Issue 987

2018

ISSUE NO. 987

FUJIFILM:

LAUNCHING THE X-T100, THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE X-SERIES FAMILY ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: SWAINS HQ VISIT

|

JOBY & GITZO

FUJIFILM INSTAX SQ6

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|

SONY WINS AWARD TESTED: MANFROTTO

|

ZEISS SUPREME PRIMES |

& MORE

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OFF THE NEWS PRESS

WELCOME

Catch all the latest news at www.pixel.co.uk

SONY Investing big in Image Sensors

To Pixel Magazine

Issue 987 brings you Fujifilm’s exciting new camera, the X-T100. Pixel takes an early look at whats sure to be another huge success for the brand.

ZEISS announce 13 new lenses and Leica discontinue a legend.

Luke Woodford takes Gitzo and JOBY to Paris whilst Antony Meadley takes Manfrotto to Burma.

We took time out to visit to Swains new HQ in Kings Lynn and the team talk to us about the move. We love visiting HQ’s. Drop us an email if you want us to come and see you!

Luke & Mandy, Co.Editor in Chief

For any industry news you think we should feature, simply get in touch.

www.phase1vision.com

Look Out For Your Copy!

myphotoframe

FRAME & ALBUM RANGE AUTUMN WINTER 2018

Which is packed full of our best selling lines along with a host of new on-trend products. www.swains.co.uk

Hasselblad Launches The XCD 21mm f/4 Lens Hasselblad has launched its widest lens ever, the new XCD 21mm f/4 designed for the X1D-50c medium format mirrorless camera.

“The high-performing 21mm f/4 lens brings together the compact format of the XCD range with the maximum optical quality across the frame with a wide field of view,” Hasselblad says. “Offering a new versatility to the X1D user, the lens is especially suitable for both landscape and interior and exterior architectural photography.”

New Frame & Album Catalogue

For more information

a reported 50% market share, is planning to invest 1 trillion yen into mostly image sensors over the next three years as companies like Samsung and (now) Canon have begun ramping up their own sensor businesses.

Enjoy 987.

Canon enters Sensor Business with 120MP Beast Canon is now officially selling sensors.

Thirdparty companies can now purchase three of Canon’s state-of-the-art sensors, including the 120-megapixel whopper that has received a great deal of attention in recent times.

There are three sensors are available through the Canon authorized distributor Phase 1 Technology Corp of New York, not to be confused with Phase One the Danish camera company. The three sensors are Canon’s 120MP ultra-high-resolution CMOS, 5MP global shutter CMOS, and ultra-low-light Full HD CMOS.

Sony has unveiled a new three-year plan for its business segments under new CEO Kenichiro Yoshida, and it’s clear that one of the company’s primary goals is to dominate digital photography.

The company, already the clear-cut leader in image sensors with

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HQ NEWS VISIT

SWAINS: LUKE WOODFORD VISITS THE NEW HQ

This month, Luke took a trip to Swains new HQ in Kings Lynn. The ever growing distributor have been there 9 months so they’ve had a little time to settle in...

J

oint Managing Director Danny Williams tells Pixel about the new space - We have been asked by many of our customers what the new building is like so we thought it was time to invite Luke along to take a look around with a view of putting together a release to share with the trade.

The new location gives us better links to rail as it’s just 10 minutes away from the Kings Lynn station with direct rail links to London. It was also welcomed

by UK Mail, our carrier, as it gives better access to the road network. With the increased warehouse space we are able to look at taking on more product lines giving our customers a wider range of photo related products. We also took the opportunity to update our phone system, broadband connection, computer servers

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and hardware. The new offices are open plan which is far more “staff friendly” and allows them to share their department knowledge.

We have also created a new showroom area to support our ever growing demand for ID and Kiosk equipment. Katie, who looks after our extensive range of frames, albums and the ever growing gift and output material, also now has the room to display the full range. She has just finished putting together our brand new Frames & Album catalogue that will be distributed to existing customers from early June. Both Katie and Zygi, who look after our ID and hardware equipment sales, are looking to roll out invitations to potential customers inviting them to Kings Lynn as the journey time is so much better.

