British Photographic Industry News November 2016

Photographic British

Industry

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The big photo brands help beat off any winter sales chill by launching moneysaving consumer schemes

REPORT Making a Splash in the ‘Pool: BPI News reports from the self proclaimed ‘biggest photo show in the North’

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Your inside track on the UK photo trade for more than 30 years

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STUDY Making memories & winning new custom with Fujifilm: An idea both clever & touching from Colliers Photo Imaging

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Turn up the heat on sales this winter with the latest & greatest in the world of photography & minilabs: see our picks of the latest high-margin essentials!

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EDITORIAL | November 2016

Photographic

Focusing on what’s important…

British

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published monthly by

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EDITOR Gavin Stoker Tel: 020 8274 0578 Tel: 07990 974 367 ART EDITOR Michael O’Connell EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Please direct all editorial requests, news and press releases to info@bpinews.co.uk ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Please direct all advertising enquiries and sponsorship opportunities to gavin@bpinews.co.uk.

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elcome to the November 2016 as we’d be invited to the same product edition of BPI News, the time of launches, I had to check his LinkedIn page year when many of the products to confirm how long we’d known each other. announced to coincide with September’s It didn’t feel like 18 years since we’d both Photokina trade show begin to be put on started on Digital Photography magazine sale. It’s also the point in the calendar at and AP respectively, but perhaps that’s why, which most of the major manufacturers unconsciously, the news of his death came launch seasonal deals and cashback as a massive shock. I will miss our chats schemes. This year is no exception, so you’ll and the trade will miss the dedication of Gavin Stoker, find news this issue to remind you at a someone who really did seem to thrive on Editor glance of who is offering what incentive, getting behind the official version of events gavin@bpinews.co.uk put out by PRs to find the real story. and for how long – all designed to attract @GavinStoker custom to specialist retailers at what is Finally, a reminder that as well as the traditionally make or break time. So make print edition you hold in your hands, BPI sure your staff are all up to speed on the News has a presence in the world of bits and bytes. So savings to be had. don’t forget to read us online at www.bpinews.co.uk Now for a slight change of gear: as we’re a magazine (where there’s also a couple of years’ worth of back with ‘news’ in the title, occasionally we find ourselves issues) and bookmark BPI News at Issuu.com to be reporting on developments that are a little less positive automatically notified when a new issue is published. than we’d like. This past month we heard the very worst We’re also on Twitter, where @bpi_news is the account possible news; that of the untimely passing of one of to follow. So enjoy this issue and see you back here our own. Many of you will have known Chris Cheesman, next month for our traditional combined Dec/Jan former News Editor of Amateur Photographer cover. Being our last issue of 2016 and coinciding with magazine, as long as I have; which is to say the 18 years the height of the pre-Christmas trading season, early he worked for the same publisher. Actually, as Chris booking (and reading) is advised! See our roundel on was someone I used to bump into every other week, the left for all the dates you need.

CONTENTS 04 NEWS New lenses from Nikon, Kodak back in the headlines, plus Panasonic and Fuji are two of the first to detail their winter cashback announcements 12 SIGMA’S MIRROR-LESS MARVELS SEEK TO BOOST TRADE TAKINGS We gets hands on with a quartet of optics the manufacturer suggests you pitch to Four Thirds or Sony E-Mount camera owners this Christmas 14 TIME-LIMITED DEALS ON EPSON VIA THE DPS GROUP The Kent-based print specialists are offering Novemberonly purchase deals on Epson’s P600 & P800, plus a trial of the F2000 T-shirt printer

T NEXDATE 016/ Y c2 COPbined Deal copy

, m fin er 21st o c a r s Ou 17 ha vemb of Jan of No ut end date ed o due ue post ember.

Iss Nov

16 MAKING A SPLASH IN THE ‘POOL BPI News buys a ticket to ride – or at least the Albert Dock – to check out the biggest photo show in the north, hosted by Wilkinson Cameras

21 KENRO’S ILLUMINATING DEALS ON NANGUANG & NISSIN The trade learns how the range has been freshly expanded to include new ringlights and fresnel lights – just in time to spotlight Christmas sales 24 MAKING MEMORIES & WINNING NEW CUSTOM WITH FUJIFILM We hear how Neil Collier, of Swansea’s Colliers Photo Imaging, is winning fresh custom by engaging with local camera clubs in memory of his late father Mike 27 PUMP UP YOUR SALES WITH ‘AIR’ FROM MAC GROUP The distributor has an innovative and colourful new trio of MeFoto Air tripods and monopod to share with its retail partners 28 X-RATED We hear how to save yourself a possible fortune on business rates, and learn how not to get caught out by HMRC regarding the National Minimum Wage

Subscriptions, back issues & BPI News online Overseas annual subscription £50 (Cheques payable to Legacy Media Ltd).

For details email info@bpinews.co.uk. View current and back issues online at www.bpinews.co.uk

ID Station Tablet & Sinfonia Printer ID Station now comes with a New Camfi controller. This is very fast and reliable. A major enhancement for all wanting to work wirelessly with their Canon or Nikon DSLR camera.

Consists of: Printer Tablet + Software + Tablet Holder WiFi Transmiter (Canon/Nikon Only) Remote Training & Support

94% MARGIN Selling a passport picture at £5.99.

Tel: 01485 536 200

@bpi_news

email: sales@swains.co.uk

web: www.swains.co.uk

BPI News | November 2016 3

NEWS

PANASONIC WINTER CASHBACK RETAIL PARTNERS have even more reason to celebrate this season. The electronics giant’s winter promotion is underway, running until January 9th, 2017. Up

to £100 cashback is being offered on G series cameras including the GH4 , G7, GX8 and GX80, and up to £50 for those customers of yours buying a camcorder. Those buying

T&C’s, head to the following URL: www.panasonic.co.uk/promotions

Tetenal takes over European distribution of Kodak photo papers

SONY UPDATES PREMIUM CAMERA PAIR THE A6500 SYSTEM camera, plus a ‘Mark V’ version of the RX100 flagship compact, have been launched by Sony in the nick of time for the Christmas market.

In terms of the features to pitch at your customers, the electronics manufacturer claims the 20.1 megapixel RX100 V boasts the world’s fastest AF acquisition at 0.05 seconds as well as the world’s highest number of AF points on a sensor: 315 in total. Its one-inch sensor is said to have been newly developed for the camera, whilst the lens is a 24-70mm zoom with f/1.8 maximum aperture. As one might expect, 4K video also features on this latest Cyber-shot, along with a 2.35 million dot viewfinder.

Availability is promised from this month at a price just shy of £1,000.

The pitch for the equally new A6500 meanwhile, at £1,499, is that this is an all-round performer, sharing some features – such

a G range camera at the start of the promotion can also qualify for up to £100 additional cashback on a wide array range of lenses.

The £50 cashback offer applies to Panasonic’s 4K shooting VX980 model along with the snappily named HC-VXF990EBK and HCVX870 units. For the full list of eligible models, more info and

as its ‘4D Focus’ system and a whopping 425 phase-detection points – with the A6300. The latest model can also shoot at 11fps with continuous auto focus and up to 8fps in live view shooting mode.

Also featuring is five-axis in-body image stabilisation and a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sized sensor, with videographers being given the ability to shoot 4K-video in Super 35mm format. In addition to the above camera launches, Sony’s A6000 model is being given a Graphite Grey finish this December. www.sony.co.uk

KODAK ALARIS and the Tetenal group have agreed that Tetenal, together with its subsidiaries, will act as distributor for Kodak Photo Papers across Europe. Tetenal says that it is seeking to actively involve current Kodak distribution partners from European countries where possible, in order to safeguard a continuous supply of Kodak papers throughout the territory.

MD of the Tetenal Group, Matthias Hübener, says: “We’ve been successfully working with Kodak, and subsequently Kodak Alaris,

since 2004. The aim is to make Kodak‘s high-quality Photo Papers extensively available for European customers, today as well as in the coming years. As part of this, we are also working together with experienced reliable partners across European regions.“ Interested parties who would like to find out more about the new set up are directed to kodakpaper@tetenal.com

DASH & GRAB WITH PRAKTICA THIS MONTH’S TRADE deal on Praktica kit involves the brand’s DVC 5.10 camcorder, plus the Praktica 10GW dash camera. The camcorder shoots in Full HD, has a built-in microphone, flip-out touch screen and is priced at under £150, thereby making it an easy sale to your customers.

The 10GW model meanwhile attaches to a car windscreen via a non-intrusive suction pad and, if desired, is able to monitor the vehicle 24/7 no matter whether it is

in motion or parked. This comes with Wi-Fi, GPS, Full HD video and phonecharging capabilities – all for a retail price of £89.99.For more, speak to your Swains’ rep. www.swains.co.uk

AVAILABLE FROM PEAK DEVELOPMENT LTD ANSMANN’s award winning POWERLINE 4 PRO:

Intelligent, compact charge manager Charges, discharges, cycles, capacity check, selectable charge current, etc Very fast 1800mA charge for 1-2 Batteries USB outlet to charge other devices Clear, backlit LCD screen Use Worldwide and in-car (adapter incl.)

