BPI News Dec14/Jan 15 by British Photographic Industry News (BPI News)

OPEN NOW FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TRADE WISHES & NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

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DEC 2014/JAN 2015 • £3

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BPI News

EDITORIAL

Dec 2014/Jan 2015

Making the most of all opportunities CONTENTS

ith any luck you’ll all be too busy taking orders and selling goods in the busiest sales season of the year to peruse this issue quickly, so we’re giving you twice as long as usual to read it. The next BPI News print edition will be out at the end of January. Should you however pause to breathe and flick through this issue on your coffee break we trust you’ll find something of worth and interest. For instance, as part of our festive bonhomie we’ve invited a selection of those in the industry to share their Christmas wishes and New Year’s resolutions on page 30. Anyone feeling left out is invited to email me at gavin@bpinews.co.uk and we’ll include your own trade-related resolution in our first edition of 2015. So how has 2014 been for you? In terms of the camera market we’ve seen the action shift to the high end, with premium models putting clear water between smartphone and tablet photographers and photography enthusiasts, which can only be a good thing in terms of selling the advantages of a ‘proper’ camera. Shooting video on stills cameras has also seen a steady rise, with a degree of buzz around 4K resolution and plentiful new video accessories to piggyback on sales. While margins remain tight on cameras, bags, tripods, albums, frames and minilab prints have all continued to provide the promise of better profit, with new distributors entering the market all the time. I hope you’ll agree we’ve tried to highlight potential opportunities on these pages over the past year, and we’ll continue to do so for the next, kicking off with news of whatever the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has to offer come the start of January. A big thank you also for your kind words about BPI News, on-going support and the sponsorship of trade partners these past 12 months. As we don’t have newsstand sales of any description, we couldn’t produce the magazine without such support. I think we all agree an industry without a trade publication to unify, debate and cajole would be a poorer one as a result. Happy Christmas and here’s to big, exciting news in 2015!

Gavin Stoker, Editor

NEWS

Sony unveils the A7 Mark II, Canon’s 100-400mm zoom reaches stores, Fujifilm and Panasonic have fresh firmware for ‘X’ series and GH4 cameras respectively, more Kenro albums suggested as potential Xmas gifts, ‘Impossible’ deals for the trade from Swains, Tetenal pushes analogue prints, plus Wex is tops with Which? PHOTOXPORT GETS GREEN LIGHT FROM NORITSU 11 Distributor PhotoXport has taken responsibility for the Noritsu brand in the UK and promises an ‘aggressive’ push to re-establish the brand as the ‘go to’ name in minilabs. It has trade deals available on a trio of new green striped models, including both silver halide and dry lab solutions.

OLYMPUS RACES AHEAD 16 The photo stalwart’s recent marketing strategy is focusing on getting cameras and lenses in hands as a way to sell, as BPI News witnessed over two days of special events – a mock wedding at the Savoy and a day at Cheltenham Racecourse to introduce its new 40-150mm ‘Pro’ lens to trade and press GRAY’S COAT OF MANY COLOURS 26 How did Gray Levett, owner of Nikon-only specialist Grays of Westminster, manage to get his own prestigious Coat of Arms for the business, and will this result in rival camera stores attempting to achieve the same? BPI News puts these questions to the man himself in an extended Talk of the Trade CHRISTMAS WISHES & NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS 30 As a bit of fun to conclude our December and January special issue, we’ve asked distinguished faces in the photo trade to give us their own Christmas wish to pass on to Santa, and then to look forward to 2015 and deliver a New Year’s resolution that will improve both their lot and ours in the months to come COVER: NOT JUST HOT AIR: Until Jan 31st, customers buying a 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM wide angle lens from Sigma can also claim a free EF-610 DG ST flash worth £169.99. See page 23 for more. Cover shot: Paul Monaghan, via Sigma COPY DUE DATE FOR FEBRUARY 2015 BPI NEWS IS TUES, JANUARY 20TH…. ISSUE POSTED OUT END OF JAN. GET THE NEW YEAR OFF TO A GREAT START BY GETTING YOUR PRODUCTS IN FRONT OF THE TRADE!

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 Tetenal’s compo a black & white issue

Going’s firm for Panasonic

Fuji delivers customers a special ‘X’-mas http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/fw_table.html FUJIFILM has been busy in the run up to Christmas, unwrapping extension tubes and new firmware for its top tier ‘X’ series cameras. Available from mid December are two macro extension tubes: 11mm (MCEX-11) and 16mm (MCEX-16). Both costing £69.99 SRP, these are inserted betwixt the XF lens and ‘X’ series camera body to increase the distance between the lens elements and sensor, thus enabling users to focus on objects that much closer to the camera. Electronic contacts allow the use of AF and AE functions. With the XT-1 and newer XT-1 Graphite Silver Edition perhaps appealing more to a professional user, Fuji is running with the idea by introducing HS-V5 for Windows Ver 1.0 software claimed to enable PC tethered shooting – with a USB 2.0 cable required to connect the camera. The software also features a Hyper Utility 3 image browser for categorizing and organising images. In addition, available from December 18th is a more general firmware upgrade in Version 3.00 for the XT-1 camera/s. This is designed to enhance operability and functions in delivering a

European Black & White Classics Award

PITCHED as a ‘hybrid’ camera from the outset, the Panasonic GH4 appears to have become particularly popular www.since1847.tetenal.com among those shooting video, for both its smaller form factor and its ability AS ONE of the world’s oldest photo capture 4K resolution footage. Now tographic companies, Tetenal is a new firmware Ver 2.1 upgrade has launching a Europe-wide black and been announced, aimed at improving white analogue photographic commatters for those using the range-toppetition. “Analogue photography is ping CSC for video production purposstill very much alive and kicking and es. This software update promises to finding a new audience with the likes allow time code and a recording control of Lomography and film projects by signal to be embedded into the HDMI Ferrania and Impossible,” reasons output signal, when the camera is beTetenal’s Marketing Manager Craig Bird. ing used in conjunction with Atomos His company is seeking the European products. In addition both Full HD at B&W Analogue Photographer of the 30p/25p or at 60p/50p is now selectable Year. Entries must be submitted as an to output via HDMI. There is also a Ver analogue B&W print in portrait, report1.1 upgrade available for Panasonic’s age/lifestyle, architecture, landscape DMW-YAGH Interface Unit that supand wildlife categories. Prizes include ports these GH4 functional upgrades. a trip for two to Hamburg (location of panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/ Tetenal’s European HQ), hand made We originally featured the Panasonic silver halide photo books and vouchers DMC-CM1 camera-cum-smartphone for Tetenal Darkroom products. (right) in our Photokina report. At the “It started as an out of office chat time there were no plans to bring it to about how few photographic compethe UK, but the manufacturer has antitions seemed to celebrate the tradinounced there will be a limited market tional photography of the darkroom,” trial across stores including Wilkinson continues Craig. “We decided to try to Cameras Liverpool and Park Cameras fill that gap”. Burgess Hill, as well as Jessops Oxford www.since1847.tetenal.com Street, the Harrods branch of Dixons plus Dixons Travel at Heathrow Terminal 5. “We’re really excited by the innovation the CM1 brings and that we are offering something new to the UK camera market,” says Barney Sykes, Head of Imaging, Panasonic UK. “We are looking forward to the feedback from both our retail partners and the consumer.” A mainstream launch will be Complimentary 12 month national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72 ‘reviewed’ if the trial proves successful. Complimentary 12 month national trust www.panasonic.co.uk

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21/08/2013 13:54

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DANNY from distributor Swains has been in touch with a swag bag of goodies, starting with Polaroid or rather Impossible instant film to fit the Polaroid 600, SX70 Image and Spectra models. Or try a free USB 3.0 card reader worth £26.99 with every 300GB worth of Lexar cards (T&C’s apply) – or even a to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes quality camera under £100 in places the Sony Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72.zoom and lithium W800, with 5xnewoptical ion battery. According to Danny it could sell for as little as £79.99. Call 01485 536200 or sales@swains.co.uk www.swains.co.uk

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THE CONSUMER champion’s latest survey – based on feedback from 10,000 of its readers – has placed Wex Photographic ahead of John Lewis and Amazon when it comes to its customers’ online shopping experience. The only matter on which the retailer won less than the very highest marks was for pricing – but, even so, it still gained four stars for that. As you’d imagine from a survey based on online shopping, Wex’s website came in for particular praise from the Which readership, with positive feedback including the fact that “the website is easy to use with good detailed information and competitive prices,” and that Wex is seen to be “helpful and efficient.” Chief Customer Officer of Wex Photographic, Louis Wahl, adds: “I am very proud that we have been recognised by Which? members as the best online shop. All of our colleagues see that delighting our customers is the most important part of their job. Making the extra effort to help people achieve more from their photography is Lumix National Trust POS what makes Wex stand out amongst other camera retailers.” Wex currently has a blog and YouTube channel in addition to its website, which offers Description • Complimentary National over 16,000 photography related items. Trust Membership www.wexphotographic.com Campaign POS

Gripping stuff for action cams

Jessops’ threepronged Xmas pitch STAYING competitive, the revitalised chain has added three new services this Christmas, including a trade-in option that allows photographers to find out instantly onlineA3 Poster or in store how much their old camera is worth, with the ability to save up to £1,000 trading old for new. It has also added a rental service for those wanting a specialist lens for a job or wanting to try out the best cameras on the market, plus, thirdly, there is the ability for customers to have their camera sensor cleaned by a Jessops expert. www.jessops.com

swift electronic shutter with a maximum speed of 1/32000 sec, while the shutter sound can be muted if so desired. It also provides the original XT-1 with the newer Classic Chrome Film Simulation mode, among 20 other subtle tweaks and enhancements. Finally, the same December date sees updated firmware also available for the Fujifilm X-E2 (Ver 3.00), X-Pro1 (Ver 3.40) and X-E1 (Ver 2.40). This likewise adds Classic Chrome Film Simulation mode, enhances wireless functionality and, when using the AF+AF function, allows fine adjustment to be made with the manual focus ring after half pressing the shutter to auto focus. Direct customers to the URL link at the top. www.fujifilm.co.uk

Wex voted Which? best online retailer

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It’s a genuine X-tension tube!

HERE’S A new Joby product from distributor DayMen International that sucks, albeit in a good way. Originally announced at Photokina and flagged up in our previous issue, the Joby Action Series Suction Cups have now arrived in the UK. These Wobblercome complete with locking arm or Gorillapod arm and are being pitched as perfect companions for action cameras, compacts or smartphones – the latter in conjunction with the GripTight mount. SRP with the locking arm is £33, while the Gorillapod version is £25. DayMen can Hang Tag be contacted on 01902 864646. www.daymen.co.uk

Photo Gifts

50% MARGIN

Albums & Frames

65% MARGIN *

Prints

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Canvas & Posters

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60% MARGIN

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YOU GET:

YOU WANT:

YOU NEED:

For more information please call

01234 572138

and speak to Peter Wigington or email pwigington@fuji.co.uk BPI News | December 2014/January 2015

*Gross margins shown are an average across all FDIS stores and will vary depending on selling price. These figures are shown as a guide only and do not represent a guarantee of gross margin, profit or loss by Fujifilm UK Ltd.

