British Photographic Industry News April & May 2024

Photographic British Industry news

Putting the photo trade in the picture for over 35 years www.bpinews.co.uk

Photo Trade in Bloom

BPI News showcases a huge amount of new camera, lens and accessory releases – heralding a welcome return to form for our photo industry

IN THIS ISSUE…

Introducing a sustainable, ethical and innovative new camera bag and accessory range from Australian brand Urth, available now via Digital Distribution Ltd G’DAY SUNSHINE

Two photo / video tripods, a monopod, a film scanner and a compact powerhouse of an LED light – five must-stock new offerings from Kenro TAKE FIVE WITH KENRO

The Lumesca Group’s wellreceived monitor calibration tools & your own sales potential alike receives a boost with its easy-use Calibrite Display 123 TRUE COLOURS

POWERING SALES

Just one of the award-winning Transcontinenta UK’s many brands, Lexar’s lineup makes it the go-to for data storage devices & high capacity memory cards

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES THAT DISPLAY THE TIPA LOGO IS YOUR ASSURANCE OF THEIR OUTSTANDING QUALITY, DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE

Every year since 1991, TIPA awards have been given to the best photo, video and imaging products and accessories, including smartphones and equipment for printmaking, image editing and display. The TIPA logo is awarded by a large group of respected editors of technical magazines and websites from around the world, including the Camera Journal Press Club of Japan.

Visit our website to learn more about our organization and TIPA World Awards www.tipa.com

A BUSY PICTURE

If there’s one word that sums up the past six weeks pre publication of this issue then it’s ‘busy’.

During this time we were invited along to Fuji’s House of Photography for the launch of its X100VI – aka the ‘Six’ – also unexpectedly alluding to the number of months we may now have to wait to get hold of one, such is its popularity. And we’re not even talking about the even more ‘limited’ edition. We were also whisked up to Gleneagles and nearly frozen to death on a mountainside (yet saved by a beaker of coffee) to try out the equally new and covetable Leica SL3, testing its weather resistant fully metal housing to the max in the wonderfully ‘dreich’ Scottish climate.

Next day it was off to the AP Awards at the Underglobe in London, where several industry big hitters who also featured in our own BPI News Awards at the tail-end of 2023 were recognised and rewarded.

A quick trip up to Birmingham’s NEC for a busy, bustling Photography & Video Show (full report on page 12) and then it was overseas for four days to judge in this year’s TIPA Awards, winners embargoed until after this edition goes to press, so we’ll save that exciting news for our forthcoming June cover issue.

Back in London a day later we were kindly invited to the second-ever So.co Image of Music Awards, at which photographer and friend of BPI News Jill Furmanovsky picked up a ‘Legend of the Year’ Award for her 50-year career, having been similarly acclaimed a couple of weeks earlier by AP. Busy, busy. And we haven’t even mentioned how nice the new Instax Mini 99 was when we got to have a play over breakfast. In fact there’s a truck-load (or butt-load, as my daughter would say) of new kit announced to feast your eyes on and order in for stock, as detailed in our News pages that follow.

So, it’s been a busy few weeks since we last ‘spoke’. But, given the bumpy ride the trade has had over the past three or four years, busy feels good, positive and encouraging. What the likes of The Photography & Video Show, TIPA and yes, BPI News, have in common is the desire to build and foster a sense of the photography industry being a community – and a valuable one worth maintaining, supporting and preserving at that.

Rather than focusing purely on self-preservation, we all stand to benefit from standing together.

NIKON SEES RED WITH SURPRISE ACQUISITION

In a move that came as news to most of the trade, the photo stalwart has agreed to acquire 100% of cinema camera manufacturer RED, resulting in the latter becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Nikon.

Established less than 20 years ago, RED has enjoyed a rapid rise in prominence, not least in Hollywood, via such innovations as the original RED ONE 4K and its cutting edge V-RAPTOX [X] with proprietary Raw compression technology.

The surprise move, says Nikon, will merge ‘the strengths of both companies.’ It adds that it will bring to the table its expertise in product development, image processing, optical technology and user interfaces, intending to marry such attributes with RED’s own knowledge of cinema cameras, including unique compression technology and colour science. This, it believes, will enable the development of distinctive products in the professional digital cinema camera market, and accelerate Nikon’s own expansion into this fast growing territory. We asked Nikon UK for further comment but were referred back to the details above.

In more familiar news, tell your customers there’s a new, all-purpose Nikkor Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR super zoom (left) arriving

April. Described as the lightest lens in the Nikkor Z line up that goes all the way to 400mm, minimum focus distance is 0.2m at 28mm or 1.2m at 400mm. With its 14.2x zoom range, built-in vibration reduction provides the equivalent of 5.0 stops, increasing to 5.5 stops when attached to a Nikon Z camera that has Synchro VR capability. SRP is £1399.

Next, there’s a version 5.00 firmware upgrade available for the Nikon Z 9, claiming to provide increased flexibility for sports photographers via a lower speed option being added to High-Speed Frame Capture+ for increased usability with continuous shooting. Portrait photographers get new Skin Softening and Portrait Impression Balance functions too, as well as Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control. Further tweaks include an increase in the number of functions that can be assigned to custom controls, while the continuous LED light of the Profoto A10 can now

be used as an AF-assist illuminator.

Also updated is Nikon’s SnapBridge smartphone application. Now in Ver.2.11.0, it was originally devised to ensure a better workflow between its cameras and smart devices. Newly introduced functions include Easy Shooting Setup, allowing for shooting settings to be configured to a particular scene or subject, directly from the user’s smart device. These are applied to the camera the moment they’re tapped via the application.

Finally, April may be the month for pranks, but we’re told Nikon’s newly announced partnership with the Comedy Wildlife Awards (above) – now renamed the ‘The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards’ – isn’t one of them. Entrants are invited to submit images with the power to make people smile, with Nikon Ambassadors and Creators involved in the judging when entries close this July 31st. Direct your photographer customers to the below URLs for more. www.comedywildlifephoto.com www.nikon.co.uk

PHOTOPIA HAMBURG AXED

German imaging festival Photopia, set up in 2021 and for which the hope was at one time that it might gradually build into a kind of Photokina replacement, has instead been axed ahead of an expected October 2024 return. The reason given is ‘the current challenging market environment’.

“After contemplating all the options very carefully, we arrived at this decision to take the event out of our portfolio,” says CEO of Hamburg Messe & Congress, Heiko M. Stutzinger. “It is our ambition to offer attractive, high quality events. In the case of Photopia,

we do not see a promising economic perspective even in the medium term.”

While we can only hope that the sad, unexpected demise of this local German show may just attract more international clientele to our own Photography & Video Show, particularly with its move to London’s ExCeL from 2025, representatives of the imaging sector who want to exhibit in Hamburg are directed by Herr Stutzinger to an alternative: Content Creator World, which runs from 11th to 13th October 2024. www.photopia-hamburg.com

‘3’ IS LEICA’S MAGIC NUMBER

Having introduced its first SL mirrorless camera in 2015, the premium photo brand has launched the Leica SL3, a straight replacement for 2019’s SL2. The SL3 ups the resolution from 47MP to a maximum 60MP, via a full frame BSI CMOS sensor that allows for what Leica calls its triple resolution technology. Users can select from shooting 18MP, 36MP or top whack 60MP files, each option using the full surface of the sensor. Light sensitivity runs from ISO50 to 100,000.

Hand made in Germany, the pro targeted SL3 further features full metal housing with weather resistance to a certified IP54 level, protecting it against dust and water spray – though we also witnessed a full bottle of water being poured over the camera at the launch. Leica claims it’s the only manufacturer offering a rating at this level on a camera. The latest model is slightly smaller and 80g lighter than its predecessor, boasting a magnesium body and aluminium bottom plate. Also new is its BC-SC16 battery.