ANSMANN Li-Ion batteries Attractive, colour coded packaging, looks great in a shop display Over 90 in the range High quality and reliable 5 - Years Warranty Don’t forget the award winning Don Charger For All Traveller Chargers The ANSMANN Photocam and Powerline Varios!!

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NEWS

A KODAK CLASSIC REBORN? THE BULLITT GROUP, based in Reading, has utilized its Kodak brand license to deliver the Kodak Ektra Smartphone. This interesting and (arguably) brave development takes its name and inspiration from Eastman Kodak’s original 1941 issue Kodak Ektra camera – as well as the classic advertising slogan ‘you press the button and we do the rest’. BPI News attended the London launch of the Android ‘Marshmallow’ device and was able to get hands on with a unit.

Danielle Atkins, Vice President Brand & Creative from the London office of Eastman Kodak, told BPI News she had been working very closely with the Bullitt Group, adding that the new product was “another iteration on the journey begun with the announcement of the Super 8 camera.” A quick reminder: the Kodak branded Super 8 camera was announced at CES 2016.

Tim Shepherd, Bullitt’s Head of Applications, admitted at the London launch of the Kodak Ektra Smartphone that: “the smartphone

IN MEMORIAM

CHRIS CHEESMAN market is a difficult one in which to differentiate,” adding that the phone is being “marketed at the creative… the kind of customer who will already own an SLR or high-end compact camera.” The handset has a leatherette style finish and grip, and its makers say they have sought to distinguish it from competitors.

Photographer-enticing spec includes a 21 megapixel resolution camera with optical image stabilisation plus a 26.5mm lens

with maximum f/2.0 aperture.

There’s also 32GB of internal memory, expandable via optional SD card, along with a 5-inch Full HD display. There are manual controls too, including the ability to adjust shutter speed, ISO, focus, white balance and exposure. Video also features at 720P, 1080P and 4K resolution, along with a retro ‘Super 8’ style recording option.

Accessories arrive in the shape of a genuine leather black and brown slipcase for £29.99 SRP and a more deluxe camera-type pouch (above).

The Kodak Ektra smartphone will be available from December at £449 SRP. Operator and retail partners, which Bullitt told us will include camera retailers, were still to be announced as we went to press. www.kodakphones.com/Ektra

BPI News was extremely sad to learn of the sudden passing last month of one of the photo press’ longest serving journalists: former Amateur Photographer News Editor Chris Cheesman. Chris had been with IPC, and subsequently Time Inc, for 18 years and was well known and liked throughout the trade. This year’s Photokina was his last official engagement for the magazine, and he was due to embark on a promising freelance career. Sadly, he never got the chance. Chris had reportedly informed colleagues that he had been diagnosed with endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the heart, and was admitted to hospital for treatment almost immediately after returning from Cologne.

BPI News sends its heartfelt condolences to his partner, family, friends and colleagues.

Lumix National Trust POS

Nikkors with a twist ©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

national trust iX FZ200 or FZ72

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

Complimentary 12 month national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72

NIKON HAS ANNOUNCED a pair of heavy-duty Nikkors in the new AF-S Nikkor 70–200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR, a full frame ‘FX’ format telephoto zoom, aimed at pros and described as faster, lighter and more agile than ever – plus the new PC Nikkor 19mm f/4E ED tilt-shift lens.

A3 Poster Compared to its predecessor, its maker claims improved AF tracking and exposure control for the 70200mm lens, as well as a VR Sport mode to enable ‘exceptional’ burst shooting. The lightweight claim is to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special places with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72.

Promotional period: 22/08/2013 – 31/12/2013. Promotional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions *Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG

T48046 Panasonic_A3_Poster.indd 1

21/08/2013 13:54

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

Complimentary 12 month national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72

Description

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down to a construction featuring a new magnesium alloy barrel. SRP is £2,649.99 and it goes on sale early November.

The interesting new 19mm tilt-shift lens is also designed for its full frame cameras and is said to enable Wobbler photographers to exercise extensive control over the lens’ focal plane and easily create

images unaffected by convergence.

The 19 mm angle of view is being touted as ideal for large structures and spaces, with the unique optical construction ensuring distortion common in wide-angle lenses is minimised, even at the edges of the frame. SRP is £3,299.99 and the lens is available now. www.nikon.co.uk

to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special places with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72.

Hang Tag BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk

Promotional period: 22/08/2013 – 31/12/2013. Promotional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions *Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG

21/08/2013 13:56

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21/08/2013 13:59

A4 Cling

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BPI News | November 2016 5

NEWS

IN THE BAG FOR LEICA CONTINUING ITS FASCINATION for all things swanky, the premium camera brand has teamed up with American bag manufacturer Ona to create six different bags – the Bowery, the Berlin II, Prince Street, Brixton, Camps Bay and Roma – all lined in red and featuring a red rivet as a nod to Leica’s own branding.

The bags are said to offer durable protection for Leica cameras and lenses, whilst also allowing the photographer to express their own sense of style.

The ‘Ona for Leica’ collection was scheduled to be available this November via Leica stores and boutiques.

In related news, for those with deep pockets the brand has also unveiled the Leica M-P ‘grip’, another collaboration – this time with artist and Leica photographer Rolf Sachs.

The ‘exclusive’ set comprises a Leica M-P camera body, together with a fast Leica

Summilux-M f/1.4 ASPH lens. The real talking points though will be the unusual finish, the striking choice of colour and, inevitably, the price tag: £12,500. Availability is again from this month. www.leica-camera.com

NIKON’S CASHBACK CURE FOR JANUARY BLUES THE PHOTO GIANT has joined the chorus of manufacturer promoting seasonal cashback schemes, all designed to drive extra footfall to your stores this winter. Nikon’s deals are some of the biggest of the run up to Christmas and beyond – with up to £510 being offered to entice custom if bonus cashback offers are factored in. Selected DSLR camera bodies and Nikkor lenses are included, with the bonus cashback being offered if, for example, lenses are added to the purchase of a camera body. The promotion began on October 27th and runs until January 15th next year.

“Our Winter Cashback promotion is designed with Christmas shoppers in mind, as it’s the ideal promotion for those looking for that special gift for a loved one

this year,” believes the brand’s Simon Iddon, Head of Product Management. “With plenty of DSLRs and lenses to choose from, this promotion is also ideal for photography enthusiasts looking to up their game over the festive period.”

Cameras included in the business boosting/money saving scheme are the D810, D750, D7200 and D7100, whilst a whopping 25 lenses are also featured. A cashback value of £85 is offered on each of the DSLRs mentioned, excepting the D7100 on which there is a £40 cashback. All claims must be received by February 13th 2017.

For more info and those all-important T&Cs, point your browser at the URL below. www.nikon.co.uk/promotions

Still plenty of buzz around camera drones GOOD NEWS FOR those retailers stocking camera drones alongside their regular photographic kit.

Industry watchers Futuresource Consulting are suggesting that further growth in this market is predicted – and that last year sales of video drones reached $1.4 billion.

It adds that drones have already

2016 Range

revolutionised the professional video and cinematography sectors, enabling visual shots which were previously unattainable without a significant budget being invested.

Drones are now expected to also revolutionise image capture in the B2B video world, due to the potential cost savings, improvement

in safety and increases in efficiency within agriculture, the energy sector and emergency services.

In related industry news, Futuresource Consulting also suggests that the ‘smart home’ (along with smart appliances) is the latest battleground for consumer electronics. Again, good news for

specialist retailers who think outside the box and stock complementary product ranges (such as security and smart monitoring devices) alongside more traditional photo gear. www.futuresource-consulting.com

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The versatile Flipside Trek series protects your camera and adventure gear for a day in the outdoors. Easy access to your gear with Flipside’s patented design allows you to get your gear without putting the bag down.

Effortless carrying with suspension system and straps, plus multiple attachment points allow you to scale up or down the gear you carry outside of your bag.

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BPI NEWS EXTRA

FUJIFILM KEEPS RETAIL FIRES BURNING WITH BODY + LENS CASHBACK The manufacturer is doing its utmost to increase footfall to its retail partners throughout the crucial Christmas trading period. With up to £125 back on Fujifilm ‘X’ series camera bodies and XF series lenses for your customers – from now until January 31st 2017 – arguably there’s never been a better time to sell the joy of ‘X’…

T

here’s been a lot of activity on the Fujifilm camera front lately – with the mirrorless 24.3 megapixel X-T2 compact system camera announced on the run up to September’s Photokina (described as joint range topper with the X-Pro2). On top of this there was the big surprise of the wholly new GFX medium format digital system unveiled at the show itself, with units of the latter promised to arrive early 2017.

As we detailed in our October edition of BPI News, the GFX format sensor, with physical dimensions of 43.8x32.9mm, is 1.7x larger than a 35mm sensor. As a result Fuji is introducing a new line of ‘G’ lenses to make the most of the new format, and which will be able to resolve the GFX’s 51.4MP resolution (8256x6192 effective pixels). Six lenses have already been announced, which will be given a staggered release. The camera itself – named the GFX 50S – is still promised to retail for ‘under $10,000 with viewfinder’ at the time of writing.