NEWS

SHOW DIARY

New Kenro albums are potential Xmas gifts

International CES, Las Vegas, January 6th-9th

KENRO SAYS has completed its autumn album release schedule with the unveiling of its new ‘design-led’ albums. “These latest ranges are ideal for retailers to stock in the run up to Christmas,” believes MD Paul Kench. The new book-bound Sonata Celebration Memo has a white fine textured finish and 70x70mm frame on the cover, while the new Flower series features either a Sunflower (right) or Violet Gerbera. Such art-printed covers are exclusive to Kenro. The Candy range comes in blue or pink stripes and also features a 70x70mm cover inset frame. New Tundra albums have embossed, lightly padded traditional pattern cover in red or dark grey with a 50x50mm frame. All these albums feature a memo writing area next to each picture, with a capacity of 200 6x4 photos. The Festival Series Scrapbooks have green or pink fun patterned covers with a 75x60mm frame. These post-bound albums lay flat for viewing and come complete with 20 8x8-inch art-printed pages. Call 01793 615836 to place an order or to request a copy of Kenro’s latest catalogue. www.kenro.co.uk

THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW has absorbed the once standalone PMA exhibition in recent years and seen an increased number of photographic announcements. Noted players in both photography and consumer electronics delivering keynotes this year include Panasonic, Sony and Samsung. Additional exhibitors include BenQ, Black Rapid, Canon USA, DayMen, Eye-Fi, Fujifilm North America, HewlettPackard, Kodak Pixpro Cameras, Manfrotto Distribution, Ricoh Imaging, SanDisk, Think Tank Photo, Tiffen and Tokina. The Digital Imaging Marketing Association (DIMA) also has a two-day conference January 4th and 5th, at Bally’s Las Vegas before CES proper starts. It promises to be the place to pick up tips and tricks regarding new trends in the photo industry to grow your business in 2015. Finally, the Digital Imaging/Photography Conference – formerly PMA@CES – will take place January 6-9th, 2015 during the 2015 CES at the Las Vegas Convention Centre (LVCC), South Hall, which is the hub for all things photo at CES. Topics covered will include retail strategy for the photo industry and digital imaging trends and technology. www.cesweb.org and www.pmai.org

The Societies Convention, January 14th-18th AS FEATURED on a full page of our November issue, the Trade Show part of this takes place Friday 16th to Sunday 18th of January at the Hilton London Metropole hotel, Edgware Road, with the Convention with its myriad master classes starting earlier on Wednesday 14th. With the organizers having promised exhibitors that its membership arrives willing to spend, trade visitors are free to enter as long as you register online before December 31st this year. Meanwhile the lady late exhibitors need to speak with is Sam Scott-Smith on 01279 815575. The annual Societies Awards Dinner is a great occasion for those in the industry to mingle on the Saturday evening, as is the welcome drinks party on the Thursday. www.swpp.co.uk/convention

DirekTek invites dealers to ride shotgun THE DISTRIBUTOR is inviting the trade to take stock of a classic shotgun microphone, the latest addition to its Proper accessories range, easily mounted on the camera’s vacant hotshoe enabling ‘broadcast quality’ audio. Up to 100 hours of use is provided via a 9v battery and a 3/8” thread is provided for attachment to boom pole or stand. Accessories include a foam windshield mount and wind sock, with trade price £35, but suggested retail price £69.99, making for an impressive margin. As ever, get in touch on 01494 471100 or email sales@direktek.co.uk

The Spring Fair, NEC, Birmingham, February 1st-5th ALTHOUGH not strictly a photographic event – it’s billed as the UK’s largest home and gift fair – BPI News regulars including Kenro and Nedis swear by the effectiveness of these seasonal events at the NEC for bringing in new custom. The next one takes place at the beginning of February 2015 and promises ‘positive and upbeat’ energy for those attending and exhibiting. As with the SWPP show above you can apply for a free ticket online and, as well as showcasing new products that could potentially keep you ahead of the game, the fair itself affords the opportunity to keep up with the latest trends and retail advice. www.springfair.com

Christmas comes but once a year

And all of us as consumers will be in buying mode pre-Christmas for presents, and then again from Boxing Day for sales season bargains. So make sure you and your staff strategically plan to take full advantage of that extra footfall past your door ...and the increased online traffic via searches and visits to your website. Window posters with top 10 gift suggestions, products of the week and money saving bundles are all great sales drivers to piggyback on the manufacturers’ mass market TV and newspaper campaigns. Likewise be up and running for the January sales from Dec 27. Why not check with your suppliers now to see if they have any end-of-line products that you can sell to achieve good margins. Let’s all make the most of the key six week sales period. Complimentary 12 month national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72 Share your festive retail with us. Send news and views to publisher Clive BPI DecJan.pdf 1 experience 20/11/2014 14:36 Insley via info@bpinews.co.uk ornational call 07713 Complimentary 12 month trust622304.

The Photography Show, March 21st-24th

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FOLLOWING the success of 2014’s inaugural event filing the vacant Focus on Imaging spring slot, Future Publishing’s replacement The Photography Show is back in a bigger space than last time at Birmingham’s NEC. It is now closer to the train station and also at a later point in the calendar month: 21st to 24th March (Saturday through to Tuesday, inclusive). With over 30,000 visitors attending this year, 2015 sees 150 confirmed exhibitors including Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Leica, Camera World and LCE due to be displaying their wares, along with product and creative demonstrations from Lumix POS exhibitors andNational visitingTrust photographers alike, all acting as a further draw to the public. Late exhibitor bookings can be made for this by getting in touch with: Description • Complimentary National richard.macey@futurenet.com or dialing 020 7042 4284. Trust Membership www.photographyshow.com Campaign POS

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NEWS EXTRA

Celebrating old Saint Nik(on) Nikon has added to its Christmas cashback offers announced last issue and extended them with a ‘gripping deal’ – plus there’s a new TV, print and online media campaign rolling out to inspire the next generation, as BPI News discovers

s Nikon dealers will be aware, those customers buying either the body or kit versions of the D7100 or D610 will receive a free battery grip (an MB-D15 or MB-D14 unit respectively) in an offer that runs until February 4th, 2015. All claims must be received by February 28th (inclusive) to qualify, with a maximum claim of one unit per person. Nikon UK’s Group Product Manager for Consumer DSLR, Simon Iddon, is excited about the deal’s potential for increased sales: “Our new battery grip offer is a great reason for photography enthusiasts to seriously think about upgrading their kit. Packed with high performance features, the award-winning Nikon D7100 and D610 models are perfect for photographers looking to take their skills to the next level and with the added benefit of the free battery grip; they will never have to worry about running out of power at that crucial moment out in the field.” Head to www.nikon.co.uk/promotions for more details and T&C’s.

FttREREYEGRIp

From /02/2015 014 - 04 30/10/2

Nikon’s Simon Iddon

I AM A GRIPPING DEAL FREE BattERy GRip FoR youR NikoN D7100 oR NikoN D610

Purchase a Nikon D7100 (Body or kit) and claim a free MB-D15 battery grip.

Purchase a Nikon D610 (Body or Kit) and claim a free MB-D14 battery grip

For more information please visit www.nikon.co.uk/promotions or www.nikon.ie/promotions For 2 year warranty on any camera and lens kit simply register your new Nikon within 30 days of purchase. offer applies to uk & Republic of ireland stock only. For uk call 0800 597 8472 or visit www.nikon.co.uk/register. For Roi call +44 (0) 800 597 8472 or visit www.nikon.ie/register.

Nikon’s A3 point of sale display poster for the D7100 and D610 offers

Inspiring the next generation of photographers At the same time this promotion was launched, the photo stalwart also announced a new ‘I am different’ marketing campaign, aimed at inspiring photographers to explore the world of photography through their own individual perspective, it claims. The first phase of this new promotional push took the form of a TV commercial rolled out across Europe from early November and featuring Hawaii based photographer Clark Little who takes pictures

Choice of two free grips – similar but not the same! Above, MB-D15 fits the D7100 only and is worth £229; below, MB-D14 fits the D610 – a £199 value and also compatible with the D600 for customers adding a new body to their kit

from the middle of breaking waves. The second series of ads features photographer Andrius Alexsandravicius, described as ‘up and coming’ by the brand. Further support comes from print ads, cinema and online advertising. Direct your customers to a new digital ‘hub’ in support of the campaign at www.europe-nikon. com/iamdifferent where visitors can find a mini documentary, behind the scenes footage and photographer interview/s. “From teenagers getting to grips with Instagram right through to professional DSLR users, photographers of all levels have aspirations of standing out from the crowd with their unique work,” believes Yasmin Hartson, Advertising and Media Manager, Nikon Europe. “With this new campaign, we are guiding these individuals into quality photography by helping them take that next step and discover their unique photography niche. Our integrated marketing campaign will achieve this by tapping into the fact that so many people are enjoying taking so many pictures – whether on their smartphone or on a camera – and we’re there for them when they are ready to take the next step into quality photography. Our vision is to keep Nikon imaging technology at the heart of the image, and that means engaging more photographers at all levels more effectively and with more passion than ever before.” www.nikon.co.uk

Direct your customers to a new digital marketing ‘hub’ at www.europe-nikon.com/iamdifferent BPI News | December 2014/January 2015 7

RETRA PROMOTION

Partnership retra membership – your first New Consultants

Year’s resolution

We’ve been singing the praises of being part of a trade body with clout – electrical retailer organisation retra – for the past six months. So isn’t it time you started the new year as you mean to go on, enjoying multiple business boosting benefits from £21.50 per month? retra Partnership Consultants

trength in numbers is the chief pitch of any trade body looking to recruit members and electrical retailer organisation retra is no exception: but ❍ This is not about photographic retailers getting involved in the electrical industry. As an organisation, retra provides a ‘voice’ with a here’s one with real clout that strength your business wouldn’t possess if acting as a lone wolf is capable of both keeping ❍ There isn’t, arguably, a similar body in the photo trade with the same its members informed on retra are served by our experienced Partnership Consultants, strength of connections and the ability to make the same sort of noise the nitty gritty of changes Mark and Ian are well versed in introducing new members and waves at government level in law and business best to all the benefits the Association provide. a anew KWretailer and ❍ That said, Once there are lot of parallels between the electrical practice, plus getting results member is approved, a major benefitthe they provide isretailer to – and in challenging times, knowledge and photographic at government level, thanks sector can benefit the other to an experienced hand at act as a liaison between the memberadvice and from retraone Head ❍ Speak to retra’s dedicated Business Consultants IV covering both the the helm in the shape of retra Office. They will also act as a liaison with our north and south of the UK for first hand advice on business matters; CEO Bryan Lovewell. Bryan sits on the board of the British Retail businessWestminster partners, toregarding ensure membersforare awarechanges of, to the way financial transactions are handled AB example, – Consortium (BRC), recently found lobbying and obtain the best discounted dealsincluding available. e-commerce solutions and the ability for your customer to revision of business rates. KW

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‘sign’ for a payment via tablet and speed up the timePHit takes for funds DD PA to reach your bank Dundee If a member is utilising retra’s Service Plans, youraccount. PA Perth PA ❍ retra has very good connections regarding business insurance, credit consultant will be available to provide staff training, and FKStirling KY Kirkcaldy But let’s cut to the chase and break down the benefits for you cards, finance, and extended warranties – withGreenock members being able EDINBURGH G advice on sales and marketing. Similarly if a member is further – revealing how forming a partnership with retra by PA Glasgow to take advantage of preferential rates they wouldn’t be offered as a East EH Kilbride calling 01234 269110 can benefit your photographic business… Irvine taking advantage of retra’s preferential consumer finance standalone business. This means that the cost of retra membership is Kilmarnock KA ML TD Ayr quickly repaid many times over! KA offering, they will provide staff training, not only on how ❍ retra’s close connections extend to the likes of the white goods to process the application, but on how best to Morpeth DG Tyne and Wear trade body AMDEA and the British Safety Council. Collectively retra Carlisle Newcastle introduce and advertise the facility. represents a massive amount of retailers DH Durham CA ❍ Extended warranties are available for you to sell to customers and DL offering, divided Northallerton Training is always arranged to suitenjoy a sizeable profit on via retra’s very own ‘retracare’ IM LA between retracare Protect andBTretracare Protect+. As a retailer, you YO HG Lancaster you our member, both face to BD • FREE business and legal advice York decide what mark up you want to enjoy when selling the product toBB LS PR B face and remote. • Extended service plans with attractive profit margins your customers WF OL Wakefield BL HD DN Merseyside Lto the ❍ As a member you will also enjoy the advantage of an invitation MANCHESTER M WA • Great credit card processing rates Sheffield Liverpool S Lin SK Your Consultant will also be annual retra conference with its gala dinner and invaluable networking Chester CH • Competitive consumer finance rates via CW opportunities with big name manufacturers and fellow members of the Derby responsible for organising NG Nottingham DE Barclays Partner Finance retail trade Regional Trade Shows, and ❍ Also offered throughout the calendar year are trade fairs, lunch LL • EXCLUSIVE Electracare Insurance commercial at the will be for in attendance and supper events plus networking opportunities at aLL variety of ST property, vans & public liability Stafford local Centre meetings. geographical locations to suit all TF Shrewsbury WS Ian MacDonald SY Leicester Rutlan ❍ Membership can therefore benefit your business on any number of WV LE • Subsidised training Birmingham DY m: 07860 431792 B different levels, so don’t pass up this opportunity! CV Warwick In addition, retra organise NN Northampton

10 top reasons to sign up with retra

DON’T MISS OUT! retra membership benefits

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distributors to join as Associate Members advantage of. at just over £50 pm as an entry route to market their products or services through another sales channel.

