BPI News Sept 2014

BIG SHOW PREVIEW ISSUE IFA, PHOTOKINA, AUTUMN FAIR, RETRA TOUR

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SEPTEMBER 2014 • £3

PUTTING THE TRADE IN FOCUS THIS AUTUMN • WWW.BPINEWS.CO.UK

GEARING UP FOR CHRISTMAS AT PHOTOKINA 2014

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Why a trip to Cologne this September will put you ahead of the pack with the must-stock items to ensure a successful year’s end

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EDITORIAL

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elcome to the Photokina Preview edition of BPI News. How was your summer? Did numerous summer cash-back deals from the majors provide a seasonal shot in the arm, or did a long, hot July sap profits? Figures suggest online sales were up on last year for the same period.

However it worked out for you, we have every reason now to look forward as the countdown to what are traditionally the biggest retail weeks of the year begins, kicking off with some major retail and trade shows.

Almost immediately this issue is published we have iFA in Germany and the Autumn Fair at the NEC, followed, from September 16th onwards, by the biennial Photokina in Cologne. All fantastic opportunities to size up potential bestsellers and decide on your stock allocation for Christmas 2014.

If you haven’t yet booked your travel or hotel, we’ve some last minute suggestions on getting to Photokina on page 6, as well as re-capping what incentives and extras it offers for the trade. We’ve also seasoned this issue with interviews and features to give an indication of which new items exhibitors will be showcasing and where they can be found in the 11 large halls of the Cologne Messe. If you can’t make it over in person, check back with us next issue for a full de-brief.

As an indicator of the present state of the market, this year there were notably few new travel compacts and waterproof models released at the start of the summer, and the news has instead been of higher-end offerings, such as Nikon’s D810, this edition’s BPI News Product of the Month on page 20. There has also, understandably, been a distinct feeling that manufacturers have been keeping their powder dry prior to the big show/s, with releases such as Olympus E-PL6 and Fuji’s X30 feeling a little like entrées to the main course (or, we hope, feast) still to come.

So pull up a chair, tuck in a napkin, assemble your cutlery and tuck into another juicy edition of BPI News. Gavin Stoker, Editor

CONTENTS NEWS

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For our Photokina Preview issue we’ve expanded the news across the magazine with more in-depth interviews and features to give you a greater insight into the new releases and distributor offerings. But we’ve still found room to detail Sony’s A5100 and Fuji’s X30 compacts, latest promos, plus this year’s EISA winners.

THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW: AN UPDATE 8 It may not be until next March, but already its organisers are promising bigger and better things, revealing a larger hall at the NEC, wider aisles, an expanded programme of seminars and activities both on and off the show floor, plus big-name new exhibitor additions. But hurry, 85% of space already booked!

KODAK ALARIS – 1ST BIRTHDAY AND FIRST PHOTOKINA 15 Yes, Eastman Kodak has always exhibited in Cologne, but this is the first time the year-old Kodak Alaris, comprised of its former company’s imaging businesses, has exhibited under its own, brand new branding. As one might expect there’s a push towards increased prints from smartphones via handy apps at the show.

KENRO PRODUCT LINE UP AIMS FOR BEST IN SHOW 22 The distributor’s MD Paul Kench talks us through the extensive additions to Kenro’s product offerings for the Autumn, including albums and frames, tripods, filters and even an outdoor scouting camera. His company will be exhibiting at both the Autumn Fair and Photokina, with a new 68-page catalogue to share.

TIFFEN’S THREE GOOD REASONS TO VISIT COLOGNE 28 Another familiar brand in the field of photo accessories will also be showcasing its very latest offerings at Photokina, where it can be found on the S&M Rehberg stand in Hall 5.2, stand D011A. There are exciting new sales offerings from Tiffen’s Steadicam and Domke brands, plus innovative new lens filter technology.

COVER: BRIDGING THE GAP: Two new super zoom cameras from Canon this month add to a trickle of pre-Photokina offerings that is inevitably due to become an avalanche at the show itself – full details to be found on page 4.

NEXT COPY DUE DATE FOR OCTOBER BPI NEWS IS MONDAY 22ND SEPT – ISSUE POSTED OUT END OF SEPT. GET YOUR PRODUCTS IN FRONT OF THE TRADE FOR THE BIG PRECHRISTMAS PUSH…

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE LATEST UK PHOTO & IMAGING NEWS send your email address to info@bpinews.co.uk Overseas annual subscription £50. For details email info@bpinews.co.uk View back issues online at http://www.bpinews.co.uk/

BPI News is published monthly by BPI Partners Ltd EDITOR - Gavin Stoker Email: info@bpinews.co.uk Tel: 07990 974 367 Please direct all editorial requests, news and press releases to info@bpinews.co.uk

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NEWS

EISA Awards 2014-15 winners

Just a few of the EISA winners!

CANON’s 1200D has bagged European Consumer DSLR Camera 2014-15 from trade press collective EISA. Its Legria Mini X was also named European Lifestyle Camcorder.

Fuji’s X-T1 took European Advanced CSC; with its XF 56mm f/1.2 R heralded European CSC Lens for the same time frame. Manfrotto’s MT055CXPro4 bagged European Photo Accessory 2014-15, while Nikon’s D4S was European Pro DSLR. Olympus nabbed both European Consumer CSC for the OM-D E-M10 and European CSC Zoom Lens for its 12-40mm f/2.8.

Panasonic won three gongs for its DMC-FZ1000, GH4 and TZ60 cameras (Advanced Compact, Photo & Video Camera and Travel Compact respectively). Samsung NX30 took European Connected Camera, Sigma won European DSLR Lens for its 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM, and Tamron took two wins for its 16-300mm and 150-600mm lenses (DSLR Zoom and Telephoto Zoom). Finally Sony received plaudits for the 7R and RX100 III (Pro CSC and Compact Camera, respectively). www.eisa.eu

Tetenal confirms Ilford return TETENAL’S Craig Bird has confirmed Ilford branded inkjet paper is ‘shortly’ returning to the market, with it as exclusive UK distributor. Ilford trademarks and associated assets were recently purchased by a partnership consisting of Tokyo-based Chugai Photo Chemical Co Ltd and CR Kennedy and Company of Melbourne, Australia. A new company, Ilford Imaging Europe GMBH has been established as a joint venture. Tetenal will be stocking a large proportion of the previously available Ilford range including its Gold Fibre Silk, Smooth Pearl, Smooth Gloss and Gold Mono Silk papers as well as Prestige Metallic Gloss and two canvas products. See Page 25. www.tetenaluk.com

PMA ‘kina’ to make contact with UK trade

back. Or, if your customers buy two XF lenses instead, they can also claim £200. To claim the rewards, purchasers need to download and complete the claim form via www.fujifilm.co.uk/ promotions and send it back to Fuji with the receipt.

PermaJet go with ‘Flo’ PERMAJET has created a brand ‘new and improved’ Eco Flo System for the Epson R3000 printer. Priced at £249, it includes the world’s first battery-free chip technology for lifetime use.

Printing costs can be reduced by up to 80%. An ‘affordable’ upgrade service is being offered to existing users, with Eco Flo expert Vij Solanki accepting orders or answering questions on 01789 739200. www.permajet.com

This comes as news reaches us of a new X30 premium compact, replacing the X20, with a new Real Time Viewfinder, large 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor (12MP with no optical low pass filter), EXR Processor II engine and a new ‘Classic Chrome’ film mode. Battery performance is an improved 470 shots from a single charge. Available this month, SRP is £479. www.fujifilm.co.uk

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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.

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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.

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UNDER NEW General Manager Steven Murray, Photo-Me has won a new Transport for London contract. It will roll out its Philippe Stark designed photo booths, which it describes as having already become ‘a timeless design classic’, across the London Underground network. At the time of writing the company had already installed its first new photo booth at Pimlico, with additional booths to follow at Canada Water and Baker Street. www.photo-me.co.uk

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SAY HELLO to new UK Director Don Kennedy at Photokina. He’ll be on the stand that PMA is sharing with Thomas Bloemer of International Contact. “It will be very interesting to see if this show is as buoyant and the atmosphere as positive as the last one,” says Don. “I am keen for members of the trade to tell me how Complimentary 12 month national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72 I might support them in my new role at PMA and would encourage them to trust Complimentary 12 month national contact me at any time.” with Callthe 0785 membership lumiX004 FZ200 or FZ72 6464 or email DonKennedy@pmai.org PMA has also issued a timely new mission statement to ‘evolve the imaging business worldwide by promoting innovation, marketing, technology and passion for photography’. www.pmai.org THE ELECTRONICS giant has unveiled what it calls the world’s smallest interA3 Poster changeable lens camera in the A5100, incorporating 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor, tilting 180° touch screen LCD, 179 UNTIL SEPT 30TH, purchasers of Fuji’s focal plane phase detection AF points, X-T1 camera body or camera kit includWi-Fi and NFC connectivity – and all to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes ing 18-55mm lens, plus any AF lens (exincorporated within a package that fits Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special places the National Trust and capture every stunning detail entitled with the cept thewith 18-135mm) will be to snugly in the hand. SRP is £420 body award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72. £100 cashback. Alternatively an X-E2 only, £550 with 16-50mm lens kit or body or X-E2 kit, which includes 18£760 with a kit that adds a 55-210mm 55mm lens, along with again any XF lens zoom. other than the 18-135mm, offers £200 www.sony.co.uk

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DISTRIBUTOR Intro2020 is pitching a flashgun delivering ‘more power than any other TTL Wobbler hot shoe flash’ in the new Metz 64 AF-1. The German made device offers a ‘benchmark’ GN64 (ISO100@200mm), while a Rapid function enables photographers to shorten recycling times to speed up shoots. The flash is available now in a Canon and Nikon fit, with Sony, Pentax, Olympus/ Hang fits Tag to follow. SRP is £375.