In the meantime though, Fujifilm is providing your customers with even more reason to make the

switch to its ‘X’ system – with up to £125 cashback offered on its well performing bodies and lenses, a promotion that helpfully for its retail partners runs right through the festive period and doesn’t finish until the end of January 2017.

Dealers’ choice: four cameras & 17 lenses on offer Cameras covered in the latest promotion include the X-T1, a former BPI News Product of the Month, on which the top whack £125 cashback deal is offered, along with the X-Pro2 (£100 to be claimed on redemption), X-T10 (£80 cashback) and the X-E2S (£40 cashback). Aside from the four camera bodies, a whopping 17 lenses are also covered by the deal, ranging from £40 back following a purchase of, for example, the XF60mm f/2.4 Macro, to the full £125 back if your customers purchase the XF16-55mm f/2.8, XF56mm f/1.2, XF50-140mm f/2.8 or XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6.

“These are fantastic deals on what is a fantastic system, already doing fantastically well for our dealers,” enthuses Fujifilm UK Marketing

“We’re well aware that the Christmas period is a crucial time for our retailer network, so want to offer them every support we can via added incentives for their customers to spend.”

– Fujifilm UK Marketing Manager Andreas Georghiades

Manager Andreas Georghiades.

“We’re well aware that the Christmas period is a crucial time for our retailer network, so want to offer them every support we can via added incentives for their customers to spend.”

There are three easy steps for your customers to follow when claiming their cashback: firstly and most obviously, they buy the qualifying product. Secondly they complete the claim form no sooner than 30 days, and no later than 60 days, from the date of their first purchase. Thirdly, upon successful validation of their claim, the customer will receive a payment via bank transfer within 14 days.

In addition, those currently buying a brand new Fujifilm ‘X’ series camera can get a year’s free Pixelrights Pro membership and their own website, worth £179. All they need to do to get started is enter their camera’s serial number online at www.pixelrights.com/fujifilm For more details and full T&C’s regarding the Fujifilm winter cashback, point your browser at the following URL: www.fujifilm.eu/uk/products/ digital-cameras/promotions

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 8 November 2016 | BPI News

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Why do photo retailers choose the Noritsu Green II?

Photoxport are the exclusive Noritsu distributor for the UK, Ireland, Iceland and Malta

A new page in the QSS Story The QSS Green II is the next step in the evoluuon of Noritsu inkjet printers. Versaale, fast, and energy efficient, the Green II has the speed to keep up with demanding volume, along with the capability of producing a wide array of specialty products.

With support for paper up to 12" wide in both roll and sheet format, the Green II is ready for any situaaon.

Up to 950 Prints Per Hour

Priority order system for instant passport The QSS Green II can enable you to quickly fulfill urgent orders of any size without sacrificing its top-level print quality.

The EZ Controller Sooware has the unique ability to interrupt orders in process to give preference to urgent orders.

Less than 1 square metre Four paper sizes any given me

The QSS Green II can be installed against the wall in 2 direccons and its space-saving design makes it easy to install anywhere.

The dual magazine system, which is the first in the industry to support 2-lane magazines, enables you to load up to 4 paper rolls (Widths:89 to 152mm/ 3.5” to 6”) and provide a seemingly infinite variety of print sizes

Contact us A: Photoxport, Unit 41, 16 Coalcart Rd, Birstall Leicester, LE4 3BY P: 0116 2675907 W: www.photoxport.com M: derek.fieldhouse@photoxport.com

SCHOOLS LAB NEWS

SCHOOLS’ LAB PRINTER PRET-A-PORTRAIT MEETS GROWING DEMAND WITH EPSON As a photographic business specialising in school photography, the team at Pret-a-Portrait knows exactly what it means to process photos in high volumes, printing around 3,000 photos per day during their busy season.

It is therefore crucial for the business to have reliable print equipment available 24/7. That’s why Pret-a-Portrait decided to bring all their printing in-house with the Epson SureLab SL-D3000.

We spoke to Pret-a-Portrait Production Manager Chloe Peters to find out more.

You’ve recently added a second Epson D3000 printer after purchasing the first one. What were the main benefits that convinced you to buy the same printer again?

We wanted to buy a second printer to keep up with growing production demand. We had been very happy with our first D3000; it’s excellent print quality, it’s cost-efficiency and the simple to use software meant it had been a great success. So ‘same again’ felt like the obvious choice.

How have the Epson D3000 printers add value to your business?

We are now able to manage all our printing in house which improves our margins and provides a faster turnaround for our customers.

You previously used an external print lab but now do all your printing inhouse since having the Epson printers installed.

What are the main benefits you’ve found since taking that decision?

We had enjoyed an excellent and successful relationship with the external lab for many years, but in the end bringing all our printing in house has been the right decision and a big step forward.

10 November 2016 | BPI News

PRODUCTION MANAGER CHLOE PETERS

The Epson D3000s produce deeper richer colours than we had previously been able to achieve.

Our turnaround times have improved so we can provide a better service to our customers. And the software makes it easy to adapt our production plans at short notice to respond to specific circumstances when necessary.

Having both machines means that all our print production goes through the same workflow which makes life much simpler, and makes it much easier to respond to urgent orders quickly.

“Bringing all our printing in-house has been the right decision and a big step forward”

OPERATIONS MANAGER CHLOE PETERS

ABOUT PRET-A-PORTRAIT With customers around the globe, from Belgium to Switzerland over to Dubai, Qatar, Singapore and China, Pret-a-Portrait is valued for its innovative approach towards portrait photography, high quality and quick turnaround times.

Established in 2003 the business currently counts 40 staff working at their headquarters in Buntingford, Hertfordshire, in addition to 80 photographers based across various countries.

www.bpinews.co.uk

TETENAL PROMOTION

PRET-A-PORTRAIT PREMISES IN HERTFORDSHIRE

What equipment did you previously use in-house and how does the Epson D3000 compare to it?

We have two Noritsu D701s but we don’t use these for printing customer orders these days. Compared to our new Epson machines, their colour tones and depths simply don’t come up to scratch.

We also really appreciate the Epson D3000s self cleaning capability. A big improvement compared to the days when we’d discover a machine needed cleaning in the middle of a large print run.

Why did you choose Epson over its competitor brands?

We carried out a pretty thorough exercise exploring a wide range of options and there are a number of excellent offerings available.

In the end the combination of the key factors; print quality, software features, usability, warranty, service and of course price the Epson came out top.

How did Tetenal support you in the process of choosing new equipment, from sales to technical services?

Chris and Phil did a great job talking through the

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printer and explaining how its capabilities would make a good fit for our business needs. They also seemed to appreciate the importance of excellent week in week out service, with timely supplies of ink and paper and a fast response to any technical support we might need.

How have Tetenal supported you since purchasing the new equipment?

We need our equipment to be working so we took out technical warranties which gives us telephone assistance, on-site technical support through an engineer and hardware parts for less than £5.00 per day to cover both machines!

In practice things have been exactly as promised. Tetenal’s technical support has been fantastic; fast response and quick solutions.

PRET-A-PORTRAIT PRODUCTION CENTRE

Come and see for yourself how the Epson SureLab SLD3000 can revolutionise your business by visiting our dedicated showroom, centrally located in Leicester Official Distributors Epson Photographic Print Solutions TEL 0116 289 3644 e-mail : uk@tetenal.uk.com www.tetenaluk.com

“Having both our Epson machines covered under warranty for less than £5 a day is amazing value” PRODUCTION MANAGER CHLOE PETERS

EPSON SHOWROOM AT TETENAL

BPI News | November 2016 11

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

SIGMA’S MIRROR-LESS LENS MARVELS SEEK TO BOOST TRADE TAKINGS

BPI News field tests a quartet of lenses from Sigma for retailers to push pre-Xmas, pitched at Sony E-mount and Micro Four Thirds camera owners in the ‘Art’ category trio of the 19mm f/2.8 DN, 30mm f/2.8 DN and 60mm f/2.8 DN, plus the ‘Contemporary’ category 30mm f/1.4 DC DN. How do they measure up for your mirror-less camera customers?

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hose in the trade will be well aware of the combination of good value yet high quality that third party lens manufacturer consistently delivers. With the crucial pre-Christmas trading period approaching, it sent us a batch of lenses to field test as the autumn chill started to take hold. All are available in a choice of either silver

19mm F/2.8 DN ART LENS This is a wide angle prime lens originally announced way back in 2013, but worth noting in the present for its compatibility with the mirrorless cameras for which it’s been specifically designed – namely, like the other lenses on this spread, Micro Four Thirds mounts from Olympus and Panasonic and the Sony E-mount. It, like them, also

or black fittings, so as to match the mirror-less cameras for which they’re intended – either Micro Four Thirds mounts or the very popular Sony E-mount. Furthermore the Japanmanufactured lenses have been evaluated with Sigma’s modular transfer function (MFT) measuring system, using a 46 megapixel sensor, and fittingly named ‘A1’.

