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KER-CHING WHEN WE’RE WINNING
Nothing gets people spending and tills ringing like the feelgood factor. With the so-called ‘summer of sport’ well underway at the time of writing, the Euros followed by Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics leading into the Paralympics, a golden athletic performance could translate into a golden opportunity – and winning sales – for retailers seizing the initiative.
In short, this sporting season provides plentiful opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers and stores to run promotions that tie in with possible reasons for celebration – while there are also the usual plethora of summer festivals that shops operating nearby can use as an excuse to refresh or theme their window displays. All it takes is a little imagination.
Travel bags, camera pouches and travel tripods should all do well at this time of year, not to mention cameras and compact lenses that put portability high on their list of attributes.
Turn the page to our news section and you’ll find the new Nikon Z6III a popular candidate for both holidaymakers and sports fans, while at the more affordable and fun end of the market there is the compact new Instax Mini LiPlay from Fuji. Alternatively, if you’ve customers wanting a high spec yet portable tool for shooting video, Panasonic would like to speak to them about its latest Lumix GH7. Lenses too are majoring on their portability, including the new Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art series optic. For those seeking to be more ambitious still and take advantage of better weather to shoot 3D content, Canon has the RF-S 3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens available this month that it teased back in March. On top of this we have outdoors-y new kit via distributors Transcontinenta UK and MAC Group Europe, while Elinchrom has flash lighting solutions that can be used outside, and to shoot sports, as well as in the studio. We also examine the latest Epson direct-togarment printers via official reseller the DPS Group. These devices can be used to print personalised T-shirts and beach bags for your customers, all summer long. So, while July and August might traditionally be a time for a slow down at specialist retail, as consumers spend their money on barbecues, beer and sunscreen instead, it needn’t be. With a few canny ideas on how to maximise your own offering’s appeal, it is just possible to turn a profit as the sun shines. Enjoy the issue, and we hope the sales advice and products within provide grist to the mill. See you back here in September!
Editorial portrait by Mustafa Morad
FUJI INSTANT PRINT DUO ‘REFRESHED’
Instant print cameras are popular across the generations, so it’s no surprise that Fujifilm has swiftly followed the recent Instax Mini 99 launch with further duo of options: the reassuringly chunky Instax Wide 400 and the more pocket-friendly Instax Mini LiPlay (pictured L to R with Fuji’s Gloria McCann and Caitlin Clark respectively).
The Mini LiPlay, a two-in-one analogue and digital hybrid is described by its maker as having been ‘refreshed’, compared to its previous iteration, and now comes in three colours with a textured finish: our personal favourite of Matcha Green joining Misty White and Deep Bronze. The changes are not just skin deep however, as a UBS Type-C port has been added for charging the battery while firmware can now be upgraded via dedicated LiPlay app, instead of users needing to download to a microSD card
and insert it. Otherwise the same features as before are included, such as a back screen and the ability to record voice messages, plus print from a smartphone. While the camera itself offers 13 design frames and filters, the app offers more than 60 design frames. Available from July 19th, SRP is £149.99, with an optional case retailing at £25.99. Arriving slightly earlier on July 12th is the bigger Instax Wide 400 at slightly smaller £129.99 SRP. As it sounds, the camera updates the previous Wide 300 model, originally launched way back in 2014. The latest iteration has the advantage of delivering instant prints at double the width
of Instax mini film, making the format ideal for group shots and landscapes. Aiding group shots further is a new self timer function, while a camera angle adjustment accessory allows for the camera to be placed on a table top yet tilted up to get the perfect angle, without need for a tripod. A further accessory is a close up lens attachment, allowing for images to be taken as close as 40cm from the lens. Conversely, when shooting landscapes the user can turn the camera’s lens to Landscape mode. A camera case is being released at the same time as the Wide 400 in a matching Sage Green colour. www.instax.co.uks
Sigma lands new zoom lens duo
The optical specialist has launched what it’s calling the world’s first full frame zoom with a constant maximum f/1.8 aperture in the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN ‘Art’ series lens. The manufacturer claims sharpness and clarity throughout its zoom range is comparable to that of a prime lens, while further benefits include that it’s portable, versatile and fast, in delivering precise AF. Compatible with the L-Mount and Sony E-mount, its maker has high hopes for this one, believing it will inspire filmmakers shooting in
full frame, while stills photographers can enjoy ‘unparalleled versatility.’ Available to stock and to sell now, SRP is £1299. Landing this month meanwhile is the already teased Canon RF mount compatible Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN ‘Contemporary’ series lens at £479 SRP (sample pic shown). This optic is grandly described by its maker as ‘the ultimate portable standard zoom for crop-sensor mirrorless cameras’, suited to a wide range of photo and video applications. Weighing a manageable 300g, it’s Sigma’s first APS-C size dedicated mirrorless zoom lens, delivers fast AF and a wide aperture, while supporting Servo AF and in-camera aberration
correction. Furthermore the mount is rubber sealed to cater for use in a variety of environments. It can also be used for macro style photography owing to its impressive maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.8. www.sigmauk.com
CANON LOADED WITH NEW PRODUCT
Following the forthcoming EOS R1 flagship mirrorless tease last issue, retail specialists should advise customers that a further quartet of new Canon products are coming their way very soon: two new lenses, a Speedlite flash, plus a high-end cinema camera.
First up is a new RF 35mm f/1.4 prime lens (left), the second in what Canon calls its ‘hybrid’ lineup since it’s being pitched as ideal for both creative stills and professional video. There have been 46 lenses launched for Canon’s EOS R series since 2018, with the manufacturer teasing that it’s developing yet more hybrid prime and zoom lenses.
For now, the RF 35mm f/1.4 is being claimed as ‘great for so many genres and video applications’. Its construction features a smooth action iris ring, 11 blade circular aperture and VCM and nano USM motors to help achieve smooth, swift and silent AF. Given its bright/fast f/1.4 aperture it’s no surprise that Canon tells us it should excel in low light situations. Sales start this July at £1849 SRP. Interestingly the second new lens is designed for 3D content creation and was originally on show as a prototype at The Photography Show back in
March. Designed for its APS-C sensor cameras, the dual fisheye lens RF-S 3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye (above) is the second VR lens in its maker’s range, and is all about achieving a simple set up and workflow according to the brand. At present it’s compatible with the Canon EOS R7 only but compatibility will expand to include other R series APS-C sensor models in future.
The set up features two ‘UD’ lenses and provides a wide angle 140° view. With a 60mm inter pupillary distance and STM auto focus there’s a customisable control/focus ring. Described as being more affordable for a range of users from enthusiast to pro, sales are expected to start this July, at £1349 SRP.
The third new Canon product this month is the EL-10 Speedlite Flash (right) With a Guide Number of 40, further
benefits include a 21-pin multifunction foot and a fast recharging time of 1.5 seconds. It can also be used in conjunction with the Canon Camera Connect App and goes on sale this July at £329.99 SRP.
Lastly there’s the RF mount featuring EOS C400 cinema camera (right), which features Dual Pixel CMOS AF II to provide filmmakers with improved auto focus features, according to the brand, as well as the ability to enjoy face/eye/body tracking plus animal detection and tracking. There are also more options when it comes to recording formats, while users familiar with the EOS C500 Mark II should appreciate the EOS 400’s recognizable design yet even more compact form. For high-end filmmakers we also get a new Cine Servo lens to go with the camera in the CN7x17 KAS T (left), available in either RF or PL mount. This is said to be an ‘evolution’ of the previous CN7x lens bolstering operational performance and extending compatibility with virtual and VFX workflows.