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Canon’s PowerShot pair get green light LEADING the pre-Photokina releases, there are a couple of new Canon PowerShot bridge cameras bearing the manufacturer’s distinctive logo in the SX520 HS and SX400 IS, boasting 42x (24-1008mm) and 30x (24-720mm) optical zooms respectively. The SX520 HS comes with a 16MP back illuminated CMOS sensor and Digic 4 processor. By contrast the SX400 IS offers a 16MP CCD. Both cameras are claimed to feature a new style of handgrip to deliver DSLR style ergonomics. The SX520 HS is available now with an SRP of £299, but there is a wait until January for the SX400 IS, which has an SRP of £259. www.canon.co.uk

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PHOTOKINA PREVIEW

Photokina 2014: your final briefing

Nedis makes the Link at iFA & Photokina

All roads, flight paths and train lines lead to Cologne this September, with the must-attend main event kicking off on September 16th

Don’t miss distributor Nedis showcasing its Camlink tripods and accessories aimed at the selfie shooter and more at the forthcoming big shows…

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©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

fter months of anticipation, the biennial Photokina is about to throw open its doors once again to members of the photo trade from across the globe. This is, after all, the world’s most important imaging show, according to the organisers, so attendance is essential for most.

With Monday 15th press day, the show officially opens on Tuesday 16th and runs until September 21st. Once again the location is the Cologne Messe, sitting right by the picturesque Rhine a stone’s throw from the spires of the famous cathedral, or ‘Dom’. Photokina is spread out across 11 halls and can expect around 185,000 visitors from 166 countries, if 2012’s stats are repeated.

As we mentioned in our exclusive chat with the organisers back in BPI Complimentary 12 month national trust News June, the latest event has got plenty to entice. There are trade membership with theexclusive lumiX FZ200 or FZ72 market briefings from GfK, revealing how the industry is doing and where it’s Complimentary 12 month national trust membership with theyour lumiX FZ200 FZ72 going, the chance to arrange ownormeetings in the International Buyers’ Lounge, which will open at 9am (an hour before the show) and stay open until 7pm each day, plus trade-only special travel offers covering flights and accommodation, with 75 hotels partnered with the event.

While it may not rank with New York or Paris as a major tourist destination, travelling to Cologne is easier than you might think. There are direct flights to Cologne-Bonn airport with German Wings via Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester and Edinburgh. For those on tighter budgets there are direct and A3 Poster relatively inexpensive Cologne-Bonn flights via EasyJet from Gatwick and Flybe from Birmingham. Ryanair offers flights to Düsseldorf (Weeze) an hour’s rail journey away.

Cologne is also well connected for road and rail too with the journey from to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes LondonNowStyou andPancras less your family can discovertaking hundreds of new special places than four and a half hours, with one change with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72. in Brussels.

We’d recommend allowing yourself at least two days to see the show, or three if you can manage it (dependent, naturally, on how many meetings you have to slot in!). Visit the below URL for more. www.photokina.com 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

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

21/08/2013 13:54

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

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Visit www.bpinews.co.uk 6 September 2014 | BPI News

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

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s the ad opposite attests, distributor Nedis has plenty of reason to shout about itself at iFA and Photokina in the coming weeks, as it rolls out an extensive range of product releases aimed at camera and smartphone photographers, all bearing its exclusive Camlink brand. At iFA swing by stand 104 in Hall 3.2, and at Photokina head to the Camlink stand at Hall 9.1, stand C-052.

For the exhibitions, Nedis has a secret weapon up its sleeve to help photo dealers replace the business lost with the demise of lower-end compact cameras: a new range of Camlink products aimed at the ‘selfie’ obsessed smartphone photographer. Accessories include a Selfie Smartphone Tripod (SRP £4.99), Selfie Smartphone Extension Arm (SRP £16.99), Selfie Bluetooth Shutter Remote unit (SRP £12.99) and Selfie Smartphone Bluetooth Extension Arm (price TBC), which has a Bluetooth trigger built in.

“Camlink is now Trust a leading Lumix National POS brand in Europe since Nedis has taken it over – it’s distributed in over 12 countries,” reveals UK MD Arvind Patel. “We’ve even Description • Complimentary National East and India.” got distributors in the Middle Trust Membership Naturally, Nedis foresees a massive demand for its Camlink products that Campaign POS have seized on the selfie craze. “From the dealers’ perspective the smartphone photographer is a growing market and one that they need to be involved in.”

Tripods for full size cameras haven’t been forgotten about and there are new Camlink ranges and additions here for this Autumn. Select highlights include two Enhanced Premium Tripods which feature a detachable monopod design and the ability to collapse the tripod around the centre column for maximum portability. SRP’s range from £79.99 to £119.99.

Alternatively there is a Lightweight Aluminium Tripod at 1.2kg (expected £59.99 SRP) or a Lightweight Carbon Fibre version at £100, with Wobbler two further Enhanced Professional Tripods coming in at £159.99 or £179.99 SRP. These feature the integrated monopod, spiked feet, plus aluminium alloy body with anodized finish. Camlink bags and a new range of branded lighting accessories under the ‘Studio Equipment’ heading flesh out the rest of the new offerings. Dealers should make an appointment with Nedis UK MD Arvind Patel, Sales Director Alastair Wilson and the team at iFA or Photokina Tag to chat Hang through the latest Camlink products by calling 0116 253 0325. www.nedis.co.uk

From 5 until 10 September NEDIS will participate in one of the biggest consumer electronics fairs, the IFA in Berlin. Last year, we officially launched our new and improved way of working. This year, we are very proud to give you more insights into our renewed strong assortment and customer satisfaction strategy.

Would you like to discover how we can give you more selling power? Visit stand 104 in hall 3.2 and see for yourself how we have everything to give you selling power!

NEDIS will exhibit with its own brand Camlink at Photokina, the world’s leading imaging fair held in Cologne, Germany.

This event will be the launch-pad for brand new Camlink products, plus a complete presentation of Camlink as a total retail solution. Experience the strength of our assortment and find out how Camlink can help your business maximise its revenue.

Visit Camlink at Hall 9.1, Stand C-052.

NEDIS UK 1 Sanvey Gate Leicester, Leicestershire LE1 4EP Tel: +44 (0) 116 253 0325

www.camlink.eu.com

www.nedis.co.uk info@nedis.co.uk

BPI News | September 2014 7

The wisdom of Solomon

NEWS

Nikon D810 declared ‘the best made even better’ PLENTY OF big name pre-Photokina announcements while BPI was on its summer break; not least Nikon, which invited us to its launch of the 36.3 megapixel full frame D810 – now the highest resolution camera in its range – in replacing both the D800 and D800e variant. “This is about making the best even better,” Nikon UK’s Group Marketing Manager Jeremy Gilbert told BPI News. “This is a camera without compromise. It offers the best quality in Nikon’s history and you can quote me on that.”

The dust and weather sealed D810 ‘targets an audience of both pro and advanced aspirational photographers’ and features a magnesium alloy body, a new sensor omitting an optical low pass filter, Expeed 4 processor, up to ISO Nikon MD John Walshe – proud of the 51,200 and 7fps in 15MP DX crop mode, best Nikon ever 5fps in FX mode, for more raw shots.

Continuous JPEG shooting is limited only by card capacity. Picture Control settings have been revamped, WB improved, and a ‘Clarity’ setting introduced. Fine adjustments can be made in 0.25 increments.

The D810 has the same 51 point AF system and Group Area AF functionality as the D4S, an electronic front curtain shutter from a new quieter shutter unit, and a highlight weighted metering option. The redesigned grip is claimed to be easier to hold, while a new ‘i’ button provides instant menu access.

The rear sceeen is a 3.2-inch, 1,229-dot resolution LCD with user set colour balance and a split screen Live View mode. Video is HD1080/50 or 60p, recorded in-camera and on an external device simultaneously if needed. New audio controls govern the onboard microphone range and wind noise reduction.

Available now, the D810 is priced at a suggested £2,699.99 body only.

In related news, Nikon’s newest version of its Raw conversion software, Capture NX-D, is now out of beta and available as a free download via: http://nikonimglib.com/ncnxd/ Additions include an automatic retouch brush, floating palettes said to be easy to use with a large monitor or multiple monitors, plus ‘before and after’ comparison shots. Just voted BPI News Product of the month...see page 20. www.nikon.co.uk

Direktek ‘Proper’ job THE DISTRIBUTOR is offering a wide range of Proper branded accessories.

Bags, cases and tripods are joined by a broadcast quality stereo mic for DSLRs and camcorders (left), which boasts integrated shock mounts, foam shield and a 3.5mm jack. Trade price is only £25, call 01494 471100 or email: sales@direktek.co.uk

Time to show yourself up... ...this September at Photokina, NEC Autumn Fair and four northern retra trade days.

Appreciate it might mean juggling with staff to arrange cover for you to get out to visit any of these events, but you have to weigh the advantages up of fresh ideas, new diverse product lines against becoming too insular in this fast changing market.

For example, with Easyjet still offering return flights to Cologne for £69… out at 7am back at 9.30pm with a 15 minute metro link to the halls ...you can literally do Photokina in a day!

Send us a picture and feedback if you do make the worthwhile effort to attend any shows.

For your news and views, contact publisher Clive Insley via info@bpinews.co.uk or call 07713 622304.

Familiar face in the trade, Vic Solomon, ex Canon, ex Manfrotto and now ex-Panasonic, is back in a bold new role as MD of Sirui UK Ltd, your new distributor for the Chinese tripod brand

L

ast time we met Vic Solomon he was trading as Product Manager for Panasonic, but after a serendipitous meeting with the European distributor for Chinese tripod brand Sirui, he felt the opportunity to take control of the brand for the UK market was too good to pass up. “It’s taking me back into the world of tripods and accessories, which is what I was doing previously with Manfrotto,” he beams. “I thought that if I didn’t ever try it, I might be kicking myself when I’m 70.”

This then is very much a new adventure for Vic – if, given his background, it’s not a total leap of faith – with this article serving as the first announcement to the trade. Meetings at Photokina with interested retail partners plus a wider press launch are to follow this month. You can find Sirui in Hall 4.1, on stand E015 and F018.