Website Focus Another area of the business we are constantly developing is our Swains business to business website. Margaret who looks after development is currently working on adding video content to the site. The daily updates are handled by Bev in Marketing. We are always looking at adding more to the website to aid our customers. If you have any suggestions or requests please feel free to e-mail marketing@swains.co.uk The Team With one of the largest Sales Force teams in the photo industry, we still pride ourselves on sending in a representative to show and share ideas. Our Regional

HQ NEWS VISIT

Sales Managers cover the whole of the UK including the latest member of the team, Thomas McGlaughlin, who covers Northern Ireland. Jason Bugg coordinates and supports the external sales team and looks after communication on many of our camera brands which includes notifying stockists of all SOA’s, cashbacks and any trade-ins which, when claimed, is passed over to Tracey to claim from the manufacturer before raising credits.

We also handle many internal calls through Chloe’s team, which include Jamie on Telesales and Becca and Christa who look after incoming orders and queries.

The reason many people make a call, is to speak to someone so we have resisted implementing an automated service. You will always find someone at Swains to answer your calls during office hours.

We pride ourselves on Customer Service and one of the most difficult areas to handle is returns, generally this department only receives a call when there is a problem. Nick Maiden is our man in the “hot seat” and handles this important part of the business.

In Accounts we have Annette who has been with the company for over 29 years and, I am sad to say, that she has decided to retire at the end of June. We wish Annette all the best for her future, she has been an integral part of Swains for such a

long time and will be missed by us all. There are many more internal personnel that make up the Swains team from Purchase Ledger, led by Kelvin Cairns who joined us last October and his assistant Claire.

Selina in Operations who looks after staff

Luke’s Impression The first thing I noticed was the well designed layout of the office spaces. The big glass panels means that the team can have their own space but not feel secluded and distant. It was clear that there was a very positive and welcoming environment.

There is a very large warehouse space for everything Swains distributes but you kind of forget it’s there when you’re in the office areas. It’s separated very cleverly although there is easy access to all departments via two doors so the team can go in and out easily and efficiently. Swains always have the future in mind and that is evident to see with the extra room they have in the warehouse as they continue to grow at a rapid rate.

“Swains are proud of the service we provide and constantly strive to improve all aspects of our business to meet the requirements of our valued customers.”

welfare and IT systems, our experienced Buying duo, Jason and Amanda and our Warehouse team headed up by Mark Ward and Lee Martin who despatch every parcel with urgency and care.

www.swains.co.uk

Still losing business due to passport photo code Start producing HMPO photo code today with our state of the art biometric photo system - ID Station Pro For more information

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sales@swains.co.uk

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COVER FEATURE

FUJIFILM:

LAUNCHING THE X-T100, THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE X-SERIES FAMILY

Very exciting news this month with Fujifilm’s latest release. The X-Series Mirrorless cameras are a huge success around the world and we have no doubt that the new X-T100 will bolster the brand’s ever growing momentum.

A

s expected, the new X-T100 has Fujifilm’s trademark chic yet retro design. However don’t let the size of the latest X-Series family member fool you. The saying, ‘Big things come in small packages’ has never been truer with this camera and its 24.2 megapixel sensor, teamed with Fujifilm’s signature colour reproduction technology. The X-T100 features advanced automatic scene recognition, a three way tilting touch screen, and outstanding Bluetooth® technology.

Powerful yet portable, it’s the ultimate everyday photographic companion.

We talked to Andreas Georghiades, Marketing Manager of Fujifilm UK to get his thoughts on the latest release.

He said, “We’re very excited to be launching the X-T100. It’s the first camera in our range that truly appeals to the younger generation who are looking to move on from taking pictures on a smartphone while also being very accessible to those looking for something with all the quality Fujifilm is known for without the fuss. The simplicity of transferring images and the screen twisting by 180 degrees means this is perfect for bloggers and vloggers” The X-T100 doesn’t just look like a fantastic camera, it’s also another extremely smart release from Fujifilm.

The iconic brand proves time and time

again just how in tune they are with the photographic industry, how it is evolving and exactly what’s needed. Here, we’ll give you all the information you need on the X-T100, highlighting the key features.

I’m sure you will agree with us that the X-T100 will appeal to a big part of the market, for a plethora of reasons.

HIGHLIGHTS Colours & Design The X-T100 comes in three colourways, including Dark Silver, Black and Champagne Gold. These options are classic and timeless. The design follows that of the popular X-T series from Fujifilm, offering three control dials on the top cover. The retro vibe that Fujifilm is known for fits really well with these colour choices and is very popular with the photographers who enjoy that throwback feel.