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• Industry events such as the annual retra Conference Golf Days throughout • FREE members magazine and e-news bulletins the country and will • EXCLUSIVE access to the retra members website communicate all these • For only £21.50 per month events to members for • Not just for retailers… it also manufacturers and full youpaysto take

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Associatio 9EY Retailers’ 1 Ampthill Street, Bedford MK42 ra.co.uk St John’s Terrace, 269609 Email : retra@ret retra House, Fax : 01234 company. Company No 374327 Tel : 01234 269110 Kingdom registered A United

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The po Contact electrical 269110 4 retailer organisation ‘retra’ to discuss your membership NOW on 01234 www.retra.co.uk 8 December 2014/January 2015 | BPI News

NEWS EXTRA

Canon urges trade to watch the ‘tele’

s those in the know will be aware, the photo giant is rolling out stock of its new EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM super telephoto lens (right) to the trade this month. The second-generation optic features a dust and water resistant build with a range of upgrades to ‘improve image quality and usability’, according to the brand. These include a completely re-designed 21 element optical structure and image stabilization providing the equivalent of four stops, while ‘zoom torque’ can be adjusted via a dedicated Zoom Touch Adjustment ring. Described as compact and lightweight for its class, the 100-400mm mark ‘II’ can also be locked at a desired focal length while a tripod collar is now builtin. SRP is £1,999.99. In related news the EOS 7D Mark II DSLR has also recently landed in the UK, on the back of what has been claimed as the highest number of pre-orders for a DSLR in Canon UK’s history. To celebrate, selected lenses from the brand have been put on cashbacks, promising a saving of up to £250 when bought with the body. This maximum discount is to be had on the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM, with the offering ending February 3rd. www.canon.co.uk/lenscashback

Deer delights for winter nights In the run up to Christmas Canon has revealed phase two of its current ‘Come and see’ ad campaign, originally teased back at Photokina in September. The latest promotional materials feature wild deer wandering through suburban streets, to provide both a seasonal flavour to the ads and maintain the air of intrigue that would inspire customers to want to find out more; something phase one of the campaign – burly blokes getting rough with one another – provided. In conjunction with Come and See, Canon’s winter cashback offers (above) – announced just

Stock of a new super telephoto lens hits shelves this month, cash back offers look to swell sales, plus a deer-lightful Christmas ad up to

£80

are also included in the cashback deal, which ends on January 21st, 2015. Marketing Manager Tracey Fielden adds: “For the latest part of the Come and See campaign we’re telling the story of urban deer roaming the streets of Essex. We’ve had a fantastic response to the campaign so far and had positive feedback on our cashback offer from our retailers. We’re hoping the campaign inspires retailers and end users alike. However, the Come and See campaign is only the start of the journey for Canon. It is about inspiring and educating photographers rather than just converting sales. We are putting the customer at the heart of our activity as we are encouraging people to share the stories behind their images.” www.canon.co.uk

CashbaCk on seleCted produCts*

FIND SOMETHING SPECIAL THIS CHRISTMAS This winter, let Canon help you capture your most memorable stories with cashback offers and FREE accessories on selected products*. Step into DSLR photography and let your creativity grow with the Canon EOS 700D. From shooting in low light or from a distance, with over 70 lenses in the range you can capture all the beautiful and unpredictable stories you find. Whether it’s a present for someone or you’re treating yourself, Canon has something special for everyone.

Search: Canon winter cashback * Offer subject to full Terms and Conditions – see canon.co.uk/wintercashback Available on selected European products purchased between 29.10.2014 and 21.01.2015 from UK retailers.

a day after our last issue went to press – are also now in full swing. Encouraging your customers to find something special this Christmas, they can bag up to £80 upon redemption for select products, including the EOS 6D, 70D, 700D, 100D and 1200D digital SLRs, 12 compatible lenses plus three Speedlites. A pair of Legria camcorders (the Mini and G30) and three printers (MG6650, MG7550 and iP8750)

Xmas cashbacks: £250 on select lenses with 7D Mark II , plus…

up to £80 across the range BPI News | December 2014/January 2015 9

NEWS EXTRA

Sony back in frame as winter cashback bites C

oinciding nicely with our combined Christmas issue, the electronics giant has delivered a double whammy of sales opportunity to the trade this December/January. There’s not only its on-going winter cash back deals (more on which below), but also the brand new A7 Mark II product announcement, with January availability promised. Seemingly every new camera has to have a ‘world’s first…’ tag attached to some aspect of its spec, and the second-generation interchangeable lens compact is no exception. This claim is that this is the one and only full frame camera with optical 5-axis image stabilization the equivalent of 4.5 stops, specially designed to work in tandem with its larger sensor to help avoid blurred imagery in conditions that might have in the past required a tripod, it suggests. The A7 II also features a 24.3 effective megapixel maximum resolution and wide AF coverage thanks to a 117-point phase detection AF sensor working in combination with 25-point contrast detection AF. Overall, auto focus response is claimed to be 30% faster than the previous generation models, with 1.5x their tracking ability, with subject tracking continuing even during up to 5fps continuous How do I cla im shooting. my cashback ? Sim ply go to ww ima Further features w.sony.co.uk/ to entice custom imagingcashb gingcashback ack or www.s and fill out the ony.ie/ claim form by 25th January Youinclude will also need Bionz X processor, with 2015. to include the purchase. You UK serial num ber and your ’ll find full inst proof of ructions on the high contrast 2.36 million dot OLED web add ress above. Finding your mod el viewfinder, recording in code and video serial numbe r The model cod XAVC-S format e and the serias well as AVCHD, al packaging. It number can is important you use the corr be found on the product so please ask and the ect numbers a member on your claim staff to help and time is you 40% faster them.a start up of if you are unsure where to find than previous iteration, while Yourthe data Person the camera al informationis both Wi-Fi and NFC which you sup Europe Limited ply will be pro , and its third cessed by Son par service administering y providebe this promotion ty enabled. can thus further r for the purposes of . If you this informationFeatures agree, we wo to advise of offe uld also like to which may be rs and supply use of interest to pro duc ts and service you from (So Sony Group com via Sony’s expanded PlayMemories s ny Europe Ltd panies worldw ) and other ide. On your reques t applications. to Sony Europe software Pricing was still that we hold Lim ited your personal will be provide information d, corrected, required by law amended or ). deleted (as officially If you have any ‘TBC’ for the A7 II as we went questions reg information, arding our use please email of your person us at: privacy Son toypress. al Customer Hel @eu.sony.co pline on m or

As its winter cashback offensive gets into full swing, Sony unleashes the 2nd generation of its increasingly popular A7 full frame CSC The new Sony A7 Mark II with sensor camera series… stabilisation

Having begun mid October, the festive period deal was due to end on January 25th 2015 at the time of writing. Your customers need to head to www.sony.co.uk/imagingcashback to fill out the form and include the product serial number as proof of purchase. The maximum £200 cashback is available upon purchase of a DSC RX1/R Cyber-shot, while there is £50 back on the A6000, RX10 and RX100 Mark II, plus £40 on the original RX100. The £200 cash back can also be applied for by those customers of yours who purchase a 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II lens or PZ 28-135mm f/4 G OSS. www.sony.co.uk

The A7II also has a redesigned body with the shutter release placed forward and a different type of front control wheel

Look for Sony’s cashback offers

abc

up to

£200/€250

The A7 II gives stabilised shooting with A-mount lenses on the LA-EA4 adaptor

cashback*

0845 600 012 call the 4. CHILDREN UN DER GUARDIAN CON THE AGE OF 14 MUST OB TAIN PARENT SENT BEFOR AL OR E PROVIDING ANY PERSON For more info AL DATA. rmation on Son visit: http://w y’s privacy sta ww.sony.co. tement, uk/pages/priv statement_en acy/Privacy_ _GB.html

Cash-in with cash backs

In case anyone in the trade wasn’t already aware, the manufacturer is offering up to £200 cash back across 14 models in its Alpha, Cyber-shot and Handycam camera ranges, in addition to 21 lenses and 12 accessories, including an F60 flash and full frame A mount adaptor to give just two examples.

‘Sony’, ‘Cyber-shot ’, ‘Handycam’ All other logos and their logos and trademarks are registered are the property trademarks or trademarks of of their respective Sony Corporation owners. .

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25th January

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the most

beautiful Christmas ever...

Lenses with maximum cashback include the 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II

Christmas crackers from Sony: up to £200 cash back across 14 Alpha, Cyber-shot and Handycam models 10/6/2014 9:51: 16 AM

10 December 2014/January 2015 | BPI News

BPI News | December 2014/January 2015 11

BPI NEWS PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

Photographic Samsung NX1 British

Industry

news

e’ve featured this flagship CSC in news a couple of times since it was first announced at Photokina back in September, not least because it came as a value added pre-order deal with 16-50mm lens and bag for a ‘body only’ £1299, all-in. But now we have it in our hands, accompanied by a sizeable pro-feel 50-150mm OIS zoom to show Samsung means business in pitching the NX1 as a 4K video shooting semi pro proposition, and it feels like, well, a bit of a beast. The whole CSC pitch was built on smaller bodies but near DSLR image quality. Here however with lens attached the 28 megapixel

APS-C sensor incorporating CSC is surely encroaching on DSLR territory. And, since Samsung doesn’t actually produce DSLRs, this is the closest thing it has to taking on Canon and Nikon, though in truth the closer competition is probably the likes of the Panasonic GH4. There are currently 16 compatible NX lenses in the range, but as a means of getting things up and running the 50-150mm f/2.8 is the very definition of jack-of-all-trades, particularly if candid portraiture in natural light is your customers’ thing. Even with relatively large lens attached, the equally large grip on the NX1 stops things from feeling too front heavy, handling wise, though obviously two handed support is needed when you bring the camera up to eye or chest level to shoot. For the latter, there is the handy provision of tilting 3-inch rear AMOLED display screen that, like all Samsung screens, makes colours really ‘zing’ and convinces you that what you’re shooting is great, while you’re out shooting it. This truly feels like the camera that all previous NX products were building towards. Time will tell whether

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the audience it finds is more videographer or stills shooter, but there is the argument that with the Panasonic GH4like ability to extract 8 megapixel stills from 4K video footage, what we have here is a best of both worlds for the photographer who isn’t constricted by one form of media, or one medium via which to disseminate their message.