The C400 is £7799.99 SRP and sales start in September, with the lens due to follow October for a UK price yet to be set. www.canon.co.uk
NIKON KEEPS IT ‘STREET’
Tell your Nikon owning customers the photo stalwart has unveiled a new full frame compact prime lens in the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4. Obviously that human eyelike perspective makes it ideal for street photography, travel or reportage, while its manufacturer suggests it’s perfect for shooting video too. The low light capable f/1.4 aperture is ideal for delivering beautifully soft ‘bokeh’ according to the brand. With ‘smooth and steady’ AF promised, close focusing distance is 0.27m, its clickless control ring can be used to govern
aperture, ISO, exposure compensation and more, while the lens weighs approximately 415g. With sales starting this month, SRP is £649. In related news, Nikon has announced it’s already sold
piles of Nikkors. As of April this year it reached a production milestone of 120 million Nikkor lenses for its interchangeable lens cameras. In 2023 it celebrated the 90th anniversary of its inaugural product release and currently offers Nikkor F lenses for its DSLRs and Nikkor Z lenses for its mrrorless cameras, although in recent years we’ve seen a lot more of the latter. The manufacturer claims it is one of the few that crafts its own lenses starting with the creation of the optical glass. Cutting edge products in recent years have included the Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, the fastest interchangeable lens in its maker’s history thanks to an aperture of f/0.95. www.nikon.co.uk
G, ANOTHER PANASONIC
Not content with launching its content creator-targeted Lumix S9 mirrorless compact last month, the electronics firm has followed up by unveiling its latest mirrorless flagship the Panasonic Lumix GH7. As with previous models its maker is heavily courting users wanting a top-notch video performance yet portability with it.
At its heart the dust, splash and freeze resistant GH7 incorporates a newly developed 25.2 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, a claimed 13+ stop dynamic range, an integrated cooling fan for unlimited video recording, plus improved Phase Detection AF to not only deliver high speed and high precision but also real time AF recognition for airplanes and trains.
Image stabilisation is claimed to have undergone improvement to include
perspective distortion correction for videos. For videographers the camera provides 5.7K 30P ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes RAW HQ internal recording. Users seeking a particular appearance can load original LUT (Look Up Table) files, and apply new colour looks directly to video and photos with Real Time LUT. The camera’s free angle monitor meanwhile is said to not interfere
Take stock… of the analogue revival with Capix
As reported in our April/May issue, with the revival of interest in film photography in full swing, the analogue experts at Capix Ltd are busy fulfilling orders. Strong interest from the trade has been shown off the back of a successful exhibition at The Photography Show.
THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR IS THAT IT IS…
Fulfilling dealer orders for KEKS light meters for film cameras and the user-friendly AGO film processor, compatible with the Paterson Super System 4 development tank system
Taking pre-orders for the exciting Aura 35 professional film scanner, expected Q4 and able to scan a large volume of film quickly at outstanding quality. Indeed, with an optical resolution of 4150 dpi or 24MP for 24x36, it can deliver scans 60 to 80x faster than existing devices
Receiving strong interest in the Colenta 20 BW 31-7 Tank ECO film processor Its unique combination of advanced processor technology and Ilford chemistry expertise ensures it can effectively process a wide range of films exposed at differing ISO speed ratings. A step change in professional B&W film processing!
…all great reasons to take advantage of the analogue revival and boost custom for your own business.
with HDMI or USB cables when tilted. When used with a new separately sold XLR microphone adapter the DMWXLR2, the camera lays claim to a ‘world first’ of 32-bit float recording, which translates as eliminating the need to adjust audio recording levels during shooting. This bit of kit is £499 SRP and available from the end of July. The GH7 also arrives then, at £1999.99 SRP. www.panasonic.co.uk
NIKON HAILS ‘BIGGEST LAUNCH THIS YEAR’
Arriving during a summer of sport, the brand calls its new Z6III ‘the creative athlete’, claiming it will appeal to hybrid shooters, up-and-coming creators and deliver spec exceeding its Z8 and Z9 in certain areas. We explore what makes it a potential winner
The new Nikon Z6III is not only described as the ‘best in its class’ by the brand, but a camera that has also been ‘made to out perform.’ The third generation mirrorless model shares key technologies and features with Nikon’s existing Z8, Z9 and Zf, while in some respects bettering them; and all for body-only price of £2699 SRP. With a marketing campaign tying into a summer of sport and heralding the Z6III as ‘the creative athlete’, Nikon Northern Europe’s Marketing Director Julian Harvie describes its latest contender as “a high performance camera in a lightweight body.”
As for the intended audience, the manufacturer tells us it has young up-and-coming creatives, for whom short-form videos are important, in its sights. “Content creators are looking for something more than what their smartphone can give them,” Julian believes. “There’s a need for lower cost yet versatile cameras. This audience wants something as agile as they are.”
Chief among the new camera’s features to impart to your customers are a 24MP partially stacked sensor. This is claimed as being faster than a back-lit CMOS sensor while being more cost effective than a fully stacked sensor. We’re also getting
what’s described as the best viewfinder on any Nikon at 5,670K dots resolution, plus the same processor as found on board its range-topping Z8 and Z9.
While build quality is said to be the same as these more expensive models, the Z6III’s camera body is lighter overall. It weighs a manageable 750g.
A CREATIVE ATHLETE
In terms of its athletic performance, the camera’s Auto Focus is said to be on a par with that of the topend Z8 and Z9, with the ability to find focus in darker conditions.
Capable of shooting up to 120fps, or 240fps in video, pro-level subject tracking and body integral Vibration Reduction
Close encounter of the ‘third’ kind: The latest iteration of Nikon’s popular Z6 is claimed to be the brand’s biggest launch of the year, with its largest promotional budget thrown behind it in order to drive sales to dealers. Sample shots taken with the camera as shown
equivalent to 8 stops is inherited from the Nikon Zf. Image stabilisation can cleverly pivot around the focus point. As befits a semi professional offering, the camera is weather sealed and able to operate in temperatures as low as -10°C. In terms of burst shooting, via electronic shutter the Nikon Z6III can shoot up to 20fps in the Raw format, or up to 14fps via mechanical shutter. The camera further offers flexible picture controls, allowing users to create their own profiles and ‘recipes’ in Nikon software. Some of these recipes will be provided online via a new Nikon Imaging Cloud, which we’re promised is ‘launching soon’.
Regarding the manufacturer’s marketing strategy to promote the camera, Nikon’s Julian Harvie enthuses that his brand is making its “largest investment of the year, with a huge influencer strategy.” The belief is that, based on early feedback, the Z6III is already a strong contender for camera of the year.
With sales promised from July onwards, there are a four kit options as an alternative to the body-only price. A deal adding a 24-70mm f/4 lens is £3249 SRP; it’s £3539 SRP for a kit that includes a 24-120mm zoom, or £3439 SRP if instead choosing a 24-200mm alongside the body. Lastly a bundle that includes the body and a MB-N14 battery grip, chargeable via USB Type C and containing two additional cells, retails at £3439 SRP. Speak to your local Nikon rep for more on all of the above. www.nikon.co.uk
©Little
Shao
LUMESCA GROUP HEARS ANALOGUE PHOTO’S ‘CALL’
This month’s bumper news from Lumesca Group includes a fresh business acquisition, plus exclusive interview with Hobolite CEO Helena Bian
Film is back in a big way, as regular readers will attest. Seizing the initiative and capitalising on this trend, leading photo accessories distributor the Lumesca Group has acquired analogue photography business Firstcall Photographic
It’s integrating the 34-year-old retailer into The Flash Centre, which it acquired back in 2020, thereby cementing its presence further in the photographic space.
It goes without saying that dealers and their customers will want to get their hands on Firstcall Photographic’s brand new product catalogue (shown), its venture into print further reflecting the resurgence of all things analogue. With original founder Rodney Bates stepping back from Firstcall after running it for 34 years, Lumesca Group tells us it is committed to maintaining Firstcall’s thousands of customers, from hobbyists to schools and colleges and other leading educational institutions.
HOBOLITE’S BRIGHT IDEA
As a case in point, dealers and customers will want to take stock of Lumescadistributed continuous lighting brand Hobolite. One look at its products and it’s clear that performance, portability and aesthetics co-exist harmoniously.
“Lumesca Group are committed to expanding the Firstcall business,” confirms Lumesca Group MD Geoffrey Clements. He adds that Firstcall’s ethos remains unchanged and it will continue to offer the best analogue equipment at competitive prices. Contact information, including telephone numbers, email addresses and website at www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk remains the same as before.
“The acquisition of Firstcall Photographic is a natural extension to our TFC business. It’s a very similar company to Keyphoto, which we acquired and merged into the group in July 2021. Like Keyphoto it has a close-knit, loyal customer base, who’ve been looked after for so many years. Analogue photography is one of the growing areas of our industry and we see Firstcall as a way to boost TFC’s presence in this market as well as being able to offer the whole wide portfolio of digital and lighting solutions to our new Firstcall customers.”