What’s more they are absolutely perfect for pitching to photographer customers at this time of year as the price points won’t break the bank. For example the trio of the 19mm f/2.8 DN, 30mm f/2.8 DN and 60mm f/2.8 DN ‘Art’ series optics we’re looking at here retail for a suggested £189.99, whilst the ‘Contemporary’ range 30mm f/1.4 DC DN is just £299.99.

To have a play with all of the above for ourselves, and report back with some sample images, we dug out a very capable Olympus E-M10.

We’ve also picked out the highlights and selling points of each lens to share with your Sony E-mount and Olympus/Panasonic Micro Four Thirds mount camera-owning customers, as follows…

comes in silver and black.

Interestingly, this brass bayonet mount incorporating, mostly metal lens offers an angle of view the 35mm film equivalent of 38mm if used with a Micro Four Thirds system camera, or 28.5mm if utilised with the Sony E-mount system. Sigma suggests that it is ideal for casual snapping as well as indoor shooting which benefits from the wider angle of view.

A built-in linear AF motor moves the lens unit directly without the need for gears or other mechanical parts, meaning that the lens is quiet in operation – so arguably as useful for your customers shooting video as those taking stills. Minimum focusing distance is a very fair 20mm, whilst a telecentric design purports to deliver improved image quality throughout the frame, right into the corners.

All lenses sold via Sigma Imaging UK come with the benefit of a three year limited warranty.

12 November 2016 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

SIGMA LENSES PROMOTION

30mm F/2.8 DN ART LENS

60mm F/2.8 DN ART LENS

Launched at the same time as its ‘Art’ series bedfellows here, the 30mm f/2.8 standard lens boasts the 35mm equivalent of 60mm if twinned with a Micro Four Thirds mount (and Four Thirds sensor), or provides the near match for a 45mm lens on an E-mount Sony.

Portraits are the intended purpose with this one, along with casual snaps. Once again black or silver finishes are available and the build is externally metal, the ‘unibody’ design of the hood said to perfectly match the design of the cameras with which it is designed to be twinned.

Other spec to share with interested parties includes a mini focusing distance of a standard 30cm, brass made bayonet mount and a seven blade rounded diaphragm to deliver those flattering ‘bokeh’ effects we all love in order to isolate subject from background.

Described as a mid range telephoto lens, this piece of glass provides an angle of view the 35mm equivalent of 120mm on a Micro Four Thirds system camera, and 90mm on the Sony E-mount.

Again a shallow depth of field and beautiful ‘bokeh’ effects are a key part of the pitch here, allowing keen photographers to pick up the detail of a specific area of a subject.

The brass bayonet mount construction lens also features SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass plus a corrective inner focusing system, in order to avoid visible aberration and we can attest make for a more naturalistic result. Once more Sigma claims that its tele-centric optical design improves image quality throughout the frame.

Again a linear AF motor makes this one as suitable for video as it its capturing photographs. Minimum focusing distance is 50cm, with its seven blade, rounded diaphragm

we got from the 30mm.

We found the lens’s AF operation in conjunction with the camera to be seamless. Interestingly, a stepping motor has been incorporated to allow for an auto focus performance described as both quiet and exceptionally quick, and can testify that that is a very

We took the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN, again made in Japan, out previously for a springtime spin, and wrote about it in our May 2016 edition of BPI News. Now autumn colours are showing we had another go of this ‘Contemporary’

product category optic – recently introduced in Sony E-mount fit to join the existing Micro Four Thirds. The selling point here is that this is an ultra bright compact, lightweight standard lens.

Accessories include a supplied extra long lens hood.

This prime lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 60mm when twinned with a Micro Four Thirds camera and 45mm on the Sony E-mount system. We paired it once again with an affordable Olympus OM-D E-M10 camera body, making for a near perfect pairing it has to be said, the compactness of the lens itself matching the small form factor of the Micro Four Thirds mount Olympus. We were very pleased with the life-like quality of the shots

In conclusion, these four lenses offer a wide variety of choice for those customers of yours who want to

eschew the ‘one lens fits all’ option of a standard zoom and achieve better results with dedicated primes.

If our report has whetted your appetite, seek out your regional Sigma representative to order your

30MM F/1.4 DC DN CONTEMPORARY PRIME LENS

likewise delivering those flattering ‘bokeh’ effects.

fair – and accurate – description on behalf of its manufacturer. This is obviously a useful feature too when shooting videos, plus it’s perhaps worth noting here for those who intend to put it to such a use that the Sony fit lens is also compatible with that manufacturer’s E-mount Fast Hybrid Auto Focus.

own stock in now in time for the festive rush! www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

For more info on all four products detailed here, direct your browser to: www.sigma-imaging-uk.com @bpi_news

BPI News | November 2016 13

DPS GROUP PROMOTION

TIME-LIMITED DEALS ON EPSON VIA THE DPS GROUP

Epson specialists the DPS Group are offering the trade extra incentives to buy Epson P-600 (below left) and P-800 (below right) machines this November, along with an offer to try out the service provided by the Epson F2000 T-shirt printer by having your – or your customers – digital files transformed into a wearable garment. Here’s what not to miss…

“The DPS Group is offering the photo trade a ‘special price’ on Epson’s P600 this November, and also a free roll feed with the P800 to make it very versatile indeed” – DPS Group MD, Maneesh Patel

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ooking to add a print service to your retail business or replace an outdated, existing machine? Now could be the best time. With constant marketing from Epson (exhibiting at the likes of the recent Digital Splash show, for example) and Epson specialist the DPS Group in support, the Kentbased supplier of Epson printers and media is offering the photo trade a triple whammy of exciting offers in time for the crucial Christmas retail season.

First off, it is enticing take up with a ‘special price’ being offered on the

A3 version of the Epson P600 printer, a time limited offer to coincide with the peak season running up to Christmas, according to DPS MD Maneesh Patel. “We’re also offering a free roll feed with the Epson P800 to make it very versatile indeed,” he adds, whilst noting that stocks are limited, so interested parties should get in touch within November to secure a printer for themselves.

Hurry, stock limited!

For those not up to speed, the SureColor SC-P800 is a professional

grade A2 desktop photo printer.

Featuring a nine-colour UltraChrome HD inkset with vivid magenta, the P800 is claimed to be the only A2+ printer on the market offering a roll paper option.

The versatile, Wi-Fi enabled P800 also features the ability to print on glossy or matte photo paper, canvas or thicker materials; for example banners, panoramic images and gallery wrap canvasses can be produced. Vivid colours and deep rich blacks are also an integral part of the pitch here.

Printing up to A3+ and likewise capable of handling roll paper media, the SureColor SC-P600 makes use of nine Ultrachrome HD inks and offers Wi-Fi and high-speed printing – with a 13x19-inch print output in 153 seconds. It is said to be easy to set up and manage thanks to a 2.7-inch

touch screen, whilst ink cartridge size is described as ‘generous’.

Naturally the DPS Group can also supply all media for both machines to your business.

Trade members interested in ordering or demoing the Epson P600 and/or P800 are strongly advised to get in touch with the DPS Group’s Maneesh Patel or Gary Crawley whilst stocks last on 0208 466 7230, or email sales@dpsb.co.uk

Get shirt-y this season, trial Epson’s F2000!

A third proposition this month from the DPS Group is for the photo trade and their customers to take advantage of an early Christmas present – the trial offer of having a T-shirt printed and supplied to demonstrate the business boosting capabilities of Epson’s specialist F2000 T-shirt printer, as flagged up previously in July/August’s BPI News. “If there are retailers who want to try out the possibility of adding T-shirt printing to their business, simply send us a file from one of your customers and we’ll print the T-shirt for you,” says Maneesh Patel.

For those not in the know, the F2000 is a high-end device for printing on cotton; forwardlooking retailers can therefore buy or lease one to add another revenue stream to their business – or allow a bespoke fashion label to be created!

“We’re virtually the only place offering the F2000 in the UK, have worked on it directly with Epson and would like to invite the trade to witness a demonstration in our showroom in the New Year,” adds Maneesh.

This is a product that sits within the ‘Direct to Garment’ (DTG)

Solutions element of the DPS Group, more details of which can also be found via www.dtgsolutions.co.uk

To take up this T-shirt demo offer, contact The DPS Group’s Business Development Specialist Simon Handley on 0203 157 4038

For enquiries about DPS Group products, call Maneesh Patel or Gary Crawley on 020 8466 7230, or email sales@dpsb.co.uk 14 November 2016 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

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TRADE SHOW NEWS 1

MAKING A SPLASH IN THE ‘POOL

When last we spoke to Wilkinson Cameras’ MD David Parkinson he promised BPI News that Digital Splash was ‘going from a dealer show to premier league’. With last month’s exhibition stepping up a gear by moving from university campus to the pristine Exhibition Centre

by Liverpool’s famous Albert Dock, we discover how it successfully matched expectations…

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t BPI News we like to support anyone forward thinking and brave enough to launch a new venture – or expand an existing one – in a challenging climate, because, hopefully, the positivity and goodwill generated when said venture proves a success benefits all of the photo trade. And so it is with Digital Splash, the brainchild of retail chain Wilkinson Cameras, which has grown from modest beginnings to occupying exhibition space at Liverpool’s more prestigious Exhibition Centre, by the banks of the river Mersey. We were in attendance at this year’s show, speaking to the distributors, retailers and manufacturers who had heeded the call to arms – or, rather, call to exhibit – and also caught up with Wilkinson’s MD, David Parkinson, to get his impressions of, and feedback from, 2016’s event – the seventh such show.