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NEWS EXTRA

See the (Roto)light with Digital Distribution

ED lights are increasingly big business, both for the photographer and videographer, with Rotolight one of the more distinguished brands in its field when it comes to high quality portable lighting to satisfy both markets. There is plentiful opportunity here for the photo specialist retailer to widen his or her customer base, especially with Rotolight now available via Digital Distribution Ltd as part of a new partnership deal. Rotolight believes that retailers need to be at the forefront of what it terms a ‘consumer revolution’ for photo and video, and therefore exploit the potential of the expanding LED market. The family-run company has long been producing award-winning lighting kits from its home at Britain’s famed Pinewood Studios, with the multi-award Rotolight RL48 and accessories representing, it believes, the pinnacle of its innovation. “This is an exciting new venture for both Rotolight and Digital Distribution,” says UK Sales Manager Chris Eady. ”It will enable us to increase our market share and most importantly give retailers the opportunity to sell advanced LED lighting to a wider market. Digital Distribution has come on board just as we have announced seasonal price repositioning. We believe this will ensure a high demand from consumers.” Available now from Digital Distribution as an alternative to standard flash the Rotolight RL48 ring light runs on three AA batteries and fits most DSLRs, CSCs and video cameras according to the brand. As well as RL48 kits the distributor will also be stocking a range of accessories including mounting studs, clamps and articulating arms, which it adds are “highly popular”.

The distributor and lighting manufacturer have signed an exciting deal to pitch LED products to the specialist photographic trade. BPI News finds out more…

Rotolight’s team at Pinewood, above – award-winning British design, exceptional standards of production and packaging, and all backed by stylish and high professional media with location shoot videos from top creative crews. Below, RL48 ring light kit.

LED lighting systems, we expect to witness a great deal of interest. “We are currently at the early stages of cameras capable of 4K UHD video recording, a sector that is looking to offer the largest growth for cameras in 2015. The Rotolight Sound & Light kit taps perfectly into this channel and, after the card and case, looks to be the most obvious accessory required. “ We are always looking for quality products to add to our range and it is even more motivating when the product is British made like Rotolight. “ Our sales staff are currently receiving training on the full Rotolight range of lighting and accessories and will have product to demonstrate to our customers on their next visit. But in the meantime give me a call direct for information.” Speak to Ron now on 01442 230022, email sales@ddltd.co.uk or head to www.ddltd.co.uk. You can read up further on Rotolight products, including how the RL48 ringlight is the perfect complement to Samsung’s latest 4K shooting NX1 compact system camera to give just one example, at: www.rotolight.com

Distributing opportunity to the trade Ron Deprez, Sales Director of Digital Distribution, is equally enthused about the new tie-up, adding that: “We are delighted to be taking over the distribution of Rotolight products at such an exciting time. With the realignment of Rotolight kit pricing and growing demand for

Discover how selling the Rotolight RL48 ring light can boost your business. Email sales@ddltd.co.uk BPI News | December 2014/January 2015 13

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

Hama stands firm

With tripods a big seller this time of year, Hama’s Product Manager Tristram Reed fills us in on the brand’s big sellers that every specialist retailer worth their salt should be looking to stock…

or those who prefer to stay upright, steady and focused at this festive time of year, Hama’s comprehensive tripod range is surely a top sales suggestion. Good sellers here, according to Product Manager Tristram Reed, are the Star 61/62/63, Star 75 and Star 42 series (main photo): “These are good quality lightweight starter tripods, suitable for people who don’t want to carry heavier tripods around, or are no longer able to,” he notes. The next step up is the Delta Pro 160 (shown in black) and 180 series of tripods, which boasts a wide range of flexible features and different heads to suit the differing kinds of use the customer is looking for. According to Tristram, the Delta Pro 180’s are particularly liked by taller photographers as they can be used without having to stoop down. The Delta Pro 180 2D has a head that is suited to shooting video, but is also appreciated by birders and astronomers for use with their spotting scopes and astronomical binoculars. Finally, something appreciated by a lot of walking enthusiasts is the Alpenpod – an anti-shock walking stick, below, with a built-in 2D monopod head.

Great gift ideas – tripods like the Delta Pro 160, right, and Star range (group photo) can be matched to the DCC wired, wireless or trigger trapped release system.

A wireless gadget your customers will connect with

The Hama recommendations don’t end there, however. In fact its DCC System is just the kind of gadget that photo enthusiasts like to receive at Christmas. This is a system that allows remote release of camera shutters either by traditional wire (as above), 2.4GHz wireless (range up to 150m), infrared beam trigger (below, in shot of boar) or intervalometer. The system works as a two-part arrangement with the four choices of base unit type, connected via a cable tailored to suit the camera your customer uses. There are connection cables to suit most Nikon, Canon, Sony/Konica Minolta, Panasonic and Olympus

“It is worth noting that all Hama tripods come with a head fitted to the legs so that they can be used straight out of the box, meaning no disappointments on Christmas day,” Tristram adds. “A word of caution for 2015 is that we expect tripod demand to exceed supply…”

cameras. The system also includes five metre extension cables that can be hooked in to the circuit, if your photographer customers need to be that bit further away from the camera when they operate it. “This is a great tool to have and it’s significantly cheaper than the camera manufacturers’ own equipment,” reckons Hama’s Tristram Reed. “I find the intervalometer very useful for astrophotography as it means that I can program it to take the shots I want, then sit in the warm instead of being out in the freezing cold at night!”

A smart choice for Christmas viewing

Other popular accessories include Hama’s recently introduced Smart Viewer, which is designed to provide a complete shade to fit

over the screen of compact, bridge, CSC and DSLR cameras, so that photographers can see the screen well enough to compose images in bright conditions. It secures to the camera using a strong adhesive strip that is removable and won’t leave a mark. “The hood can be clipped on and off the frame as desired,” confirms Tristram. “It is excellent for composing stills or shooting video. It collapses down for transport but pops up quickly for use. Most importantly the focus can be adjusted to suit your eyesight. I’ve used one to good effect on my Canon G15.” Still looking for a good stocking filler suggestion to pass on to your customers? Then direct them to cleaning products including the LensPen Classic from Hama. “I’d also recommend the LensPen Micro Pro II for smaller or more difficult to get at lenses such as those found on smartphone cameras, DSLR viewfinders, binocular, spotter, or astronomical eyepieces. Perhaps a surprisingly good seller in this category is our Air Duster, which is great for blowing dust out of all sorts of places.” All Hama products come with good margins, so just speak to your regional sales manager for more information and reap the reward during the biggest sales season of the year.

All Hama UK products boast great dealer margins. Call 0333 123 4262, email enquiries@hama.co.uk, or visit uk.hama.com 14 December 2014/January 2015 | BPI News

Reduced to Perfection

NEW M .Z 40-150 UIKO DIGITA PRO G mm 1: RADE 2.8 PR L ED OPTIC S. EVE O RYDAY PORTA

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Perfectly sized, feature-packed: the flagship OLYMPUS OM-D gives you more freedom to take all the shots you want, with all the image quality you expect. When it comes to size, this compact system camera leaves D-SLRs in the shade with a perfectly-dimensioned design and a portable weight. This superiority extends to imaging excellence and performance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; enhanced with the newest sensor and image processer generation including DUAL FAST AF using both Contrast AF and On-chip Phase Detection AF. And the OM-D E-M1 offers fantastic versatility â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with over 65 different Micro Four Thirds and Four Thirds lenses at your disposal. Find out more at your local dealer or visit olympus.co.uk/E-M1

BPI News | December 2014/January 2015 15

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

Olympus 40-150mm Pro telephoto is first T

here are many in the trade who like a bit of a flutter, as a day at the races with Olympus provided last month. There was also, ostensibly, the opportunity to touch and try the latest generation M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro lens. The new optic was described as a ‘thoroughbred’ by the Olympus team, during a packed afternoon of racing that saw attending dealers and journalists ‘jockeying’ for the ideal position from which to capture a winning shot. Fully compatible with the brand’s Micro Four Thirds cameras, the new lens was previously shown at Photokina back in September. The obvious advantage for your own customers is that, when twinned with Olympus OM-D and PEN cameras, the telephoto zoom provides the 35mm equivalent focal length of double what’s printed on the barrel: so 80300mm. It’s also much smaller, more compact and more lightweight than an equivalent 35mm optic would be – another major factor in its favour. At Cheltenham Racecourse the lens quickly proved to be one product for which, should a photographer harbour any doubts at all about performance, they wouldn’t ‘furlong’.

A champion on any turf On hand to lend some tips and tricks, plus share his experience of the lens used in conjunction with the OM-D camera series, was the brand’s principal ambassador Damian McGillicuddy. Better known perhaps for shooting a different kind of ‘filly’, the photographer was keen to prove his versatility by introducing a male model at this portrait session – though his process remained constant. Shooting on an OM-D E-M1 equipped with the new 40-150mm optic, “the longer the lens, the shorter the nose,” Damian explained by way of highlighting the advantages of using such a telephoto zoom for people pictures. “It’s about making people more handsome. So I wonder how I’d look if everyone viewed me through a 40-150mm? That might be something for me to try out for the future! “My make-up artist has used an air brush this morning,” he added. “That’s

A mock wedding at the Savoy and a trade day at Cheltenham Races provided the first official UK unveilings of the new Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro telephoto zoom. BPI News was at both events to report back on how the brand is targeting public and retailers alike

because, when we’ve shot pictures with this lens in a studio previously, it is so sharp that if we were to just use make up sponges and brushes, our subject’s complexion would resemble the surface of the moon, no matter how beautiful they are. So we’ve really tried to cheat today and airbrush over blemishes, so we can see just how good this lens is.”

Confidently backing a winner “My brief from Olympus is ‘considered not complex’,” Damian McGillicuddy confided to BPI News, speaking of his ambassadorial role. “I want to be able to achieve what I’m doing with a minimum of expenditure and a minimum of fuss. I like shooting off the rear screen on the OM-D because it gives me a nostalgic reminder of Hasselblad cameras. The other reason is that, if I were to use the eye-level viewfinder instead and shoot looking down on the subject and wasn’t prepared to kneel, then the longer focal length of the 40-150mm would

make the model look short due to its compression and perspective. Models don’t want to look worse than what they actually are; they want to be polished and cossetted and loved by the camera a little bit, so that they look cool.” Proving that the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro is as suitable for outdoor use as indoors, the day’s action then moved out onto the racecourse, with elbows pressed up against crash barriers as hooves leapt over hurdles and thundered past mere metres away.

With lightning fast AF provided when affixed to the latest Olympus OM-D models, the lens’ handy ‘push and pull’ mechanism – whereby the photographer can swap between manual or auto focus at will, further came in handy in picking out subjects amid busy crowd scenes. In all, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40150mm f/2.8 Pro claims to provide photographers of any discipline with a wealth of choice when it comes to how they compose their shots and fill a frame. No wonder at Cheltenham it proved to be the bookie’s favourite.

