British Photographic Industry News July August 2017 by British Photographic Industry News (BPI News)

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The Photo Trade & Brexit 9

PRODUCT

REPORT

INTERVIEW

NIKON’S 100TH

Canon debuts a pair of summer DSLRs in the 6D Mark II (main image, above) & 200D. We speak to its marketing team to get the inside track on their potential audience

An inside peek at Fujifilm’s massive photographic paper manufacturing plant in Holland, plus news of its ‘Make it an Original’ paper promotion & website

Exclusive Q&A with Sony’s Vice President, Digital Imaging Pan European Product Marketing, Yosuke Aoki, who discusses the brand’s current and future plans

Nikon UK Managing Director John Walshe sits down with BPI News to talk a century of the brand & share the most memorable moments for Nikon UK, so far

IN THIS ISSUE:

P2 5

A year on from the vote, we take a snapshot of the industry. Exclusive report inside!

I AM CHASING MOMENTS

I AM THE NEW NIKON D7500. Don’t let a great moment escape you. Equipped with a 20.9MP DX-CMOS sensor, 51-point AF and ISO 100 to 51200, the new Nikon D7500 can achieve stunning images in low light and has a continuous shooting speed of 8 fps. Wherever you move, an intuitive, tilting touch screen and slim body with deep grip offer added agility, and you can share your images in an instant to your smart device*. Alternatively, capture movies in incredibly sharp 4K UHD to relive again and again. Go chase. nikon.co.uk *This camera’s built-in Bluetooth® capability can only be used with compatible smart devices. The Nikon Snap-Bridge application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera. For compatibility and to download the SnapBridge application, please visit Google Play® and App Store. The BLUETOOTH® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and Google Play® is a trademark of Google Inc.

EDITORIAL | July/ August 2017

Photographic

Stimulating the market all summer long…

British

Industry

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published monthly by

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

elcome to our annual combined The talk of the trade this past month has July/ August edition of BPI News. focused on reaction to Photokina going This is something we do every yearly – which we revealed in BPI News June year, for what we loosely term our ‘summer – plus new product launches from Canon special’, before switching back to our (which we cover on page 6) and the other regular monthly publication schedule from big names, all designed to stimulate the September. As you have twice as long as market and push things forward for photo usual to devour this issue, we’ve made sure dealers, manufacturers, and suppliers alike. to pack it full of succulent features and tasty As politicians are fond of saying, ‘we’re Gavin Stoker, news tidbits. in this together’, and so a engendering a Editor This edition also marks two years since gavin@bpinews.co.uk community spirit is something we’d like to I put into motion the mechanisms for do more of with BPI. @GavinStoker purchasing BPI News and setting up my Talking of which… do you favour a hard own publishing company – Legacy Media Ltd – to Brexit, a soft Brexit, a red-white-and-blue Brexit, or produce it. So, before we tootle off for our summer rather we’d just forget about the whole damn thing? A break, it seems an ideal in point time to heartily thank year on from the EU referendum vote and outcome, we those in the trade who have supported this title, and examine the impact on the photo trade, speaking to an continue to support it, whether through straight independent retailer, a manufacturer and a distributor, ads or advertorial features. As our business model in order to take the pulse of the industry as a whole. has long been we’re provided free-of-charge to our Turn to our centre pages for our regular business trade subscribers, we literally couldn’t do it without feature and the lowdown straight from the horses’ you. Though I’ve been editing the title for five years, mouths. Finally, enjoy the rest of the summer and we’ll beginning under the previous publisher, and it’s been see you back here for our September 2017 edition, for around longer than the 18 years I’ve been in the photo which our copy deadline is August 22nd. You’ll find industry, we still come across people for whom this is our copious contact details on this page and revelatory – so it’s worth occasionally pointing it out. throughout the issue. Enjoy!

Publisher’s Office: 31 New Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7HZ. Legacy Media Ltd accept no ultimate responsibility for accurate reproduction of digital artwork created by third parties. Insurance and carriage of products submitted for inclusion in reports rests with the owner. News, data, prices, interviews and opinion are printed in good faith E&OE. Content including advertising artwork created by Legacy Media Ltd or its agents is ©2017 Legacy Media Ltd. ISSN: to be advised.