Previously when we’d spoken with David back in the summer, new names including Hasselblad and Bowens had been promised alongside ‘regulars’ including Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Olympus and Fujifilm, and though the stands of these recognisable draws were more modest compared with the likes of what one might expect at a larger NEC type affair, those we spoke to definitely felt this year’s Digital Splash a step up from the trestle tables and dealer show flavour of old. Indeed, from a look around the hall, the audience of enthusiasts, male and female, felt similar in terms of audience make up to what we might expect to find in Birmingham.

Indeed ‘bigger venue, broader show, wider audience’ was the core promise for what was pitched as the North’s biggest photography show.

Having taken place across two days – a Saturday and Sunday in mid October – instead of the usual one, the idea being that photographers making the trek to Liverpool might well make a weekend of it, those we spoke to at the show were happy with the level of

interest from attendees, noting that people had obviously come to spend.

This supposition seemed borne out by the snaking queue for the retail counter that Wilkinson Cameras had set up, and to which exhibitors directed paying parties.

“With the level that we took it to, this year’s show was a bit of an unknown,” David Parkinson told us afterwards. “It was quiet scary, as there was a huge amount of risk involved, but we pulled it off. Feedback is that 99% of visitors were over the moon. Magazines that were there got far more subscribers than they ever expected and the hardware brands have been very complimentary and have come to us asking for bigger stands for next year. I can understand their initial caution, because it’s been a difficult year not helped by shortages of stock because of the sensor issues in Japan and constant price increases, but people had come to spend and in that regard we did very well. With products like the Fuji X-T2, we probably could have sold six or seven times what we did if we’d had the stock; we took orders for many more than we had and had a huge amount of interest in the Olympus E-M1 Mark II also.

“Our audience profile changed from Saturday to Sunday. We had a tsunami of visitors when the shutter went up at 10am on the Saturday and the place was flooded with thousands of people and lot of people were buying and looking for bargains. Sunday was a slower start, but a steadier flow of people – so we ended up with visitor numbers roughly matching for both days. We had about 6,200 visitors over the two days, which is quite an achievement for the first time at this venue and considerably up on last year.

“We’re not a huge organisation and haven’t got a massive department setting up the show, so it was quite an achievement to put it on and get so many people there. The support from the trade was very good and shows a lot of faith in us. So thank you to our staff and thank you to the trade for supporting it all!”

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For further info on the Wilkinson Cameras Digital Splash exhibition, what’s typically on offer & forthcoming details 16 November 2016 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

DIGITAL SPLASH 2016 3

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1. Paul, George, Ringo and John wouldn’t have missed Digital Splash for the world..., 2. A steady queue of punters snaked around the hall to snap up show bargains, 3. The prestigious Exhibition Centre, a significant step up this year, 4.

The man with the plan: Wilkinson Cameras MD David Parkinson, 5. Fotospeed’s Julia Kilby pushes its square & panoramic papers, 6. The party doesn’t start until Panasonic has arrived, 7. Canon’s stand drew a steady flow of photo enthusiasts, 8. Peter Turnell of Ansmann UK demos its new high speed USB charger, 9.

Paying customers were directed to Wilkinson’s large shop counter, 10. Olympus ambassadors demo the capabilities of the OM-D camera range, 11. Ray Fitchett of Sigma UK wields its newest 500mm whopper, 12. Epson brought out its wide form printers - and even bigger prints!, 13. A thumbs up from show regular Nikon; exhibitors were happy with attendance, 14. The perma-grinning PermaJet team enjoyed a successful show, 15. Digital Splash staff were on hand to film the proceedings for posterity, 16. Trade show regulars Kenro - see page 21 for more on their lighting solutions, 17. Tamron/Intro2020 brought out its big guns - and James and Jerry too!, 18. Lowepro bags and Joby tripods - via distributor Daymen

of 2017’s show and relevant October dates, direct your browser at digitalsplash.tv or email sales@wilkinson.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | November 2016 17

NEWS

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

DNP DELIVERS MORE FORMATS, DUAL MEDIA

Japanese giant Dai Nippon Printing is promising December availability for its Photokina-launched DS820, an 8-inch dye-sublimation printer described as ‘your ideal partner’…

REACH FOR THE KAISER DISTRIBUTOR FOTOSPEED has announced that the complete range of Kaiser filters is now available in the UK. Its range includes Kaiser’s Vario ND filter, which allows your photographer customers to adjust exposure by rotating the front panel of the lens cap, as well as various colour filters for toning, circular polarizing filters for minimizing reflections and darkening overexposed skies, conversion filters for colour cast correction, plus skylight filters for lens protection. The full range can be viewed at www.fotospeed.com

ANSMANN POWERS CHRISTMAS SALES THE BATTERY SPECIALIST is offering up its latest high-powered device to the UK retail trade in the logically named Ansmann High Speed USB charger 6.8A. Described as ‘intelligent’, this features the advantage of four USB ports and has the ability to protect your customers’ devices as well as the charger itself from overloads or short circuits. It is also said to detect the highest possible charge for end devices, with compatibility offered with smartphones, navigation devices and MP3 players from the likes of Samsung, Apple, Nokia, and HTC. Capapble of worldwide use, its compact and space saving construction means that it will sit comfortably in the palm of your customers’ hands. It also comes with a three-year guarantee. Like all Ansmann products, the charger can be sourced via Peak Development on 01489 796979.

18 November 2016 | BPI News

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ooking to add photo printing to your business without spending a fortune or taking up valuable store space? A device from BPI News regular DNP – Dai Nippon Printing – could well be the answer. Described as ideal for pro quality printing, the new DS820 not only offers the ability to utilise two types of consumables; it also offers an extended choice of photo formats up to 8x32-inch panoramas.

The two consumables in question are Pure Premium Digital, which is said to offer an improved gloss level and a high-density output, plus Standard Digital, which is pitched as high quality, yet cost effective.

In addition to a matt and glossy finish, the DS820 also provides access to Fine Matte and Lustre finishes, as well as a novelty described as ‘exceptional’: a partial coating, which it says allows for photographers to enjoy greater creativity and to print, with just the one piece of media, different finishes on the same photo.

For example, you or your customers could have a single print with both matte and glossy finishes in different areas of the image, thus enabling highlighting of specific elements. This feature is available with DNP’s SDK (Software Development Kit).

Panoramas aside, the printer’s large choice of formats includes everything from 4x8-inch and 8x12inch prints to the trendy 8x8-inch, suitable for the Instagram generation.

It also features the ability to make international format (21x29.7cm) A4 prints.

Offering productivity and profitability the printer features a new rewind function and a standby mode which enables the DS820 to be energy efficient with it.

Compatibility is offered with DNP’s range of software products, including Party Print for event photos, the kiosk software Tomo, the Nexlab 6 order management software and the software application Hot Folder

DS820 key features at-a-glance: n Choose from two different kinds of media – Pure Premium Digital & Standard Digital n Improved quality and improved DMax, including a selectable high density mode n Achieve four different types of finish from one media n Along with a wide range of popular formats, panoramic prints can be produced up to 80cm wide via SDK (Software Development Kit)

Print for enhanced print workflows in studio and event. Printer drivers are available for Windows 7, Win8, Win10 as well as Mac 10.9 and newer.

To place an order or find out more, get in touch now via sales@dnpphoto.eu www.dnpphoto.eu

DNP’s Akiko Sameshima & Tim Andrews launching its new products – including the DS820 – at September’s Photokina

www.bpinews.co.uk

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PHOTO RETAIL NEWS

A simple offer, explained simply

ALTA IMAGE RE-AFFIRM THEIR COMMITMENT TO KODAK EXPRESS After taking a long look at all the options available, the longest serving member of the Kodak Express network still believes he is with the best brand in the business Letchworth, one of three Alta Image stores in the Kodak Express network

Jonathan Ellam of Alta Image joined Kodak Express over 25 years ago and now has 3 stores throughout Hertfordshire. Being the longest standing member in the network, he recently reevaluated his Kodak Express Membership against the range of alternatives on the market.

After carefully considering the benefits of other retail solutions, Jonathan concluded that his three stores can best continue to develop their full potential under the Kodak brand.

KODAK BRAND IS STILL THE MOST RECOGNISED With years of experience in the business he understands that Kodak brings a unique quality

assurance towards his customers: “To me Kodak has always been and continues to be the most recognised photographic brand in the world. Despite the world of photo changing over the last years, Kodak’s name continuously guarantees high quality photographic services.”

A GENERATION OF CUSTOMERS Jonathan has certainly come a long way since joining the Kodak Express network in 1990 and is always dedicated to making the right decision for his customers: “We have seen a generation of customers pass through our doors and are now serving their children and grandchildren.

This certainly makes me feel

responsible to make the right business decision which enables us to offer the best photo services to our customers.”