Catering to a diverse audience of photographers, videographers and content creators, its latest ultra portable ‘hero’ product is the Iris
A firm grip on the future: Lumesca Group (MD Geoffrey Clements, right) has acquired Firstcall Photographic from founder Rodney Bates (left). In celebration the analogue expert has just published its new catalogue
Founder and CEO Helena Bian tells us “the Iris fits into a pocket and is ready to use anytime, anywhere, making it incredibly convenient for both amateur and professional photographers and content creators who need reliable high quality lighting on the go. For specialist photo retailers, carrying the Iris offers a significant benefit; it’s an easy upsell due to its universal appeal and practicality. Plus the ease of demonstrating its features in-store can drive customer interest and sales.”
If you need a further push, Helena adds that Hobolite’s products have received prestigious iF Design and Red Dot Design Awards. She believes this success is because “we reject mediocrity and constantly break boundaries, offering creative professional tools that are beautiful, powerful and inspirational. At our core we are on a mission to empower creators to elevate their productivity, identity and creativity with innovative lighting solutions built to inspire. We aim to redefine the everyday to spark curiosity and ignite imagination –qualities necessary for the purpose of crafting compelling visual stories.
“Our products meet the needs of both photographers on the go and studiobased creators, ensuring exceptional colour accuracy, consistency and reliability across various environments,” Helena continues.
“Whether capturing weddings, fashion or lifestyle content, our #LightYourStory community spans from North America to AsiaPacific, continuously expanding as more creatives discover the transformative power of our lighting solutions. We continuously seek feedback from our users to innovate and improve.”
Hobolite CEO Helena Bian believes its new ultra portable Iris light can be readily demonstrated in store and is an easy upsell for dealers
Get in touch now to order stock, book an appointment or discover more about how Lumesca Group, Firstcall and Hobolite can help boost your own business via sales@lumesca.com or call 0330 440 0189 www.lumesca.com
Lighting the way to sales:
MPB SEEKS TO CHANGE THE PICTURE
As the largest global online platform for the buying and selling of used photo and video gear, MPB is appealing to pro photographers, photo studios and BPI News readers wanting to off-load their gear in exchange for cash – and potentially buy some more
Buy, sell, trade, create’ runs the latest campaign from buying and selling platform mpb.com, which is reaching out to pro photographers and studios looking to sell their gear on. As readers will be aware from its trading history of a decade plus, MPB offers a simple, safe and circular way to trade, upgrade and get paid for gear. It differs from other online platforms majoring in used goods in that it’s not a
Professional appeal: MPB, as the largest global online platform for the buying and selling of used photo and video gear, is appealing to pro photographers, photo studios and BPI News readers wanting to offload their gear in exchange for cash
marketplace – it buys gear direct from photographers and videographers, assesses the kit in-house and then sells it on. It can therefore justifiably claim that every item is ‘MPB Approved’.
Potential sellers’ first port of call is MPB’s online pricing engine. This aims to provide the correct price upfront, using data based on supply and demand. It also considers the age of the goods, popularity of the brand and cosmetic condition. And should gear be found to be in better nick than expected when it arrives with the team, the buying quote will be increased, with payment made in days.
While MPB customers are claimed to earn an average of £700 each time they sell their goods, those wanting to buy have the advantage of spending a third less than purchasing the same goods brand new. Plus sellers can off-load their kit without needing to leave their home or studio, as kit is collected for free by courier. The aim is to make the entire process hassle free.
A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODEL
Topically, MPB promotes and prioritises sustainability, diversity and inclusion in the way it conducts its business. Through partnerships, marketing and procurement it provides a circular economy for all photographers and videographers – the buying and selling of used equipment being a form of recycling in
itself. In using plastic-free packaging, there is zero in-bound or operational waste sent to landfill. The platform is aiming to reach net zero carbon for its buildings and data centres by 2030 and its courier services by 2035.
Furthermore for any pro or studio owning readers looking to sell their kit on, peace of mind is provided courtesy of more than 30,000 reviews on Trustpilot, where MPB is rated as ‘excellent’. Customer service takes the form of a Help Centre that offers the ability to speak with one of its in-house experts over the phone or access its live chat. And, for any pro photographers or videographers selling their gear to MPB and subsequently looking to update/ replace their kit, the platform currently has more than 18,000 pieces of used gear in stock in the UK – which it claims is the largest selection on our isle – plus more than 47,000 worldwide. With 3,000 products newly added each week, there’s a high likelihood of finding an ideal fit. Every item automatically comes with a six-month warranty, while any return is fuss free. Now that really is a change of gear for the trade.
www.mpb.com/change
HAHNEMÜHLE PRINTS ‘ROCK’
Celebrating its 440th anniversary, fine art inkjet paper specialist Hahnemühle recently partnered with rock photographer Denis O’Regan, WhiteWall & Loxley Colour to produce a saleable set of limited edition prints, showcasing Hahnemühle papers’ real world presentation for artists and photographers
Hahnemühle is always keen to showcase the application of its Fine Art inkjet papers, especially as it’s celebrating its 440th anniversary this year. June’s Click Live exhibition found it unveiling a partnership with music photographer Denis O’Regan, who, across a fivedecade career, has captured immediately recognisable portraits of Blondie, David Bowie, Queen (whose Freddie Mercury nicknamed him ‘Doris’), the Rolling Stones, Duran Duran and Amy Winehouse. He was also official photographer at 1984’s Live Aid mega gig.
MAKING THE UNPRINTABLE PRINTABLE
Denis (www.denis.uk) was present at Click Live to sign and sell limited edition prints of the artists who’ve come to define him. Output exclusively on Hahnemühle Digital Fine Art papers, framed, mounted and printed by WhiteWall, Denis also appeared on the main stage to share the (almost) unprintable stories behind said prints. As regular readers will be aware, as well as being collaborators, both Hahnemühle and WhiteWall share the honour of being TIPA World Awards winners (see news last issue)
“We go back a long way, me and Hahnemühle, I’m a long term user,” smiles Denis. “I really like the papers and they’re lovely people to do business with.
“My favourite Hahnemühle paper is Photo Rag 308gsm; it’s thick, it’s textural and I really, really like it. I use one of the Hahnemühle Certified printers in London. I’ve done limited edition books before, but what I want to do now is include a box set of prints with them on different Hahnemühle papers. I did a huge David Bowie box set, which was three prints, a huge book, four small books, plus a limited edition vinyl. I used Hahnemühle paper for that too and that’s before we were doing anything together directly. Photo Silk Baryta is another favourite, because for me it’s more like a traditional silver halide photo paper.”
Cologne-based WhiteWall Creative Director Gunnar Wagner was personally overseeing the presentation of Denis’
work. Present in 13 countries and with 200 employees, Gunnar outlined how WhiteWall (www.whitewall.com) is world renowned for its gallery quality prints, and, when it came to the work shown at Click Live, he was quick to show us how it had leveraged its expertise in first class backing materials and handcrafted frames to display, most notably, a huge almost painterly image of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in full pomp. We were also told how all WhiteWall’s products are manufactured at its professional lab in Frechen, near Cologne in Germany, which spans over 9,000 square metres.
The collaboration with Denis came about via Hahnemühle, with WhiteWall able to have a deep look through the images on the photographer’s website, whereupon the image of a crown-wearing Freddie Mercury jumped out to Gunnar and his team.
Promoted alongside the photographs were Hahnemühle’s latest innovative additions to its Digital Fine Art Collection: Photo Rag Matt Baryta and Bamboo Gloss Baryta from the plant fibre-based Natural Line paper portfolio, plus, from the Photo Paper range, the attention grabbing Sustainable Photo Satin and Photo Silk Baryta X papers. Each is perfect for any
customer seeking sustainable and high performance Fine Art inkjet papers –and to demonstrate this Hahnemühle was cleverly showcasing the same Denis O’Regan image across nine different papers, including the four newest examples above, all printed by Loxley Colour, a Hahnemühle Certified Studio.
For photographers seeking to similarly showcase their work, Sustainable Photo
Satin is now available in an A3+ 100-sheet pack for £119 ex VAT from a range of resellers (rolls and other pack sizes are also available). Suitable for pigment and dye-based inks, it’s the first photo paper without a plastic coating, so doesn’t need to go to landfill and can be disposed of through normal recycling. At 220gsm its newly developed bio inkjet coating is free of composites/ film, it has a smooth non-textured surface and bright white satin finish.