In terms of the brand’s USP, Vic reveals that “Sirui isn’t your typical Chinese brand – I’ve not seen any other Chinese company make tripods to this standard”. All Sirui tripods come complete with a case and all the tools your customers might need to self-service the product. Like certain rivals, it also offers a range of tripods where one of the legs can be detached in order to fashion a monopod. In addition, all of its plates are Arca Swiss compatible, enabling all of its plates to fit all of its tripods, allowing the user to decide on the best plate system for their use. It actually already offers some plates for specific models of camera, such as the Canon 5D Mark II and Mark II, and the Nikon D3, D700 and D800.

Vic adds that he will be working with Sirui’s owner Mr Li on future product developments. “They seem to really want the input – everything they do is entirely their own and they make all their own carbon fibre products.

Sirui is 100% carbon fibre and they are about to launch 10-layered carbon fibre tripods. The construction side is very, very good and that’s what really appealed to me. It’s the first time I’ve seen something in the tripod world that has made me sit up and say, you know what, that is really, really good!”

Discover the Sirui range for yourself. Get in touch with new UK MD Vic Solomon now to book appointments via info@sirui.co.uk or call 01293 817 100.

Look out for these full page support adverts in the leading photo mags to generate enquiries for stockists www.sirui.co.uk

For travel options and updated news on exhibitors with regard to Photokina this September, head to www.photokina.com 8 September 2014 | BPI News

ET-Series – Compact, Stable, Easy to use

SIRUI ET-Series Travel Tripods with Ball Head • The ideal travel tripod kit - Tripod with Ball Head • Legs made of high quality aluminium or 8 layers of 100% Carbon Fiber • Legs �ip up 180� for storage� � leg angle positions • 4 leg sections with Flip Leg Locks for fast setup and secure grip

Six Year Warranty

• Reversible or short center column for ground level shots • Stabilization hook, foam leg grips, custom bag with shoulder strap

For more information,go to:

BPI News | September 2014 9 www.sirui.co.uk – info@sirui.co.uk

NEWS EXTRA

Fujifilm still on the case…

W ith the mobile phone firmly in position in the general public’s hearts and minds as ‘the camera that you always have with you’, it’s no surprise that manufacturers have been seeking ever-innovative ways to tap into that massive market potential. This year we’ve had the launch of Fujifilm Imagine software to make it easier than ever to turn images from your customers’ smartphones into hard copy prints. And now there’s a means of placing an image literally on those same customers’ phones, courtesy of the Case Station, a collaboration with IDT Systems that we originally featured back in June.

Via this innovative system, customers can design their own case via an in-store kiosk by uploading multiple photographs, or alternatively select stock images or designs. With the system moulding and wrapping the case with the printed image in as little as six minutes, customers are able to leave the store with a personalised phone case. With cases typically retailing for £20 inc VAT, and costing just under £5 to produce, the retailer is left with a healthy profit.

Fujifilm offers packages (see page 5 ad this issue) starting at £6,500. “Aside from the entry level Case Station, there are three further systems available aimed at higher production volumes.

These can create four, 12 or 29 covers at a time,” explains Fujifilm’s Neill Harris, who notes that reaction so far has been very encouraging. “A larger system is required for tablet covers, but as we are seeing 50 smartphone cases printed for every tablet cover, our entry level Case Station for £6,500 is a good way to ease your business into this growth market.”

As usual the man you need to speak

Back in BPI News June issue we reported on Fujifilm’s collaboration with IDT Systems to provide retailers with a means of printing smartphones cases. We asked General Sales Manager Neill Harris for an update on this and more besides…

Fujifilm’s Neil Harris discusses phone case printing with IDT Systems’ Peter Woodd

to at Fujifilm for a demo is Marketing Manager Peter Wigington via pwigington@fuji.co.uk or 01234 572138.

In related news, Knaresborough Photo Centre, an enterprising member of the Fujifilm Digital Image Service, used the recent UK leg of the Tour De France as a promotional moneyspinner.

Located in the heart of the North Yorkshire market town, when owner Philip Tennant heard that the cyclists would be passing through, he felt the opportunity was too good to miss.

“I wanted to devise a promotion that would capitalise on the feelgood factor surrounding ‘Le Tour’ so I approached Fujifilm to see if they’d help us,” Philip explains. “I was delighted when they agreed to fund the purchase of the main prize: a really smart new bike that became the promotion’s centrepiece.”

He continues: “We came up with a photographic competition and invited locals to submit a picture with a bike as the main theme, but with the instruction to make it fun, different and exciting. There was also a donation made for each submission to Marie Curie Cancer Care. The response was brilliant and the bike also made a really eye-catching window display.” See photo, left. The business has since sold greeting cards, enlargements, display prints and framed prints of the race through the town.

“We’re always delighted to hear of our FDIS member retailers using high-profile local events to promote their business so we were pleased to be able to support Knaresborough Photo Centre’s competition,” adds Peter Wigington.”Events don’t get much more higher profile than the Tour De France!”

For further info on FDIS and Fujifilm’s range of photofinishing products and services, contact photoimaging@fuji.co.uk 10 September 2014 | BPI News

NEWS EXTRA

The Photography Show returns bigger & better Whilst the trade may be viewing the Autumn Fair and Photokina in the short term, the long view includes the return of The Photography Show from 21-24 March 2015, the biggest annual photo show in Europe and the UK. If you haven’t yet booked a stand, here are some key reasons why you should

W

ith 85% of available exhibition space already booked for the second ever Photography Show, it’s time to get your skates on if you have been considering a stand, but haven’t yet booked.

To re-cap, The Photography Show is the UK’s biggest event for both enthusiast and professional photographers and any other professionals operating within the photographic industry. Organised by publisher Future’s exhibitions arm, the event took place in March 2014 for the first time. BPA audited, it had 30,003 unique attendees across four days. Of these visitors, figures reveal that 12,367 were professional photographers and other industry professionals, and 17,636 were photo enthusiasts.

21-24 MARCH 2015 THE NEC, BIRMINGHAM

What’s new for 2015 The Photography Show returns to the NEC in March, with a host of tweaks and improvements confirmed by the organisers. Significantly, there’s the fact that it will now be located in Hall 5, which is the largest hall at the NEC. This will allow for a better visitor experience.

There will not only be more space, with wider aisles than last time easing some of the congestion, but also more places to eat, as well as the hall itself being conveniently located closer to the station – so your potential customers will have a shorter trip laden with all the bags of goodies they’ve bought on your stand.

For 2015 a food village is being added to the hall to accommodate the large amount of visitors. There will be additional big name exhibitors next year – including Sony, Pentax and Leica – to attract an even wider audience. Absentees in 2014 who have become partners for 2015 now include Future’s fellow publishers IPC Media and Archant, along with professional body The Association of Photographers (AOP).

To entice the latter crowd, 2015 will see the return of The Super Stage with a new line-up to be announced (last year the line-up included Rankin and Joe McNally).

Other live stages will include The Shooting Stage, a live stage on the show floor combining fashion, portrait and wedding demos. A Street Stage will be complete with graffiti and skateboard ramps, with pro photographers talking visitors through how to get the best out of their street photography. Returning will be the real garden on the show floor, organised and hosted by the International Garden Photographer of the Year, enabling visitors to practice their macro and garden photography.

Seminars and programmes are once again extensive, and will include The Studio, a seminar style theatre run by a pro photographer covering a diverse selection of genres and techniques.

New for 2015 is a Filmmaker Theatre, giving hints and tips on getting the best video from a DSLR, a Mobile Theatre, which is an open area on the show floor designed for helping to create great photos with a smartphone, plus a Beginners Conference. This last element is a half-day conference on the Saturday and Sunday aimed at demystifying equipment and technical terms for newcomers to photography.

There will also be a Professional Conference on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th March, aimed at those treating photography as a business, plus a Student Programme, a half-day conference taking place off the show floor and tailored to photography students.

Useful info at a glance

The 2014 show – top Cameraworld face heavy traffic; centre, Manfrotto audience intent on a live demonstration; bottom, the Super Stage.

In anticipation of The Photography Show 2015, a new website will go live this month at www.photographyshow.com Tickets go on sale from November 2014 and interested parties can register in advance to be notified when tickets are available.

To book stand space for 2015 before it’s all gone, contact Jonny Sullens (Head of Events) at jonny.sullens@futurenet. com or call him on +44 (0)20 7042 4301. For media partnerships contact Grace Turner (Marketing Manager) at grace.turner@futurenet.com or on +44 (0)20 7042 4303. To put forward a speaker contact Cassandra Grant (Event Manager) at Cassandra.grant@ futurenet.com or on +44 (0)20 7042 4302.

See you there! www.photographyshow.com

To book stand space contact Jonny Sullens at jonny.sullens@futurenet.com or call him on +44 (0)20 7042 4301 BPI News | September 2014 11

THE NEW EPSON D700 PHOTO PRINTER Turns out the best things do come in small packages after all!

Introducing the new Epson D700 Photo Printer offering amazing quality over three finishes at an exceptional price.

The D700 printer is the perfect solution for all your high quality photographic printing needs. Whether you're a photographer, a small lab or an event printer, the D700 offers you total flexibility in terms of print size and finish. All this in a unit small enough to fit in the back of most small cars.

AVAILABLE NOW AT THE AMAZING PRICE OF JUST

£2,495

ex VAT + Delivery

• 3 print finishes - Gloss, Matt & Lustre • Print up to 39" in length for real panoramic prints • USB connection to both Mac & PC

AVAILABLE IN THE UK FROM

• Create an expandable production facility • Only 23Kg lighter than most event printers • Vibrant Ultrachrome D6 - S ink set.

REQUEST YOUR FREE SAMPLE PRINT SET Call Chris Castle on 07912 842509 or e-mail chris.castle@tetenal.uk.com

TEL: 0116 289 3644

12 September 2014 | BPI News

|

E-MAIL: uk@tetenal.com

|

www.tetenaluk.com

retra AUTUMN EVENTS

Four trade shows you can’t miss!