The SL3 is likewise the first Leica to feature a new Maestro IV processor. We also get a 5.76 million dot resolution viewfinder, a new customisable user interface promising a ‘decluttered’ selection of icons, a tilting 3-inch high res touch screen built with robustness in

mind, plus a responsive Hybrid AF system. Leica tells us the latter comprises three technologies working together: phase detection AF, object detection AF and contrast detection AF.

In terms of data storage, there are two card slots, for either SD or CFexpress Type B, which might come in handy, as up to an 8K video resolution is offered by this camera, with support for HEVC and ProRes codecs. Videographers can also utilise TimeCode, while connectivity options include HDMI 2.1, USB-C, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Regular firmware updates are promised via the Leica Fotos app.

Sigma’s newly nifty ‘50’

The family-run optical specialist has a further new lens for L-Mount and Sony E-mount users coming this April in the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN ‘Art’ series lens

As its spec suggests, this one should allow your photographer and videographer customers to capture portraits with beautiful ‘bokeh’ effects, along with moody low light

landscapes and expressive travel shots, the manufacturer adds. Its design comprises 13 rounded diaphragm blades and optics to effectively reduce aberrations. Weighing 745g, a compact size and internal focus system with dual HLA motors allows for rapid and reliable focus whether shooting stills or video, making it ideal for use on lightweight gimbal set-ups. SRP is £1299. www.sigmauk.com

Although this camera has an L-Mount, compatibility with existing Leica M lenses is possible via adapter. Further optional extras include a new multifunctional HGSC17 handgrip at a suggested £900, a USB-C DC-Coupler at £95 and a USB-C Dual Charger BC-SCL6 at £135, which allows for simultaneously charging two camera batteries.

While the SL2 is being phased out, we’re told it will stay in the market alongside the SL3 for a little while. The new camera is also the same price as its predecessor on launch; namely £5,920 SRP. Leica-camera.com/sl3

WANTED: BRAND MANAGER

LUMESCA Group are looking to appoint an experienced BRAND MANAGER for Hobolite, a premium continuous lighting brand launched globally in 2023.

Your responsibilities will include the development and implementation of strategies for the sales and marketing of Hobolite across key EMEA territories, including UK, Germany and France.

Your success will be measured by your ability to deliver on agreed business plans, driving growth, cultivating relationships with internal and external stakeholders and achieving sales targets.

Applicants should have a minimum of 5 years product or brand management experience, preferably within the photography, video, lighting or consumer electronics industry.

Interested candidates should submit their CV detailing their relevant experience to Geoffrey Clements (gclements@lumesca.com).

Further details can be found at www.lumesca.com/join-the-team

BPI News is your mouthpiece to reach peers in the photo trade, so use it. Send ad bookings & press releases to

HELP THE PLANET & YOUR PROFIT WITH URTH GEAR

Innovative photo bag brand Urth has arrived in the UK from its native Australia, available to the trade and its customers via Digital Distribution Ltd. With a tree planted for every product sold, this sustainable idea has great sales potential

An innovative bag brand with a very saleable backstory has just landed in the UK via Digital Distribution Ltd. Born in Byron Bay in 2014, Urth is all about elevating the experience for photographers while providing a sustainable solution to reduce waste and give back to the planet. The company’s aim is devising camera gear that not only works on a technical level but also connects emotionally with its users.

With a tree planted for every product sold, a case in point is Urth’s camera bag range.

This series boasts thoughtful design and technical innovation a-plenty. With a cleverly versatile modular system, its bags have been crafted to suit all levels and skill sets. From backpacks ideal for both shoots and daily commutes to slings and pouches for transporting a minimal amount of gear, the enticing line-up further includes laptop sleeves, camera inserts, organisers and camera straps. As well as versatility and a breadth of options, further worth noting is that the materials used in the bags’ manufacture are durable and weatherproof while incorporating recycled materials. The end result is a product that is as light on photographers’ shoulders as it is on the planet.

GREAT IDEAS FILTER THROUGH

Urth’s second main product category is camera accessories. Here the sales hook is professional quality kit designed to meet the demands of modern photographers and complement their camera gear. The range comprises traditional and magnetic lens filters that both enhance images and provide visual effects. Then there are its lens adapters popular with photographers who want to use a range of brands, or vintage lenses on their cameras.

Worth the Urth: Sustainably fashioned, Australia’s Urth brand, now available in the UK via Digital Distribution Ltd, should appeal heavily to customers wanting innovative accessories including camera bags and traditional and magnetic lens filters

Urth’s curated filter kits cater to specific environments while its Standard and Plus+ ranges equip photographers with high quality products suited to their skill level and budget.

GOING BEYOND INNOVATION

As noted, Urth goes beyond technical innovation. It’s prioritising sustainability with a focus on low impact materials and creating a 10x positive impact through regenerative projects. By way of explanation, as one tree is planted for every product sold that gives us a total of over 7.3 million trees planted to date. Such effort by Urth has offset 2.2 million tonnes of CO2 and created 73,280 days of employment into the bargain. Based on its social and environmental performance the company is also proudly B Corp Certified, meaning it meets rigorous standards for social and environmental performance. Tell your photographer customers that its products are furthermore guaranteed for life, ensuring both quality and simultaneously a commitment to a sustainable future.

To learn more about the Urth advantage and explore its range of products visit urth.co – while to make sales enquiries, email sales@ddltd.co.uk or call 01442 230022 now.

www.urth.co

www.ddltd.co.uk

A BUNCH OF FIVES FROM KENRO

The distributor is showcasing five products that pack a punch this month: two tripods, one monopod, a film scanner and an LED. Plus, if you missed Kenro at ‘TPS’ there’s an opportunity to catch up at May’s Media Production & Technology Show, stand D60

Proving that Kenro’s offerings are much broader than photo frames, the key distributor has five new products for photo specialists via which they can ably meet their customers’ demands.

To kick off, there are three new additions to its cutting edge ‘Karoo’ collection of tripods and monopods aimed at both photographers and videographers. Crafted from premium materials and available now, describe these to your customers as professional grade equipment that won’t blow their budget.

Perfect for those on the go, the Karoo Compact Travel Tripod Kit (right) is described as lightweight at 1.15Kg and portable with it. Its sleek and ergonomic design means that it can be effortlessly folded down to 39.5cm in length, making it ideal for travel or outdoor shooting. With a maximum working height of 162cm it can withstand a 6Kg payload. Constructed from precision-engineered aluminium, its adjustable four-section legs and integrated ball head with quick release plate and built-in spirit level ensure both durability and stability, as do anti-skid rubber feet. For convenient transport and storage a carry case is included.

Alternatively those photographers and videographers seeking maximum versatility should be directed to the 3-in-1 Karoo Photo & Video Tripod Kit (right), which allows for seamless transition between photo and video shooting. This is because the centre column can be adjusted, inverted or inserted horizontally, and can be converted to a full sized monopod if desired. Further enticement to purchase is provided by a maximum height of 185cm, folded size of 64cm and a weight of 1.88Kg.

shooting in tight spaces, the promise is pro quality results in a variety of situations. With a maximum payload of 5Kg, it can be extended to 1835mm in height, folds down to 545mm and weighs just 0.73Kg including its integrated ball head with quick release plate. A five section telescopic design, spiked rubber feet and ergonomic foam grip for comfortable handling should satiate even the most demanding.

Thirdly there’s the unmatched value of the Karoo Monopod Kit (left), a compact and lightweight aluminum constructed package. Ideal for capturing fast paced action, tracking wildlife or

very compact, neat and versatile solution.

“We’re thrilled to introduce these fantastic additions to the Karoo series as a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in photography and filmmaking equipment,” enthuses Kenro MD Paul Kench.