“Hahnemühle’s story began in 1584 and to this day we pride ourselves in providing substance from reputation, and relevance from innovation,” concludes Hahnemühle UK MD Nancy Janes. “With success, we continue to maintain and evolve our craftsmanship in the digital age.”
For a full list of Hahnemühle UK Digital Fine Art resellers please visit: www.hahnemuehle.co.uk
Left, middle: Photographer Denis O’Regan with his era defining Freddie Mercury image, printed on Hahnemühle paper and mounted by WhiteWall. All wall images also shot by Denis, seen interviewed on stage at Click Live by
Lucinda Waller
Immediate left: Hahnemühle UK’s Phil Tomlinson shows off photographers’ favourite Sustainable
Photo Satin
ELINCHROM AT YOUR SERVICE
With direct to UK trade distribution established at the start of the year, Elinchrom has further increased convenience for dealers and their customers by opening a dedicated new service centre in East London. BPI News finds out more
Since the brand altered its distribution strategy to deal direct with retail at the start of this year, Elinchrom’s UK Technical Director Simon Burfoot and Sales Director Mark Cheetham have been re-establishing trade relationships and getting up close with dealers and their customers via various training and sales days. Partnering with the likes of Clifton Cameras, Camera Centre UK, Wex Photo Video, Wilkinson Cameras, Park Cameras, the Flash Centre, SRS Microsystems and CVP to name but a few, Elinchrom has been raising levels of awareness and enthusiasm to the benefit of both parties – with the ultimate aim of driving custom to the stores. The product is being put back in front of people and talked about.
As part of the brand putting a huge effort back into the category, it’s now opened a dedicated Elinchrom service centre just one train stop away from the ExCel London exhibition space, the latter coincidentally being the venue for The Photography & Video Show in 2025. Located in the Royal London Docks, a vibrant and buzzing area according to the team, the full address for the new service centre is Elinchrom UK Service Centre, Expressway, 1 Dock Road, London E16 1AH. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm.
Part of Elinchrom’s desire for increased interaction, dealers and photographer customers in the area are being invited to drop off any equipment requiring looking over direct to the new centre and save on shipping; London being a region in which a sizeable percentage of existing and potential customers are located.
CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
As regular readers will know, Elinchrom is currently enjoying big success with its three ‘hero’ flash products.
And as they’re all portable and battery powered, the Elinchrom ONE , THREE (top, middle) and FIVE (top, right) can be used in many different shooting scenarios including action and sports photography outdoors, not just in the studio.
A stand out is the Elinchrom THREE,
Ready to serve: L to R: Elinchrom UK’s Mark Cheetham, Brian Collier and Simon Burfoot. New service centre location in Dock Road, London, shown below, with Head Service Technician Christian Agyare lending his expert skills to a repair
a high quality off-camera flash with real world appeal for both photography enthusiasts and semi professionals. Putting out 261 watts of power, its integrated lithium ion battery provides up to 525 full power flashes for uninterrupted workflow, with a user friendly touch screen interface and a weight of just 1.6Kg. Recycling time is just 1.2 seconds at full power, while, in being equipped with a bright, high quality bi-colour continuous LED, users can get 90 minutes of enhanced video capability.
The alternative Elinchrom ONE is also an off-camera flash, this time putting out 131 watts of power. It likewise incorporates a sealed lithium ion battery, weighs 1.5Kg and is capable of producing 725 full power flashes on a single charge, making it ideal for longer shoots. Once again, a touch screen provides access to the menu interface. This is a single light source photographers can take with them anywhere and everywhere.
Want more power still? The Elinchrom FIVE is a 522-watt battery powered monolight boasting 450 full power flashes from a single charge. Recycling time is 1.6 seconds, while it can be connected to any USB-C power source to allow the user to keep shooting regardless of battery level. A comfortable grip makes for easy lighting adjustment, while compatibility is provided with Elinchrom accessories via its Elinchrom Modifier Mount. To enjoy attractive margins, order in demo stock and talk to the team about workshops and events, contact: support@elinchrom.co.uk or 0333 358 2444
www.elinchrom.co.uk
©Peter Landers
©Peter Landers
MAC GROUP EUROPE’S THREE BRAND ‘LIONS’ GIVE DEALERS PLENTY TO PLAY FOR
MAC Group Europe is putting its best squad forward this summer to give retailers a sporting chance, fielding winners from three key distributed brands: Tenba, Benro and Novoflex. Here’s why you should be showing your support…
The leading distributor has put together a winning team to net sales for specialist retailers this summer. Key players are Benro, Novoflex and Tenba brands, each fielding new must-stock products.
With the summer solstice having been recently celebrated, the re-appearance of the Tenba Solstice bag range, now in ‘v2’ form, is perfect timing.
No pagan rituals have been required to fulfil the many requests for lighter carry solutions, however. The Tenba Solstice v2 collection of backpacks and sling bags are fashionable, functional and versatile with it.
Designed to transport the most popular combinations of camera and lenses, the new collection features a tough, water repellent rip stop nylon fabric exterior and comes in either black or grey colours, to cater to the varying tastes of photographers, filmmakers, content creators and gear enthusiasts.
The interior has also been completely redesigned, with larger access points provided. A surprising amount of kit can now be stored in all four new products – two new sling bags and two new backpacks – thanks to full-length access plus foldable and removable dividers. Both products are supplied with removable and reversible rain covers.
Sling it back: The revamped Tenba Solstice v2 range comprises a couple of fashionable backpacks, as shown above, and a pair of sling bags too, as seen with the backpacks below
Suited to wildlife, sports and aviation photographers seeking a simple carry solution for camera plus large telephoto lens, the new 12-litre Sling and 16-litre Sling sit as upright as possible on the back, reducing any shoulder strain. Comfort comes via a compression molded EVA foam shoulder strap and rear panel. The strap’s webbing can securely house a Capture Clip, microphone or two-way radio, while an adjustable security strap prevents the sling from sliding around to the front, if riding a bike. A reinforced side pocket can accommodate a water bottle or tripod. Inside, the 12-litre sling can house a mirrorless camera or DSLR with three to five lenses, or a camera with a Sigma/ Tamron 150-600mm lens mounted. Alternatively the 16-litre version can accommodate a camera and four to six lenses, or a camera with Sony 200600mm, Canon 200-400mm or Nikon 180-600mm lens already attached.
PACKED WITH USEFUL FEATURES
Moving on to Tenba’s backpacks, the 20-litre pack can fit a mirrorless camera or DSLR and five to eight lenses, or a camera and lens combination as long as 16.5 inches, such as if mounting a Sony 200-600mm, Canon 200800mm or Nikon 180-600mm. There’s also room for a 14-inch laptop. By contrast the 24-litre pack can house a mirrorless or DSLR camera with six to nine lenses, being deep enough for a Nikon Z9 or similar with attached battery grip. Alternatively it will fit a camera and lens combination as long as 18.5-inches, such as a Canon 200-400mm attached to a body, plus up to a 16-inch laptop. Again, quick and easy retrieval is provided via a new top access point in addition to secure rear access. When worn, the pack can be quickly swung around to the front for a camera to be grabbed without the pack needing to be
put down. No wonder its maker describes it as a ‘personal, floating workbench’. At one side is a reinforced pocket for tripods or gimbals, and at the other a mesh pocket for water bottles. Internal dividers can be customised to provide an extra long central channel, while both packs feature a luggage trolley strap to take the weight off users’ shoulders at the airport. A further pocket has been provided for an Apple AirTag or Bluetooth Tracker, while Molle webbing allows for expandability with Tenba Lens Capsules, Battery Pouches, Card Wallets or Capture Clip webbing. Again EVA foam shoulder straps and rear panels deliver comfort, as do Pivot-Fit straps automatically adjusting to various body sizes.
SRP’s for the Tenba Solstice v2 collection range from £120 for the new 12-litre Sling to £210 for the 24L Backpack. For more info: uk.tenba.com
TRIPODS WITH ‘MAMMOTH’ APPEAL
Dealers seeking MAC Group EU distributed products with a big sales potential are additionally directed to three new options in the Benro Mammoth tripod series, joining the existing TMTH44C.