For more on the Olympus range including the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro zoom see www.olympus.co.uk 16 December 2014/January 2015 | BPI News

past the post The 40-150mm f/2.8 is equivalent to an 80-300mm f/2.8 full frame lens and was a great success at photokina – the first of its kind

A marriage made in heaven? WITH Olympus continuing its mission to encourage sales by getting cameras in hands, London’s swanky Savoy Hotel was the venue for another exclusive day of photographers enjoying one-on-one time with the OM-D E-M1 and E-PL7, not to mention a plethora of lenses – including the 40-150mm once again. There was also the opportunity for Olympus to push the range-topping FL-600R on-camera flash for use when shooting interiors. Hosting the ‘mock wedding’ day and aided by a quartet of Olympus product specialists was a new Olympus brand ambassador, wedding photographer John Nassari, a recent convert to the OM-D E-M1 having spent years as a Canon user. John enthused about the fresh opportunity the OM-D series provides pro wedding photographers, who made up the majority of the day’s attendees (and potential customers). No longer did he have to carry two back-breaking DSLR bodies, leaving him physically unable to function at the end of a busy shoot: an OM-D, a collection of seven lenses and a flash all fit in one, small, comfortable rucksack. Like fellow pro photographers, John’s first question on inspecting the OM-D was “is it going to be good enough for what I need?” After trialling the camera with the aid of Olympus and retailer CameraWorld, he soon came to realise that: “there was nothing negative about mirrorless. “For a ‘little’ camera, the detail is remarkable. The OM-D deals with the images differently to a £5,000 camera, but I feel it’s an equal. The in-body five axis stabilisation and the use of smaller lenses gives you the equivalent of about 5 stops, which is why in low light the E-M1 is fantastic.

And whatever lens you put on it, the body stabilises it, which is a brilliant idea. If the lens ever does ‘hunt’ in low light situations, then I switch to manual focus, which I have the ability to do.” John sums up by saying that he was very excited when he shot his first wedding with the OM-D, despite some initial anxiety that his client might look at this smaller camera and think ‘that can’t be what he’s using to produce the images on his website’. “But, instead, the reaction was ‘so what?’ In their minds clients don’t care what I use because they believe that they’re going to get what I’ve sold them. They’re confident that I can achieve what I want with the OM-D – and I’m confident too!”

Savoy day, above: left, Claire Voyle of Olympus and photographer John Vassari.

Promotional offers now As we wrote last month, the manufacturer also has several deals running until the New Year to further encourage sales. Its offer has two parts: your customers can claim a free camera grip worth £189.99 upon purchase of the OM-D E-M1, with an additional £150 cash back if they purchase selected M.Zuiko lenses. The Olympus promo, which runs until January 9th, 2015, is backed by adverts in the photo press to drive custom to dealers (right). There are also some multiple lens, money saving boxed kits available, which are going out through independent dealers. An OM-D E-M5 Travel Kit includes a 12-50mm, 45mm and a 40-150mm lens for a value-added SRP of £999.99. The second option for your customers to snap up is an all-black E-M10 Double Zoom Kit with EZ 14-42mm & 40-150mm II R lenses for £799.99. www.olympus.co.uk/promotions

GET A GRIP! This dust, splash and freeze-proof power battery holder has been exclusively developed for the use with the Olympus OM-D E-M1. The HLD-7 extends usage time and allows for more flexibility in shooting portraits with an additional shutter button. It’s also equipped with 2 control dials and 2 function buttons.

+ £150 LENS CASHBACK! Developed specifically for OM-D and PEN cameras – M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses offer a great range of compact, lightweight, solid and professional lenses in a super-compact design: Choose from the largest range of Micro Four Thirds lenses and claim £150 cashback when you purchase any lens over £199 from the same reseller as the E-M1 within 30-days of original purchase.

M.Zuiko 12mm 1:2.9 Digital ED. image courtesy of Eugene Palomado

GET A GRIP + £150 LENS CASHBACK! Claim a bonus grip* worth £189.99 with the award-winning Olympus OM-D E-M1 & get a further £150 cashback when you purchase selected additional M.Zuiko lenses.

Scan qr code to find out more olympus.co.uk/promotions

*On redemption when you purchase any E-M1 body or kit. Additional lens purchase must be from same reseller as the E-M1 purchase with 30-days. Offer valid until 09/01/15. While stocks last. See overleaf or visit olympus.co.uk/promotions for further details and full terms and conditions.

To keep abreast of the hands-on promotional sessions conducted via Image Space, head to: olympus-imagespace.co.uk BPI News | December 2014/January 2015 17

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

All you want for Christmas… T

here are several notable advantages to doing business with Nedis UK. It thinks outside the box in terms of offering the trade high margin products that can sit comfortably alongside the purely photographic, plus there are thousands of items to choose from, kept in stock at its Netherlands warehouse. In addition, thanks to the promise of a fast order turnaround and delivery time, its products can be ordered little and often, negating the risk for the retailer and saving on storage space into the bargain. With this in mind we button holed Key Accounts Manager Alastair Wilson, and asked him to play Santa by delivering us his ‘top 10’ Nedis products for selling Christmas 2014 and into New Year 2015.

Looking for some last minute, high margin ‘stocking fillers’? With thousands of items available and a fast delivery guaranteed, Nedis UK’s Key Accounts Manager Alastair Wilson outlines why his company is fully equipped to deliver the trade a cracking Christmas Selling on SRP and the most popular due to its

Well-packaged and fully featured tripods everyone can afford

Bestsellers by the sack-load Not surprisingly, in terms of photo items it’s regular stuff that does the best for Nedis’ customers at this time of year. A case in point is Alastair’s first recommendation to the trade, the Camlink TP2500 tripod. This is described as a “high specification low-cost tripod that sells really well at Christmas time. It’s £34.99 SRP but we offer it to the dealers at a tenner, enabling them to sell it for £24.99. In the marketplace there’s not much to compete with this type of product at that price. “ Nedis UK has also got a new carbon fibre version in the TPCARB2500, “which we’re pushing hard. It’s our new traveller style foursection tripod, which at its price point of £99.99 is unique to us. There’s nobody else who has got anything like that for that sort of money. Dealers pay half that price, so it’s very profitable.” Having just exhibited at the Wilkinson Cameras Digital Splash event when we spoke, Alastair notes that LED lighting proved particularly popular with show attendees. “We do two panel lights, a ring light, plus a small LED light that is useful for any camera primarily with a hotshoe, especially when using it for video recording in the winter months.” These CL-LED video lamps are also all Camlink branded and there are two models of panel lights available, the 256 and 320, the latter at £189

The TPCARB2500 is the best priced carbon fibre model in its class

LED lights are not just for video photography! The Camlink CloseUp Flash is an LED macro light for both stills and video, emitting a higher intensity light burst synchronised to the camera

variable power output and variable colour temperature. “The LED panels are supplied with a Sony video camera battery that will give you a day’s worth of running time with the lamp on permanently, so they’re very power efficient and portable for any photographer or video maker wanting to shoot outdoors without access to electricity. You can take these panels out anywhere and mount on a tripod stand, such as our CL-LS10 Spigot light stand, giving dealers the option of selling this solution as a bundle. “Another advantage is that the LED lights run cool, so it’s not like having a 500 watt bulb burning and melting everything in sight. In fact we had great interest in them at the Wilkinson show – it was blockbusting-ly busy as David Parkinson always arranges a really good show. We ended up selling six panel light kits during the course of the exhibition.” A Konig mini studio kit is the fifth Nedis Christmas recommendation, comprising two lamps and a tripod stand that allows users to set up a miniature studio in their kitchen; in order to professionally shoot small items for sale on eBay for example. Here there are again a couple of choices: a 40x40

eBay, Etsy or Amazon made easy with the Konig studio kits

Mini Studio kit and 60x60cm Maxi Studio Kit. “But the one that sells well at this time of year is the Studio Kit 10 that enables you to set up on a table at home and pack it all away into its case when you’ve finished using it. SRP is £39.99, with the dealer again paying half that.” Camlink’s film scanner meets a perennial demand to digitise family photos

A further sales recommendation is the Camlink CL-FS20 film and transparency scanner for converting analogue to digital, which retails at £79.99. And with Action Cameras still being big business, Nedis can offer the Danish Denver camera range. “These are basically for those customers of yours who can’t afford a Go Pro because their budget doesn’t go to £200. Instead they can buy this one for £79.99. They’re attractively packaged and boxed and we’ve done well selling them into the trade.

Call the Nedis team now on 0116 253 0325 to place your orders for all, or any, of the above profit boosting products… 18 December 2014/January 2015 | BPI News

PROMOTIONS

Camlink hits the press for the big sales season NEW

2015 MODELS

NOW AVAILAB Now, thanks to LE Camlink’s light weight bag an much pleasur d tripod range, e in travelling as in arriving! you can take as the new Caml Before you ch ink CL-CB40 sli eck in, check ou ng bag and TP t Carbon Fibre 2500 tripod

CB40 Sling Bag only £55

The in-vogue DAB ‘+’ retro style radio SRP £69.99

Thinking outside the box “Between the Sweex and Konig ranges we offer a whole host of Bluetooth speakers and headphones; Sweex is very big in Europe in computer peripherals and has just been acquired by Nedis.”

‘With top flight specifications and build qualit at £99.95 an y both the Caml d the Camlink CB40 Sling Ba ink Carbon Fib g at £55 really re 2500 Tripo d are a Gift !’ – BPI News, Oct 14

The Nedis advantage

• Thousands of stock lines at your beck and call • Not just typical ‘camera store’ items but plentiful related products too Swift delivery from a central warehouse, either direct to you or you end customer Order little and often – no minimum order size High profit margins for the retailer across the Nedis range See catalogue (sent with the last edition of BPI News) for more – call us for more copies! Winter Catalogue 2014 Contact Nedis’ sales office on 0116 253 0325 NOW to re-stock fast!

The Camlink TP Carbon Fibre 2500 is a new four-se ction carbon fibr e tripod complete with a removable bal l and socket head. The hea d (right) featur es a quick-release sys tem plus an in-b uilt spirit level to ensure horizon s column is revers are straight. The centre ible and splittab le, enabling a four-stage high/l ow feature to get the camera positioned low to the ground for artistic landscapes or macro photog raphy. Specifications Maximum height 140cm, closed 39cm Weight only 1.2 56kg Max. Loa d Weight 6kg Supplied with sty lish padded car rying case – really compac t and lightweigh t for travelling and to carry out on location.

• • • •

Special Offer

IN ADDITION, Nedis UK has long been beating the drum that photo retailers need to ‘think outside the box’ in order to survive today’s challenging market. This means stocking product lines that aren’t purely photographic, but sell comfortably alongside – including Konig retro style DAB radios for example, along with Bluetooth Sweex connectivity products. “Between the Sweex and Konig ranges we offer a whole host of Bluetooth speakers and headphones,” Alastair Wilson adds. “Sweex is very big in Europe in computer peripherals and has just been acquired by Nedis.” Connectivity between mobile devices is obviously big business also, and Nedis’ solution here is a licensed Apple and Android compatible allin-one cable, with a choice of dealers stocking the premium Bandridge version or its Valueline alternative, which Alastair says appeals the most to regular photo stores. “There’s a good market for these connectivity items for those for people who either lose their phone connector, or want one connector to do both jobs,” Alastair reasons.

Check out our full range of affordable high specification bags and tripo ds before you trav el

www.nedis.co.uk info@nedis.co.uk +44 (0)116 253 0325

Valid 10-10 till 31-12-2014

NEDIS GROUP: The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, United Kingdom, Denmark, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Macao, Hong Kong, Taiwan misprinting reserved

Rock Buddy: Flying off the shelves with a £19.99 SRP

The Camlink CLCB40 is a 33x20x12. 5cm bag, constructed sling from material that’s com waterproof, with pletely mo resistant zippers isture , and lots of pockets for stor offers secure bod age. It y-facing opening. With pad innards, the bag ded includes a rain also cov a side pocket, sever, en dividable foam protective interior pockets , one accessible fron easily t pocket and high visibility interior with foam padded dividers.