Speaking of film, with analogue image making back on the rise, the introduction of the Kenro Film Scanner with 7-inch IPS LCD Screen (right) also feels timely. This latest addition to the distributor’s range of film and slide scanners features an all-angle screen, a 14MP CMOS sensor and a 22MP resolution (interpolated). The screen size and clarity allow it to double up as a film / slide viewer as well as allowing for easy colour and exposure adjustments to be made when scanning. As the device is compatible with four film sizes, this is a

Lastly, to help your customers take their winning shots in the first place there’s the Kenro Compact Bi-Colour COB Light (above). Described as a ‘compact powerhouse’, this palmsized continuous LED light will appeal to photographers and filmmakers whether enthusiast or professional. With a 60W power output and CCT colour temperature range of 7500-2700K, users can achieve the perfect mood and ambience for their shots. A userfriendly OLED display plus Android and iOS app and included 2.4G remote provide seamless control over the light’s settings and effects. Compact at 161x74x68mm, it weighs just 250g.

Get in touch with Kenro’s sales team now on 01793 or email sales@kenro.co.uk to order in stock of all of the above and visit stand D60 at London’s Media Production & Technology Show, May 15-16th.

www.kenro.co.uk

Standing proud: Kenro has five knockout product opportunities for specialist retailers this month that they won’t want to pass up on. Plus catch the Kenro team (MD Paul Kench & Marketing Manager Azaria Frost shown at TPS) at the Media Production & Technology Show, Olympia, London 1516 May

SALES AS EASY AS 1-2-3, AS LUMESCA GROUP SHOWS ITS TRUE COLOURS

The Lumesca Group has added to its saleable range of calibration tools with the Calibrite Display 123; a diminutive yellow device and software combo that’s the most affordable option for accurate colour on most laptop and desktop monitors

Proactive, market-leading distributor the Lumesca Group has introduced what it describes as an affordable, user-friendly monitor calibration device. While the end goal of the small, simple, yet eye catching new Calibrite Display 123 is colour accuracy, this one is aimed not just at photographers editing images but in fact any potential customer who works with colour.

This broadens its appeal further to include the likes of designers, gamers and content creators, for whom getting colours correct on a monitor has never been easier. With the software’s 1-2-3 workflow giving the easy-to-grasp gizmo its name, users simply rest the device on their screen, launch the Calibrite Profiler software, set their brightness to either Native or Photo, and away it goes.

The Calibrite Display 123 was demonstrated to BPI News at The Photography Show last month. Working its way through 118 on-screen colour swatches to arrive at a definitive match in around four minutes, the process of monitor calibration is swift as well as simple. At the end of the task there’s the ability to compare and contrast the look of the screen ‘before’ and ‘after’ too.

MELLOW YELLOW

So why should your customers choose to colour calibrate their displays? Put simply, most monitors are set to make video and graphics appear

brighter, more contrast-y, slightly cool, or bluish. This means that those who work with multiple monitors might see the same image displayed differently. Undertaking calibration allows your customers’ monitors to display colour as accurately as possible.

While the software behind the Calibrite Display 123 cleverly simplifies the above process, the physical product is similarly minimalistic, with its diminutive, eyecatching yellow casing just 34mm ‘tall’ and measuring 37mm in diameter.

Despite the compact size, included is USB-C connectivity and an adjustable

All-round bestseller? That could certainly be the case if you advise your customers of the need to ensure their laptop or desktop screens are displaying colours accurately

counterweight. And, when it comes to shelf appeal, the packaging is also an attention-grabber, plus recyclable and environmentally friendly with it.

Suggested retail price for the Calibrite Display 123 is a VAT-inclusive £109. It’s a small investment that promises to give your customers great results… while being as easy as 1-2-3.

“The Display 123 is a small and elegant user friendly device that switched-on retailers will be able to sell to a wide range of potential customers at an enticingly affordable price,” confirms Lumesca Group MD Geoffrey Clements (pictured)

“Colour management is an important part of our digital lives but is often overlooked, or put off, for fear of the technology or price tag. Everybody wants to see true colour on their computer monitor and this latest Calibrite colour management tool has the benefit of simplicity, accuracy and affordability with it.”

With sales of Calibrite Display 123 having begun mid March, get in touch now to order sufficient stock to meet expected demand via sales@lumesca.com or calling 0330 440 0189

www.calibrite.com

www.lumesca.com

HAHNEMÜHLE ELEVATES NEW PHOTO GENERATION

Following a successful first year, the Photo London x Hahnemühle Student Award is back for 2024, with the fine art inkjet paper expert overseeing production of prints for exhibition in a special Hahnemühle Student Award space

Back for a second year, five shortlisted candidates have been announced for the 2024 Photo London x Hahnemühle Student Award, a partnership that shines a light on young, up-and-coming photographers, as well as the fine art inkjet paper specialist’s own expertise. All those chosen will see their images output on Hahnemühle media for exhibition at London’s prestigious Somerset House this May.

As we outlined last year, the award is open to students enrolled on photography degrees at UK universities and provides the opportunity for selected entrants to showcase their work to an international audience, with the potential early career boost that can give. The initiative builds on Photo London’s ongoing commitment to championing and investing in emerging photographic artists, with the nominated students invited to propose a specific Hahnemühle paper that best suits prints of their work. Prints are being made by the Hahnemühle Gold certified studio Spectrum Photographic in Brighton, with the selected papers being Sugar Cane, Hemp, Photo Rag Matt Baryta and Photo Rag 308.

An overall winner will be announced at the Fair on Saturday May 18th, with their prize including a trip to the Hahnemühle mill in Germany and the printing of 5-10 artworks on their preferred Hahnemühle papers.

The five students selected for showcase at Photo London this May include Ada Marino, from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea. Ada’s ‘New

Moons’ series of surrealistic monochrome images focuses on her subjects’ memories and traumas. Meanwhile the prints of Africa Barrero-Alexander from the University of the West of England explore and reflect on his experience as a transgender man. For her project ‘Weaving the World’, An Liu from UAL London College of Communication takes her 87 year-old grandmother and fellow

senior citizens’ loneliness, isolation and boredom as inspiration. Ancient Greek and Renaissance art was the starting point for Arts University Bournemouth student Ben Hubert’s series ‘Plinthos’, exploring photography’s relationship with the male form. A second UAL London College of Communication student in Emi O’Connell completes the five shortlisted candidates

for her series ‘and then I ran’ which focuses on equality and women’s health, using self portraiture and re-enactment. This year’s judging panel comprised The Guardian’s Head of Photography Fiona Shields, Professor Steve McLeod from Metro Imaging, Tracy Marshall-Grant of photography production company Northern Narratives, Editor in Chief of 1000 Words magazine Tim Clark, the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Curator of Photography Touring Exhibitions Lisa Springer, plus Associate Lecturer in Photography at London College of Communication Bindi Vora.

BPI News readers can see the showcased works printed on Hahnemühle paper up close at Photo London this 16-19th May.

www.photolondon.org/hahnemuhlestudent-award-2024/

Clockwise from left: Africa BarreroAlexander, Ben Hubert, Emi O’Connell, An Liu and Ada Marino

GAME CHANGER JUPIO CHARGER VIA MAC GROUP EU

Fully charge your sales potential with innovative new kit from leading camera battery and charger brand Jupio, including its ‘hero’ Pr1me Tri-Charge product, as modeled by MAC Group Europe MD Gary Sutton (pictured)

Switched-on photo retailers will want to power sales of camera batteries and chargers by stocking Jupio, a leading brand originally founded in the Netherlands in 2006 and now available in the UK via the one-stop-shop of awardwinning distributor MAC Group Europe.

Already sold in more than 45 countries worldwide, Jupio produces a wide range of high quality and innovative power-based products and accessories that can be sold for competitive prices, priding itself on being first to market with third party battery solutions.

Those in the know will be aware that Jupio manufactures batteries for all the well-known camera and video brands, enabling it to offer compatible power sources for almost every digital camera manufactured and sold in the past decade. Plus, as an additional peace-of-mind sales tool, tell customers there’s a nononsense three-year warranty on all Jupio camera batteries and battery chargers.