The new TMTH43C, TMTH33C and TMTH34C bring with them all the benefits of the existing model, including carbon fibre construction and three or four section legs, with the proven design easily adaptable for shooting stills or video.
Further notable features include a quick leveling bowl and 75mm half ball head with 3/8-inch thread allowing any Benro flat base photo or video head to be mounted. Ergonomic rubber twist locks ensure legs are extended or retracted with a quick twist, meaning the tripod can be set up or taken down in seconds. Plus, when users are done shooting, the set up can be packed away in an included carry case.
Furthering the flexibility, three-stop adjustable leg locks can be independently set in order to provide lower shooting angles and maximum stability. Rubber feet can be unthreaded and replaced with included spiked options for outdoor use, with a weight hook providing further stability. We also get three built-in 3/8-inch accessory mounting holes.
As hinted at by the model names, the TMTH33C and
A big deal for Benro: Three new Mammoth tripods have expanded the range, featuring easily adaptable legs, as shown above, and coming with a neat carry case, as seen below
TMTH43C both boast three leg sections, while the TMTH34C and existing TMTH44C offer four leg sections.
Maximum extended heights for the TMTH33C and TMTH34C are 150cm and 152cm respectively, with 15cm and 13.5cm minimum heights.
Acknowledging the mighty beasts that have inspired the tripod series’ name, both can carry up to 18Kg, while weighing just 1.88Kg and 1.92Kg respectively. The TMTH33C folds down to a length of 67cm, while the TMTH34C can be folded to 57cm in length.
expanding on its existing Ball Heads, Magic Ball Heads and Panoramic Head. First up is the Novoflex Kopf 2 Geared Head (right) for precision and versatility across various photographic platforms. Being modular it’s compatible with other Novoflex products, and, as it allows for precise framing and alignment, it’s ideal for macro photography in particular.
Crafted from durable aluminum and featuring precision-machined components, the Kopf 2 is compatible with Arca Swiss style quick release plates, enabling users to switch between different cameras and lenses with ease.
In terms of the TMTH43C and TMHT44C respectively, it’s a maximum height of 154.5cm or 160cm, plus a minimum height of 15.5cm or 14cm. Both can accommodate a 25Kg payload. With a folded length of 68cm the TMTH43C weighs 2.23Kg, while the TMTH44C weighs 2.25Kg while boasting a 57cm folded length.
Prices range from £360 SRP for the TMTH33C tripod to £410 for the TMTH44C. For more go to uk.benroeu.com
MORE ‘FLEX IN YOUR SALES
Sticking with the tripod theme, geared heads are a fresh category for Novoflex and the brand has two new examples,
Available now, the Kopf 2 comes as a standalone modular geared head, without coupling and panoramic rotation, for £1340 SRP. The step up option is the Kopf 2 Basic Starter Kit with coupling Q Mount and panoramic rotation Panorama II at £1500 SRP. The third option is the Kopf 2 Pro kit with coupling Q Mount, Panorama II plus two fine tuning handles for £1600 SRP. A second new Novoflex product is the Goniometer Qube Geared Head (left), again designed to allow photographers to make very precise adjustments, and offering a modular set up. It’s said to be ideal for shooting architecture, working in the studio, capturing landscapes or shooting macro photography. As well as being compatible with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, it can be used with binoculars, telescopes, rangefinders and more.
Built to withstand professional uses, fine-tuning can be made via a 15° swivel function, while an optional rotating plate with a 360° scale can be added for seamless panoramic shots. Likewise optional are the fine adjustment handles, included with the Qube Pro kit version, for even greater precision.
The Qube head is either available standalone for £660 SRP, as a Qube Duo kit featuring two goniometer heads for £1100 SRP, or as the Qube Pro kit for £1250, featuring two heads and a panorama base. More info and explanation can be found at www.novoflex.co.uk
For more on the above and to order in stock of Tenba, Benro and Novoflex product now, call 01902 255500 or email orders@macgroupeu.com
www.macgroupeu.com
CLICK FOR ACTION
An event put on ‘for photographers by photographers’ was how ambitious new Warwickshire based photography show Click Live was billed. With a focus on education, June’s inaugural event also included a trade show element across the three days. BPI News visited on the Monday to present this pictorial report
Any business is only as strong and successful as the contacts you make, so any opportunity for networking and we’re there. And so it was we found ourselves driving up the M40 on a sweltering summer’s day to Click Live at NAEC Stoneleigh Park, a venue used in the past for agricultural shows, and conveniently located in lovely countryside a short drive from both motorway and Leamington Spa. Views of green fields certainly made a change from navigating Birmingham’s roundabouts, or the London tube system, to get to a photo show.
What we were promised across three days was an incredible line up of educators, portfolio pods and trade show. In advance of the event, organiser Charlie Kaufman, best known for his Click Backdrops business, outlined his reasons for setting up the show: “We’ve done this because over the last 10 years I’ve been flying back and forth from the US to the UK seeing some incredible expos. And to be honest I was envious that US photographers have got expos in a different league to anything I see in the UK. They have got more education, they have got more networking and better parties. We wanted to bring some of that to the UK and give UK photographers an experience that so far I don’t think exists in the UK; an event put on for photographers by photographers.”
The exhibition space itself was bright and airy, the portfolio pods complete with models looked enticing, main stage talks sounded interesting, we met many familiar faces in the trade and there were studious portfolio judging sessions going on in the background all day. What exhibitors told us they’d like organisers to work on for future events was more of an audience for the trade show element, while visitors we spoke to loved the fact they were able to talk directly to the exhibitors and come away with the products they’d wanted to buy without any fuss, so felt that alone was worth the admission.
No dates or details yet as we went to press about a Click Live 2025, so watch this space or visit the URL below for updates. www.clickliveexpo.co.uk
HAPPY ‘TRAILS’ FOR THE TRADE VIA TRANSCONTINENTA UK
Distributor Transcontinenta UK is inviting photo specialists to secure stock of its latest brand: Camouflage trail cameras for remote image capture in the great outdoors
If you or your customers want to capture stills or video of nature in the raw and avoid your own presence disturbing skittish wildlife, then a trail camera is a must. Being a device with a sensor and a lens, trail cameras – aka wild cameras, game cameras or camera traps – are an obvious product line to stock alongside traditional photo and video products.
Switched-on distributor
Transcontinenta UK has the ideal solution via its latest brand, Camouflage; surely the perfect name for a device that’s supposed to go unnoticed.
While most trail cameras are designed to have a memory card inserted, be positioned outdoors and left alone until the user returns to find out if any creature has triggered its shutter, select models in the Camouflage range expand on this by offering mobile connectivity via Wi-Fi and free smartphone/tablet app.
While they can be strapped to a tree in the wilds, most of us will be looking to inconspicuously place a trail camera in our back garden in the hope of capturing the nocturnal pursuits of foxes, badgers and other wildlife.
Equipped with motion sensors and saving images to SD card, all Camouflage cameras boast an IP66 rating for resilience in extreme weather conditions, thereby enabling a reliable performance in any outdoor setting.
A PEEK BEHIND THE CAMOUFLAGE
With six offerings currently in the Camouflage range, Transcontinenta UK suggests that that UK dealers should be focusing on three in particular to stock and sell. These are priced to suit various budgets.
The SM4-PRO is an affordable option at a competitively priced £99.99 SRP. Capable of day or nighttime operation, the 8x AA battery powered trail camera boasts a 24MP photo resolution, Full HD video and the ability to insert up to a 32GB SD memory card. Further
features include a detection distance of up to 20 metres, a 90° angle of view, a 0.6 sec response time and operating temperature spanning -20°C to 60°C. Once inserted, batteries are claimed to last for up to two months. Alternatively there’s the EZ45 Wi-Fi enabled model at £169.99 SRP, which, as the name suggests, offers Wi-Fi connectivity via a free app. Again resolution here is 24 megapixels, while Full HD video at 30fps can be captured using a media card capacity up to 128GB. The night vision distance here is 24 metres, while it boasts a 0.4 second response time. Powered by 8x AA batteries, the unit weighs 500g and measures 133x90x52mm. Again batteries will last up to two months in operation, or six months on standby.