Desireable To The Masses The X-T100 has an extremely fast autofocus and variety of automatic functions for ease of use. This makes the camera appropriate for a wide range of users at any stage on their photography journey. The X-T100 features phase detection pixels and a newly developed algorithm, originally developed for

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COVER FEATURE

the flagship X Series models. The Intelligent Hybrid AF system’s fast and precise autofocus ensures that you capture those beautiful photographic moments instantly. Furthermore, the evolved SR+ Auto Mode now combines subject and scene recognition. These automatic functions make the camera approachable and easy to use for anyone.

Versatility The X-T100 is fully compatible with Fujifilm’s iconic and respected X Mount lens lineup. This includes the latest small and light electronic zoom lens, the XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ. As a result, the X-T100 can be used to cover any photographic subject and genre. There are 26 lenses in Fujifilm’s extensive lineup, covering a vast focal range from 15mm to 1200mm (35mm equivalent) including zoom and prime lenses. In combination with the newly introduced three-way tilting LCD monitor, high resolution and high magnification (0.62x) organic EL electronic viewfinder, and powerful battery capable of 430 frames per charge, the X-T100 is versatile, reliable and the ideal companion for executing creativity.

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Bluetooth® technology The X-T100 incorporates new Bluetooth® technology for quick and seamless image transfer. The Bluetooth® low energy technology embodies quick, easy and automatic transfer of still images to paired smartphones and tablet devices, using the free smart-device app, ‘FUJIFILM Camera Remote’.

The seamless transfer function provides constant image transfer even while in shooting mode, so images can be shared and uploaded at a moments’ notice. The camera is also compatible with the FUJIFILM Instax SP-3 printer, so users can enjoy the fun of printing and sharing their images more than ever before.

Artistic Expression The camera offers 11 variations of Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation Modes and 17 variations of Advanced Filters, making adding advanced artistic flair easy with the reproduction of film-like colour tones and artistic expression. In addition, the setting adjustments are quick and easy, with one-step operation possible via the

function dial, exposure compensation dial, and touch-and-flick function on rear LCD monitor. All these features have been designed to boost freedom in photographic expressions.

Pixel Thoughts...

‘Mass Appeal’ is the key phrase for us with the release of the X-T100. Fujifilm have done an incredible job of making this camera desirable to a broad range of users. Bloggers and Social Influencers will love the retro style and ease of use. Enthusiasts and Professionals will love the size and features, either as a main camera for street and travel photography, or as a second body when working big jobs. The success of the X-T100 is already written and we can’t wait to get our hands one very soon.

Partnered in a kit with the XC15-45mm zoom lens, it will be available in late June 2018 with an RRP of £619.00 For more information and the full spec visit: www.fujifilm-x.com

Century Camera Bag Collection

Frame the extraordinary, use the extraordinary.

Outstanding photography has always lived on details professional eyes recognize. What a breathtaking picture never displays is the performance of accessories that make details come alive. But it’s always been there.

Gitzo Camera Bag Collection – the perfect carrying solution: genuine Italian leather, unique carbon fibre design, high-quality, wear-resistant Nylon, functional and distinctive elements. gitzo.co.uk

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10 www.pixel.co.uk ‘Sony’, ‘

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FEATURE

JOBY & GITZO:

24 HOURS IN PARIS

Well, not quite 24, but it does make for a catchy headline! Luke Woodford went to Paris and back in a day to capture images of a derelict mansion for an upcoming project. He needed the right equipment for the job.

I

t was important to travel as light as possible for this mission. After the infamous Italian robbery of 2017, I learned to travel abroad with as less gear as possible to minimise risk and damage if lightning were to strike twice.

I also wanted to make the most of the time between flights with some street photography, so again, minimal gear was key. I took with me a Sony a7riii Camera and ZEISS Loxia 21mm, 35mm and 50mm. I found the bags in my collection either too small or too big. They would ‘do’, but I wanted the best bag I could find for the job. I chose the Gitzo Century Traveller Backpack. It was a great size for what I needed, looks stylish and is designed really well. I love the top compartment; it’s a great space to keep the non-photography bits. The bottom of the bag fit my photography gear really well and it’s extremely well padded.

Each lens I was easily accessible in its own compartment, accessed by the relevant zips on either side of the bag.

To see the design in detail, check it out on www.manfrotto.co.uk.

I needed to do some filming of myself in action for social media. For the reasons stated earlier, I didn’t want to take a second camera, so I decided to use my phone. I’d never used a JOBY product

before, but for this trip it made sense.