MAC Group Europe is currently carrying a range of Jupio products including individual camera and camcorder batteries, plus a kit that comes with two batteries and a USB charger. They can further offer retailers a range of Jupio universal chargers, as well as dedicated battery chargers.

3 INTO 1 WILL GO

Worth spotlighting here is a new hero product in the Jupio Pr1me Tri-Charge As the name suggests this is a triple battery charger, which the manufacturer has developed in conjunction with popular YouTuber and photographer Peter Lindgren. Constructed from premium materials, the Tri-Charge

device houses and protects camera batteries, SDHC memory cards, microSDHC cards plus CFexpress cards – and all in the one sturdy housing.

Not just a place to stash photo accessories, the Tri-Charge fast charges up to three batteries simultaneously. All the user has to do is plug in the provided USB-C cable.

Each battery bay is equipped with four orange LED lights, which indicate the charging status of each cell. But that’s not all, as a third use for the Jupio Tri-Charge is as a handy power bank. When the loaded camera batteries are fully charged it can be used to power any other USB equipped gadgets, including smartphones or tablets.

The Tri-Charge covers all major systems and battery brands including the Sony NP-FZ100, Canon LP-E6 and Nikon EN-EL15. With the aid of the USB cable batteries can be charged using the mains, or significantly quicker if using a USB PD (Power Delivery) charger. The choice is down to your customers.

“Jupio is an innovative brand from the Netherlands offering well-built and very saleable products that can be sold on to customers at very competitive prices,” enthuses MAC Group Europe MD Gary Sutton. “Get in touch to find out more about what we can offer you if you’re looking to power sales by stocking a reliable and sturdy new brand of batteries and chargers.”

For more on the above and to order in stock now, email info@macroupeu.com or call 01902 255500.

www.jupio.com

www.macgroupeu.com

Triple whammy: Jupio’s clever TriCharge device is a 3-in-1 battery charger, media storage device plus convenient power bank, at a competitive price

BUSY IN BRUM, BUT LONDON CALLING FOR 2025

After what would’ve been a decade at the NEC, if not for Covid-19 plus a temporary pause last year, The Photography & Video Show is switching to the new venue of London’s ExCeL next year, before a planned return to Birmingham in 2026. BPI News attended this March’s main event to bring you the following report

Following 2020’s cancelation due to Covid-19, a couple of stop-gap September events in 2021 and 2022, followed by a total rest in 2023, this year’s Photography & Video Show felt like the first ‘normal’ exhibition since 2019. It also heralded something of a return to form, back in its pre-pandemic March slot and with a busy show floor bringing smiles to the faces of exhibitors and organisers alike. BPI News attended on the Monday to be met with a real buzz and positive vibes aplenty – the day summed up by the image of Future’s Jonny Sullens striding toward us just after the show wrapped up, smile on face, beer in hand.

While Birmingham was buzzing, the surprise announcement at the show on the Saturday was a venue switch to London’s ExCeL exhibition centre for 2025, before returning to Birmingham’s NEC the following year. It will then alternate between the two locations thereafter. While this seemed to come out of the blue for several exhibitors we spoke to and there were grumbles about what it may mean for them logistically, the show’s organisers were taking the view that if you don’t try something new then you’re always going to get the same results. Trying out the show in London would bring a whole new audience to its valued exhibitors, we were told – while there are plenty of registrations from London-based visitors, that doesn’t always translate in them actually making it up to Birmingham – as well as potentially a more affluent attendee from London and the South East. Being in London may just possibly attract more of an international audience too. Thanks to the opening of the Elizabeth line, Central London is around 15 minutes away, while even Heathrow can be reached in around 30 minutes.

In any case, while 2024 visitor numbers hadn’t been confirmed as we went to press, a very unscientific scan around this March’s show resembled a bounce-back to 2019-like levels of attendance. Monday was very busy and we understand the Saturday had started with a bang too. While we still spotted the odd facemask, a degree

of confidence had returned to show visitors, organisers and exhibitors alike.

“The reception was incredible, the community building has been extremely valuable for us, and we look forward to being more involved with the UK community in the future,” says Adobe’s Product Marketing Manager for Photography, Pei Ketron.

Sony Digital Imaging Events Manager

Luke Curtis adds: “Overall the exhibition has been fantastic. We’ve seen some really great days of footfall, of fantastic interactions and some great sales opportunities. I think it’s been very enriching for people who’ve come along and we’ve fully enjoyed it as a team.”

From BPI News’ perspective, we need events like The Photography & Video Show, just as we need magazines like ours, to bring sense of community, cohesion and positivity to the trade, so we are also pleased to learn that several brands who’d sat out 2024 are actively in talks to return for 2025.

The dates for next year are still in March, although slightly earlier, from the 8th to the 11th, inclusive.

Make a date in your diary now for The Photography & Video Show 2025 at ExCeL London, March 8-11th.

Best in show: the UK photo trade came together to make 2024’s exhibition a roaring success, with plentiful smiles and satisfied customers indicating they were pleased to see the show return, whichever venue it’s now to be held in

TRANSCONTINENTA UK POWERS THE TRADE WITH LEXAR

Transcontinenta UK is directing photo specialists to stock an increasing range of Lexar products that satisfy the memory and speed hungry demands of today’s digital cameras, with its rigorous testing processes ensuring the highest levels of quality and durability

Many of your customers will be trying to capture high-resolution still or video content without a sufficiently swift or high capacity media card. Lexar has long been leading the charge when it comes to delivering performance products that keep pace with the data demands of today’s digital devices, and there are many options in their Gold and Diamond ranges to help photographers accelerate their workflow. With an extensive range to select from when it comes to Lexar media, here we’re focusing on its latest and greatest products to help power your customers’ creativity. Photographers and videographers seeking a portable data storage solution should be directed to the Lexar SL500 Portable SSD (solid state drive) (below) Delivering a whopping 1 TB or 2TB capacity, this ultra slim and lightweight device offers impressive transfer speeds of up to 2000MB/Sec. Rigorously tested, it is iPhone 15 friendly for direct capture and is claimed to ‘play nicely’ with all your customers’ imaging and computer devices. Files can also be kept secure via Lexar’s Datashield 256-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).

Boasting USB 3.2 Gen2x2 connectivity, aluminium construction, a weight of just 43g and a super slim size to match (85x54x7.8mm), this palm sized SSD is very photographer

Power your sales with Lexar: Transcontinenta

UK Marketing Coordinator Chris Watts (shown here at TPS) invites dealers to get to grips with the solid state media expert’s storage drive and memory cards

friendly. In supporting Mac OS 10.6+, Windows 11/10/7/8, Android 4.4+ and Harmony OS, peace of mind comes via a five-year limited warranty. Speak to your local Transcontinenta UK rep or head office for more details.

SELL THE ‘GOLD’ STANDARD

High-end cameras require high-end media. Suggest the Type B Gold Series Card (right), available in capacities stretching from a very useful 128GB to a massive 2TB and with blazingly fast 1900MB/Sec read and 1500MB/

Sec write speeds. The card’s next generation performance makes it particularly suited to professionals and videographers shooting 8K Raw. Rigorously tested by its maker once again, this ruggedly durable card can cope with any creative adventures your customers embark on. A limited

lifetime warranty should seal the deal. Enthusiasts and professionals should also be directed to the Lexar Professional 2000x SDHC/SDXC UHSII Gold Series Card (above). One of the most powerful cards on the market, this option comes in capacities ranging from 32GB to 256GB. The high speed V90 Class card offers up to a 300MB/ Sec read and 260MB/Sec write speed, enabling faster 8K video capture. As with the rest of Lexar’s range, this one is designed to be durable and has been thoroughly put through its paces by the manufacturer. Likewise it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Finally, the Gold standard doesn’t just apply to media for ultra high resolution flagship cameras either, as a further option for customers with instant print cameras, smartphones, digital devices or portable gaming consoles is the Lexar Professional Gold microSDXC UHS-II Card (below)

As it sounds, here we’re getting pro level performance in a microSD card. Rigorously tested once again, this built-forspeed V60 / A1 class card will satisfy most customers, who are able to enjoy a 10 year limited warranty with it.

www.lexar.com

www.transcontinenta.co.uk

GET IN TOUCH WITH CAPIX TO CAPTIVATE FILM USERS

Analogue expert Capix reports strong interest in its 35mm film scanner, amateur/ semi pro film processor and on-camera light meter following ‘TPS’. Dealers should get in touch now if seeking to attract film users

Wisdom once decreed the digital photography age would see us wave goodbye to film capture and processing entirely. Now, however, with the market for digital cameras heavily contracted, analogue photography is seriously hip again.