Retailers in the North are invited to a quartet of exclusive industryonly networking events starting September 10th held by electrical retailer organisation retra

R

Selling with interest free credit To give some example of the kind of help photo trade members can get from Ian and his retra colleagues, let’s take the above issue for one.

This is, according to Ian, one of the most popular reasons new members have for joining retra.

“Many of you may already have tried to obtain this facility directly and then been told that your business wasn’t big enough,” he observes. “With retra there is no minimum turnover required.

Secondly, you may have been put off by the cost of a Consumer Credit Licence from the OFT. Again there is good news here, as in April of this year the FCA took over responsibility for credit licensing, and as a result dramatically reduced the cost of a new licence application for a typical independent

Mingle with your peers and get sound market and business advice at one of retra’s four Autumn lunch or supper sessions

DON’T MISS OUT! retra membership benefits • • • • • • • • • •

FREE business and legal advice Extended service plans with attractive profit margins Great credit card processing rates Competitive consumer finance rates via Barclays Partner Finance EXCLUSIVE Electracare Insurance for commercial property, vans & public liability Subsidised training Industry events such as the annual retra Conference FREE members magazine and e-news bulletins EXCLUSIVE access to the retra members website For only £21.50 per month

retailer using a finance company.”

For those worrying that offering customers an interest free or buy now pay later option may cost them valuable margin, Ian observes that if you wanted to offer a customer the alternative of spreading their purchase over 12 months, all that would be ‘lost’ on the deal is 1.90%, which he observes is not that much more than a credit card transaction.

“Best of all, there is no question of doubt that customers taking advantage of ‘free credit’ invariably trade up to a better end product or are more likely to purchase higher end accessories, or even a retra extended warranty.

“In the press we have read about record levels of borrowing, which means that millions of customers are familiar with doing just that, and without age old stigma attached.

“Customers come into your premises because

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etra is once again reaching out to members of the photography trade, and inviting them to become members of its own retailer organisation. We’ve extolled the many business benefits in the past few issues of BPI News, but now the outfit is inviting the trade to meet up in person at four events this Autumn being arranged by Business Consultant Ian MacDonald.

Ian tells us that not only will all the senior management team from retra be in attendance, but also as usual there will be a variety of manufacturers displaying their goods.

“Perhaps of most importance, will be the opportunity for BPI News readers to meet our support partners, who provide our members with interest free credit, reduced credit card rates, extended warranties, and discounted Insurance schemes,” adds Ian. “All this, plus a free lunch or supper!”

The dates for your diary are as follows: Wednesday 10th September, University of Stirling (fair and lunch from 11am); Tuesday 16th September, Bridge Hotel, Wetherby (fair and supper from 3pm); Tuesday 21st October, Massereene Golf Club, Antrim (fair and supper from 3pm). New this year is an event at the Park Hall Hotel, Charnock Richard, Lancashire on Thursday October 30th (again, fair and supper from 3pm).

Members of the trade wishing to discuss the benefits of attending the events – or in joining retra in the first place – are invited to call Ian MacDonald on 07860 431 792 or email ian.macdonald@retra.co.uk

sion

Televi ical &

For more info & prospectus contact Ian MacDonald Mobile 07860 431792 or email ian.macdonald@retra.co.uk

ctr 9EY ation dio, Ele Associ Bedford MK42 co.uk The Ra tailers’ 1 Ampthill Street, : retra@retra.

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they are interested in buying; the only reason they should leave without buying is because you do not have the merchandise they want. Cost, when an interest free option is offered, should rarely be a stumbling block.

“Most customers work to a budget and once you establish with them what that is, then it should be simple to sell up. If they can afford £100 per month then you should be able to sell them a £600 product with payments spread over 6 months, a £1,000 item with payments made over a 10 month period and so on.”

For more gems of business advice from where this one came from, contact retra on 01234 269 110, and request a visit from one of its business consultants. Alternatively, make arrangements to attend one of the events as outlined earlier.

See you there! www.retra.co.uk

Benefit from business knowledge that will add £’s to your bottom line. Call retra now on 01234 269 110 BPI News | September 2014 13

NEWS EXTRA

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM scoops Gear of the Year & EISA T

here are lenses… and then there are lenses. Ever in search of optical excellence Sigma UK appears to have found it in the 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM. At least, that’s if we take notice of an industry awards voted for by 50 specialist magazines spread across 20 countries; how’s that for unbiased recommendation?

Winner of the EISA European DSLR Lens 2014- 2015, the 50mm “raises the bar to a new level,” according to the EISA judging panel, comprised of editors from a host of familiar titles. “This bright full frame standard lens features a superb construction,” the official blurb continues. “It’s solid, elegant and has a smooth focus ring.”

For those not already in the know, EISA panelists meet to discuss which of the products analysed in their respective publications over the past year deserve the coveted award. The six categories under consideration are: Photo, Video, Audio, Home Theatre and Mobile Electronics Devices.

According to Sigma UK’s General manager Graham Armitage: “While we’ve focused on producing a high quality product, dealers can now focus on the profits to be had from adding this award winning lens to their line up.”

EISA adds that the ‘go to’ Japanese-made 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM lens also outperforms almost all competitors on the market, regardless of price. That’s quite some claim, and one that is bound to win further photographer converts to the Sigma cause.

Sigma UK’s General manager Graham Armitage outlines to the trade why he thinks that his brand’s ‘Art’ series standard lens is a worthy winner and deserving addition to any dealer’s stock list

Raise a glass to the world’s best low-light fast AF 50mm… with glowing bokeh and glowing accolades all round.

STOP PRESS: Gear of the Year winner too!

C

loser to home, the same lens has not only also scooped Best Specialist Lens but also the overall Product of the Year award at the London-held Gear of the Year gongs, voted for by the readers of Practical Photography and Digital Photo magazines. “For the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM to get the Product of the Year Award is very unusual,” notes Sigma’s Graham, “as it is normally given to a camera. Plus, as the winners are chosen by the readers of Practical Photography and Digital Photo, that makes it extra special too..!”

A lens that’s nicer, says EISA The EISA judges for this year concluded that the 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM was simply one of the sharpest lenses that they had ever had the pleasure to test, delivering both high resolution and beautiful ‘bokeh’.

To make it even more impressive, EISA judges revealed that the Sigma optic also delivered very low amounts of chromatic aberration and vignetting, making it practically free from distortion.

“We’ve always said that the lens is the most important part of your camera. It’s always nice to have people-in-the-know saying nice things about products that we’re proud of. And all of this comes at a price well within the reach of enthusiasts and professionals alike,” promises Graham. A case in point: current UK SRP is £849.99.

Don’t forget: make a date with Sigma at Photokina Graham and his team are also inviting the UK trade to drop

by Sigma’s stand at Photokina this September to inspect the new products that were currently under wraps at the time of writing. Head straight to Hall 4.2, stand B020 to get hands on.

The Sigma UK crew will be in Cologne between Tuesday 16th September and Saturday 20th.

Equipment imported by Sigma Imaging UK Ltd comes with the added benefit of a 3-year warranty. See www.sigma-imaging-uk.com 14 September 2014 | BPI News

S AT

FIND U

PRINT YOUR PHOTOS ANYWHERE SHARE YOUR STORIES FOR LIFE It’s never been easier to print photos, greeting cards, calendars and photobooks – thanks to the brand-new KODAK MOMENTS App. Pop into the store or visit www.kodakmomentsapp.com

MOBILE & TABLET

FACEBOOK

PC

KODAK KIOSK

© 2014 Kodak Alaris Limited. The Kodak and A Kodak Moment trademarks and Kodak trade dress are used under license from Eastman Kodak Company. Print products illustrated vary by app, software and equipment available in store.

BPI News | September 2014 15

PHOTOKINA PREVIEW

Kodak Alaris celebrates 1st birthday Was it really a year ago that we reported Kodak’s UK Pension Plan had taken over Eastman Kodak’s imaging businesses to form the new Kodak Alaris? For our Photokina Preview, Marketing Manager Paul Davey brings us up to speed on latest developments, market trends and the revolutionary Kodak Moments HD app

T

he photo industry is undergoing a period of constant change, writes Kodak Alaris UK Marketing Manager Paul Davey. Companies must not only respond to developments in the digital economy, but also themselves invest in research and development in order to make a decisive dent on the market. This is the world in which Kodak Alaris operates, having completed its global transformation into a separate entity from the original Eastman Kodak, via new strategies and structures.

It’s hard to believe, but Kodak Alaris has already been in business on its own for a year. You’ll know us most for our facilities including photo kiosks in retail outlets where millions of special photographic moments are printed out daily. We provide high quality products, private and professional photography solutions for dealers and labs, as well as digital scanning systems and solutions for companies. In short, Kodak Alaris, with total sales of $1.3 billion last year, is fully focused on the years ahead.

We’re really excited to be sharing this 1st year anniversary at Photokina with our partners and customers and looking forward to sharing many of the products and solutions that will help shape our business for years to come.

The following includes some of the product highlights we’ll be showcasing in Cologne – but, trust us, you will want to come and take a look yourself to discover lots more…

Printing from mobiles – a key trend at Photokina Undoubtedly one of the biggest questions to match the fastest growing trend within the photo

Kodak Alaris gains new president

A

s if celebrating its first birthday and attending Photokina wasn’t enough, Kodak Alaris has swelled its management ranks further with the appointment of Nicoletta Zongrone as President of Retail Systems Solutions and Event Imaging Solutions businesses writes BPI News.

“Nicki has unparalleled industry experience and customer knowledge, raising our ability to serve and solve the needs of consumers and retail partners,” says Ralf Gerbershagen, Kodak Alaris CEO and past BPI News interviewee. “She brings an incredible passion to our ongoing transformation.”

Along with this appointment, the company is also dividing the Personalised Imaging business into two units, which it says is to accelerate execution and innovation in key markets. Dennis Olbrich moves to the role of President of the Paper & Output Systems and Film Capture businesses. Dennis joined Kodak in 1982 and President of the Retail Systems Solutions was his most recent role.