My choice was the JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Rig. I didn’t need to use it to its full potential with lots of accessories, but I was already impressed with it in so many ways.

So I left the house at 5:30am to catch the 8am flight from Gatwick. With everything on schedule, I made it to the mansion for 10:30am. The project manager gave me the keys and left me to it. Although I could have spent all day there, it was really important to maximise the time and shoot as much street as possible. For our upcoming Luke & Mandy project we need lots of different variations of the interior. I did a lap of the property shooting wide angle shots with the 21mm and then switched to the 50mm for some closer shots of the decor.

Once I was happy with my initial captures, it was time to set up the GorillaPod. I initially thought I was going to have to set it up like a small tripod

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FEATURE

on the floor, but there happened to be a really convenient pole in the middle of the main room. This actually provided a better opportunity to test the mobile rig. My first thought was ‘Why have I never owned one of these?!’ It wrapped around the pole so effortlessly and was really straightforward to set up. It’s just such a clever product.

I was shooting specifically for Instagram so I wanted to have the phone vertically, which JOBY have made really easy. The way it’s been designed makes it fit easily onto so many everyday objects, which means you can film in practically any environment. It doesn’t get much more testing than a derelict mansion! After I had got everything I needed it was time to hit the streets.

It was a hot day in Paris and I was glad I didn’t bring much gear with me. The Gitzo Century Backpack was extremely comfy.

If you’re experienced with camera bags, you will know that balance is key. Gitzo really have it right and the weight felt very evenly distributed across my back.

Also, as I mentioned earlier, the gear departments are so easily accessible that it meant I could switch lenses really quickly.

After four hours of shooting non-stop in the heart of Paris, I decided it was time to head back to the airport. It was actually the most successful photography trip I’d had in a while. I thought to myself ‘why?’. I was sure it was because I put more thought into the gear I had with me.

Everything I chose either made my life easier or helped me achieve my goal.

In issue 988 you will see what Luke & Mandy do with the images of the derelict mansion. Stay tuned to Pixel.

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OFF THE PRESS

SONY:

‘CAMERA OF THE YEAR’ IN JAPAN The Sony a9 has been named “Camera of the Year” in the prestigious Camera Grand Prix 2018, held by the Camera Journal Press Club (CJPC), a 55-year-old coalition of 10 of the most influential photography and camera publications in Japan.

T

he award honours the best camera products introduced into the market over the previous fiscal year (for the 2018 prize it covers from April 1st, 2017 to March 31, 2018). 53 people involved in the industry (e.g. editors, experts, reporters, photographers) were involved in this year’s selections.

The Sony a9 was selected as the best of all cameras released over the past year, and the camera received high praise from the committee: “It is surely an epoch-making camera, indicating further possibilities of cameras in the future,” CJPC writes, “It has changed the concept of a mirrorless camera, convincing us that some images, both still and moving alike, can be captured only with this camera. Fits for professional use.”

“Many members of the selection committee highly appreciated the innovative quality.”

Other Winners

Nikon - Readers and Editors

Olympus - Lens of the Year

The Nikon D850 DSLR received the Readers Award and Editors Award in this year’s Camera Grand Prix.

“A perfect product as a DSLR with an optical viewfinder and quick-return reflex mirror, deserving to be called a masterpiece in the history of cameras,” CJPC states. “Rather than concentrating on a specific feature, it presents balanced performance as an all-rounder, suitable for various genres and fields, including the press, sports, portraits, railways and landscapes. The meticulously designed operability is another attraction, with which you can shoot smoothly as you like. D850 shows the finest essence of SLRs with most sophisticated functions and usability.

“Any photo lover would admire this model.”

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO lens was named Lens of the Year.

“Realizing both outstanding resolution and high-quality bokeh, this super-fast lens provides the widest angle as of today in the Olympus max F1.2 lens lineup,” CJPC writes. “While the lens angle is handy in use, a moderate depth of field is also available with the maximum F1.2 aperture. The quality and quantity of its bokeh, realized through the company’s technological experiences, is great enough as a full-blown camera, giving a beautifully blurred, feather-like image.

“The lens does deserve any photographer’s trust. […] A finest lens for an utmost depictive quality.”

http://www.cjpc.jp

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OFF THE PRESS

FUJIFILM:

SQ6 - THE FIRST ANALOG SQUARE-FORMAT INSTAX

Fujifilm have announced the new Instax Square SQ6, the world’s first analog square-format Instax camera.