Jonathan also explains how Kodak has helped his business to foresee upcoming changes in the market: “Film has come, gone and come again - and 80% of our orders come from smartphones now - predicted by Kodak 13 years ago to a very disbelieving group of us!”

CONTINUOUS INNOVATION He further confirms that Kodak continuously innovates its digital solutions to engage customers and offer latest photo print solutions which further

“I feel responsible to make the right business decision which enables us to offer the best photo services to our customers.

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strengthened his decision to remain with Kodak: “The Kodak Moments App has been a great addition to our business. Being part of this nationwide service reflects well on our business.

Every week we see a great amount of orders coming to our stores through the app.”

Contact Tetenal to discuss how you could join the Kodak Express Network TEL 0116 289 3644 www.tetenaluk.com Alta Image Stevenage store

Alta Image Hertford store

Distributed in the UK by Tetenal Ltd

Alta Image owner Jonathan Ellam

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TEL: 0116 289 3644

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www.tetenaluk.com

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

KENRO’S ILLUMINATING DEALS ON NANGUANG AND NISSIN

Looking for lighting solutions to add to stock that will deliver excitement for your customers and profit for you? Look no further than the Kenro distributed NanGuang and Nissin ranges – both freshly updated for Christmas 2016…

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e’ve written about Kenro’s launch of NanGuang lighting products previously in BPI News – the main thrust being that they are not only excellent quality products suggesting superb value for your customers, they will also boost your business’ bottom line thanks to highly competitive margins. Now the range has been freshly expanded to include new ringlights and fresnel lights, which Kenro MD Paul Kench describes as aimed at photo enthusiasts, semi pros and professionals; their tiered price points and feature sets are more than able to satisfy every level of photographic expertise.

Interest building in NanGuang First up is the new NanGuang CNR480C LED Ring Light (above), which as it sounds boasts 480 LEDs. Described as being ideal for delivering soft and flattering light, it can be used on a lighting stand or fixed to your customers’ camera and tripod via the camera bracket (sold separately).

“The price point – £227.94 inc VAT – makes it of interest equally to enthusiast photographers and labs who undertake ID photography” advises Paul. “It’s got highly efficient LED and step-less adjustment of colour temperature between 3200 to 5600K. But one of the most interesting things about it is that it

comes supplied with a smartphone cradle and make up mirror. It’s obviously used for portraiture but also can be used for videography and by the YouTube generation who want to film themselves presenting something. It creates a very attractive shadow-less glow, which works very well for those looking to create more professional videos – and if your customers want to use their smartphone for filming, it allows them to do so. These are very popular in the make up industry; it’s also an interesting accessory for our dealers to sell, as it has many possible uses.” In terms of add-ons, a camera bracket (the NGZB1) is available separately, allowing the camera to be physically mounted in the middle of the ringlight.

Kenro has also recently started to import the slightly larger sized, single colour NanGuang CN-R640 LED Ring Light. SRP for this 640 LED model is £263.94. The distributor suggests both options as very good for portraiture, product photography or for video use – in a nutshell anywhere constant light is needed.

In the spotlight There are also two brand new spotlights available via Kenro: the NanGuang CN60F Photo/Video LED Focusing Fresnel Spotlight (right) and the NanGuang CN100F Photo/Video LED Focusing Fresnel Spotlight. The first two are available now, a third model in the CN200F arrives this November.

“These are latest generation lighting heads featuring leading technology, and offering a choice of narrow or wide beam,” explains Kenro’s Paul. Price point wise, the CN60F is a suggested £527.94, the CN100F is £995.94, and the CN200F – “quite a sizeable piece of kit” – is

£1,620 SRP. “These are for semi pro and professional users and we’ve had quite a lot of interest so far.

There has also been interest from universities, educational institutions and businesses. Fresnel lights are a new and fast growing area for us, and the build, quality and consistency they provide is good value for money compared to the bigger name brands.”

Put simply, there is plenty to interest both the photo retailer and its enthusiast photographer customer base. So get in touch with Paul and his team now to place your order on 01793 615836 or email sales@kenro.co.uk www.kenro.co.uk

Via UK and Ireland distributor Kenro, NanGuang also offers its CN900DSP Professional Photo/ Video LED Lighting Head (top right) to the trade, which includes a ‘DMX’ control to allow it to be controlled from a lighting desk, if it’s been mounted on a gantry for stage lighting. Also flagged up as being an accessory to add to stock is the NanGuang Background Support Stand (above), a kit consisting of three connectable 100cm cross bars and two stands, together with a canvas carry bag that can be used on location. Maximum height is 286cm, and maximum width is 300cm.

More fits for Nissin i60 In related lighting news, Kenro has announced availability of Fujifilm and Four Thirds camera fits for its TIPA award winning Nissin i60 flashgun, which also picked up acclaim from Bauer Publishing, via the latter’s Gear of the Year Awards. “The Sony fit has been available for a few months now, so it’s great to be able to broaden compatibility with Fuji and Four Thirds fits and help dealers extend their customer base,” says Paul. “As you’d imagine the Fuji fit has been hotly anticipated. The i60 in Canon and Nikon fits is scheduled for launch before the end of the year.” More news as we have it!

To order stock of NanGuang and Nissin NOW, get in touch with Kenro direct on 01793 615836 or email sales@kenro.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | November 2016 21

NEWS

FOR SALE: JRS PHOTO HARDWARE

ALISTER WALKER of Perth-based photo specialist JRS is seeking a new owner for his business, which is leasehold. There is four years to run on the existing lease, with the fantastic opportunity to extend it further. The current rent is £16000 per annum.

The business presently employs four full time staff, alongside Alister himself. “Turnover is circa £500k per annum and we have an growing eBay shop, where we sell second hand items on a commission basis,” he adds. Part of the Fujifilm FDIS network, JRS Photo Hardware has a Fuji DL 600 print lab installed. There is also a good turnover in passport photos “as the local Post Office always recommends us as the favoured

passport photo provider,” says Alister. Additionally, there is its growing wedding photography business, and it currently shoots up to 15 weddings each year.

Its current stock is included in the sale and comprises DSLRs, CSCs, compact cameras, binoculars and spotting scopes, astronomical telescopes, frames and albums, plus tripods and rucksacks. As noted, it also offers a full printing service via its DL600 Lab and an Epson 24-inch wide roll printer.

The price of the business is expected to in the region of £150K including all stock at valuation.

To enquire further, please contact sales@jrsphoto.co.uk or 07833 3790762. www.jrsphoto.co.uk

New look Bowens sales team PHOTO INDUSTRY VETERAN Terry Caws, with 35 years’ experience under his belt, has been appointed to head up the Bowens sales team, following the acquisition of Calumet Photographic and the Bowens International group by pan-European investment company Aurelius.

Caws has worked with Bowens inventory for many years as a distributor, so feels he is already well versed with its product line up. His appointment means

22 November 2016 | BPI News

that he succeeds interim Sales & Marketing Director Alan Walmsley. www.bowens.co.uk

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

BPI NEWS PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: NIKON KEYMISSION 360

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nnounced a while back but delayed by natural disasters in Japan and only just arrived in the nick of time, Thunderbirds-style, to save Christmas 2016, is, fittingly, Nikon’s first KeyMission series action camera in the all-seeing ‘360’ (joined as of Photokina this year by the 80 and 170 models – see October’s BPI News).

Sitting comfortably in the palm of the hand and just larger than a matchbox, this sturdy yet lightweight lump boasts the build quality and functionality that we’re used to from a Nikon – albeit in quite a different form factor. But can the 360 successfully challenge the likes of the market leading GoPro et al?

Nikon is not only seeking to broaden its (and your) customer base with the KeyMission 360 and its two siblings, it’s looking to broaden the activities people actually use action cameras for.

Not all of us will get to stroke white rhinos in Africa or face off against a polar bear in Arctic like the brand ambassadors Nikon presented us with at its trade launches. But, coupled with a virtual reality headset, the advantages of having a full 360-degree shooting camera are both exciting and literally clear to see.

The most impressive and immersive aspect is undoubtedly thanks to the fact that the 360 shoots not only in the round but

high quality 4K video with it. This is achieved via an image sensor and lens combination on two opposite sides of the camera, with images from each combined in-camera to create the high definition 360° image. The camera is waterproof to depths of 30 metres and is tough enough to withstand dust, shocks and low temperatures. To prove the point Nikon had encased one in ice at an event we attended.

So, will we all be sitting on the sofa wearing virtual reality headsets by 2025 and enjoying the self-shot fruits of our 360° action cameras? Nikon thinks so, and so is getting into this market before it majorly booms.

Whether that actually comes to pass, or the whole virtual reality thing is just a bit of fun and a passing fad like 3D TVs, we’ll have to wait and see. But, for now, the Nikon KeyMission 360 is certainly a very different option for your customers to consider this Christmas. It’s also, perhaps, the perfect gift for the Arctic explorer who has everything. www.nikon.co.uk

www.bpinews.co.uk

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MINILAB NEWS

MAKING MEMORIES & WINNING NEW CUSTOM WITH FUJIFILM

BPI News catches up with the owners of Colliers Photo Imaging – a pro-active, not to mention awardwinning member of Fujifilm’s Digital Imaging Service Network – whose recent photography awards in memory of their founder proved the perfect example of why plaudits from the trade and customer base are richly deserved…

W

anting to celebrate the memory of their late father and founder of Swansea’s Colliers Photo Imaging, Mike Collier, his family recently held the inaugural Mike Collier Monochrome Awards, a black and white-only competition which it hopes will become an annual event.