Both Dennis and Nicoletta will be based in Kodak Alaris’ Rochester, New York base.

printing industry is how we encourage consumers to print photos from the millions that are captured everyday on smartphones and tablet.

New data from Nielsen reveals that Android and iPhone users aged 18 and over are spending more time than ever using photography apps. The latest data shows that the average time spent on photography apps each month is now over one hour. This is a huge increase over the 26 minutes average registered 12 months previously.

The opportunity to monetise the interests of these smartphone photographers is of upmost priority for the industry, and at Kodak Alaris we’re continuing to develop innovative mobile solutions to improve the consumer experience.

Our very latest offering available at Photokina will be the Kodak Moments HD Tablet App. A newcomer to our app family, it combines the creative options of desktop software and the ease of use of a mobile app. Back home on the sofa or even while still on holiday, it will take users to their choice of photo and design template fast, thanks to its intuitive user interface and networking of social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram. Consumers can then send their finished print project to participating retailers for collection on the same day.

Two technologies help make this possible. Smart Fit technology automatically adapts the size of the photo selected to the space that is available, without losing content or cropping it. And Kodak Perfect Touch enhancement technology improves the picture quality automatically. In addition to the photos stored in the camera or the device, the app also accesses the user’s photos – subject to the user’s consent – on Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, Dropbox or Apple’s iCloud.

The Kodak Moments HD Tablet App is now available to download from the Apple App Store on iTunes, with a version for Android devices to follow. Planned updates will feature a broad range of photo products, including customised greeting cards, photo collages and calendars.

Find Kodak Alaris at Photokina in Hall 4.2, Booth E020/FO29. Get in touch with Paul Davey, Kodak Alaris’ UK 16 September 2014 | BPI News

PULL OUT 4 PAGE SUPPLEMENT

at the brand’s first ever Photokina Square prints – perfect for your customers’ social circle

The very latest version of Kodak Picture Kiosk software will also be showcased at Photokina, with one feature in particular likely to be well received by our retail partners.

Printing square prints is now easy.

Simply connect wirelessly to the Kodak Picture Kiosk with the My Kodak Moments App for smartphone or Kodak Moments HD App for Tablet and you can instantly turn those memorable photos into retro prints.

Your customers can access all of the pictures stored on their devices, as well as images from Facebook and Instagram — it’s the perfect fit for their favourite moments.

Increase profit margins with photo books Consumers love choice, and they are certainly flush with options when it comes to choosing photo retail partners. But this competitive landscape requires retailers to offer so much more than just your standard 4x6-inch print. At Kodak Alaris our future strategies continue to be focused on delivering premium print product solutions that offer great value to our retail partners, which in turn enables them to strengthen their own businesses.

One of these new solutions, which will be on show at Photokina, is the Kodak D4600 Duplex Photo Printer. From the simple yet powerful creative tools, to the premium output and finish, the Kodak D4600 Duplex Photo Printer (right) leads the way, allowing you to offer a wider variety of products, including beautiful premium two-sided borderless photo books, at multiple price points. Vivid, life-like colours, rich bold blacks and luxurious weight and feel… all of these qualities let your customers tell their stories in more detail than ever before, in premium quality Photo Books. And they’re all available in just minutes on the Kodak D4600 Duplex Photo Printer.

Print square!

The Kodak Alaris D4600 Duplex Photo Printer

There is another reason for celebration at this year’s Photokina.

Photography will be 175 years’ old.

More recent progress has been rapid and in 2014 an estimated 1.8 billion photos a day will be distributed, uploaded and shared via social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

Our customers take millions of photos a day, but only a very few of them capture those unique moments that accompany them for a lifetime – genuine ‘Kodak Moments’.

We want to inspire people to record these experiences, to share them and to experience them time and again. That is why Photokina sees the launch of our campaign ‘Kodak Moments. Your Stories. Your Life.’

Because photos tell very personal stories and we want to connect these special Kodak Moments even more closely to people’s lives and at the same time to rejuvenate the brand.

Exclusive Kodak Alaris Photokina show offers

Make photo books, below, using the D4600 for double sided pages

We will have a number of timelimited show offers available at Photokina this year, so don’t miss your chance to take advantage of these great deals. In addition to showcasing many of our new solutions, existing products will also be on show from our Adaptive Picture Exchange (APEX) dry lab solution, through to many of the Paper & Output Systems and display media including our new Canvas media. You’re more than welcome to pop along and take a look, we’re in Hall 4.2, Booth E020/FO29.

Get in touch with Paul Davey, Kodak Alaris UK Marketing Manager on 01442 846714 – or of course pop along and say hello at the show. www.kodakalaris.com

Marketing Manager for Personalised Imaging on 01442 846714 – or of course pop along and say hello at the show.

BPI News | September 2014 17

Your stories. Your life.

What’s your KODAK MOMENT? We take millions of pictures each day, but only very few capture those exceptional moments that stay with us our entire lives. Moments of happiness, moments of love, moments of surprise – moments, no matter how big or small, which are unique for everyone, moments for eternity – real KODAK MOMENTS. We strive to inspire people to record their experiences, to share them, and to relive them again and again.

Visit us at Photokina and immortalise your personal KODAK MOMENT!

Hall: 4.2 Booth: E020/FO29

18 September 2014 | BPI News ®2014 Kodak Alaris Inc. The KODAK and Kodak MOMENT trademarks and Kodak trade dress are used under license from Eastman Kodak Company.

BPI PRODUCT FOCUS

Profit from protection with Just Ltd L

ooking for a means of adding a sale when selling a camera or a lens? Distributor Just Ltd has a couple of good ideas among its extensive stock range in Larmor (LCD armour) screen protectors, plus snug Lens Pouches, designed to protect small mirror-less/ compact system camera lenses, when not affixed to the camera.

“Why should your customer buy protection for their camera’s screen?

Well it protects the LCD on your expensive DSLR from scratches and dings,” advises Just Ltd MD Peter Brogden, who shares a chilling tale of how a metal zip on his jacket once ground against three screens before he’d noticed what was doing the damage.

The main option here is Larmor glass LCD protectors, which are being pitched as being easy to fit and free from the potential issue of air bubbles, which typically get trapped beneath many film type protectors.

“It’s a product unique to us, as far as I’m aware,” Just’s owner explains.

Attaching to your customers’ cameras via special low tack adhesive, the Larmor option is easy to remove should you wish to replace it at any stage, leaving no residue claims Peter, unlike marginally cheaper alternatives. “What’s more, it also works with capacitive touch screens – such as those found on CSC’s and smartphones – and is discrete when fitted, looking like it has always been part of the camera, which is a further benefit.”

From this range Just Ltd has a wide variety of options available, either custom fitted for specific cameras, or for generic screens, the latter of which are available in three different size ratios. Each is supplied with a screen cleaning cloth, to be used pre fitting.

Potential profit margin for retail specialists stocking Peter’s Larmor protective screens is around 45%; so considerably higher than that to be had from the camera itself – and another reason to get in touch now.

Pouches with punch The second product range flagged up by Peter to the trade is lens pouches, which obviously have their uses when your customers want to

Protection is the name of the game when it comes to two of the latest products from camera accessory distributor Just Ltd. MD Peter Brogden talks us through glass LCD protectors and lens pouches that offer high margin sales opportunities

Just Ltd CSC lens pouches come in four sizes to suit most popular lenses

They are neutral brown in colour with a drawstring closure

Padded walls protect the contents

transport their lens, but don’t want to risk it bouncing about in a soft camera bag. For this very purpose Just Ltd is offering the trade supply of its neoprene lens pouches in various sizes. Pop in the lens and it can then be transported in your customers’ backpack, suitcase or hand luggage.

New here, and somewhat different to the norm, is that these lens pouches are of a smaller variety, best suited to mirror-less models.

“Available in four sizes, these are ideal for the newer system cameras and are finding favour with Leica users as well,” says Peter, “So they’re not just for the more modern cameras. Plus, these lens pouches are really nice products in themselves.”

The specially designed CSC Lens Pouches are manufactured from soft, stretch fabric, dark brown in colour, with a double layer construction for maximum protection plus a drawcord closure at the top. Extra small (suitable for a pancake lens), Small, Medium and Large (fitting a lens up to 10cm high by 8cm wide) sizes are available.

As a further incentive, dealers can be expected to reap a profit margin of approximately 40% when selling Peter’s pouches.

Get in touch with Just Ltd by calling Peter Brogden direct on 01793 864 345 to place your order.

For general info please visit www.cameraclean.co.uk

Larmor is recognised as a top brand of toughened glass laminate screen protector, easy to fit to articulated (below left) screens without affecting closure, and blending in perfectly with the camera.

The Larmor hang pack includes instructions and screen cleaner.

Check out the new CSC lens pouches and LCD screen protectors from Just Ltd. Call Peter Brodgen on 01793 864 345 NOW. BPI News | September 2014 19

BPI NEWS PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

Photographic British

Industry

news

PHOTOKINA PREVIEW

DNP promises ‘variety’ at Photokina At Photokina 2012, the big news was that DNP had acquired Sony’s photofinishing business. Two years on, the trade can expect further printing innovation…

Nikon D810 NIKON has been talking up its newest DSLR big time, calling the D810 the ‘best ever’, which, if true, is good news for retailers stocking the brand and potentially excited customers too.

Though an early snag of reported bright spots surfacing in exposures longer than 30 seconds has trickled a little water on the pyre, a new Nikon digital SLR is always a major event for photo enthusiasts – and particularly a pro model that replaces two older class-leading variants in one fell swoop. The D810 is such a camera, coming after and updating both the D800 and D800e. It follows their lead in offering the highest resolution ever in the Nikon range, while at the same time the D810 omits the optical low pass filter like the marginally pricier D800e option did.

Of course, pro grade cameras aren’t cheap, yet at a body-only £2,699.99 the dust and weather sealed magnesium alloy bodied D810 feels pretty fair to us, especially for what is going to be a main tool for those who earn money from photography as a living. Screw a respectable piece of glass onto the front, such as the 85mm f/1.4 portrait lens we were sent in tandem with the full frame Nikon, and this camera feels a weighty proposition in every sense of the word. Even without lens it is already nearly 1Kg in heft.

