff nowadays want – need – to develop themselves to enhance their market potential, so that they are an attractive prospect to other employers. If you can’t help with self-development, then staff may well move to another firm that can.

BE CONSTRUCTIVE WITH CRITICISM

Everyone has an ego. But no matter the level of massaging that it may need, the point is that staff work better when they get feedback that isn’t demoralising. Sure, praise should be offered when work has gone well and a customer is happy or the shop has benefitted in some way, but when things go wrong, staff shouldn’t be excoriated. Instead, it would be better to criticise constructively, and possibly privately, and look to see how the issue should be dealt with if it arises again. So, for example, when a customer lets off steam as he voices the fact that he felt ignored by a staff member, instead of ticking off that individual, look to see how the ‘welcome’ could be better handled by everyone in the shop.

In our increasingly complex lives, many strive to achieve a good work / life balance. After all, there’s no point in being either the richest man in the cemetery or the most powerful individual with no friends or family. Retailers that help staff achieve this balance are on to a winner, especially if they take pains to considerately manage the staff that are needed to stay in-store late into the evening or to work over weekends and bank holidays.

While most businesses aren’t a democracy, staff still like to think that they have some level of input as regards the decisions that may affect them. Any organisation that ignores this is on a hiding to nothing. People aren’t stupid and owners that treat staff as though they are will lose out.

That said, the opinion today is that people have short attention spans. While that’s not the case with everyone, it nevertheless makes sense to give staff plenty of achievable goals, plus plenty of positive feedback when those goals have been achieved. The warm glow of recognised success works wonders for morale.

And let’s not forget the obvious. People aren’t robots. They require interesting tasks to keep them satisfied, motivated and engaged. A tedious job is a perfect motivator to seek out a new one.

Six monthly or even annual appraisals are a good place for constructive criticism. But care needs to be taken so that staff feel the appraisal is valuable and not a witch hunt; avoiding a ‘blame culture’ is absolutely key. Staff who worry that they could be blamed for an error will be more likely to bury it, leaving the problem either unfound, or ripe for growing, unchecked, into something larger. No one can work like a Trojan without a degradation in performance. Employees should be encouraged to take any unused leave or owed hours. It’s not only a legal right to take leave, but if it’s not used then it is invariably lost. Another facet of this is to suggest team-building days where – as a business – staff offer time to a (local) good cause. Not only does it raise the shop’s profile in the community, but it also can help to bond staff members together in a semi-social environment. Lastly, those businesses that succeed invariably have owners and managers that lead by example – people who embody the principles the business or shop espouses and who are true to the ethics of the owners. If staff can see that managers are putting in as much time and energy as them, instead of sloping off for a long lunch, they’ll be more willing to go the extra mile. It’s the age-old principle that ‘positivity breeds positivity’. So, own or manage a business? Then you should review the points made earlier and if anything is missing, place it on the agenda as soon as possible. Equally important is the need to establish a routine that leads to updated profiles of staff, with a view to matching them to the motivators that can be offered. Businesses that think about what staff really respond to will find a smoother and more harmonious route to success, cost of living crisis or not.

or care to share what’s working for you (without giving away trade secrets)? Then do get in touch direct via info@bpinews.co.uk

It’s important to understand that commanding individuals to undertake a task isn’t the same as motivating them to do it”

Canon expands home printing solutions

Your customers seeking to print pictures at home this autumn have some fresh options. Landing this October is a pair of flagship printers in the Canon PIXMA TS7650i and the TS7750i (both shown above), described as compact, high quality all-rounders. The latter differs as it additionally has a 35-sheet ADF for efficient multi page document management. But both feature a 2.7inch colour touchscreen LCD and LED status display light. We’re told a borderless 6x4-inch photo can be delivered in as little as 19 seconds.

A third new option is the multi-function Canon PIXMA TS8750 (right), described as a premium 3-in-1, 6-ink photo printer for home and family use.