This is a good move for the brand and should be a big hit with Instax fans.

F

ujifilm had previously announced the square-format SQ10 camera in 2017, but that’s a hybrid camera that can create both digital images as well as square-format instant photos.

The new SQ6 does away with digital of things and is purely for shooting analog square-format Instax film.

The SQ6 features a flash system that automatically calculates ambient brightness to adjust shutter speed (from 1.6s to 1/400s) for properly exposing both the subject and the background, even in dim settings.

Orange, purple, and green color filters can be placed over the flash to add a tint to the resulting photos.

Group picture scenarios are covered with a built-in timer as well as a standard tripod mount on the bottom of the camera. This also comes in handy for a scenic selfie. On that note, of course there is the obligatory selfie mode in the camera that also automatically adjusts focus and brightness when you’re trying to capture a shareable instant photo of yourself. A small mirror next

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to the lens helps you position yourself within the frame.

For those who like to get creative, the SQ6 provides three unique modes: a double exposure mode for superimposing two exposures onto a single instant photo, a macro mode for shooting subjects as close as 30cm (~1 foot), and a landscape mode for shooting scenic photos.

Other features and specs of the camera include a 0.4x inverted Galilean viewfinder with a target spot, ± 2/3 EV, an LED display, and power from two CR2 lithium batteries.

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 will be available in Pearl White, Blush Gold, and Graphite Gray starting on May 25, 2018. We look forward to getting our hands on one in due course.

www.instax.co.uk

OFF THE PRESS

LEICA: DISCONTINUING THE M7

It’s the end of an era: Leica has discontinued the M7 film rangefinder, the last numbered M series camera, before the Leica M8 brought the iconic line into the realm of digital photography.

Red Dot Forum reports that Leica has ended production of the M7 in both black and silver. While certain models of the 35mm camera may still be in stock at retailers such as B&H and Adorama, new cameras will no longer be available once current inventories run dry.

The Leica M7 was introduced in 2002 as the successor to the M6. The camera brought auto-exposure in aperture priority mode, allowing photographers to set the aperture on their lens manually while having the camera automatically determine the appropriate shutter speed (using the new film DX encoding support to determine the film’s ISO). And while the shutter was electronically controlled, photographers could still use speeds of 1/60s and 1/125s mechanically even without battery power.

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This full time position will be working 5 days a week including Saturday with a day off in the week, 9:00am - 5:30pm.

However, if you feel that you are able to offer a more senior position within the company we would also be interested to hear from you.

Salary is dependent on experience, and will be in line with the following: No prior photographic retail experience - £13K – 16K Experience in photographic retail - £18K - £19K Experience in a senior position within photographic retail - £21K Please email a cover note and CV to martin@bristolcameras.co.uk

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TESTED

New Pro Light FastTrack 2n1 Sling Bag

Imagine big.

Go light.

Are you fed up with your bag’s shoulder straps getting in the way of your camera strap?

The NEW Pro Light FastTrack combines a sling bag with a camera strap. Quickly take your camera out of its padded compartment, pull and extend the camera strap and you’re ready to capture your image!

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OFF THE PRESS

ZEISS:

SUPREME PRIMES: THE NEW HIGH-END CINEMA LENS FAMILY

The lens specialists are introducing 13 high-speed, full-frame, prime lenses for high-quality film productions. ZEISS is focusing on maximum quality, low weight, and significant versatility when it comes to creating superb visual imagery.

The ZEISS Supreme Prime family of lenses all have fixed focal lenses, ranging between 15 and 200 millimetres. The majority have a maximum aperture of T1.5.

“The lenses are designed for film productions of an extremely high quality,” says Christophe Casenave from ZEISS. “They are perfect for big-budget advertising or feature films, for example.”

ZEISS Supreme Primes are designed to cover cinematic large format camera sensors and are compatible with all of the latest camera models, such as the Sony Venice, ARRI Alexa LF, and RED Monstro.

According to Christophe Casenave, the versatility of the Supreme Prime lenses to create different visual looks is due to the gentle sharpness, the aesthetic focus fall-off and elegant bokeh. The lenses are extremely flexible and can be used equally well for science fiction thrillers or dramas.