Being a pro model, some features have inevitably trickled down from the top dog D4S camera, such as a 51-point AF system and Group AF functionality; for those wanting to shoot candid portraits, there is a quieter shutter mechanism this time around too.

From the top plate down, the D810 is a chunky beast with plentiful buttons, knobs and dials to allow user customisation to the nth degree; yet, there is enough here that feels immediately familiar without having to delve into the manual in order to start shooting on the camera. The back screen of the D810 is resolutely fixed: not for the D810 a flip and swivel LCD to enable ‘selfie abuse’.

A battery life of 900 shots from a full charge is pretty much on-the-nose of what we were expecting from a beast of this professional ilk, so we have no complaints, even though even more capacity is always better than less.

We were lucky enough to be shooting with a great quality lens in the 85mm f/1.4, which proved itself (in tandem with the D810’s full frame sensor) capable of delivering some creamily smooth ‘bokeh’ – concentrating focus on a narrow portion of the frame and selectively blurring the surrounds to Great value for draw our attention even more closely £2,699.99 – the Nikon to the subject. This lends the D810’s which has everything images an almost 3D effect, and when you have 36.3 megapixels’ worth of detail piled in on top, you’re not going to hear us complaining. In two words: simply stunning. For Nikon users who value resolution over speed of capture, the full frame 36.3 megapixel D810 handles like a dream.

T

he location you need for dye sub printing specialist DNP at this year’s Photokina is Hall 3.1, Stand C020-D029.

Two years ago it appeared at the exhibition fresh with the news that it had integrated the recent acquisition of Sony’s photo finishing business. This year DNP will be joining the show with the promise of even more new products and solutions to help the trade to earn a living from photo services.

“DNP is going to provide a number of new concepts to the market at this year’s exhibition,” promises European Marketing Manager Mark Buelow.

“These will include providing value, offering fast print workflows, production centres for high print volumes, plus innovative photo formats.”

Though remaining tight lipped about specifics at the time of writing, Mark and his team recognise that for photo retailers, the reliability of DNP’s dye sub devices is just as important as it is for event photographers working on the job. “The two year warranty on standard and portrait printers provides a good feeling of security,” Mark continues. “We’ll be presenting flexible solutions for offering a variety of photo services on site, including high margin products.”

There will also be exciting new photo formats introduced at the show, as well as an answer to the issue of how to produce photo books and double sided print products on site without needing much space. Any visit to the DNP booth will be worthwhile, says Mark, as there will be fresh news regarding printers, software and solutions. Another incentive is that there will be a photo booth on the stand attempting to make visitors look glamorous and manned by the famous Harcourt Studio.

“DNP is looking forward to discussing your business with you, to present ideas on how to complement your existing services, and to discuss how to make money with photo services,” Mark adds.

Once again that location you need for DNP is Hall 3.1, Stand C020-D029.

To ensure you get your products under the nose of buyers in the trade contact us via info@bpinews.co.uk 20 September 2014 | BPI News

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Cologne • September 16-21 2014 Pay us a visit !

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BPI News | September 2014 21

PHOTOKINA PREVIEW

Kenro new product line up aims for ‘best in show’ The distributor’s MD Paul Kench invites the trade to roll up to two shows at which he and his team will be showcasing its extensive product line up for Christmas 2014: the Autumn Fair at the NEC (from Sept 7th) and Photokina at the Cologne Messe – where you can also pick up its new 68 page catalogue…

R

iding high on a win at the Gear of the Year Awards – at which the Kenro-distributed Nissin i40 compact flashgun bagged Best Lighting Accessory – the extremely pro-active company is training its sights on continuing the success at two major exhibitions this month: the NEC’s Autumn Fair (Sept 7th to 10th) and the trade ‘biggie’ of Photokina from the 16th to the 21st.

“We’re delighted to have won this award,” enthuses Kenro MD Paul Kench. “The Nissin i40 is an exceptional product that has had huge amounts of interest already. It’s a very compact flashgun that packs a lot of power. It’s going to be available in five fits: Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony and Four Thirds. The Sony fit in particular has been exceptionally well received and there’s been a lot of anticipation for the forthcoming Fuji fit. We hope the win will fuel even more interest in the product.”

SRP is £204 inc VAT, and, if you haven’t already got to grips with said flash, you can take a look at this and many more Kenro products at Photokina, naturally.

“While the Autumn Fair might not be on quite the same scale as Photokina, it’s nevertheless an important event in the run up to Christmas 2014,” Paul outlines. “We’ve done it for a few years now and we find it’s a well timed show in being at the start of September. The trade are back from their holidays and are thinking about their range for Christmas, and so it provides us with a good launch pad for our products.”

This year there’s an added reason to attend yourself: Kenro will be launching its new full 68-page albums and frames catalogue at the Autumn Fair (www.autumnfair.com), where they can be found in Hall 5, stand J45, and will also be taking copies to Cologne. The location you Kenro Limited

Kenro (Ireland)

Greenbridge Road Swindon, Wiltshire SN3 3LH, United Kingdom

26/27 Upper Pembroke Street Dublin 2 Ireland

Telephone: +44 (0) 1793 615836

Telephone: +353 (0) 1637 3963

Fax: +44 (0) 1793 530108

Fax: +353 (0) 1662 0365

Email: sales@kenro.co.uk

Email: sales@kenro.ie

www.kenro.co.uk

2014/5 Albums & Frames 2014/5

The Pearl Rings wedding albums

need for Photokina is Hall 9.1, stand D007.

“Either book an appointment before or just come and see us on the stand, where we’ll be happy to receive you” advises Paul. Not only will the full range of new product lines be on display – including extensive new wedding, baby and travel themed albums – but also the company’s regular best sellers.

And of course you’ll be able to take a Kenro catalogue away

with you, for digesting at your leisure.

“We’ll have New York and Paris themed albums there, which will be of a similar style and price point to the London albums featured in BPI News June 2014, which have been very well received. We spoke with our customers and felt these cities would be the next big popular ones.”

In terms of baby and wedding books, Kenro is offering up a classy new Pearl wedding album range, which includes a Pearl Rings design, Pearl Rose design, a Pearl Swirl design and a Pearl Classic. “We’ve increased our wedding album range, had a lot of interest from that and it’s quite exciting really,” Paul reveals.

“People are still buying the slip-in, traditional and self adhesive album, whether for parents or family, or as a gift – these are fantastic designer wedding albums.” In addition there are also new Baby Polka Dot and Candy series albums for the new mums and their tots.

In terms of prices, for wedding

Catch Kenro at the Autumn Fair, NEC, Hall 5, stand J45 from September 7-10.

22 September 2014 | BPI News

albums it ranges from £17.94 to £33 SRP, so a very affordable option.

“The price may be mid range but the quality is very good,” Paul reassures the trade.

In terms of frames, there are also three new gift ranges in Avenue, Vienna and Mellow. The Avenue Series frames come in black and white, boast a subtle 5mm wide metal profile in a matt finish with a white photo mat and generous picture border. The frames have luxury velour lined backs and are individually boxed. Photo sizes are 6x4, 7x5, 8x6 and 10x8 inches.

The Vienna frames have a distinctive wave edge profile and silver plated border and are decorated with shiny stones on each corner. These are available in black or white to fit 6x4 inch photos, have luxury velour lined backs and are again individually boxed.

Finally, the new Mellow series features a 10mm wide profile with a silver plated border and ivorycoloured ornamental inlay. Available in 6x4 and 7x5 inch, these frames also have luxury velour lined backs and are individually boxed.

Book a slot with Kenro at Photokina Obviously, to get the lowdown on the complete range of new albums and frames you need to head to the shows to collect Kenro’s new 68-page catalogue! The distributor will have a similar stand at Photokina as it will have at the Autumn Fair. “We’ll have all our new and best selling albums and frames on the stand there and will also have our Kenair and photo accessories too,” promises Kenro’s Paul Kench.

“Those manufacturers whose

products we distribute in the UK including Benro, Nissin, Marumi, Reflecta and Braun, will also have their own stands. If any UK dealers attending Photokina express an interest in those product lines, we can take them over to the respective stands and give them a presentation on the new lines being launched.

“We usually find that people who are making the effort to go over to Photokina are more likely to book an appointment than the ones who are going to a UK exhibition, because you really do want to make sure you see the people you want to. We recommend that those in the trade book a time slot with us so we can assure them of our availability. I’ll be there for the full six days of the show.

We’re expecting that it will provide us with a successful run up to Christmas 2014.

“Benro and Nissin will be launching a number of new products themselves at the show, but often they don’t give advance notice.” We have however pressed Paul for a sneak peek, as follows: Among the new Benro branded gear are the IT15 (below right, with a 4kg maximum load) and IT25 (6kg max load) series travel tripods, which come with a five-year guarantee.

These are manufactured from high quality aluminium with magnesium alloy casings and have been treated with high temperature anti corrosion powder paint. Features include the fact that the tripods’ legs can be folded back through 180 degrees, thus making them extremely compact. Flip lock legs, adjustable leg angle, the great feature of a detachable leg that converts into a monopod, reversible centre column and hook are among the other enticing extras.

There are also two newly updated models in the Benro Combination Series tripod range, which offers the highest stability and loading capacity of the brand – the BRC3770TN and BRC4770TN – both featuring three-section legs. Weighing 1.75kg, the former can support a load of up to 18Kg, while the second weighs 2.36Kg and can support a hefty 25Kg. To each of these can be added a specific geared centre column – the BRAGC3 and BRAGC4 – which allows for precise adjustments to be made to compositions during shooting.

Finally there is a nifty Benro Video Monopod with supplied S4 Video Head seen below (model no.

BRA48FDS4), with which BPI News has already had a play. Manufactured from machined aluminum alloy and featuring an ergonomic pan bar handle for smooth pan and tilt movement, this features a three-leg folding base and anti skidding rubber feet, not to mention flip lock levers for fast set up of the monopod itself.