Current owner/manager Neil Collier, who took over the business and became an FDIS member in 2012, told BPI News: “The evening was a great success. The idea behind it was an annual celebration of Dad’s life in the form of a photographic competition, which would travel from one photographic club to another.

I gave a presentation to the Trostre and Velindre Camera Club in Llanelli in February, which launched the competition. They were incredibly eager to be involved.”

Neil relates that each club member submitted one monochrome digital image at 12x8 inches in size – with entries initially remaining anonymous. These pictures were then printed in-house on the Fujifilm 8-inch Lustre drylab paper with, according to Neil, ‘stunning’ results.

The shots were then mounted ready for the awards evening, after final judging had taken place.

“We had one main category, but after a very good suggestion

The Collier family, from left to right: Mike Collier - in whose name the completion was set up - along with wife Barbara Collier and son Neil Collier, the present owner of the business

we created a sub category for ‘Newcomers’; those club members who had joined within the last two years,” Neil reveals. The photographic industry was equally inspired and

enthused by the idea of the awards, with trade sponsorship coming via host of familiar names, including, of course, Fujifilm itself. This enabled prizes including high-end photobooks and photo blocks, plus high quality frames and mounts to present the winner of the main and newcomer categories.

Re-connecting with print customers

The winners of the first ever Mike Collier Monochrome Awards gather to display their victorious images - printed on Fujifilm media - and winners’ trophies.

“Another purpose of this Annual award is to reconnect with local camera clubs to offer them printing services,” relates Neil. “On the night of the presentation there were over 80 people present including the camera club members and their partners, so we had a ‘captive’ audience of 80 potential new customers.

“We made great use of our

“It’s a testament to Mike’s reputation in the industry that so many people responded and supported the event, and a fantastic effort from Neil in organising and running it something he can feel really proud of.”

– Peter Wigington, Marketing Manager, Fujifilm Fujifilm products and services, including custom pop-up banners and printed wrapping paper, which we used to wrap the winners’ framed images with. It was a great advertisement for the shop – as

Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk 24 November 2016 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

FUJIFILM FDIS PROMOTION

Remembering Mike Collier

The Newcomer’s Award was presented on the night by Barbara Collier of Colliers Photo Imaging....

... whilst the Runners Up prizes were presented by Miss Swansea 2016, adding a dash of glamour to proceedings

Reputation breeds success Marketing Manager Peter Wigington says that it was a pleasure to sponsor the awards on behalf of Fujifilm, and hopes that it will inspire other Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service members to also think of creative ways to engage with potential new audiences.

“It’s a testament to Mike’s reputation in the industry that so many people responded and supported the event, and a fantastic effort from Neil in

everything was printed using our DL430 drylab and large format printer.

We also used the Fujifilm machine for producing the inserts for the prize frames, which provided sharp text and vivid colours.”

The impact locally has been such that Neil Collier is now being approached by other nearby camera clubs, who are also eager to enter into the awards. “Currently I have printed large format prints for five new customers, all from the host club of Trostre, plus I am working on a panel printed submission with one photographer in particular. In all it has been a great platform for Colliers Photo Imaging and also for Fujifilm’s fantastic photo product line up.”

organising and running it something he can feel really proud of,” Peter believes. “The fact that two other local camera clubs have asked to host the event in coming years is a great opportunity for Colliers Photo Imaging. As with all of our FDIS retailers, I will always look to support this kind of local initiative.”

To get in touch with Peter Wigington, get some more great ideas and advice from his team, and discover what joining the FDIS network can do to help boost your

Born in 1943, Mike Collier developed a keen interest in photography during his early teens.

In 1960, he entered a national newspaper competition and won the princely sum of £500, which he used to buy his first car.

He went on to shoot a large number of photographs in the Rhondda valleys where he was born and raised, recording the day-to-day lives of its inhabitants and the mining community in the 60s and 70s. In 1976 he gained a Fellowship Qualification with the Royal Photographic Society, and in 2013 his entire photographic collection was eagerly purchased by the National Library of Wales.

Colliers Photo Imaging was first established as a family business in 1989, run first by Mike and Barbara Collier and, since 2012, by his son Neil, who quickly became a member of the Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service (FDIS) group.

Since then, Colliers Photo Imaging has gone on to win FDIS Shop of the Year in 2013, as well as the Fujifilm Business Endeavour Award in both 2013 and 2014.

own business, see the contact details at the bottom of this feature.

Neil Collier and Miss Swansea 2016 also presented the overall winner with his prize. Neil now believes he has won fresh custom through the process of devising and hosting the memorial award

Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | November 2016 25

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Photographic British

Industry

news

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Published monthly and targeted directly at the decision makers in the UK photo trade, both in print and online, isn’t it time that you made BPI News work for you?

Get your products and services seen and in front of the trade and your peers – from manufacturers to wholesalers, distributors to retailers…

Push your product launches and consumer promotions – drive sales and target those who may be beyond the initial reach of your own sales force, informing the trade of the products and profits you can deliver for them.

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BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

PUMP UP YOUR SALES WITH ‘AIR’ FROM MEFOTO & MAC GROUP

There’s an exciting new range of MeFoto stabilisation products on offer to the trade via distributor MAC Group. BPI News introduces the innovative MeFoto Air tripod and monopod collection, sure to deliver ‘steady’ sales for retail partners…

I

t’s been a while since we heard from the good folk at distributors MAC Group Europe – but they’ve certainly been busy, exhibiting products and meeting the trade and public at both Photokina and Digital Splash in recent weeks. At both events BPI News caught up with MAC Group Europe’s Brand Manager Mark Hoskins to be talked through the latest gear, including the MeFoto brand, with which it was enjoying great success when first introduced to its diverse product portfolio – and it continues to do so, with the MeFoto Air Collection its latest proposition, as launched at Photokina.

It’s all about ’Me’ with MAC Group…

The new Air Collection of tripods is pitched to the trade as being more compact, lighter and moreover colourful than predecessors.

The range comprises two new photo tripods in the MeFoto Backpacker Air (£100 SRP inc VAT) and RoadTrip Air (£140 SRP), and one monopod, in the WalkAbout Air (£50 SRP).

All three are available in seven anodized colour finishes (black, blue, green, orange, purple, red and titanium), plus feature an Arca Swiss compatible head; ideal if your customers already own Arca Swiss quick release plates or any other MeFoto tripods.

New with this Collection is a HyperLock Leg Lock design, which translates as meaning just one lock per leg instead of several, and thereby what’s described as ‘super-fast set up and pack down’ – as ably demonstrated to BPI by Mark Hoskins in Cologne. A simple half turn unlocks the leg and it can be stopped at any position.

Furthermore, each Airseries tripod also includes a spring-loaded smartphone adaptor and, unusually, a rechargeable Bluetooth remote with a clamp to attach it. The BackPacker Air comes with a tripod bag with carrying strap included.

A matching camera plate in the same anodized aluminum finish as the tripod is also included.

Additionally, the telescoping centre column can be removed from the tripod to provide your customers with an instant ‘selfie stick’.

It’s also worth noting that the translucent handgrip of the monopod has an adjustable wrist strap; useful if ever used as a walking stick on hiking trails.

In short, these are inventive and innovative takes on the travel tripod and monopod that are sure, thanks to the eye catching colours and stylish looks, to attract attention from your customer base when proudly displayed in store.

Get in touch with MAC Group to order the above products now on 01902 255 500 or simply visit www.macgroupeu.com

MeFoto Air range at a glance: MeFoto Backpacker Air: n Folded height 26.5 cm n Max height (with centre column extended) 151cm n Weight 0.91kg n Supports up to 4kg

RoadTrip Air: n Folded height 29cm n Max height (with centre column extended) 155cm n Weight 1.13kg n Supports up to 6kg

WalkAbout Air Monopod: n Folded height 34cm n Max height 150cm n Weight 0.4kg n Supports up to 10kg

Get in touch with MAC Group to order the above products now on 01902 255 500 or visit www.macgroupeu.com @bpi_news

BPI News | November 2016 27

BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE

ht ers g y u a o p br ate e r v s n. a s o h e z i s n i r r s ho yea for bu e o h t w es on g, st t n a e m i l i t i t m e p Th ing tle res loo ase g n n o e i t l t i cre thes n i chal ere is l revalua ly to e swa ur th 7 e 1 d k i 0 l n a e 2 es are larg ugh, o h t t u h o ein lu ho t h a g s t Wit v u n y able ally thro tunatel am Ber e t a r or Ad nti F t a . r t y s e r sub count exp vice… s s e e d n of th nt busi nister a i e resid e to adm r is he

I

n combination with changes to the appeal system, and a raft of unfriendly judicial decisions, business ratepayers are understandably becoming more alive to the possibility of appeals and more aware of the options available to them.