Compact and Lightweight “Weighing an average of 1600 grams (3.5 pounds), ZEISS Supreme Primes are significantly lighter and smaller than comparable lenses on the market,” says Casenave. With these compact and lightweight lenses, ZEISS is responding to many camera operators’ desire for

compact equipment that still meets the highest standards of quality. “ZEISS Supreme Primes are unbelievably rugged and reliable. Regardless of whether you are filming in the desert or in the Arctic, the lenses perform flawlessly.”

ZEISS eXtended Technology

Data

Metadata

The ZEISS Supreme Primes are equipped with the ZEISS eXtended Data metadata technology. Introduced in 2017, ZEISS eXtended Data provides frame by frame data on lens vignetting and distortion, in addition to the standard lens metadata provided using Cooke’s technology protocol. This greatly speeds up the entire film production’s workflow. When using visual effects for example, with only a few clicks the lens properties can be removed so that computer-generated effects can be accurately applied to the desired frames. The lens properties can then be reapplied with the same click of a button and combined with the film material to create a realistic image.

Previously, all of the data had to be measured manually so that it could be corrected in post-production. But ZEISS eXtended Data eliminates this timeconsuming job.

Price and Availability The first ZEISS Supreme Primes lenses with focal lengths of 25, 29, 35, 50, and 85 millimetres will be available starting on August 1, 2018. The ZEISS Supreme Prime 100 millimetre will be available in December 2018. The set of six lenses, consisting of the focal lengths mentioned above, is available from ZEISS Cinema lens dealers for 81,000 GBP. The remaining focal lengths will be released successively until 2020. The ZEISS Supreme Primes will be presented to the general public for the first time at the CineGear expo in Los Angeles on June 1, 2018. Expo visitors can test the lenses and speak with ZEISS’s team of experts at the ZEISS booth (New York Street Exhibits 49).

Pixel thoughts...

This new lens family from ZEISS has a clear target in the market. With countless big budget films turning to ZEISS for their lenses, it makes sense to focus on this sector of users. The results of these lenses is yet to be truly tested but we don’t doubt they will exceed expectations. www.zeiss.com/cine/supremeprime

www.pixel.co.uk 17

FUJIFILM:

PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION AT PHOTOKINA 2018

“Shoot.Print.Share @Inspire Printing is what Fujifilm are all about at this years photokina. We are shown once again that engagement and the value of print is at the forefront of the brands minds.

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UJIFILM will have a big presence at photokina 2018 in Cologne, the world’s leading trade fair for photography, video and imaging, this year held from 26th to 29th September.

“Every photo is worth printing” Just like us at Pixel, Fujifilm believe every photo is worth printing. The renowned brand have launched a Europe-wide invitation to all photography enthusiasts on 1st May and running through to 31st July 2018 to upload a photograph to be considered for participation in the exhibition appropriately titled “Shoot.

Print.Share @ Inspire Printing” One of the main goals of photographers As an extra incentive, the first 5,000 submissions will get their image printed complimentary on FUJIFILM Original Photo Paper and mounted on a stylish square FUJIFILM Fujiblox in 20x20cm format and sent to their home address at no cost. We are so excited for the opportunity for the photographic community to be part of an exhibition that we been seen by so many people from around Europe.

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Celebrate the everyday

In focus: an image you can touch

Photographs for the exhibition can be submitted by any photography enthusiast, from amateur to professional photographer – it makes no difference if it was taken on a smartphone or a camera. This allows literally anyone who enjoys taking photographs to enter. Taking the theme “Celebrate the everyday”, the photograph should highlight the value of everyday moments as a worthwhile subject for photography.

“Inspire Printing” started at Europa 2017, with the first exhibition in Dusseldorf, at which photographs taken by Fujifilm employees from around Europe were presented. Through “@ Inspire Printing”, Fujifilm wants to encourage people to think about the different experience they have when handling a photograph and so encourage them to print their own images.

Concept The idea for the European “@ Inspire Printing” exhibition comes within the framework of the now popular “Photo Is” photographic event run by Fujifilm over the past 10 years in Japan. So far, a total of more than 280,000 images have been collected in the context of the project and exhibited in several Japanese cities. Trough the Photo Is/Inspire Printing events, Fujifilm - as the world’s biggest photographic and imaging company aims to increase awareness that it’s not just taking photographs, but also printing images that is part of our photographic heritage.

Pass on the www.inspire-printing.eu link to your customers so they can enter the competition and upload a picture up till July 31st

Celebrate the everyday!