Focusing on profit: Transcontinenta UK distributed Camouflage has trail cameras to simultaneously boost your bottom line and fulfill your customers’ desire for a fly-onthe-wall view of nature
A further step up is provided via the third option for now in the Wi-Fi enabled EZ-Solar (below) at £259.99 SRP. The winning claim here is that this trail camera has the most powerful specification in Europe right now. Standing out from the crowd by virtue of a solar panel on its top plate, it has the ability to connect to a mobile or tablet up to 25 metres away and, again, works in tandem with a free app. Showing its mettle, the camera boasts 4K video recording at up to 30fps, a 46 megapixel camera to ensure sharp images whether it’s day or night, plus a speedy 0.2 second ‘trigger time’ – referring to the time lapsed between an animal being detected and a photo being taken. A maximum memory card capacity of a whopping 512GB can be used here, plus thanks to self charging via that solar panel, it can be pretty much left to its own devices as far as around-the-clock image capture goes. As well as the Camouflage brand, the distributor can offer alternative trail cameras from Bushnell and Seissiger. Those wanting a first hand look at all available options should head to Transcontinenta UK’s stand H2 in the Hobby Marquee at the Global Bird Fair in Rutland this month (July 12th to 14th)
www.wildcameraxl.nl
www.transcontinenta.co.uk
EZ45
SM4-PRO
UNIQUE ‘TELE’ FOR SONY USERS
Alert your Sony shooting customers to the fact that Tamron has what it’s calling a unique 6x telephoto zoom lens for the E-mount, because it starts at 50mm at the wide end.
The Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD promises users a high image quality within its class, while maintaining a relatively compact length of just 150mm and a weight of 665g. The compact size is also said to deliver outstanding balance when paired with an APS-C camera.
At 50mm setting the lens attains a minimum object distance of 0.22m, while it sports a 67mm filter size. Features said to enrich the shooting experience include built-in Vibration Compensation (VC), moisture resistant construction and fluorine coating, plus a connector port for dedicated Tamron Lens Utility software. It’s also equipped with a VXD
(Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism said to deliver a quiet and agile performance. Transcontinenta UK is the distributor UK dealers need to head to in order to secure stock. The telephoto zoom lens should be available by the time you read this at £819.99 SRP. www.tamron.eu
Just 17: Pentax goes back to the 90s
Got customers looking to re-discover the joy of film? Of course you have. The Internet has been a-buzz with the news that a new Pentax-branded film camera has been announced by owner Ricoh. The Pentax 17 is a half-frame (17x24mm) point-and-shoot 35mm film camera with a range of manual operational controls, including exposure compensation dial and dedicated ISO dial (from ISO50 to ISO3200), plus a manual film winding mechanism for those who really want those old school vibes. Further features include a 25mm f/3.5 fixed focal length lens, based on the 1994 Pentax Espio Mini. There’s also a zone focus system, bright optical viewfinder and seven shooting modes. In the Macro Focus zone we’re told the camera can focus as close as 2cm from a subject. With a built in flash, we’re told that the body is of high quality with ‘meticulous’ attention to detail. In fact the top and bottom is made from solid yet lightweight magnesium
alloy to provide rigidity. Measuring 137x195x104mm, it weighs 535g. Analogue photography doesn’t come cheap however, and the camera is currently priced at £499.99 SRP. Compatibility is offered with an optional CS-205 cable Switch for those seeking an additional sale. The camera is available now. www.pentax.eu
Take root with Falcam
Summer is a perfect time to buy or sell a travel tripod. Luckily there’s a new option just landed in the ‘revolutionary’ Falcam TreeRoot Quick Lock Travel Tripod at £519.99 SRP. Construction is from carbon fibre and aluminum alloy. Its unique Reuleaux Triangle tube design promises exceptional rigidity and stability, yet a lightweight structure, which also delivers the potential for a quick set up or takedown in any environment.
Furthermore, one of the TreeRoot tripod’s key features is a quick release centre column that can be removed without tools for effortless low angle shooting. The TreeRoot head features Falcam F38 compatibility with most Arca Swiss quick release plates, while the head boasts 360° rotation and dual pan modes, supporting both horizontal and vertical shooting. Each locking knob promises to deliver precise control of the ball head, even in low light conditions. With a maximum operating height of 1.55m with the centre column extended, the minimum shooting height is 168mm. Further flexibility comes via its four-section leg extension and three level angle adjustment system. Plus there’s a multi-function hook to hang accessories or tools on as desired.
Contact Falcam’s UK and Ireland distributor Transcontinenta UK now to secure your stock. www.transcontinenta.co.uk
EPSON DIRECT-TO-GARMENT
PRINTER DUO BOOST SUMMER SALES
Official Epson reseller the DPS Group invites us to install the print specialist’s
entry-level direct to
garment SC-F1000 printer and/or its SC-F2200 big brother
Launched this spring, Epson’s latest direct-to-garment (‘DTG’)
SC-F1000 printer followed its SC-F2200 big brother from this time last year, expanding the personalisationcapable offerings available via official reseller the DPS Group.
Both allow retailers to self-produce personalised T-shirts and tote bags in the summer, and, looking further ahead, offer Santa sacks to customers come the autumn.
Even though it’s the entrylevel option, the SureColor F1000 printer claims to combine outstanding image quality with easy operation and flexible performance in one space-saving package. Purpose built for a range of direct-to-garment and direct-to-film printing applications, its DTFilm capability goes beyond traditional garment printing and affords transfer to a wider variety of materials, as well as uniquely shaped items.
Fresh revenue streams: Epson’s SC-F1000 (right) and SC-F2200 (below) direct to garment printers are perfect for those seeking to create personalised wearable products
So, if you’ve previously thought you didn’t have the space to incorporate a DTG printer into your workflow, the compact and cost effective SC-F1000 could be the answer to your prayers. It’s a distillation of the best of Epson’s DTG technology and has been specifically designed to create new opportunities for the photo trade. Now Epson and the DPS Group believe anyone has the ability to break into the potentially lucrative garment decorating market.
THE RIGHT TECH FOR TEXTILES
Incorporated into the SureColor F1000 are a PrecisionCore MicroTFP print head with Nozzle Verification Technology and next generation Ultrachrome DG2 ink with CMYK+White. The white ink provides increased clarity when printing garments – imbuing them with a photographic quality – while a cartridgefree ink pack system reduces the need
to replace ink as frequently, thus enhancing productivity. Further helpful features include automatic garment height adjustment, with the ability to print on a variety of fabrics up to one inch thick. Epson’s robust Garment Creator 2 software further supports DTG and DTFilm job creation to bring creative ideas to life, while effortless use is delivered courtesy of an intuitive touchscreen menu with large icons and animated instructions. The printer’s clever automated fabric head wiper system makes for low maintenance too, while the printer’s minimalist exterior allows a clear view of the print process in action.
The printer comes with a one year limited warranty, with extended service plans available.
While it may be the bigger brother aimed at medium volume businesses, it’s worth mentioning that the F2200’s flat top design likewise affords installation into smaller spaces, while a transparent lid and internal light allows for print status to be easily checked. Furthermore the F2200’s platen can be easily removed and attached by hand, making adjustments for printing thicker garments quick and straightforward. As with the F1000, the F2200 again utilises Epson’s PrecisionCore MicroTFP print head, on this model providing a claimed productivity increase of up to 25% when compared with its F2100 predecessor.
YOUR SC-F1000 & F2200 ‘DTG’ CRIB SHEET
Intuitive touchscreen menu via 4.3-inch interface
Low maintenance operation
Epson Garment Creator 2 software compatible with Windows and Mac OS
PrecisionCore Micro TFP print head, UltraChrome DG2 ink
Purpose built and supported by Epson
Bundled GarmentCreator2 software features faster data processing as well as 600dpi resolution to deliver printed output with an exceptional look to it.
“If you’ve resisted adding a direct-togarment printer to your business before now because you’ve been worried the cost, check out the SC-F2200. Alternatively if you’re concerned about not having sufficient space, now’s the time to explore the SC-F1000,” enthuses DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel. “We strongly advise getting in touch with our team at the earliest opportunity to learn more about the personalisation capabilities of both these stunning DTG printers and add them to your business set up.”