T C P Fibr arbon e trip 2500 od £99 only .95

CAMLINK bag s and tripods are available fro video specialist m your local dig – ita or call distributo visit www.camlink.photo/e n_us/where-to l photo and rs Nedis UK on -buy 0116 253 03 25 camlink-a4-v2.indd

NEDIS UK’s new Camlink £99 SRP CL-TPCARB2500 tripod and the Camlink £55 SRP sling bag CB40 are being promoted through an aggressive back-up advertising campaign (above). Highly positive reviews are also appearing in photo enthusiast magazines – ƒ2 Freelance Photographer tests the Carbon Fibre 2500 tripod in full CAMLINK CLdetail in their Jan/Feb edition TPCARB2500 out December 10th comparing C it with models costing 5x more... with mini-tests also in Amateur Photographer and Digital Camera Magazine out imminently. Act now to get on the online Camlink stockists list… tell your staff especially about these two products, so they are ready for enquiries. Get these products up on your website now ! 13/10/2014

16:55

amlink, as a brand , will be known by anyon e who dabbled in video back in the days of VHS-C a removable lower and Video-8. end cap with Somewhere in the studio there’s bag hook can be removed to a box which does allow reverse fitting what the name . In this positio says, and links n, the video camera is suspen ded below the to recorders, blendi cameras tripod apex. The ng signals ball and socket for editing. Today head included those videois not the most electronic roots basic, as it has are not forgot a pan rotation ten, but you’ll find base the brand on camer with separate locking screw. a bags and tripod It’s all light alloy excep s. t the top with Because of the The Camlink leg its 42mm pyramid way the gauges from 16mm camera plate, Netherland-based to 25mm enable both of which are a warehouse and a solid feel despite strong plastic. UK distribution light weight. The The ball stalk is thread office work, mail end cap with bag ed and keyed order is made or weight hook from to very simple, low accept any replac the centre column ement cost and fast for camer (top right) unscrews a plate you might retailers wheth to allow er want to fit as an on-line or physic the column to be upgra al shops. Price de, and the tripod reversed, has always been the column for use as shown has a 3/8” screw main selling point here which can equall of Camlink produ with a macro rig y well accept any cts. Although just other standard that has not chang above ground ed, the specifi head. It proved cation well up to lockin and quality has level. g and holding a been heavy bellows by new CNC engine transformed macro and DSLR ering and combination in advanced mater the underslung ials. position. While it’s possib At only 1082g ly , plus a fair few lowest-cost carbon not the grammes for the fibre travel very well made tripod you will find with a zip case, 805g of the total is tripod Google search , the Camlink and 277g head. The ball is 35mm CL-TPCARB2500 in diameter, fairly may be the large and giving cheapest you’ll a firm lock. The see in High Street operat stores, at under ing knobs are solid alloy for the £100. Like nearly main control and all today’s carbon solid plastic for -fibre travel the pan, withou tripods, it owes t any rubber sleeve much to the Gitzo s to work loose Traveller. The legs or split. Overa hinge through ll, the Camlink 180° at the should is both smooth in er, so that operation and with the centre firm at least when column alread y new. The hinges extended the feet sit beside have hex key tighte the camera head for ning to allow for wear. a neat minimum length package. Criticisms may be limited to the Moved round angle of the legs they have two for ‘flat with legs click-stopped An alternative for positions for legs spread’ use, which low-level shots is almost exactl is to spread the splayed flat or legs horizontally, tripod in regular tripod y flat meaning the though the lock ground or floor formation, and position means flat which is not dead must almost be also fold with ideal for slightly flat. In contrast uneven ground feet down and similar designs the (most head top as a Gitzo Traveller allow a few degree has a few degree convenient way s of angle). s of angle on its to carry the tripod flat setting, so when a few inches the shoulder unit of length ends up an inch doesn’t matte off r. Instead of using the ground, and it can cope with a custom release uneven surfac like Gitzo, Camlin es much better k follow the norma . l spring-loaded As for rigidity and freedom push pin metho from vibration, d found in entry the Camlink at level travel tripod £99 seems a fair match s. In some ways for it’s easier to use at over £500. Someh the Gitzo single handed, with a thumb ow its four and finger pinch sections transla te into only 30mm action releasing longer folded the leg to be than a five-section moved by the hand gripping Gitzo (24mm, 20mm,16mm, it. The legs use the 12mm and very slim slightl familiar twist-lock collar y wobbly 8mm) and save between the four 100g on the tripod cylindrical sectio unit while the ns (16mm, 19mm final difference , 22mm and 25mm in height is about diameter). 14cm. The Camlin Where a Gitzo The Camlink ball k collar will release is chunkier, with and socket head its the leg with the quick release is a good solid produc ball head preven slightest twist, t, but its Gitzo type ting a tight these require a top plate means collapsed state, half turn at least the tripod is limited but if you don’t and sometimes to how well it folds. extend the 8mm need a couple Unlike Gitzo, who ultra-thin final of twists to be povide what looks leg free. You can still section of a Gitzo like a throw-away the use the techni Camlin k is flimsy sleeve for que of unlocking taller. very expensive tripods or locking all four Camlink include , sections in one Verdict: you could a well-made zip action, and collap pay two to case. five times the sing them with price for a carbon a fast progressive fibre travel tripod twist starting with and if you the bottom sectio don’t put your n. gear through an The centre colum extend n ed uses torture the test same type of friction will probably travel the Camlink collar, and with you for just as long. 42 January/Febr uary 2015 ƒ2 Á See: www.nedis.co .uk

Remember you can get orders shipped direct by Nedis to the customer if required to make a firm sale. UK MD Arvind Patel (left) makes the point that there are good margins – from around 35% to 50% – to be had by photo retailers on all Camlink products.

…or visit www.nedis.co.uk for more details

Enjoy up to 50% margin on Camlink items BPI News | December 2014/January 2015 19

20 December 2014/January 2015 | BPI News

MINI LAB NEWS

PhotoXport gets ‘green’ light from Noritsu

he big news this month is that Noritsu mini labs have a new UK, Ireland and Iceland distributor: Leicestershire based PhotoXport Global Limited, Noritsu’s partner is promoting the union with the message ‘green is here to say’ – referring both to the green strip adorning the latest gear, and also the fact that the brand is very much back in business with environmentally friendly systems. PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse tells us his firm is on very good terms with Noritsu’s prior distributor Colour Confidence, who have been ‘instrumental’ in ensuring a smooth handover with the supply of inks and paper for the existing drylabs running in the UK market. “We believe this is a bold step that will strengthen our position in the photographic retail market, and to assist with this endeavour we are currently offering promotional prices,” Derek explains. “It’s a win-win situation for both our companies, helping us get the Noritsu brand back in the UK and Ireland markets,” adds Noritsu President Michio Fujimoto. The two companies formalised their arrangement at Photokina in Cologne. PhotoXport, who previously had a relationship with a subsidiary of Noritsu Japan, will now be rolling out the very latest models to the trade, with three labs spearheading the charge. Derek tells us that his company will be taking “an aggressive stance” and re-instating Noritsu to where he feels the brand belongs in the UK and Irish markets.

Deals of the month For those interested in replacing or upgrading their silver halide minilab solution there is the next generation Noritsu QSS-3801G lab, which offers the advantage of what’s claimed to be probably the highest possible photographic Agx quality at 640x640 dpi. It’s being pitched as offering value added services, a more efficient workflow and lower overall print costs. Furthermore peace of mind is offered thanks to the Noristu warranty. Now available at “a lower cost than you think” according to Derek, there is also a part exchange

Leicestershire based PhotoXport is the new UK distributor for Noritsu mini labs. With promotional trade deals promised to get the brand back in the headlines, BPI News speaks to PhotoXport’s MD Derek Fieldhouse to find out more…

At PhotoXport HQ, above, from left: UK Sales Business Development Manager, PhotoXport, Richard Avery; International Sales Manager, Noritsu, Katsuhiko Higashi; and UK MD, PhotoXport, Derek Fieldhouse. Noritsu QSS Green (above) and 3801G systems (right) can be configured to suit all levels of daily demand

program offered. “The two dry systems mentioned below are the ones currently selling the most in Europe, but I feel there is a lot of untapped potential for the QSS-3801G as there are a lot of people out there with ageing Noritsu wet systems who won’t go dry. The real selling point is that it’s permanent HD – producing prints at 640x640 dpi. Retailers can therefore enjoy the edge by saying they offer ‘HD’ prints, and without any slowdown in output, thanks to its completely new laser system.” Alternatively there are two dry lab options. The Noritsu QSS Green II joins the existing QSS Green minilab, released earlier this year. The former is described as offering ‘top notch’ quality, and possessing all the features of the popular D1005HR, with expanded sheet paper support. See the promo video at: http://youtu.be/OkaCBaF9eaU The Noritsu QSS Green minilab is equally as innovative, affording duplex printing on different surfaces from different paper manufacturers – a unique proposition – affording the ability to produce photobooks. Pitched as the ‘de-facto standard’ model, the QSS Green supports a 69.2-inch paper advance and the ability to change the height of the print stage at will. See its video at: http://youtu.be/0BPCnR5Zpvo “Noristu products are superb,” Derek Fieldhouse enthuses, “the engineering is first class and we’re attuned to the new market conditions by concentrating on a core range of models. We’re offering a innovative three-year package for peace of mind with a preferential price on the machine. Veritek, who also work with Boots, Asda and Sainsburys, do all our installations. They know Noritsu and are just about the biggest name in support. “The dry labs in the green line up are fantastic pieces of kit too. The Green II is a proper industrial machine, built for a hammering and to produce millions of prints. It’s got the industrial build of a wet lab, with a dry lab engine. That’s exceptional. We’ve sold Noritsu machines that have produced many million prints, that are still running as well as the day they were made!” www.PhotoXport.com

For trade deals, get in touch with MD Derek Fieldhouse or UK Sales Manager Richard Avery on 0116 2675907 BPI News | December 2014/January 2015 21

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22 December 2014/January 2015 | BPI News

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BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

Fairytale flash deal & gold for Sigma Never one to let the grass grow under its feet the lens and camera stalwart has kicked off a new promotional campaign that allows your customers to grab a free EF-610 DG ST flash upon purchase of a 10-20mm f/4-5.6 lens. Plus it has a new award for the trophy cabinet!

espite the suggestion given by the promotional images, this is no fairy story; for a time-limited period, if your customers buy a 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM wide angle variable aperture lens from Sigma they can also claim an EF-610 DG ST flash worth £169.99 totally gratis upon redemption. This campaign started on the 24th of November and was due to run until January 31st 2015 at the time of writing. Naturally T&C’s apply and the offer only applies to genuine Sigma UK stock, not grey imports. “It’s important for your APS-C DSLR owning customers to have a good quality wide angle lens in their kit bag,” reckons Sigma UK General Manager Graham Armitage. “And now there’s never been a better opportunity to invest in one. Not only is our own offering very affordable as well as stunning in performance – there’s also the chance to get a free flashgun at the same time. No, you don’t have to blink and rub your eyes: this is no fairytale, it’s real!” There are a wide variety of compatible mounts with this lens, so therefore plenty of opportunities to pitch it at Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Sony and Pentax owners. The lens comes with a carry case, petal style hood and front and rear caps. Promising high image quality throughout the zoom range, minimum focus distance is 24cm at all focal lengths. The EF-610 DG ST flashgun meanwhile is described as a ‘powerful’ tool for fully automatic flash photography with a Guide Number of 61. Compatibility is offered with the most popular DSLRs, and the flash features an auto zoom function and bounce and swivel capability. In terms of promotional point of sale material for the deal, Sigma has thoughtfully produced both a poster and a set of flyers for retailers to display and flag up the offer to their customers. The series of eye-catching images in support of the campaign features colourful fairytale-themed scenarios shot by Paul Monaghan.