That’s certainly the case going by Capix’s experience at The Photography and Video Show last month.

“We were very pleased to see significant interest in all our exhibited products,” enthuses Capix Sales Director Brian Peters. “It’s clear that analogue photography is back on the rise and film is very much alive in 2024! We’re currently following up on all the leads and expressions of interest from the show and welcome the trade to get in touch to discuss supplying them with stock and arranging installations. Overall, a very successful and positive event for Capix.”

photographer’s film process requirements – the result being a step change in professional B&W film processing.

Following the show, those wanting to respond to the specialist requirements of processing the wide range of B&W films now available are directed to the Colenta 20 BW 31-7 Tank ECO film processor (above), which had many expressions of interest. Its unique combination of advanced processor technology and renowned Ilford chemistry expertise means it can effectively process a wide range of films exposed at differing ISO speed ratings. Program selection on the processor ensures that almost individual attention can be given to the

Calling all dealers: Get in touch with the Capix team (shown here at TPS) now to take advantage of innovative products that meet the demands of today’s film users, such as the AGO film processor and KEKS light meters

Also popular is the new Aura 35 professional film scanner (below left) Designed by Auralab in Paris, Capix has exclusive UK and Ireland distribution. Able to scan a large volume of film quickly and at outstanding quality, its workflow is such it can deliver scans 60 to 80 times faster than existing devices at a similar resolution. With optical resolution of 4150 dpi, or 24MP for 24x36, clean scans are provided thanks to an antistatic ionising brush at the point where the film is inserted, while new and innovative digital dust removal takes care of any particles that might intrude. Scan time on preproduction units is 2fps with expectations of up to 20 seconds per 35mm roll.

film processor. Making the whole film development process user friendly, it autonomously agitates films, reminds users when to change chemicals and even which ones to use, to avoid pouring in the wrong one. It can also store programs for different film developer combinations and compensate time according to temperature changes. Compatible with B&W and C-41 chemistry, such monitoring is undertaken throughout the process. Compatibility with the Paterson Super System 4 development tank system ensures that anyone with such a set up can elevate its use with purchase of the AGO. Users can choose a tank size that suits their needs and process up to eight rolls of 35mm film at once. Also attractive to dealers seeking to sell to film users is the KEKS KM02 light meter (below), along with its ultra compact KM-Q (inset, below) little brother. With

Dealers are invited to get in touch about the equally inspiring AGO (below), an amateur / semi pro targeted

up to 21 hours’ use via rechargeable battery, the aluminium construction KM02’s aperture, shutter speed and ISO can be customised to meet needs of different cameras and lenses. Exposure compensation from -3EV to +3EV in 1/3 increments features, as do two metering modes. Choose either continuous, whereby the light meter will update constantly, or single, with a new reading taken at a single click. For mounting, the KM02 comes with different sized shoe mounts and five different shoe mount positions. Such versatility allows the meter to be mounted with a bias to the left or the right. In short, it’s a dead easy fit for any camera! To ensure sufficient stock of the above to meet expected demand contact Capix NOW on 01480 472233 or email info@capix.co.uk

www.capix.com

G-WHIZZ, NEW COMPACT FULL FRAME ZOOM

Also this April, full frame E-mount camera users are getting the compact and lightweight Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G standard zoom.

Part of its maker’s ‘G’ series premium lens line up and sporting a dust and moisture resistant build, as well as a dirt-repelling fluorine coating, this is an everyday stills and video option with a minimum focus distance of 19cm at wide angle setting to 30cm at maximum zoom. Thanks to two linear motors, we’re told it can deliver high speed, high precision AF and quiet focusing.

User controls include a customisable focus hold button, manual focus ring, aperture ring, aperture click on/off switch and focus mode switch.

Constructed from 16 lens elements in 13 groups, the lens has a total length of 92.3mm and weighs 440g. As expected, it supports Sony cameras’ body integral ‘Active Mode’ image stabilisation, while it’s further compatible with the focus breathing compensation on Sony camera bodies. SRP is £1,150. www.sony.co.uk

New venue for Photographica 2024

The resurgence of interest in film and retro cameras continues apace. Annual London Camera Fair Photographica, organised by the Photographic Collectors Club of Great Britain, is taking place Sunday 19th May this year, and has a new home at the Royal National Hotel, 38-51 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG.

With around 100 tables of photographic goods promised, the venue is a three-minute walk from Russell Square underground station, which the Club hopes will encourage new visitors. It opens to the public at 10am with an admission cost of £8. Admission drops to £5 from noon to 4pm. The organisers tell us that in recent times it has seen a great deal of interest in using early digital cameras, not just vintage analogue models. Head to the URL below for more.

https://pccgb.net/photographica/

THE LONG & THE SHORT OF IT FROM SIGMA

Optical specialist Sigma has whipped the covers off an ultra wide-angle 15mm f/1.4 Fisheye and a super telephoto 500mm f/5.6 lens, both of which are now available to sell

Tell your L-Mount and Sony E-mount camera owning customers that there is an exciting new made-in-Japan lens duo available from manufacturer Sigma. Both have been recently showcased to great visitor response at The Photography & Video Show.

The Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Fisheye (right) is described as the world’s first full frame f/1.4 diagonal fisheye lens. Available in L-Mount and Sony E-mount fits upon launch, tell your customers that the properties of this ‘Art’ series lens not only include that bright/fast aperture but also a 180° angle of view. This is claimed to allow for the capture of expansive landscapes and star strewn skies, or simply more creative images that utilise its uniquely exaggerated proportions.

This lens’ built-in rear filter holder allows for gel type ND filters to be inserted. It also features a lens heater retainer, which is there to prevent heat strips used by astro photographers in cold conditions from slipping over in front of the lens. Further attributes include a unique manual focus lock switch that, if desired, disables the focus ring.

Sigma naturally promises retailers and their customers that this compact marvel will deliver outstanding quality across the whole frame, ensuring bright points of light remain pin sharp which makes this lens ideally suited to astrophotography, as outlined above.

Included with the Sigma 15mm f/1.4

These two lenses offer the long and the short of it from Sigma in 2024; they offer L-Mount and Sony E-mount camera owners a wide variety of creative possibilities while maintaining pin sharp results”

Paul Reynolds, Sigma UK General Manager

Different perspective: Tell your customers they can achieve an ultra wide angle fisheye-type effect by using Sigma’s 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Fisheye (skateboarder image) or get up close and personal from afar with its equally new 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS telephoto lens (skier pic)

DG DN is a TS-141 tripod socket. Because this type of ultra wide aperture lens is relatively heavy, its maker wants to ensure a more balanced set up closer to the centre of gravity when both it and the camera in use are mounted on a tripod. The 15mm f/1.4 DG DN comes with a suggested retail price of £1,859.

G’DAY, SPORT

The second new lens is the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS (right). This joins the optical specialist’s ‘Sports’ series line up and likewise arrives in L-Mount and Sony E-mount fits.