Get in touch now via sales@dpsb.co.uk or by calling 020 8466 7230 www.thedpsgroup.co.uk
PEAK SALES OPPORTUNITY WITH BAGS & POUCHES
The Transcontinenta UK distributed Peak Design has a couple of new options for the photo trade this month. First up is the Peak Design Tech Pouch Small (right); as it sounds a more diminutive version of its maker’s existing Tech Pouch. In fact it’s claimed to be condensed down to half the size of the original while retaining the same level of functionality and stylish design as its forebear. Despite the reduced dimensions, we’re told it can fit everyday essentials including cables, cards, batteries and chargers and all types of Apple brick style chargers. An external handle and corner gussets make for easy retrieval from larger packed bags or tight compartments, it’s claimed. But that’s not all. Two cord hook loops allow it to be attached to any Peak Design camera strap or carry strap, transforming the pouch into a hands-free sling bag. For those keeping an eye on such things as sustainability, the product is said to be Fair Trade Certified and 100% carbon neutral. SRP for the Peak Design Tech Pouch Small is £49.99. Further new sales opportunities via Peak Design arrive with the addition of two new larger sized 50L and 80L Peak Design Travel Duffel line options, which join the 35L and 65L sizes. Take note that Peak Design is also offering new Ultralight Packing Cubes (below & right), which can be combined with the bags for what it says is ‘unparalleled comfort and style’ when travelling.
The 50L Duffel bag is said to be ideal for longer trips or as a flight check-in bag, with removable padded handles and a padded shoulder strap. It can be carried by hand in a sling style, or worn as a shoulder bag. With waterproof lining on the bottom and a water repellent coating on the outside, it can also hold up to four Peak Design Cubes or Pouches.
The 80L offers substantially more space and versatility, in that, while sharing the waterproofed features of the above and shoulder strap carrying option, it can accommodate eight Peak Design Cubes or Pouches.
The Ultralight Packing Cubes meanwhile come in Small, X-Small or XX-Small sizes, are designed to better organise non-clothing items and gear, and come in a choice of two innovative materials – Terra Shell and Mesh. The former is a 100% recycled fabric offering high weather resistance, with taped seams and zips, while Mesh cubes are breathable and stretchy, being ideal for wet gear or bulky items. They also provide quick visibility as regards their contents.
ROCK STEADY VIDEO VIA BENRO
For multi disciplinary photographers there are a couple of new video tripod kits just announced in the Benro KH25PC and KH26PC . Both are claimed to be quick and easy to set up thanks to classic twist locks, while they can withstand up to 6.8Kg, thereby making them ideal for the latest mirrorless cameras.
The KH25PC extends from a minimum height of 75cm up to 156cm at maximum height, while the KH26PC extends from a minimum 87.5cm up to a maximum 184.5cm. An updated quick release plate is said to feature strong spring-loaded locator pins to secure the camera, while a sliding scale ensures accuracy. In fact the Benro QR15C plate is not only designed to fit the two new tripods; it will also work with Benro S and SPRO series heads. Both tripods are pitched to photographers and the trade as being lightweight and exceptionally portable, while still being ultra stable with it. The devices are also said to work great as a pair, thus being useful for a two-camera shoot. A lightweight bag is included for transport and storage. Pricing wise the KH25PC retails for £180 SRP while the KH26PC is £200. Contact distributor MAC Group Europe for more details. uk.benroeu.com
Price wise, the 50L bag is £149.99 SRP while the 80L version is £179.99. With the Ultralight Packing Cubes available in three sizes and as a bundle, pricing starts from £14.99 SRP for the smallest size and rises to £49.99 for the bundle. The price for either the Mesh or Terra Shell fabric version is the same. www.peakdesign.com
GET IN LINE FOR THE LEICA D-LUX 8
Available from July 2nd, the luxury camera brand has updated and refined its latest D-Lux series camera to bring it, as it says, ‘in line with other Leica cameras’
One of the more intriguing recent developments is that compact digital cameras are again flavour of the month and increasingly popular with younger, social media savvy users. Given this, the introduction of the covetable Leica D-Lux 8 this month might just break the Internet. The pitch here is that it delivers the quintessential Leica experience in a more compact, accessible form.
With a width comparable to that of a mobile phone, at the heart of the premium brand’s latest summer offering is a 21MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor offering 17 effective megapixels. This is coupled with a fast Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9mm34mm f/1.7-f/2.8 ASPH lens, equivalent to a wide angle 24-75mm in 35mm terms.
According to the manufacturer, these features, along with the body’s external design, bring the new unit closer in line with the rest of the Leica camera line up.
INSPIRED BY THE LEICA Q
Providing increased usability on the D-Lux 8 is a new interface inspired by the Leica Q series, along with controls that have been ergonomically repositioned for a simpler user experience. With the D-Lux range first introduced way back in 2003, the D-Lux 8 becomes only the first D-Lux camera to allow for DNG file format capture. In between that first model and the latest iteration, there have not only been eight generations but also numerous special editions. Included with the newest compact is a clip-on flash, while seamless connectivity is provided with the Leica FOTOS app, further expanding creative potential for its target audience. Available accessories to add to a sale of the camera include a handgrip, carrying straps, wrist straps and leather protectors, which are available in multiple colours. In addition there’s the option of an automatic lens cap, soft release buttons and a selection of compatible camera bags, including, fittingly, a hip bag, along with a cross-body bag and equipment bag. On sale early this month, suggested retail price for the Leica D-Lux 8 is £1450. If this latest example is
Form a ‘Q’: Inspired by Leica’s Q series, the very portable Leica D-Lux 8 has a new interface and features DNG capture for the first time. In tandem there’s also a new Leica Lux app for the iPhone, the fruits of a recent company acquisition
anything to go by, the compact camera revival starts in earnest here.
STAYING MOBILE, GETTING SMARTER
In related news, the brand has launched its Leica Lux app for the iPhone, intended to bring the iconic Leica look to both experienced and entry-level photographers alike. The appeal of the app is that it allows for users to experiment with well-known Leica lenses. For example, in Aperture Mode, iPhone photographers can take pictures resembling the look of what they’d get using lenses including its Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4 ASPH and the Noctilux-M 50mm f/1.2 ASPH. These lens simulations
are made possible via Leica’s proprietary image processing engine based on machine learning and computer-aided photography. A free version of the app gives access to the Automatic Photo and Aperture Mode and includes the emulation of the Summilux-M 28mm f/1.4 ASPH plus five Leica looks. The step up option is the Leica Lux Pro app from £6.99 per month. This additionally enables access to manual control of exposure, focus and white balance, along with 11 Leica looks and five Leica lenses. We’re promised that these options will continue to expand. During development of the app, Leica took over Norwegian company Fjorden Electra AS, due to its expertise regarding apps and smartphone accessories. The manufacturer adds that the acquisition took place within the framework of the development of new business areas. In short, Leica is seeking to consolidate its positioning in the smartphone photography segment and open up new creative capabilities in smartphone photography.
www.leica-camera.com/compact-cameras
The Leica D-Lux 8 camera at a glance: 21MP sensor offering 17MP effective resolution, with 24-75mm lens reach in 35mm terms
MANIFESTOS MADE MANIFEST: WHAT NEXT FOR THE PHOTO TRADE?
Unless the polls are badly wrong, we should have a new party in government and new prime minister by the time you read this. So how will that affect the ability of the photo trade to do business, entering the summer trading period – and beyond? Here we examine the manifestos of the two main parties in an attempt to find some answers
Dispelling clouds of gloom, just before we went to press, the ONS reported that retail sales volumes were up 2.9% in May following a 1.8% fall in April. This was due, in part, to better weather, as a large majority of transactions were put down to clothing. While sales were up, inflation was down, to the government’s much promised target of 2%. That said, it wasn’t all good news; the Bank Of England was cautiously keeping interest rates at a 16 year high of 5.25% at the time of writing. No change is expected until later this summer.
Following on from all of the above, we now have the results of the General Election to contend with, whoever voters have put in charge as you hold this issue in your hands. The pundits’ talk as we were putting this edition together was of a Labour ‘super majority’, with the scandal-beset Conservatives looking set for their worst defeat in living memory. But retailers and politicians alike will be hoping that, whoever has won by now, consumers will be feeling a bit more confident about the future and less fearful of rapidly rising household bills.
A potential fly in the ointment for those photo specialists who, sensibly until now, have built a significant online presence while also maintaining a bricks and mortar store is that, in order to fund possible cuts to high street rates, both the Conservatives and Labour have suggested raising business rates regarding e-commerce warehousing. Without careful consideration, this could hinder intended beneficiaries rather than help them.