To qualify for the flash, your lens purchasing customers just need to complete the back of the provided flyer with their details and send it to Sigma’s Welwyn Garden City HQ along with their receipt (or copy), completed warranty sticker (or photocopy), plus the barcode from the lens product box. For further details of the free flashgun offer, head to www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

Sigma takes gold for design IN RELATED Sigma news, the brand’s innovation has bagged it a Good Design Award in Japan. It took Gold for its quirkily shaped dp Quattro camera range, which features a Foveon X3 image sensor at its heart to provide images with a ‘full bodied’ 3D feel.

Campaign images by Paul Monaghan

In designing the product Sigma went back to the drawing board and radically re-thought camera design from scratch – and the new award recognises and celebrates that fact. No mean feat, the awards process began with the shortlisting of 100 products from an original 3,500+ applications, covering a wide variety of markets including not just consumer electronics but also the architecture, furniture and the automotive industries. From these 100 products, just 19 went on to become Gold Award winners. The G Mark logo has thus become synonymous with good design. For more details of this award head to www.g-mark.org

Equipment imported by Sigma Imaging UK Ltd comes with the added benefit of a 3-year warranty. See www.sigma-imaging-uk.com BPI News | December 2014/January 2015 23

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

An ‘Elite’ bag you’ll instantly ‘Clik’ with I n our November BPI News article we flagged up the fact that BMM Photo Solutions, set up by husband and wife team Bob and Di Campbell, had been appointed UK distributor for German made Oberwerth bags, taking on the likes of Billingham with comparably beautiful manufacturing. Here Bob and Di were offering the trade healthy dealer discounts of between 30% and 35%, allowing a decent margin to be made on the high-end bags, with SRPs ranging between £279 and £699. Following on from that, the distributor is offering a second possible revenue stream for specialist retailers via Clik Elite bags. These don’t obviously resemble camera bags, more a rucksack, the thinking being that it’s less likely therefore that your customers’ precious camera equipment may be stolen. The design also ensures Clik Elite bags are very roomy. “We selected Clik Elite to distribute over other manufacturers because they’ve put so much thought into the development of the Cloud Series bags,” marvels Di Campbell, Clik Elite and Oberwerth Business Manager at BMM Photo Solutions. “Needless to say they are rugged and durable, but also have a range of amazing features that put them head and shoulders above other outdoor camera bags. For example: “There’s a ton of room – around 40 litres in volume – for cameras, lenses and other photo equipment; all in a padded camera compartment. Then there’s a load more space for outdoor gear, waterproofs, spare socks, gloves and more, including essentials like food and liquids.” The keen outdoor photographer doesn’t want to have to carry two bags, Di reasons, so the ability for your customers to fit everything in the one bag is a key selling proposition. Plus, to prevent Clik Elite bags from getting too heavy when crammed with kit, carefully designed internal frames distribute weight away from the shoulders, thus preventing potential strain. “In addition, the frames can be quickly removed to ensure that even the biggest bags can fit as hand luggage on airlines,” Di notes. “They’ve thought of everything.”

Following last month’s pitch by BMM Photo Solutions for its classy Oberwerth camera bags, now the distributor unveils its second offering in ‘Clik Elite’ for adventure photographers...

A further case in point: Many of the bags have a pocket for water or juice bladders. These are popular but can crack, flooding the bag. Fortunately many Clik Elite bags have a drain in the bladder compartment to ensure flooding doesn’t happen.

Access all areas

Clik Elite Contrejour access above – from rear, left, normally secure against wearer’s back, and for daypack compartment via the top, right. Below: side access by the photographer, and bottle pouch. The torso straps are separately adjusted at chest and waist level.

One of the most important features when any photographer customer is choosing a camera bag is ready access to the camera equipment compartment. As BMM Photo Solutions notes, many bags have access at the rear, so the equipment can be exposed to theft. Fortunately though, Clik Elite’s Contrejour bags have access through the front of the bag so it’s difficult to get inside. Plus, to avoid having to undo straps and remove the bag to take equipment out, Clik Elite have added a side panel for fast access. And the response of the trade so far has been encouraging. “Clik Elite have a large range of solutions aimed at the outdoor/ adventure photographer and they’re all great,” enthuses Bob Campbell, MD at BMM Photo Solutions. “But it’s virtually impossible to take stock of everything. So we’re carefully cherry-picking the range for the UK customer and dealer channels. Once again, as with our Oberwerth bags, we don’t aim to over-load dealers with stock. We’d rather select the bags people want to buy and sell those through the channel. “The bags are being tested right now by dealers and evangelists, including travel companies, to make sure everything fits the bill for the keen outdoor/adventure photographer. We are confident that these bags tick all the boxes!” Prices for the Clik Elite bags range from £99 to £269 SRP, for which again dealer profit margins can be as high as 30-35%. To order your stock of Clik Elite or Oberwerth bags, get in touch direct with Di Campbell now at BMM Photo Solutions on 01604 881735 or email her via di@bmmphoto.co.uk

For more info on Clik Elite camera bags, see: http://clikelite.com/product/backpacks/new-2014-contrejour-40/ 24 December 2014/January 2015 | BPI News

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BPI News | December 2014/January 2015 25

NEWS EXTRA

Gray’s Coat of many colours As if a desirable Pimlico post code wasn’t enough, Nikon-only specialists Grays of Westminster, run by industry veteran Gray Levett, has laid claim to being the first camera shop in the world to be granted a Coat of Arms. BPI News hears how it all came about from the man himself…

s soon as we heard that longterm Nikon specialist Grays of Westminster was being bestowed its very own Coat of Arms, we had but one question: how does one go about being afforded such an honour? “Well,” laughs owner Gray Levett (above), “I was talking to one of the Heralds at the College of Arms, who had created a Coat of Arms for someone I knew, so I got to know him on a friendly basis. And I had been interested in having one for some time, because, many years ago when I was dealing in rare illustrated books, I’d discovered a sticker inside one depicting a Coat of Arms for someone who shared my family name. So, talking to the Herald one day I said: “God, I’d love to have had a Coat of Arms for Grays of Westminster…” And the answer came: “Well, why don’t you apply?” Of course I didn’t think we’d meet the pre-requisites… whatever they were. It simply didn’t occur to me that it would be possible.” Heralds are appointed by the Queen and are delegated to act on her behalf in all concerns of heraldry, including the granting of new Coats of Arms. Gray divulges that a lot of questions were asked once he’d shown interest and it took around five months to get an answer as to whether his wish would indeed be granted. “They ask for a lot of things, including to see your financial records, and they take a view on your standing in your industry and look for examples that you can prove what you say, if you say you’re well

regarded. Fortunately we have lots of testimonials that have appeared in print and I gave them all of those. “Once you can prove everything and things can move forward, you then have to do an application to the Duke of Norfolk, the most senior figure in the country who is in charge of State occasions like Coronations, the opening of Parliament and royal weddings.” Gray then reads the application letter to us. Beginning ‘My Lord Duke I have the honour to represent unto your Grace….’ continuing with ‘the Board of the Directors is desirous of having armorial ensigns

established under lawful authority,’ and concluding ‘Your most obedient servant…’ it’s clear that this is not an everyday occurrence, with a ‘standard’ letter that sounds anything but. “They follow an exact way of doing things,” Gray concurs. In response to this official request from Grays, a Herald visited the business and stayed for a few hours, asking many further questions, including a discussion about the elements to be depicted on the Coat of Arms. Clearly a great deal of thought went into the whole process. “For example at the top there’s a lion to symbolize

the name of Levett. That lion is looking over its shoulder at the green pheasant of Japan and ‘amicably communing’ to show the relationship between our business and the Japanese. And then around its neck there’s a crown, which symbolises our responsibility to the public, while under its right paw there’s a lens, which is based on a 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor-S lens. Showing a glass with an iris diaphragm is workable, and in keeping with the traditional aspect of a Coat of Arms I thought we should have an old Nikon lens. It’s then standing on a chapeau, the French for hat, and sticking out of the

Want to know more? To watch a short film about the ‘exclusively Nikon’ Grays of Westminster, founded more than a 26 December 2014/January 2015 | BPI News

Left – a crystal commemorative engraved glass tablet presented by Nikon Corporation to Grays of Westminster. Above: the Nikon F Sapporo, as sold for £100,000 to one of the firm’s overseas collector clients.

At the celebration dinner – left to right: from Nikon UK Jenny Price, Jeremy Gilbert, Mark Fury; Gray Levett, Gillian Greenwood, Uri Zakay (of Grays of Westminster); Kentaro Kusakari, John Walshe and Hidehiko Tanaka representing Nikon UK and Nikon Japan.

Get your Coat, love…

Left: the Coat of Arms, emblazoned by Lancaster Herald Robert Noel, seen in the group photograph (in his College of Arms livery) with Gray Levett, his business associate Uri and wife Gillian. Above: the red box in which the rolled scroll is delivered on behalf of the Crown.

chapeau is a green feather, as a nod to Gillian Greenwood who is my wife and a co-director, while the red and white mantling is that of St George. “The helmet, if you look closely, has three holes, which is the mark of St Cecilia, the patron of music. That was a nod to my former background in the music business, where I worked with a number of people including Kate Bush and Art Garfunkel. Then we have the shield and the cornucopia of flowers, which are a mix of British and Japanese, and include the unofficial flower of Tel

Aviv to denote the birthplace of my business partner, Uri. In the centre is a red Christmas rose, to symbolise the Christmas shop that I discovered near London Bridge, which gave me the original inspiration for Grays of Westminster to be Nikon-only and to do one thing, but do it well.” Fittingly, the core of the design of the Coat of Arms features light (representing photography) emanating from a cornucopia of flowers (representing flourishing growth), the tip of the horn has been modelled into an emblematic portcullis for Westminster, while the motto beneath reads: ‘Lead in order to serve’. The rationale of the badge is to depict an occidental phoenix with two heads, for looking both east and west.

Gray was privileged to be presented with his specially-crafted Coat of Arms by Robert Noel, Lancaster Herald of Her Majesty’s Coat of Arms, at a celebratory dinner held at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall, London, in October. Distinguished guests at the bash included representatives from Nikon Japan, Nikon UK and Nikon Germany, plus Grays of Westminster clients who had travelled from as far as Dubai and Australia. “To be acknowledged by Her Majesty’s College of Arms is something very, very special, and the Coat of Arms will serve as an enduring inspiration for me to continue to offer the very best in service to our Nikon customers,” promises Gray. So now, following such trailblazing, can we expect to witness a whole bunch of camera shops applying for a Coat of Arms? Peter Jones of Jessops applying for one featuring a dragon, for example…? “Well, why not,” its owner laughs. “It just occurred to me that people would appreciate it of us, and in that regard I really have had a very good response from the public. In terms of acknowledgment this is a high point in my professional career. But we will just continue to offer the same level of personal attention as we have always done, that is to give our customers the very best in staff and service. We deal with a brand that we think very highly of and so that’s what we like to do.” Famous friends and customers tend to agree too: head to the Grays website for a short film located on the home page, featuring a framed thank you letter from the actor David Suchet, aka TV’s Hercule Poirot.