Despite its reach, this prime lens for full frame cameras is described as relatively compact and lightweight at 234.6mm in length and 1,370g in weight respectively. In order to achieve the smaller size we’re told convex low-

dispersion elements have been used towards the front of the lens barrel.

Professional grade features include a weather resistant structure, a Focus Limiter switch, a de-clickable and lockable aperture ring, a detachable tripod socket and a Custom Mode switch. Its maker sums this one up as ‘the definitive ultra telephoto prime’ aimed at enthusiasts and pros alike. The 500mm f/5.6 DG DN OS costs £2,779.

“These two lenses offer the long and the short of it from Sigma in 2024; they offer L-Mount and Sony E-mount camera owners a wide variety of creative possibilities while maintaining pin sharp results,” enthuses Sigma UK General Manager Paul Reynolds. “Get in contact now with your local Sigma rep to ensure sufficient stock to meet expected demand.”

Sigmauk.com

ELINCHROM SPOTLIGHTS MULTIPLE REASONS TO BECOME A DEALER

Become an Elinchrom dealer and enjoy attractive margins and extensive support on well reviewed, award-winning products. Get in touch now with its newly established dedicated team covering direct distribution in the UK

Regular readers will already be aware of lighting expert Elinchrom’s award-winning product line up – it most recently won The Society of Photographers’ Best Lighting Award for the 11th year running. Plus at the start of this year it established its own dedicated UK distribution team to deal direct with the trade (see BPI News Feb/March for the full story)

Therefore it won’t be a surprise to discover it’s now inviting dealers old and new to get in touch – and under-scoring some of the key advantages of becoming an Elinchrom dealer in the first place. For starters, there’s its well reviewed, industry acclaimed lighting equipment. The brand new Elinchrom THREE (below) is already picking up positive write-

ups helping to push it front and centre in your customers’ consciousness. This adds to the acclaim already achieved by the existing Elinchrom

ONE (bottom right and in case below) and

FIVE (top right)– all of it demonstrably highlighting the manufacturer’s commitment to continual innovation.

CUTTING EDGE TECH, TRADITIONAL SUPPORT

Alongside cutting edge, award-winning tech, Elinchrom’s dedicated UK team can offer dealers what it describes as good, oldfashioned sales, service and support. As well as sales training, a further advantage is its dedicated consumer events, enabling dealers to create a buzz around the product and increased sales as a result.

Participation in Elinchromsponsored consumer events puts your business in the spotlight. These events are a perfect opportunity for live product demonstrations, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Elinchrom’s flagship products among photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The whole idea is that Elinchrom makes such promotional events an easy and attractive prospect for the respective dealer; it can even help out with the design and provision of assets including artwork, flyers and banners. Ultimately the aim is to get more people buying Elinchrom product and greater traffic online and off-line, in terms of footfall to your store – potentially a win-win scenario for all parties.

Become an Elinchrom dealer to enjoy attractive margins, consumer events, sales,

And when customers do buy the competitively priced product, dealers will be able to take advantage of attractive margins in the process. To encourage day-to-day sales, the lighting expert can additionally provide demonstration stock in support as well as there being someone to pick up the phone and speak to at any time.

In terms of technical support, in the unlikely scenario that any customer has an issue they’ve not encountered before and a repair is needed, a further advantage is that Elinchrom provides dealers with a dedicated service centre. This is in addition to a technical support helpline that any dealer can direct their customer to, in order to diagnose an issue for them. From pre-sales promotions to making the sale, through to after-sales support, it’s clear that lighting specialist Elinchrom has all bases covered for its new and exciting chapter. Now that really is illuminating. So make sure to get in touch now with the team for all things Elinchrom via support@elinchrom.co.uk or call 0333 358 2444

www.elinchrom.co.uk

Knitting to heal a broken heart - © Therese Asplund Lit with the Elinchrom THREE

SIZE MATTERS: EPSON LARGE FORMAT PRINTERS VIA THE DPS GROUP

Epson’s comprehensive line up of ‘P’ series SureColor printers offers something for every photo business seeking to boost its earning potential, promises official reseller the DPS Group

Seeking to expand your current business model, add personalised photo printing services and attract fresh custom as we move through spring and head into summer? Then don’t delay in installing Epson’s large format ‘P’ series printers. These workhorses are designed to help your retail business or minilab unleash the potential to profit from print. As usual, if you’re weighing up which is your best fit, the DPS Group, as Epson’s official reseller, can advise. Introduced last year, the most recent wide format printer options comprise the 24-inch Epson SureColor SC-P6500E, P6500D and P6500DE, or if you want to go bigger still there’s the 44-inch SC-P8500D. These joined the existing 12-ink SureColor SC-P7500 and SCP9500 large format printers, also at 24 inches and 44 inches in size, respectively. To drill a bit more into the detail, the 2400x1200 dpi SureColor SC-P6500E, P6500D, P6500DE and SC-P8500D and DL (with 1.6 litre ink pack) each feature 6-colour ink sets claimed to match the output from other 8-colour printers on the market. Aiming to deliver high quality photos and posters, ease of use comes courtesy of smart features, while high print speeds combine with low maintenance to improve productivity and reduce ownership cost. A flat-sided design is space saving, in allowing these latest offerings to be installed against walls, cabinets or in spaces with a shallow depth, with Wi-Fi capability ensuring they can be operated anywhere. A core feature of the above printers is their UltraChrome Pro6 pigment ink set that includes grey ink to broaden the

colour range. The dual roll models can load two different media types or sizes, switching between them automatically, while each features a conveniently positioned 4.3-inch touch panel for access to printer functions. It’s further worth noting that the printers are ready to use out of the box, with no assembly required.

12 REASONS WHY

Alternatively Epson’s pre-existing 24-inch SC-P7500 and 44-inch SC-P9500 12-ink printers boast a solid construction plus the flexibility of printing on a range of materials, including fine art paper, canvases, photo paper and more. In terms of speed and reliability, the machines’

Big appeal: Installing a wide format printer via the DPS Group, whether Epson’s P6500 (left), P7500 (right) or P9500 (below), will add a new dimension to your business and potentially a profitable new revenue stream

print heads use up to 800 nozzles for each colour, producing accurate dot placement and eliminating misprints, while being up to 4.3x faster than prior generations.

As mentioned at the beginning of his article, these two options utilise Epson’ 12-colour UltraChrome Pro ink set with K3 technology. Delivering Epson’s widest ever colour gamut with 99% Pantone coverage and exceptional dynamic range, inks can be individually replaced if they run low. And again a 4.3-inch touch panel LCD allows for a range of configuration options.

“The Epson SC-P6500E/D/DE, SCP7500, SC-P8500D/DL and SC-P9500 are all brilliant, cost effective replacements for thousands of Epson, Canon and HP large format printers out there at retail showing their age and definitely due an upgrade,” advises DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel. “Epson’s new large format models offer improved productivity while still providing high quality output. The potential to profit from photo printing in-house has never been higher.”

It’s clear therefore that Epson and the DPS Group have the tools to allow you to go big with your ambitions this summer. Discuss your large/wide format print requirements via sales@dpsb.co.uk or phone 020 8466 7230

www.thedpsgroup.co.uk

www.dpsb.co.uk

Image of Music Awards presses ‘play’ button

Got music photography loving customers?

Tell them there was no sign of ‘difficult second album syndrome’ holding back the So.co Image of Music Awards on March 26th, following on from last year’s inaugural awards, when it was known simply as the Music Photographer of the Year Awards. For those not familiar, So.co is a platform for showcasing music photography online, and this year’s event was sponsored by the likes of Affinity Photo 2 software, Canon and the Independent. Long-term music photographer Jill Furmanovsky (below), best known for her images taken of Oasis at their height, picked up this year’s Legend of the Year award at the ceremony near London Bridge attended by BPI News.