While, when we took over this magazine
nine years ago, there were still many local camera shops that didn’t have their own website via which to advertise and sell goods, post-pandemic this can surely be no longer the case? Online sales grabbed a reported 27.2% of all retail sales in the same month of May, with many businesses reaping the reward of having both a high street store and
businesses in the UK. It’s also pledged to fund 100K apprenticeships for young people, which will be paid for via a cull of ‘poor quality’ university degrees it claims leave people worse off. Exactly which degrees it’s talking about remains unclear.
Whether we end up with the Conservatives somehow clinging on to power or Labour as expected taking over, the good news is that both manifestos have put forward plans for reforms covering business, retail and transport…”
a separate distribution warehouse to support their online activities. The ability for retailers to trade across multiple platforms, without being penalised for it, needs to continue.
CHANGE IS COMING
Whether we end up with the Conservatives somehow clinging on to power or Labour as expected taking over, the good news is that both manifestos have put forward plans for reforms covering business, retail and transport. So while there are some policies that look in danger of taking away with one hand what they’re giving with the other, there is nonetheless commendable intent– as long as, of course, promises are made good on (which as experience of politics has taught us is not always the case). When examining the manifestos of both parties, part of what jumps out is that the Conservatives have promised to abolish National Insurance entirely for the four million of us who are self employed, which will include many of the smallest
Having axed the proposed high-speed rail network HS2 link from London to Manchester, which might have improved freight capacity had it stayed as planned, the Tories say they will spend the savings made by the axing on local infrastructure instead. This includes, less glamorously, resurfacing roads and filling in potholes.
More encouragingly, its manifesto claims exports are growing, particularly as regards services, though there’s still no further word on the much anticipated US trade agreement promised as a ‘Brexit bonus’ but that has so far failed to materialise.
As we’ve noted before on these pages, the devil is in the detail. But what’s encouraging is the previously announced business rates support package that’s claimed to support small businesses and the high street to the tune of £4.3 billion over a five-year period. However, as noted earlier, the fly in the ointment is that the Tories intend to increase the rate for warehouses used by those who do business online. Pundits observe that it’s hard to see this as a viable solution when there is a broad range of retailers who sell goods online as well as from physical stores. For its part Labour is promising to aid small and medium sized business owners, not least with the concept of creating a new Great British Energy company to cut bills and improve energy security. It will apparently
Got your own ideas about how the photo industry can counter the challenges arising from the cost of living crisis,
A potential fly in the ointment for photo specialists who have built a significant online presence while also maintaining a bricks and mortar store is that, to fund possible cuts to high street rates, both parties have suggested raising business rates for e-commerce warehousing…”
find the resources to do this via a windfall tax on oil and gas giants, while it seeks to reduce industry’s emissions. A further possible driver to long-term economic growth is the promise of an Industrial Strategy Council focusing on retail and manufacturing. This seeks to end the farce of plans that do not survive the political cycle, and so make it tricky for businesses to plan ahead with any certainty. A further pledge includes the setting up of ‘Skills England’ to bring together business with providers of training, unions and the government itself to work towards a highly skilled workforce. Labour is also promising £1.6 billion to upgrade ports
and build supply chains across the UK.
While the current business rates system places a burden on high street businesses, the party is looking to replace it with what’s claimed to be a fairer system. This will still seek to raise the same revenue, while levelling the playing field between the high street and online giants, better incentivising investment, tackling empty properties and supporting entrepreneurship. However, as noted, if it seeks to do this it may end up penalising those businesses who have successfully integrated an e-commerce presence with their real-world high street store. One thing we might have expected to
see in Labour’s manifesto, but is skirted over, is a desire to work towards a closer relationship with the EU after the barriers put in the way by Brexit. In fact the party has said it has no desire or plans to revisit the divisive argument and un-do Brexit. So, for now, it’s ruled out a return to the single market or customs union. Some will doubtless view this as a missed opportunity to help avoid unnecessary red tape and expense that has hampered businesses for the past few years.
Whichever party is in power, we’re likely to see higher labour (with a small ‘l’) costs in the near future, which may disincentivise smaller retailers and job growth in our sector. But, in short, Labour promises that under its manifesto small business will get the respect it deserves; which we can only hope will ultimately be good news for the majority of BPI News readers, whichever side of the political fence you typically reside on.
Smartphone gimbal is smooth
mover
Barely a month goes by without some innovative new gadget from the Zhiyun brand and July is no exception as it’s just announced a Zhiyun Smooth 5S Ai smartphone gimbal. As the name suggests it deploys what’s claimed to be advanced AI tracking technology, gifting those shooting video on their phones with what’s described as ‘unparalleled stabilisation and effortless operation’. Besides a standard set at £169.99 SRP, a special Combo and Pro set are also being offered to your customers at £219.99 and £249.99 respectively. Advanced algorithms are said to continuously adjust the gimbal based on subject movement, with the aim of achieving consistently sharp and clear footage. The Combo and Pro sets include a magnetic attachment for the Ai tracker that quickly rotates to control a smartphone’s front or rear camera. Gesture control can be used to manage tracking functions and recording can be started or stopped in the same way. The sleek looking gimbal’s threeaxis orthogonal structure enables 360° rotation, while its controls are easy to reach and tactile. www.zhiyun-tech.com
NIKON’S ANIMAL MAGIC
What seemed at first an unlikely pairing –Nikon and the Comedy Wildlife Awards – has birthed some magical images, all of which are said to be ‘in the running’ for this year’s competition, with only a few weeks to go before the closing date of July 31st (in case you’re thinking of entering some of your own).
Now in its tenth year, we’re told the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards has received thousands of entries from around the globe of feathered fun-sters and furry freaks doing something wild and wonderful. It was originally co-founded by pro photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks MBE and Tom Sullam who wanted to create a competition that focused on the lighter side of wildlife photography while also promoting a much-needed message about the conservation of wildlife and habitats. A partner this year is UK conservation charity Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN).
Also this year, Nikon Creators Cameron Whitnall, Lara Jackson and Roxy Furman are joining the judging panel in reviewing the shortlist. Other expert judges include TV’s Kate Humble, actor and comedian Hugh Dennis, wildlife photographers Daisy Gilardini and Will Burrard-Lucas, Will Travers OBE of the Born Free Foundation alongside MD of Affinity Photo
Ashley Hewson and The Economist picture editor Celia Dunlop. “It’s a pleasure to be working with the Comedy Wildlife team, fantastic partners who share our commitment to generating vital awareness of conservation through the power of photography.,” enthuses Nikon Europe Senior General Manager, Marketing Stefan Maier. “With only one month to go to enter the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, we’ve loved seeing all the hilarious entries so far, and look forward to receiving more entertaining wildlife shots over the next month.” Free for the public to enter via the URL below, with prizes including the Nikon Z30 and Nikon Z8, best get photographing those pet pooches and pussycats now! www.comedywildlifephoto.com
NEW FACE AT TFC IS OLD HAND
As well as announcing its latest acquisition (see page 8 this issue), Lumesca Group has appointed a new Regional Sales Manager for The Flash Centre. Andrew Coomber, previously with Rotolight, now takes over the role.
“I am really pleased to be joining the TFC team and going back to my roots in retail. That’s where I started, back in the original good old days of analogue photography,” Andrew enthuses. “I was previously with Lumesca eight years ago, but the business has grown a lot since then. I’m looking forward to being a part of its future growth and success.”
Lumesca Group’s MD Geoffrey Clements adds: “We welcome Andrew back to Lumesca. It’s great to be working with him again. He has a vast knowledge of the photographic industry and has worked in retail, distribution and for vendors – I know he is looking forward to this new challenge and we all wish him much success.”
www.lumesca.com www.theflashcentre.com
©Alexander Fine
©John Mullineux
©Anton Pretorius
www.tipa.com/photographers-choice-2024/
Every year since 1991, TIPA awards have been given to the best photo, video and imaging products and accessories, including smartphones and equipment for printmaking, image editing and display. The TIPA logo is awarded by a large group of respected editors of technical magazines and websites from around the world, including the Camera Journal Press Club of Japan.
Visit our website to learn more about our organization and TIPA World Awards www.tipa.com