Ratepayers pay roughly half of what the Valuation Office assess to be the market rental value for each commercial property they occupy, whether or not they own the freehold or the leasehold of that property, according to Richard New, a real estate litigation partner at Eversheds LLP. The last rating list was based on 2008 rental values and the impending revaluation comes into effect on 1st April 2017, with rental values being assessed as at April 2015.

New says that the 2008-2015 period was especially volatile for the property market. However, he adds: “Many cities were over the worst of the downturn and had started to accelerate by 2015, so, as a result, are now gearing up for sizeable increases in their rateable values.

Certain areas of London are expected to increase markedly, which, even with transitional relief, will put a severe dent in the finances of every corporate occupier.” Indeed, property

28 November 2016 | BPI News

firm Savills warned in September that retailers across London could be hit with a hike of anything up to 435% in their business rates bills.

Check, Challenge, Appeal The Valuation Office recently published the new rateable values in draft form, and is currently inviting representations from ratepayers as to any factual errors. With this in mind, New advises ratepayers to instruct a RICS qualified rating surveyor to see whether there is any scope for a challenge. “When the list goes live on 1 April 2017, ratepayers will be able to appeal their assessments formally, but a new system is coming into effect which will influence which battles ratepayers wish to pick.”

He says that the Valuation Office is hoping that the introduction of the ‘Check Challenge Appeal’ process will reduce the number of frivolous claims and lead to more challenges being settled in the early stages, with fewer appeals being heard before the Valuation Tribunal.

Check Challenge Appeal places greater emphasis on the ratepayer ensuring that the appeal is well founded. “Ratepayers will need to ‘frontload’ more, in terms of assessing opportunities and accumulating evidence, than they currently do

“Businesses must make a point of checking their business rates valuation. If you feel that you have a genuine case to make, you should engage an appropriate RICS qualified rating surveyor.” for the appeal process,” says New. He warns that, except for physical changes to the property or its locality, the ratepayer will only get one chance to appeal.

Under the first step of the new regime, ‘Check’, the parties will agree factual evidence regarding the property concerned. “The ratepayer will be responsible for the accurate presentation of information regarding the property and the Valuation Office will reassess whether

an amendment is merited,” says New. A warning though: if ratepayers present false information they may find themselves fined.

‘Challenge’ follows if the Check stage leads to no amendment. New says ratepayers should expect to state the detailed grounds for the alteration and provide evidence in support. “This might be market data or legal or factual representations which support a change to the rateable value. There will then be a

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BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE

National Minimum Wage Tested

E

period for negotiation.”

At the ‘Appeal’ stage, it is likely that limited evidence can be brought in front of the Valuation Tribunal, excepting that disclosed during the Challenge phase. He notes that rather like an employment tribunal claim, those wanting to take an appeal to a hearing will have to pay a fee.

“What is interesting about ‘Check Challenge Appeal’ is that it will undoubtedly put more of an onus on ratepayers, both in terms of time and money they spend on preparing its appeals and in compliance with time limits,” summarises New. He explains that under current proposals, if ratepayers fail to submit evidence by certain deadlines then their appeals will be terminated, but how this will operate in practice is still the subject of speculation.

One thing is clear, however: Businesses must make a point of checking their business rates valuation. If you feel that you have a genuine case to make, you should engage an appropriate RICS qualified rating surveyor and put together their case for an appeal. You only have one bite of the cherry and so the case needs to be well researched.

For further info, visit: https://www. gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates

@bpi_news

very few months HMRC publishes a list of those employers it finds underpaying employees the National Minimum Wage (NMW).

The most recent list, published mid-August, was the largest ever and named 197 employers who collectively owed £465,291 to workers.

The Low Pay Commission’s (LPC) Spring 2016 Report, which guides government on what NMW should be, looked at the problem of low pay from a ‘retail’ perspective, with the LPC noting in its report that: “A number [of businesses] were concerned about the introductory rate of £7.20 per hour – notably in sectors that included small retail firms.” The report also noted worries from retailers as regards the 2020 goal of NMW reaching just over £9/ hour. The rise doesn’t sound like much, but to those struggling with competition from the web and razor thin margins, the 2020 goal is potentially problematic.

The National Minimum Wage As BPI News readers may well be aware, NMW, called the National Living Wage for those who are 25 or older, was introduced in 1999. It is a specified minimum hourly rate of pay to which anyone aged 16 or older is entitled. NMW is presently: n £7.20 an hour for anyone aged 25 or over; n £6.95 an hour for anyone aged 21 – 24; n £5.55 an hour for anyone aged 18 – 20; n £4.00 an hour for anyone aged 16 – 17; and n £3.40 an hour for an apprentice (aged less than 19, or in their first year) From this you would think that calculating NMW is simple; but it’s not. “To most the calculation would be total pay divided by the number of hours worked. Unfortunately, it is not that simple and this is often why employers inadvertently pay people less than NMW,” Lee Ashwood, a senior associate in the employment department of Eversheds, believes.

“Establishing how many hours the employee worked is not simple either: Employers need to consider the time spent actually working, but not any rest or meal breaks during which the employee is not required to work.”

The first step, he says, is to note that the calculation must be based on the relevant ‘pay reference period’. But not all pay in the reference period counts towards the calculation. Ashwood goes into detail: “A pay reference period is the period for which an employee receives pay – assuming they are paid regularly and at least once a month. For example, if someone is paid weekly, their pay reference period is one week; for those paid monthly, it is one month.

Employers then need to look at the total employees were paid, before deductions for income tax and National Insurance contributions, in the period in question, and then remove any payments and deductions that do not count towards NMW.” Basic salary, bonus, commission and other incentive payments based on performance, all count towards NMW, as does any accommodation allowance. But there are a number of elements of pay that do not count. These include

pension payments or benefits in kind, such as private medical insurance, or any extra pay for overtime or shift work.

Establishing how many hours the employee worked is not simple either: Ashwood says employers need to consider the time spent actually working, but not any rest or meal breaks during which the employee is not required to work.

“It’s also important to note standby or on-call time, but only if they are required to be available at, or near, their place of work. Also noted should be travel time for business during normal working hours, but not commuting to and from work; plus the time the employee spends receiving training, whether at work, or anywhere else, during normal working hours.”

To stay out of HMRC’s reach, Ashwood firmly advises employers to note these relevant factors when calculating NMW. For further reading, head to: www.gov.uk/national-minimumwage-rates

BPI News | November 2016 29

NEWS

Sony World Photography Awards is ten

BACK TO THE FIFTIES WITH LEICA LEICA HAS UNVEILED what it is calling a renaissance of a classic optic in the Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6 wide-angle lens – which was first introduced as a screw mount lens back in the 1950s. The new lens is designed for its M rangefinder system and, says the brand, aims to deliver an analogue look in the digital photography age, whilst featuring minimal contemporary design elements for fans of that retro look and feel. Leica’s added pitch is that the combination of extreme depth of field, natural contrast rendition, excellent resolution of detail and visible vignetting create a

THE SONY WORLD Photography Awards - the world’s largest photo competition - celebrates its 10th birthday next year.

Esteemed experts from across the photographic industry will come together to uncover and celebrate the best images shot in 2016 across the awards’ Professional, Open, Youth, National Award and Student Focus competitions.

The winners selected will not only receive the latest Sony digital imaging equipment and cash prizes, but will also be exhibited globally and crucially, for the winners and many shortlisted,

also receive world-wide exposure and recognition. Deadlines for the various categories are either this December or January - see the website for more details.

Also worth noting is that all entries to the Sony World Photography Awards are free via www.worldphoto.org - so why not encourage your customers to enter?

The 2016 Sony World Photography Awards received a record-breaking number of submissions: 230,103 images from 186 countries, a 33% increase in entries on 2015.

unique visual signature.

Designed for unobtrusive, reportage style snaps, the Leica Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6 was available for pre-order at the time of writing, at £1,900 SRP. In related news the brand has also announced a Titanium Gray version of its Leica Q camera. As regular BPI News readers will know, the camera features a fixed lens and a full frame chip. The new version features a grey paint finish on the base plate, top plate and rear of the camera, to contrast with the black of the faceplate – and also comes with a colourcoordinated strap. Available from mid November, SRP is £3,800. www.leica-camera.com

©Ellie Victoria Gale, UK, Entry, Open, Enhanced, 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

RICOH PITCHES A FITTER THETA MANUFACTURER RICOH has added what it calls a ‘standard class’ model to its 360-degree shooting Theta camera line up. Featuring the same unusual upright design as previously, the Ricoh Theta SC is aimed at first time 360-degree camera users and is said to include a full range of basic features and a solid specification (14MP effective output, Full HD videos), whilst being lighter in weight. Allowing users to capture and share videos in the round to smartphones and tablets, there is a dedicated website – theta360.com – for sharing them on. Users can also upload

360-degree videos to the likes of facebook and YouTube, naturally.

On sale early November, the Theta SC has a suggested price of £249.99,

with optional accessories including a waterproof TH-2 hard case (not, however, designed for underwater shooting), which also provides a

tripod socket into the bargain. www.ricoh-imaging.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 30 November 2016 | BPI News

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