Features to note include a 4.3-inch tilting screen and customisable Switch UI touch interface, while the printer comes in a choice of black or white finishes. It supports wireless printing, with the ability to print a 4x6 borderless photo in

Bokeh glory from Meyer Optik

The German lens specialist has announced a new edition of what it’s calling one of the most soughtafter ‘bokeh’ lenses in the world.

just 13 seconds. It can further print on different types of media thanks to a twoway paper feed, create disc labels with the multipurpose tray plus save money with two-sided printing. Alongside the printer we’re told the Canon Print App has been improved to make daily print tasks and routine maintenance a lot more seamless.

Home office workers are also being targeted with the Canon MAXIFY GX1050/GX2050 refillable ink tank printers, while a third option in the GX5550 is pitched at small businesses. The GX1050 is described as a compact, high volume 3-in-1 device with a 350 sheet paper feed capacity, while the GX2050 is a 4-in-1 model with an added 35-sheet ADF unit for multi page document management. Finally, the GX5550 is a professional printer promised to work to a high standard for a low running cost. This one has a 600-sheet paper capacity, a 2.7-inch colour touch screen and LED status bar.

Canon.co.uk

MPB TAKES FIVE

The leading online buying and selling platform for pre-loved photo and video gear, MPB, has announced its five inductees into The Photo and Video Kit Hall of Fame for 2023. Originally revealed to coincide with World Photography Day back in August, the garlanded gear comprises four cameras and a drone. These entrants were selected based on what it claims were more than 146,000 votes cast

around the globe – its largest number of votes yet – with its 25 nominees across five categories originally put forward by industry experts.

Finally, without further ado, MPB’s 2023 inductees are the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, the Sony A7 IV, the Fujifilm X100V and the Leica M6. MPB.com

Meyer Optik’s Biotar 75 f/1.5 II is an update to a lens that was originally developed in the 1930s, meaning that there are now a very small number of well-preserved original units indeed. Happily then, the new version is available now and boasts a construction involving six lenses in four groups. Its characteristics include high image sharpness in the centre, coupled with ‘strong swirly bokeh’ at open aperture. With the goal of capturing the historic imaging capabilities of the original Biotar 75 while optimising the lens using the latest technologies, its mechanical construction is based on the same principle as previous new editions from Meyer Optik. With high demand for this new lens anticipated, direct delivery time is two weeks, with the price set at €1,399. Meyer-optik-goerlitz.com

WHICH PRINTER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

A simple guide brought to you by Dupli - your Partners in Print

With so many large format printers available today, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing the right one for your needs. Factors like print size, media compatibility, ink, costs, and warranties can make it a confusing purchase.

Fine Art & Photo Studios

SC-P7500 & SC-P9500

That's why our partners at Epson have created two clear paths based on your business's main printing needs. At Dupli, your Partners in Print, we're here to simplify the process and guide you in the right direction.

Production & Photo Retail

Epson SC-P6500 & SC-P8500

Epson have used all of their 20+ years of experience in inkjet printing in creating the new SC-P7500 and SC-P9500 large format printers.

The Fine Art and Photo Studio communities were at the heart of the design process for this new generation of printers. Built to transform your artistic vision into prints of the highest quality via the widest colour gamut in its class.

A host of new advanced features come together to give you a printing experience which is both easier and more cost effective, with the removal of the need to switch between black inks.

Key features

• Dedicated Matte & Photo black channels - no black switching

• Prints 20" x 30" image < 2 minutes

• Widest colour gamut in its class

Best in class black density

• 4.3" illuminated control panel

• Automated printer maintenance

Roll media length tracking

• Top loading cut sheet ability

• Poster board media feeder

Built-in retractable print catcher

• 1 year extendable warranty

Remember the days when you had to switch between media rolls or between two different kinds of black ink?

With the introduction of the 24" Epson SC-P6500 and its 44" equivalent the SC-P8500, those days are a thing of the past. The 6 colour ink set includes dedicated Photo and Matte black giving an overall image quality equal to that of an 8 colour printer.

All operations can be actioned from the front of the slimline design and switching between media in the two rolls is carried out simply via the click of a button.

Key features

• Ink saving - no black switching with dedicated channels

• Space saving - flat design less than .5m in depth

Time saving - dual media rolls with auto switching between

• Work your way - Flat top - plug in your laptop and print directly

• All media loading and ink changing actions from front

• LED light for print job monitoring

• Additional storage space below inks

Epson