Weighing 1.95Kg, maximum load capacity is 4Kg. The new Braun Scouting Camera (left) is a camouflaged multifunctional outdoor device boasting five megapixel resolution, built in colour LCD monitor, night time vision, motion detectors and is manufactured from high quality waterproof materials (IP54). Support is provided for SD cards (up to 32GB capacity) while the Scouting Camera is powered by eight AA batteries.

Thirdly the Marumi Fit + Slim series (left) is described as ‘the best fit filter for all digital photographers’, in as much as the Lens Protect filter, Circular Polarizer filter and UV filter all boast a slim frame.

Lightweight, multi coated and eco friendly, each filter is available in

the following sizes: 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm.

So filter your list of wants from the Kenro range by heading along to the Autumn Fair and Photokina this month – and please do let Paul and co know that BPI News sent you.

And then again at Photokina from Sept 16th, where Hall 9.1, stand D007 is the location you need.

BPI News | September 2014 23

BPI PRODUCT FOCUS

Powering the trade together A

NSMANN UK has, for 15 years, been a high quality supplier of rechargeable batteries, power supplies and battery chargers to the consumer photo industry, and, for the last five years has been using distributor Intro2020.

For those in the trade not already in the know, Ansmann’s extensive range of electrical products also includes high-level professional torches, travel chargers and E-Bikes.

This is an international company with offices in the UK, Germany, France, Sweden, USA, Hong Kong and China, employing around 320 people across Europe, all supported by a professional sales distribution network.

“Our group’s success is built on the following key elements: German design expertise in modern battery, charging and power technology, plus high quality product manufacture,” Ansmann’s Product Marketing Manager Peter Turnell tells us.

The company also prides itself on providing the highest level of UK local customer support – brought to you by Ansmann and Intro2020 working closely together.

Collectively the two companies have a lot of invaluable knowledge and expertise gained over many years of trading. For example, Intro 2020 is a UK company that has been devoted to distributing high quality imaging products for over 40 years.

The company was founded in 1971 as Introphoto, the sole importer and distributor of Hoya filters. This is a product line that has been, and still is, the brand leader for the highest quality photographic filters in the U.K.

Battery, power supply, charger and accessory manufacturer Ansmann is celebrating a five-year working relationship with its UK distributor Intro2020.

BPI News hears how, collectively, they are bringing more power to the trade…

“Ansmann offers an impressive selection of chargers and batteries that will hold huge appeal for the core specialist photographic market” Intro2020 Marketing Manager Jane Nicholson

Intro 2020 now distributes 27 leading brands to its retail customers, many of whom it has supplied since its start up in 1971.

The distributor says that it takes pride in its ability to supply high quality products and give a full back-up service for repair, technical support and advice. Intro 2020 products are available through over 1000 retail stores, plus many on-line outlets.

“Ansmann offers an impressive selection of chargers and batteries that will hold huge appeal for the core specialist photographic market,” says Intro2020’s Marketing Manager Jane Nicholson. “In addition, specialist dealers get a one-stop shop if they come to us at Intro, as we offer multiple complementary brands, from Tamrac to Tamron. Ansmann is one of our best sellers, and of course there are good margins to be made by retailers selling its batteries and chargers.

“One of Ansmann’s best-selling products with us is the Digicharger Vario Charger and is in the process of being replaced by a new version called the Powerline Vario available at the beginning of October. The advert below features this exciting new product.”

For those dealers who want to directly discuss Ansmann or anything else, Jane tells us that there will be a ‘contingent’ from Intro2020 heading to Photokina this September, so invites those in the trade to seek them out for a chat.

PHOTOGRAPHS: the Ansmann team top, and Intro2020 crew bottom – working together.

For Ansmann products contact Mike Barber (Ansmann Consumer Business Development Manager) on 0870 609 223, see www.ansmann.co.uk or talk to your local Intro 2020 Sales Manager 24 September 2014 | BPI News

SAY HELLO TO AN OLD FRIEND.

ILFORD IS BACK. SO WHY LOOK AT ILFORD ALTERNATIVES? The ILFORD Inkjet brand is now in safe hands and your favourite products will once more be available very soon.

The re-launched range will include the much loved ILFORD GALERIE Gold Fibre Silk alongside other favourites such as the award-winning Gold Mono Silk and both the Smooth Pearl and Smooth Gloss papers.

Find out more information by checking out the ILFORD website at www.ilford.com You can also follow ILFORD's UK distributor on Twitter @tetenaluk and Facebook /Tetenal.UK for updates.

TEL: 0116 289 3644

|

E-MAIL: uk@tetenal.com

SEE US AT PHOTOKINA IN COLOGNE.

DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK BY

With a history dating back to 1847, we have the experience, knowledge and expertise to help you bring out the best in your prints.

|

www.tetenaluk.com BPI News | September 2014 25

NEWS EXTRA

Olympus gets its rocks off as new E-PL6 emerges

O

lympus’ Image Space in Bishopsgate, London, has already played host to a series of packed promotional events, seminars, talks and launches, but when BPI News headed over there on a hot and sweaty August evening, if Olympus’ Head of Consumer Business Peter Duddridge hadn’t already shaved off his hair we’re sure he’d have been shaking it.

With colourful images of colourful characters taken at this year’s Glastonbury Festival lining the walls, the brand was presenting a series of chats with rock photographer trio Jill Furmanovsky, Mick Hutson and Denis O’Regan.

The common ground was not only that all three had been shooting at the festival for a number of years, but that this year they were doing all their work with an O-MD E-M1 – the subtext being that here is a pro camera not only being taken seriously by pros, but thanks to some serous weather-proofing, up to anything and everything that could be thrown at it; beakers of lager, mud and half eaten samosas included.

Photographer Mick Hutson, who has been taking photos at the festival for the past 18 years, offered a unique perspective: “This camera made me smile when I’m taking pictures for the first time in ages,” he said of the OM-D E-M1. “It was also the first time I’d done Glastonbury with a completely different camera, and without a brief, which was fantastic. Yes I’d played with a couple of the other Olympus cameras and started with Olympus cameras: OM1’s, OM2’s, OM4’s, so, although the OM-D was a very new camera to me, it was one that felt familiar in my hands.

“The result is that I now ‘am’ Olympus and will carry on being Olympus. Previously, over the course of 18 years I’ve used many different brands, but they’ve always been chasing the same kind of thing, which has got a little bit boring. It stopped being about the camera for me, but rather the tool for the job. With the Olympus OM-D and especially the E-M1 it’s started to become a little bit about the camera again… how I feel about it and how I hold it, which was how it was back when I started, which is a lovely feeling.

Olympus has been all-guns blazing prior to Photokina – showing off work from three rock photographer brand ambassadors shooting on OM-Ds at the Glastonbury festival, and launching a new entry-level Pen E-PL6

www.olympus-imagespace.co.uk/index.php/blog/item/56-its-only-rock-and-roll

‘The three of us – Jill, Denis and myself – have been doing Glastonbury for many years and I felt that this year, since we’ve been allowed to go out with these Olympus cameras to shoot the way we want to shoot, we have come up with a very similar vibe as a result.

I’ve got a feeling it has a lot to do with how we relate to the camera – and how intuitive to use it is.

“Glastonbury is a huge city. It’s phenomenal. And to be there is a huge privilege, as Jill says. I found myself still walking around at the festival very late at night trying to capture images that encompassed what it was all about. That was down in no small part to the Olympus OM-D. Normally after a day of shooting 10 bands I would give the wander around a miss: but with the Olympus, because it’s both very solid and very easy to carry around, and people aren’t intimidated by it because it’s a small, beautifully made, pretty looking camera, they carry on doing what they’d normally be doing and I can get the shots I want.”

For the full blog of our evening head to the web page below our photogallery!

Flip-up Olympus E-PL6 serves trade pancake lens TO PITCH at photographers trading up from their smartphones, and with the rumours flying re: further new models before the big show, there is a new Olympus Pen pre-Photokina announcement: the lightweight yet all-metal E-PL6, which comes bundled with what’s being described as a super slim electronic pancake zoom lens (a 14-42mm, f/3.5-5.6 EZ), plus Toshiba FlashAir card for wireless connectivity and interconnectivity with your customers’ smartphones if they’ve downloaded the Image Share app. These inclusions, plus the fact that the camera features technology that has trickled down from the OM-D has led the manufacturer to christen the package the ‘Expression Kit’. Black or white camera bodies and matching lens combinations are available.

Olympus claims this camera is all about ‘shooting and showing’. In delivering 16.1 megapixel stills, setting this one apart are Olympus’ trademark Art Filters, of which there are 12, in addition to six Art Effects. For ‘selfie’ shooters there is a flip up LCD screen in lieu of an eye level viewfinder while Full HD 1080 videos can also be shot. Also included is a Level Gauge via the LCD, a Small Target AF mode, and a Short Release Time Lag Mode that combines with the Fast AF to reduce the delay that can otherwise make it difficult to accurately capture fast moving subjects.

Compactness is key here and, thanks to the world’s slimmest pancake zoom, the E-PL6 claims to provide the globe’s shortest distance between the mount and the front end of the lens when retracted.

SRP is £429 and the camera is available now in what Olympus describes as “beautifully designed packaging”. www.olympus.co.uk

Catch the Olympus UK team at Photokina this September: head to stand A005, Hall 2 for the latest product news 26 September 2014 | BPI News

Book a free test drive today Get hands-on experience with the latest Olympus products at selected stockists across the UK – book your 24-hour test drive at wow.olympus.eu/GB_en

BPI News | September 2014 27

PHOTOKINA PREVIEW

Tiffen’s 3 good reasons to visit Cologne With its latest filters and industry leading Steadicam products being embraced by Jessops, plus a re-designed Domke bag range on the way, Tiffen promises the trade an eventful Photokina…

H

aving never previously had a relationship with Jessops prior to its Peter Jonesled acquisition, Tiffen’s International Sales Manager Daniel Waite (above) believes his brand is breaking new ground – and looks set to reach a wider audience of photographers and videographers.