Every photo is worth printing.

Upload your photo and receive a 20 x 20 cm stylish square Fujiblox for free!* inspire-printing.eu Your picture will also be exhibited @ inspire printing exhibition by Fujifilm at photokina, 26.–29. Sept. 2018, in Cologne, Germany. *You can upload your photo until 31 July 2018.

Be quick: only the first 5,000 participants will receive a free Fujiblox, 20 x 20 cm – free shipping included.

Receive a stylish square Fujiblox with your photo for free!*

inspire-printing.eu

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TESTED

TESTED:

MANFROTTO PRO LIGHT FASTTRACK-8 SLING BAG

Pixel’s Antony Meadley tells us in his words about his recent photo trip to Burma with one of Manfrotto’s latest bag releases.

I

had a month long trip planned to Burma (Myanmar) and needed a compact sling bag to carry my camera gear and valuables, whilst the rest of my belongings were in a large rucksack.

It didn’t make any sense to carry two backpacks with the extreme heat and extensive travelling I knew was ahead of me, so an over the shoulder sling bag seemed like the best design.

I saw that Manfrotto had just released the Pro Light Fasttrack-8 Sling Bag. It seemed to be the best match for my requirements, especially with its builtin camera strap which I thought would come in really handy in situations where I needed to shoot quickly and efficiently.

When the bag arrived, it looked as impressive in real life as it did in photos.

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It’s marketed as a bag for CSC Mirrorless cameras. In my mind, it would make sense to make it slightly bigger so it comfortably fits DSLRs so more people could use it but I also understand the power of marketing it to the popular mirrorless demographic.

As I’m sure you have all seen, the bag is very stylish and made of robust ripstop nylon fabric which is tough whilst also being lightweight. The bag only weighs 730g. The toughness and weight of the Pro Light Fasttrack I thought would be key factors in this trip, and they certainly were!

There are plenty of zipped pouches for storing things. I had my passport, credit cards, Kindle, sun cream, memory cards, spare batteries, USB battery pack

all securely stored. And there are also two side pouches for holding small water bottles, essential when walking in the heat.

On the long plane journey, it was easy to slip the bag under the seat in front, and then access it whenever I needed to get to my passport or Kindle or headphones and even neck pillow, instead of having to use the overhead locker and disturbing people.

The padding is very reassuring. One of my main destinations was Bagan. I was often climbing up the steep sides of the pagodas in order to get a good viewpoint for the famous sunsets and sunrises over the hundreds of abandoned temples.

In Yangon I climbed up to the top of a rollercoaster that was completely lost in time, needing both hands free to hold onto whatever I could find for stability. In

TESTED

both cases, the sling bag allowed me to do so without any worry for my precious gear inside. This allowed me to just worry about the photography and the heat!

I did not realise that it would be the annual Thingyan Water Festival at the time I visited Burma. This festival is essentially one massive 4 day water-fight throughout the country. I was constantly getting sprayed with water from hoses and having buckets full of water poured over me. At first I panicked, but then I found that the bag had prevented any moisture getting through to damage my gear. A very extreme test that I wasn’t even planning for the bag and it passed with flying colours.

Walking around, it was quick and easy to get my camera out. For quick shots I

would just use the camera and then put it straight back in the bag for protection.

However when I needed to keep using the camera, it was easy to attach it to the built-in strap with its lockable clips. These felt very secure and I was more than happy to trust them with my camera when leaning out of trains or hanging over cliffs! As the strap is part of the bag, there was never a problem of it getting tangled, and the design allows an easy, snag-free movement from its waist-height hanging position, to eyelevel for taking photos.

The bag comes with 2 removable padded dividers to go inside the main part of the case. I removed them for greater space, but they would be perfect for keeping two lenses safe.

There are also some useful little security features in the design of the bag: the puller on the zips can be threaded through a loop, which makes it much harder for a casual thief to open them.

I had many trials and tribulations on this adventure and the Manfrotto Pro Light Fasttrack-8 survived all of them. I knew very near the beginning that I had made the right choice of bag to take with me and I wasn’t wrong. I wholeheartedly recommend it for any photographer who wants to travel fairly light and wants to shoot efficiently without any worries.

You can purchase the Manfrotto Pro Light Fastrack-8 Sling Bag at: www.manfrotto.co.uk

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Pixel Magazine is published under lisence from Pixel Publications Ltd.

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