“In terms of acknowledgment this is a high point in my professional career. But we will just continue to do that same that we have always done, to offer people the best in staff and service. We deal with a brand that we think of very highly…” – Gray Levett Above and beyond its recent recognition, Grays business itself continues to thrive, with sales of the Nikon D810 doing ‘exceptionally well’ at the time of speaking. “And probably just like any other dealer, when Nikon offers cashbacks it brings us a big boost. It’s when they do deals on the high-end models that it works well for us – people don’t come to us for the Coolpix cameras. We keep everything else though, including the D750 and D4S, plus, of course, the second hand market is very buoyant. I notice I’m now getting more people investing in earlier equipment, such as the Nikon F and Nikon rangefinder, particularly overseas, because whereas at one time certain customers might not have been able to afford such cameras, because of emerging markets like China they now can. For example we sold a Nikon F Sapporo, which is a highspeed camera for which they only made about 54 units, for £100,000.” There are arguably few camera retailers that could pull off that prestigious a sale. And fewer still with their own Coat of Arms. www.graysofwestminster.co.uk

quarter of a century ago, and which includes the Coat of Arms pictured here, point your browser at: http://bit.ly/1okt6t4 BPI News | December 2014/January 2015 27

BPI BUSINESS BOOSTER

Free your imagination & gain greater O

n a cold November morning twelve plucky souls emerged from the mist, a mixture of photo retailers and minilab owners with a shared mission. Namely to discover the myriad ways in which Fujifilm’s Imagine software for kiosk, online and mobile applications can boost their business, both as regards conventional prints plus also high margin, big profit, photo gift products. In fact, there are so many possibilities and customization options available in terms of creating products with which to entice your customers, that Fujifilm’s tagline for promoting the software package – ‘free your imagination’ – is very much apt. The company tells us that 100 of its FDIS members are already installed and working with the Imagine system, with 40 due to be completing the process of moving over to the system very soon. One of the day’s trade attendees, Neville Scholtz, manager of the year-old Park Cameras London branch, shared his reason for attending the day with us by explaining “in store printing is not yet as big as hardware sales but printing produces better profits, so that’s an area we want to develop.” With quite a lot of ideas and opportunities to initially get into your head with regard to Fujifilm Imagine, the brand helpfully offers various online resources to its FDIS members as a back up, including a Dropbox account that can be accessed via fujifilmimagine.co.uk/userguides. This includes product icons and documentation. The same Dropbox info offers a link to a dedicated YouTube channel with videos to

In the run up to Christmas, Fujifilm has been educating its Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service (FDIS) network in the clever revenueboosting features delivered online, in-store and on your mobile by its multi platform Imagine software. BPI News attends a London members’ event to find out more…

Above left: Wendy Gray of inSpires Consulting with Julia Tiller and Greg Corbyn of Fujfilm; above, Richard Bull, Swains Regional Sales Manager; left, Greg talks Neville Scholtz of Park through the software (right); Shuresh and Mahendra of Banstead Studios, below right; Wendy instructs, below left.

For further information on FDIS and Fujifilm’s range of photofinishing products and services, contact photoimaging@fuji.co.uk 28 December 2014/January 2015 | BPI News

profit from prints further explain the Imagine concept and put your store ahead of the game in our new ‘always connected’ world. As Fujifilm’s Software Applications Specialist Greg Corbyn told BPI News, in today’s retail environment switched-on retailers can be collecting print orders even as they sleep, via an online print presence with the Imagine software providing the back-end, plus the standalone Fujifilm Imagine mobile app. Of course, for customers to order prints via their mobile phone, they have to have this Imagine app installed, and Fujifilm is hoping to enable this by providing its dealers with counter top leaflets (shown right) providing the simplicity of the relevant QR code. Rather than just handing customers the flyers and hoping that they install said app, Business Consultant Wendy Gray of inSpires Consulting told us that best practice was for dealers to offer up the leaflet and encourage customers to install the software on the spot.

Three pronged print attack As noted, the beauty of Imagine software is not only its connectivity aspect, but also the wide variety of print product applications. As Fujifilm’s Software Applications Specialist Greg Corbyn told us in his detailed presentation, the program offers online, in-store and mobile profiles, with different product categories within each. “For example, at different times of year you might want to emphasize different products, such as printed wrapping paper at Christmas time,” he suggested, with calendars and year planners – which can be printed via Fujfilm

all of this...

Frontier mini labs with a glossy or as a way of up-selling, or provide the lustre finish – also popular. Another option for the customer to have their fun Imagine product is the Christmas images saved to a CD – for which bauble – which is essentially a photo there is more of a profit margin and inserted into said decoration, while you can set the data capacity – for a montage of images printed on example 650MB, or 200 images. a computer mouse mat with text Alternatively offer them a DVD if and backgrounds selected by the they have hundreds or thousands customer can make for another high of images they want to store for margin potential sale. There is plenty posterity.” of room for running promotions Prints can also be offered with n for lutio obile around certain calendar events too, or without white borders and o s o m phot line | e from just this...corrected or re-sized less tore | on storoto such as Valentine’s day for example. m automatically in a h P ins a se igital er ilm D on to off jif u F ell/ ur rati Again, such adjustments are fairly (scale to fit) if desired. You don’t want up-s of yo nfigu eart own co cts. Use ducts. u r ro the h is at t up you ded prod across p rounds the ” Greg advised. kg Se ns agine Imagine ad system, easily made. “You can turn whole to over egg the pudding though. c l . a e tio k Im ita b o s lu , ig a io m Fujifilm (DPC) k rint and v reate pro , borders wnload d atic e of p s and c nal fonts jects. Do et autom enge cImagine, agnext day categories of product on or off at any aCewnidtre ra“Via tion Fujifilm’s Specialist made the point . G and ditio veexpress pro n s d d a n a ite m fu s nd to sa rage kiosk sales tions ols a d-on editing to . Access media sto e remote d promo ns. l an offered catio for ocial ates. Uscan ingbe time – just make sure you click the aPdoweerfmuretail mentsattributes lo that the more add-on services you s c h r ri s le u lli p ip o , lt pd be om y s mu ducts are u and files fr e softw age pro or acros an ite onlin product every ‘save changes’ button.” t to m a single s and every print size.mobile offer, the more screens customers n e m at A dedicated mobile phone You can set prices quickly applicationand linked toeasily your store that will have to click through. So it is very Although the mobile app help drive even more prints to your lab. Set up A seamless photo solution for different products and pricing to your instore or online and oncekiosk this has been achieved, currently offers just four product much a balancing act. if required. Orders placed securely. Pay through a PayPal instore, mobile and online. account or with a credit or debit card. next you can set turnaround time. online As a safety catch of sorts, every categories to choose from – the inAll the benefits of your instore DPC kiosk available to all your For example, ‘express’ store kiosk option presently boasts customersan that have access to theservice internet. Add a link to your own new product you add to your list web site. Your customers can start a project at home and easily could be 60 minutes. store it for ” editing or printing later on. Projects can of photofinishing offerings is, by the most – Fujifilm told us that this be shared and added to by family and friends. Gred advised that, incidentally, is being developed all the time, default, switched off initially, Greg all turnaround times had to be set so the number of choices is sure explained, so adjustments don’t For moreon information call 01234 572138 or visit www.fujifilm.eu/UK theplease system’s back-end using the to grow. “The mobile app doesn’t suddenly go live front of house as required number of minutes – even presently recognize paper types, you’re tweaking the back end. “So if we were talking about a next so that is being worked on,” Greg this needs to be activated manually day or 48 hour service. Fortunately promised. “Presently there’s only the as a ‘forced update’. Helpfully, new retailers with multiple stores or sites ability to work with single images on products always appear the end of can update all their systems at the the mobile app, but part of that is whatever list you’re looking at on the same time, via the ‘Apply Kiosk Data practical in that you obviously don’t software interface.” Updates’ option, with the system want to be handling loads of images The more we drilled into the checking for any user updates once on your mobile screen.” features of Fujifilm’s clever new an hour. However, any changes Whichever Imagine platform the Imagine software, the more it applied to the online service are customer chooses via which to make became apparent that the only updated instantly. an order – kiosk, online or phone real limit is the user’s imagination. “There is also the ability app – Fujifilm Frontier labs handle So, if you too want to be inspired to offer add-on purchases via the fulfilment side. “You have to have and find a creative and profitable Fujifilm Imagine,” Greg a print size on the ‘always connected’ print solution for continued. “For example Frontier before you your own business, talk to Fujifilm you could offer a blank can start creating it about signing up to the FDIS dealer USB stick with an order on the kiosk using network. The man you need to contact to discuss your requirements is FDIS Marketing Manager Peter Wigington via pwigington@fuji.co.uk or call 01234 572138.

or call FDIS Marketing Manager Peter Wigington direct on 01234 572138 to discuss your own business requirements BPI News | December 2014/January 2015 29

TALK OF THE TRADE

Christmas & New Year wishes The shorter days and longer nights have us feeling reflective at BPI News Towers. So, for fun, we’ve asked the trade to send us its own Christmas wishes to pass on to Santa, along with New Year’s resolutions about what we all could do better…

“All I want this Christmas (cue Mariah Carey) is for more and more people to embrace the benefits of CSC. It would certainly help with the weight of Santa’s sack - no more lugging heavy DSLR’s from the North Pole.” David Bland, Product Manager, Fujifilm UK

t’s that time of year when they say wishes can come true and magic can happen. And, should our dreams or lifestyles still be found wanting come New Year, there is always the opportunity to attempt to set things right…

“My Christmas wish is to rid the world of tablet photography and encourage everyone to keep quality memories not blurred ones!” Peter Duddridge, Head Of Consumer Business, Olympus UK

“My Christmas wish would be that everyone could have one incredible and perhaps impossible photo taken that they would treasure all their lives. For me, it would be one more photo with my dad. “My New Year’s resolution is to make sure I spend the time taking those special photos with my family so they can treasure them for years to come.” John Walshe, MD, Nikon UK

“My Christmas wish is that consumers realise that the amazing moments they capture on a daily basis should be released and printed to form a display of living memories around their homes rather than hidden away amongst hundreds of others on phones, tablets and cloud based systems.” Craig Bird, Marketing Manager, Tetenal Ltd

“My Christmas wish is for all the U.K. camera and photo stores to have a block busting Christmas and New Year sales period and to look outside the box a bit with some of the lines that Nedis sells, that are so easy to order online!” Alastair Wilson, Nedis UK

“My Christmas wish would be that our new EPOS system works OK and my New Year’s Resolution would be to campaign against sales out allowances!” Jason Mitchell, MD, CameraWorld

“My Christmas wish is that more people print the pictures they take rather than leaving them in electronic storage. My New Years resolution is to focus more on the Kaiser range of products as we have seen great results in 2014 for this brand.” Toby Herlinger, Fotospeed

“My Christmas wish is for better planning by suppliers and less Sales Out Allowances! My New Year’s resolution is to continue to develop and expand new areas and categories of business and try to make a profit out of it!” David Parkinson, MD Wilkinson Cameras

“My Christmas wish is that all cameras are limited to have an ISO range of ISO 6-12 so everyone has to go out and purchases a SIRUI tripod. My New Year’s resolution is to grow the SIRUI stockist network to be able to cope with the demand caused by limiting the cameras’ ISO range.” Vic Solomon, MD Sirui UK Ltd

“I wish for dealers to see the light in selling Elinchrom kits both instore and online pre Christmas which then brings them valuable add-on accessory sales in 2015.” Chris Whittle, MD Elinchrom

“My Christmas wish is more feedback from existing members and more active use of the resources available to them through the PMA; specifically the business support helpline which is free of charge to members, covering all aspects of management and issues such as employment, health and safety and public liability. My other wish is to see more people take an active role in trying to preserve the photo ID business. Non-members should join us – the greater the membership, the greater the clout we have in dealing with government. Don Kennedy, Director, PMA UK

“We’re wishing for a strong Christmas retail period and 36,000 visitors to the NEC in March with a couple of camera launches thrown in!” Jonny Sullens, Head of Events The Photography Show

…and a merry Christmas to our readers! We’re back with the first BPI News of 2015 in late Jan. Get in touch via info@bpinews.co.uk 30 December 2014/January 2015 | BPI News

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