“It’s a very big move for us – it’s something we’ve been working on for 12 to 18 months,” he says. “It also starts the ball rolling for Jessops, in allowing them to enter the video capture side of the industry.”

The re-emergent camera chain will be taking stock of both Tiffen filters and its Steadicams according to Daniel – as indeed any independent dealer likewise has the option to. Simply talk to Tiffen’s UK distributor, Swains.

Steady as she goes Daniel further reveals that there is a new filter range coming for Photokina that will include long exposure and variable NDs (above).

“The long exposure filter is the photography accessory, but the Variable ND and the IR variable ND is very much both a stills and motion capture filter. The movie business is where our love and expertise comes from. And one of the categories that Jessops has taken on very strongly is Steadicam.”

From this category Daniel recommends the Steadicam Curve to dealers whose customers might already be using GoPro action cameras, as it can be fitted in a pocket and has an affordable SRP of £89, making it the entry-level option.

Next up there’s the Steadicam Smoothee for the iPhone and GoPro, while the Steadicam Solo – the newest Tiffen product – is aimed at the HD DSLR user. The Solo is suited to cameras including the Canon EOS 1D C, those from Black Magic, plus

Panasonic’s recent GH4. “There’s a vast amount of cameras that will work with this,” Tiffen’s Daniel Waite outlines. “Previously, for the ‘handheld’ market, Steadicam was expensive – the Merlin was about £800 at retail. The Solo is a newer designed Steadicam, and will retail for around £450, so almost half price.

“We believe the abilities that this product has outweigh what the Merlin did, in that the Solo is easier to set up, has an in-built monopod system and folds down to a smaller size. An ideal use would be for wedding photography. Because it

Catch Tiffen UK on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 28 September 2014 | BPI News

Spot the Steadicam Smoothee in the shot above…

has the monopod built-in, photographers can use it as quick-action stills product. Or put it back up and it becomes a Steadicam almost instantly.”

Daniel adds that Tiffen goes to great lengths when it’s developing products to fulfill dealers’ needs, for both a great quality product and a viable profit margin. “It is a professional product with a higher price ticket than a filter, so you’d have to sell a lot of filters to match the profit from one Steadicam.”

Photokina will also be the first international photographic show that you’ll be able to see the Steadicam Solo at.

Tiffen is sharing a stand with its German distributor S&M Rehberg this year, and can be found in Hall 5.2, Stand D011A.

Window or cabinet display stand, top, shows off unique IR hot-mirror coating on the new ND3.0 10-stop filter.

multimedia devices. These bags are very 21st Century; it’s about making sure that you can fit your lifestyle into one bag.

“We’ve had a designer come in from the fashion industry to create this line. There are ‘accents’ on the bags and some incredible features, including a change to the insert system. We’ve also gone with some incredible materials and natural colours (left, Military Style). We’re going to have the full range on the stand at Photokina for dealers to see.”

Swains will have stock waiting and ready for dealers returning from Photokina to be able to place their orders. “They can come to the stand and see both of us, as Stuart Boston from Swains and myself will be there,” Daniel promises.

“Certain camera brands on the market are suffering in different ways with an IR (Infra Red) pollution issue – which can be more of a problem with the lower-end compact system cameras.

There are certain instances whereby if you put a long exposure filter on the front you get the IR pollution and a prominent dot that starts to appear – it’s a white dot in B&W and a red dot in colour. What we’ve done is create one filter that just completely blocks the lot.”

Filtered glory

Again, with a 77mm filter retailing for as much as £150, there is the opportunity for a retailer to make a good margin. “It’s almost getting to the point where professional accessories are edging into mass market volumes, which is incredible.

It’s about trying to sell a £150 filter in the same volume as a £50 filter. That seems to be happening and we’re starting to see people’s turnovers increase, which means we’ve got the product right.”

The new filter range will also be showcased at Photokina, with availability promised at the back end of October. Don’t forget to catch Tiffen UK on the Wed, Thurs and Fri on the S&M Rehberg stand in Hall 5.2, stand D011A. To arrange a meeting beforehand with Daniel at the event, get in touch on 0870 100 1220 or email dwaite@tiffen.com

The third hot Tiffen product was in the process of being signed off in time for the big show at the time of writing.

Naturally pro Domke Also new from Tiffen is a range of Domke bags with 23 new SKU’s, spanning five different product series. Daniel explains that this time the brand has gone higher end and is aiming directly at the professional photographer.

“That’s where Tiffen as a company is very comfortable right now. I believe we’re addressing the pro market really well with the products that we’re making. The Domke range is still made in the US and carries a large number of features that are a perfect match for today’s cameras and

“What we’ve come up with is a new filter (above) which is, to give it a tech-y title, a hot mirror IR ND 10-stop 3.0. It is basically three filters in one, and is our way of attacking the problem of having to otherwise use three different filters to correct particular problems.

Variable ND – another potential big seller to landscape enthusiasts

of Photokina on the S&M Rehberg stand in Hall 5.2, stand D011A BPI News | September 2014 29

NEWS EXTRA

I

Lucidiom’s ‘PhotoFinale’ just the beginning

n the run up to Photokina, where its team will be present meeting customers and suppliers, UK based photo software specialist Lucidiom is back making headlines, with a new product brand name ‘PhotoFinale’.

Lucidiom photo kiosk and web platform specialist is back in the news, introducing new ‘PhotoFinale’ branding to the industry and innovative software promised to ‘breathe new life’ into your kiosk. MD Michael Clayton-Gale tells us more…

In addition it is currently rolling out one of its biggest kiosk releases to date in the form of new downloadable kiosk/PC based software: APM v9.0, all designed to improve your workflow and get your customers images printed without fuss.

The many improvements this time around include large screen PC support, so the software not only fills more of the screen but displays more image thumbnails too. This includes a PC screen estate marketing window.

Android phone and tablet users can now print via a revamped ‘iOS & Android Connect’ component; the new Wifi connect option allows images to be transferred wirelessly from phone/tablet to the kiosk.

Improved support for Raw images is included and there are new layout options. In a nutshell the whole process is smoother and faster – in terms of quicker loading (2.5x faster), rendering and processing.

Use the PhotoFinale@kiosk option while instore to ensure your customers upload and save projects on your website platform.

And simply head now to www. lucidiom.com to download APM 9.0 for yourself.

Phone to print made easy

Lucidiom

ONE

Apple apps HTML5 site Lucidiom’s state-of-the-art, custom sites and apps guide customers to the best experience for their device and platform, and allow access to photos and projects from anywhere. We arm retailers with unlimited image storage, a robust promo engine and flexible membership features. Production software and tools are designed to be straightforward for efficient fulfillment operations.

// Online • HTML5 mobile site, auto detected (NEW!) • Ready for SEO, social, affiliate integration • Robust promo engine • PicMonkey & Aviary editing • Easy marketing: link directly to products

Silverlight site Local kiosk Cloud kiosk

// Production Lab 50 / Print 50 (NEW!) • New production application, Print 50, is streamlined and efficient. Operators will love the simple, clickable, intuitive UI for order routing, line-item tracking, customer relations management and shipping integration

• Add unique partner products

• Direct printer support for Fuji, Noritsu, Agfa, DNP, Windows printers and more

// Kiosk

myLab • New reports, including kiosk reports, custom sales reports and a coupon report for tracking of Groupon-style campaigns

• Wide screen UI

With more and more of your customers shooting images on their mobile phones, Lucidiom has been working hard to provide multi access points for getting images off mobiles and converting them into prints.

The current available options include a Pocket Pics iPhone/iPad app, which is customised to match your own store’s branding. Available for download via the Apple iTunes App Store, customers can then use it to upload images for print on the retailer’s own PhotoFinale website.

In addition to serving as an ordering, delivery choice and payment function, this app gives retailers a presence on the Apple

One solution. Any device.

• PF@Kiosk portal to your online site: NO REV SHARE! • New “choose-photos” CD, DVD and USB products • RAW & CMYK support • The best device for in-store print & enlargement ordering • Cloud content management

// Mobile iPhone/iPad Print Ordering App • Take print orders, offer shipping and in-app payment • Next version (NEW!): faster uploader, ability to accept coupons, updated iOS 7/iOS 8 interface

Store – essential on the branding/ marketing front.

APM 9.0 has improved support for Android as well as iOS devices via the new iOS and Android Connect. This feature is an add-on purchase to the kiosk software and allows users to plug in their device direct; indeed for in-store transfer of a large number of images this is the best option. Upload choices

iPad Photo Book App (NEW!) • A new, custom-branded app • Native iPad app allows users to create a fully custom book with photos, text, layouts and backgrounds

are offered for ‘top 100 images’ for instance.

Additionally for smaller batches of pictures, there is the Mobile WiFi Connect option; a new device that is connected to the in-store network which initially allows for three kiosks (more can be added) to be set to receive images transmitted wirelessly from an Apple or Android device.

The fourth option is PhotoFinale10 on mobile.

This release now provides users accessing your website via mobile or tablet with the ability to upload and order prints directly in the new mobile browser. Once photos are online they can also be accessed via the kiosk software.

“With this option you will have in place the best ordering option for each device – whether Apple or Android phone, tablet, PC or Mac – and any browser, with or without Silverlight installed,” promises MD Michael Clayton-Gale. “Next up is new store workflow software called Lab50 and Print50. Register with our MyLab service to receive news and regular updates.”

Lab50 / Print50 is the new updated production application with a simple and intuitive user interface for controlling and tracking orders, as well as managing customer relations and product shipping. It has direct printer support for Fuji, Noritsu, Agfa, DNP, Windows printers and more. In short, this is one solution for any device. MyLab is the online access dashboard for Lab50 and is offering new style data reports, including kiosk reports, custom sales reports and a coupon report for tracking campaigns.

To find out more about PhotoFinale new services, ask any questions or to place an order, please call Kevin Andrews on 07791 951 005. www.lucidiom.com

For sales enquiries about the PhotoFinale products please call Kevin Andrews NOW on 07791 951 005 30 September 2014 | BPI News

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