Young Music Photographer of the Year, a new category for 2024 that shines a light on photographic talent under 23, went to Grace Prachthauser, while newcomer Ferghal McGlinchey clinched both Music Photographer of the Year and the Canon-sponsored Image of Music People’s Choice Award with a carefully positioned shot of Greta Van Fleet and on-stage pyrotechnics. Venue of the Year went to one of our favourite tiny London venues, Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney, while Innovation of the Year went to the Canon EOS R50. https://so.co/awards

MAKE

MINE

A

Fuji has had a busy six weeks, adding to its whirlwind of activity with the launch of the Instax Mini 99 This more ‘grown up’ instant print camera boasts increased manual features compared with what we’ve seen recently, including a dial via which to select funky filter effects. Here small LED lights secreted within the camera body give off a glow that affects exposure. A new manual vignette switch to produce darkened edges to the frame is also provided, as are five levels of brightness control. We also get various shooting modes, including Indoor Mode for low light scenarios and Sports Mode

‘99’

for a faster shutter speed, with Landscape, Macro and Standard Mode completing the options.

A base grip with tripod mount also comes with the package.

Available since the beginning of April at £174.99 SRP, optional extras to piggyback on a sale include a black camera case at £21.99 and an Instax Mini black album at £11.99. Released alongside the camera is a new Instax Mini Photo Slide film pack, inspired by the classic photographic film mount. SRP is £8.99 for a pack of 10 prints. www.instax.co.uk

THERE’S AN AURA ABOUT AURORA

Customers have a yearning for analogue media? Ealingbased specialist SJF Photographic has announced stock of Flic Aurora 800, C-41 colour negative film which it tells us is manufactured by Kodak in Rochester, New York. The Aurora 800 is described as delivering a finer grain, higher sharpness and more natural skin tones. SJF adds that the film is very well suited to photographing moving subjects and working in low light conditions while maintaining true colour reproduction. The 35mm film roll offers a standard 36 exposures. www.sjfphoto.co.uk

A ‘sound’ vision from Canon

Based on feedback from Canon users when asked by the manufacturer what other kind of products they’d like to see from the brand, the photo stalwart has introduced a limited edition Canon ML-A Light & Speaker combo. On display to the public at The Photography & Video Show last month, the desktop lamp and Bluetooth 5.0 audio speaker in one has been designed to create the ideal atmosphere for relaxing, entertaining, working or styling and is said to be both stylish and highly flexible, with its body made from machined aluminium. Complete with a tilting arm, the LED lamp can be switched from a soft and warm tone

for relaxing times to a white setting for creative working and reading. The 10W speaker aspect of the device boasts 360° audio that’s claimed to sound superb even at low volume. With a two-year guarantee offered, the ML-A is £269.99 SRP and comes in silver or black.

In related news Canon has launched a professional PTZ controller, developed in collaboration with manufacturer Skaarhoj. We’re told the RC-SK5 (above) is versatile enough for multi camera productions, from entry level broadcast to live events such as musical performances and concerts, or even for recording lectures in higher education. What’s described as a high quality ergonomically designed joystick provides intuitive control, while smooth wide to tele transitions can be achieved via the zoom rocker. www.canon.co.uk

©Grace Prachthauser

GRAB THOSE GREEN SHOOTS…

… And grow your business. With inflation falling and spring’s green shoots indicating summer’s on the way – along with some fantastic new photo / video products to sell – here’s how your photo business can accentuate the positive

Following last year’s Autumn Statement, the Chancellor’s Spring Budget was designed to win friends in an election year. With business rates frozen from April 1st, it’s expected one million properties will be protected against higher bills, and, with the VAT registration threshold raised from £85K to £90K, an estimated 28,000 small businesses will be freed from paying VAT.

Plus, as we heard last autumn, the current Retail, Hospitality and Leisure discount has been extended for 12 months for eligible businesses. This provides 75% relief, up to a cash cap limit of £110K per business. Around 230,000 businesses should benefit from such support, part of a business rates relief package worth a claimed £4.3 billion. Now is also the first anniversary of the introduction of full expensing, theoretically allowing companies to invest for less, receiving up to 25p off their tax bill for each £1 invested in qualifying machinery.

The benefits of this, the government hopes, will be smaller businesses encouraged to grow, even as inflationary pressures and energy bills continue to bite. It’s no surprise businesses have been borrowing and investing less in recent years, along with cutting costs, the result being the economy flat-lining.

However could now be time for cautious optimism? At the time of writing inflation is down from its 11% high to around 3.4% – the lowest for two and half years. Yes, that’s still above the Bank of England’s own 2% target, meaning that in March it held interest rates at 5.25% for the fifth time in a row, but inflation is expected to keep falling this year.

Whatever your view on the economy, rather than just waiting for things to magically improve, there are tried-and-tested measures we can implement to steady our ship and forge ahead, as follows…

POSITIVITY BREEDS POSITIVITY

With bricks and mortar retail dependent on physical and enthusiastic contact with the buying public, more so now than ever, anything that has an impact on the public perception of a shop – positive or negative – should be high on your agenda.

Examine everything from the ground floor up, including knowing who your key employees are and what might happen if they leave. Retail doesn’t generally operate on anything other than thin margins, but that still means paying fairly and in line with the market. If there is scope, and the work warrants it, reward employees with increases or bonuses. If you don’t, they’ll be off when an opportunity arises.

Also look at the company itself. Businesses that succeed have owners and managers who lead by example –people who embody the principles their business or shop espouses. If staff can see 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 show your staff that whatever they’re doing, no matter how well the business is doing, that you’re in the thick of it with them. Lead from the front and take your turn, even when it comes to dealing with the worst of the jobs.

Examine diversity too, by which we mean are you dependent on a small number of suppliers? Also, ask yourself the simple question: what is it that makes you want to go into a store? Part of the answer will be the item you are seeking to acquire. But it also has a lot to do with how welcoming a shop is.

An attractive, engaging window display still goes a long way. Be inspired by the best retailers and create displays that ooze charm, showcase product, and use

light, mirrors and glass to best effect. Stand outside and look at your window from a customer’s point of view. Is it clean and tidy? Are your displayed products attention grabbing? Is there an offer that will trigger the urge to walk in? Can you make use of the space outside? If so, use a board that shouts about your time-limited promotions or your years of good service to the local community.

Once you’ve got customers inside, work hard to offer an experience and demonstrate why a product’s features are must-haves. One way of doing this is to offer a ‘photo walk’ that involves showing-off mirrorless cameras, or a ‘master-class’ on how to use, say, macro lenses, for product photography. Could you illustrate the benefits of hotshoe flash for fill-in, over the camera’s built-in flash? How about partnering with local camera clubs to get their experts in to help with the master-classes, or link with a manufacturer, distributor or supplier to make use of their own pro photographer or print making ‘ambassadors’?

As we’ve noted in the past it can be a win-win scenario: camera clubs meet potential new members and you get existing ones enthused as they explore your stock. To make doubly sure of sales, why not dovetail events with time-limited promotions, thereby instilling a sense of urgency and ‘FOMO’ – fear of missing out? Such deals can be a good way of avoiding quiet trading periods, particularly when everyone’s enjoying the sunshine.

Got tried & tested business ideas to share with peers in a cost of living crisis? Send ‘em to info@bpinews.co.uk

HURRY TO EXHIBIT: CLICK LIVE COMING UP FAST

PHOTO TRADE WIN AP AWARDS

The June 23rd to 25th dates for the proposed new annual ‘festival of photography’ are fast approaching, with Park Cameras recently announced as an exclusive retail partner. As those who read the initial piece in our November edition will be aware, Click Live ambitiously aims to attract a younger audience than existing UK events, with a view to eventually growing into a ‘Click Fest’ Glastonbury style festival of photography by summer 2026. It’s being helmed by The Click Group photo studio network CEO Charlie Kaufman, who we’ll recognise from his Click Backdrops business.

With amateur, enthusiast and pro photographers all welcome, a programme of education and high profile speakers, plus a chance to network into the evening is promised. A Click Live Photographer of the Year competition is due to be launched at the inaugural event and there will be photo walks through more than 200 acres of woodland.

Inspired by photo shows in the US and Europe, such as SPAC, Charlie has dubbed his event ‘the exhibitor’s exhibition’. He explains: “we’re the only show that pays the exhibitor to market the event”, in that those booking a stand get a rebate on the price for every booking they help secure.

Those wishing to secure a last minute exhibition space should contact info@clickliveexpo.co.uk or call 01932 297 417 now. www.clickliveexpo.co.uk

As previously flagged up in these pages, the annual Amateur Photographer Awards took place in London on the last night of February and tipped over into the first day of March this year. The evening saw familiar faces from the photo industry beckoned to the stage by editor Nigel Atherton, collecting trophies in recognition of both kit and good service. The Chris Cheesman Memorial Award, given to someone who has dedicated a long career to the UK photo industry, went to OM System’s Mark Thackara (right), who, if you tally up his time with the former Olympus has spent 40 years in the trade.

Good Service awards meanwhile were handed out to a broad range of retailers in Analogue Wonderland, Cambrian Photography, Camera Centre UK, CameraWorld, Carmarthen Camera Centre, Clifton Cameras, Grays of Westminster, London Camera Exchange, MPB, Park Cameras and Wex Photo Video. In terms of winning kit,

BPI News regular Sigma (above) did the double, bagging Prime Lens of the Year for its 50mm f/1.4 DG

DN ‘Art’ lens and Telephoto Zoom Lens of the Year for the 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS ‘Sports’ optic. As in our own awards late last year, Fuji’s X-S20 took Consumer Camera of the Year, while we also thought alike when it came to the Nikon Z8 taking Product of the Year. Affordable Camera of the Year meanwhile went to the Canon EOS R50. For more, head to the URL below. www.amateurphotographer.co.uk

Fujifilm makes its (Pri)mark

Not content with having its own House of Photography in London and its PHOTO by Fujifilm booths adorning photo specialists across the land, the manufacturer has installed a concession at Primark in Birmingham, which is claimed to be the affordable fashion retailer’s largest store.

Having launched March 8th with the aim of attracting a younger ‘Generation Z’ demographic, shoppers can now utilise six instant kiosks to get prints from their smartphones at between 6x4 and 8x12 inches. Further Fujifilm ‘favourites’ including Instax cameras and smartphone printers can also be purchased, while extra enticement to spend

pocket money comes via three selfie booths and ID photo services. This is Fuji’s second partnership with Primark, as a similar concession opened at its Manchester store late last year.

“This collaboration merges fashion and photography, providing shoppers with the unique opportunity to explore the range of Instax products in store and to print their favourite photos at the Fujifilm kiosks,” enthuses Fuji UK General Manager Theo Georghiades.

Primark’s Director of New Business Development at Primark Tim Kelly adds: “PHOTO by Fujifilm gives us another opportunity to engage our customers.”

www.fujifilm.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to reach peers in the photo trade, so use it. Send ad bookings & press releases to info@bpinews.co.uk

70% OF SPACES SOLD! HURRY!

FUJI KNOCKED FOR ‘SIX’ BY DEMAND

The manufacturer’s upgrade of its X100V premium compact in the logically numbered X100VI (Fuji’s Jenny Hodge & Caitlin Clark shown with the camera, right), or ‘Six’, is reportedly a soar-away success. Fujifilm UK tells us it has “probably three to four months” of backorders to fulfill at the time of writing. And that’s without the feeding-frenzy surrounding the even more limited version.

With the X100V, which witnessed its own share of pent-up demand, officially discontinued, the X100VI is aimed at creative types of all levels. And, as the brand’s UK Marketing Manager Andreas Georghiades adds, is all about “fine tuning and turning that volume knob up to 11.”

With a robust and premium look and feel in either black or silver, the X100VI’s dimensions are practically identical to its forebear with a weight of 521g. It makes use of an NP-W126S battery that can provide up to 450 frames. Overall, the X100VI is claimed to be 20% more power efficient.

New here is a 40.2 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, while, in a further nod to the X-T5, it offers 20 film simulation modes, including Reala Ace. We also get a four stop equivalent ND filter built in, a base ISO125 setting, and, fittingly given the model name, six stops of body-integral image stabilisation, a first for this particular series. As Fuji’s Georghiades admits: “the X100VI is similar to the X-T5 in terms of the heart and the brains.”

At the front is the same Fujinon 23mm f/2.0 II lens as the earlier ‘V’ model. Further features include 11fps continuous shooting via mechanical shutter, or 20fps continuous

shooting in electronic shutter mode. We also get 6.2K-resolution video at 30P, 4K at 60P and the ability to add an optional MIC-ST1 stereo microphone accessory. Having gone on sale late February at £1599 SRP, we were originally assured that availability should be much better than that of the previous iteration. For those who really want to push the boat out however, and to mark Fuji’s 90th year, there’s a strictly Limited Edition version of the X100VI available in silver. But because there are just 1934 units being sold globally, with 110 allocated to the UK, a fever-pitch level of anticipation has resulted in Fuji holding a ballot for those hoping to buy. Due to go on sale on Saturday April 6th at £1934 SRP at the time of writing, this special edition features an embossed Fujifilm logo on the top plate as well as on its front lens cap, while there’s a soft shutter button included and special edition strap provided. “Interest in this camera has been extraordinary – possibly the most coveted model we have ever released,” concludes Fuji UK GM Theo Georghiades. www.fujifilm-x.com/en-gb/products/x-series/

World’s smallest, lightest long-zoom lens

Your L-Mount camera-owning customers have the option of a new Panasonic lens this April. The Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 Macro OIS is claimed as the smallest and lightest in its class on launch, at 93.4mm in length and a weight of 413g. It’s also the first wide-to-tele zoom in its maker’s Lumix S series lineup.

Suitable for shooting landscapes at its widest setting, it’s also able to focus as close as 3cm from a subject, plus can deliver the requisite ‘bokeh’ effect when it comes to portraits.

We’re also promised a high speed, high performance, silent auto focus, while 5-axis Dual IS 2 image stabilisation built in helps minimise blur. Micro step aperture control allows for smooth alternations in exposure and there’s the ability to choose between linear or non-linear focus ring settings. For those wondering about using it for shooting video, Panasonic reassures us focus breathing is effectively suppressed. The new lens lands at £899 SRP. www.panasonic.com

ONE HUNDRED MEGA MODULAR MARVEL

Tell your high-end customers that high-end camera manufacturer Hasselblad has launched what it’s claiming is its most compatible 100-megapixel medium format camera to date.

The modular 907X & CFV 100C incorporates a new 100MP back-illuminated sensor, thereby doubling the resolution of its predecessor the 907X & CFV II 50C, while weighing 120g less.

Believing it therefore now has the smallest and most powerful medium format camera in the industry, the 907X & CFV 100C is compatible with all XCD, HC/HCD and Xpan lenses, theoretically enabling users to achieve the best possible image straight out of the camera. It believes that the CFV 100C will also breathe new life into Hasselblad V System cameras, including the 500 and 200 series.

Likewise a boon to Hasselblad shooters is the 2.36 million-dot resolution 3.2-inch touchscreen display, incorporated within a classic design with its leather-like surface and chrome frame. Its viewfinder can be tilted upwards from 40° to 90° to achieve a range of perspectives. In terms of image quality, its maker claims colours are captured just as our eyes perceive them, with 15 stops of dynamic range provided. Its phase detection autofocus also makes use of 294 zones spread over the 100MP sensor’s surface and there’s a generous 1TB of on-board memory.

Photographers can use their beloved film cameras with the new sensor to achieve ‘digital age’ picture quality, while maintaining the unique experience of shooting at waist level. Want

All this technology inevitably requires deep pockets at £6,729 SRP.

www.hasselblad.com