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CONTENTS 04 NEWS Nikon releases a trio of Nikkor lenses and toughened compact, Jessops opens its 57th store since 2013, Fixation partners with Sony, plus new accessories galore! 06 CANON FIRES SUMMER DSLR SALVO Two new DSLRs this month from the photo giant in the shape of the enthusiast targeted 6D Mark II and beginner friendly 200D. BPI News gets the inside track

Is Brexit a cut & dried issue for the trade? Turn to page 16 to find out!

14 TRADE TAKES SIGMA’S ART LENS DUO TO HEART The third party lens manufacturer shares availability and pricing for its latest lens duo in the 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM and 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM

23 YOU’LL GO A BUNDLE ON THIS EPSON DEAL VIA THE DPS GROUP The Beckenham-based re-seller pitches its latest time-limited trade deal involving the manufacturer’s SureLab D700 flagship printer

16 THE BREXIT EFFECT: HOW IS IT FOR (E)U? BPI News investigates the effects of a tumultuous 12 months on the political stage on the photo trade, and talks to Cameraworld, Sigma and MAC Group

25 Q&A WITH SONY’S YOSUKE AOKI We sit down with Sony’s Vice President, Digital Imaging Pan European Product Marketing for an exclusive chat about not just the brand but the industry as a whole

Subscriptions, back issues & BPI News online Overseas annual subscription £50 (Cheques payable to Legacy Media Ltd). For details email info@bpinews.co.uk. View current and back issues online at www.bpinews.co.uk

IS-200 HOOKUPZ™ 2.0 Smartphone Optics Adapter Using the Carson HookUpz 2.0, connect your smartphone to your preferred optic; binoculars, monocular, spotting scopes, telescopes, microscopes, borescopes, slit lamps, night vision and more! Now, you can digitally record and capture everything you see through your optical device and share instantly via text, *Call Swains or speak to your Swains Regional Sales Manager for more details. email or on social media.

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BPI News | July/August 2017 3

NEWS

NIKON UNDERWATER COMPACT, PLUS LENS WITH FISHEYE VIEW NOT CONTENT WITH officially celebrating its 100th anniversary in the midst of this issue’s run, there’s a new all-weather compact on the way in the shape of the Nikon Coolpix W300 camera (£389.99 SRP). Attendant features include the ability to shoot 16 megapixel photos and 4K or 1080p video at underwater depths of up to 30 metres without additional housing, or at -10°C on land. The camera is also dust proof and drop-proofed from heights of up to 2.4 metres, while it features a wide-angle 5x optical zoom and bright f/2.8 maximum lens aperture. A new Tool button automatically displays GPS, number of steps

taken, altitude/depth plus air pressure/water pressure readings on its monitor. “If your customers love being outdoors and seek out adventure, then this is the camera for them,” advises Nikon UK’s Product Manager for CDSC & Action, Chelsey Lavall. In related Nikon news, it has also released a trio of new Nikkor branded optics comprising a wide, an ultra wide and a fisheye lens – all of which should be available by the time you read this. The AF-S

Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.54.5E ED promises to deliver two fisheye effects in one lens, allowing photographers to easily move from an 8mm circular image to a 15mm full frame fisheye one. A robust, drip resistant build is also promised. Minimum focus distance is 0.16m. SRP is £1,299.99. Next up, the AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED at £2,079.99 SRP offers a minimum focus distance of 0.28m and boasts a dust and drip resistant build for reliable shooting

in challenging weather conditions. The third lens in the AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR is capable of taking in everything from big skies to frame filling close ups, according to the brand. Minimum focus distance is 0.22m and as its model name suggests it has Nikon’s Vibration Reduction feature on board, along with an AF-P stepping motor for smooth, near silent auto focus. SRP is £329.99. www.nikon.co.uk

Southampton store for Jessops THE SOUTH COAST is the latest location for the re-emergent photo chain. A store in Southampton’s Westquay shopping centre opened mid June, its launch weekend marked by time limited offers and a Manfrotto PIXI tripod giveaway. This is the 57th store opening for Jessops since 2013, and is, according to Jessops Marketing Director Rob Murray: “proof that our business continues to thrive

thanks to a strategy of steady growth. There is a huge and growing appetite for photography in the UK. Trying a camera before you buy is a huge part of the journey – and with the opening of our latest store customers can get hands-on and experience a wide range of cameras and equipment to help decide which product is right for them.” www.jessops.com

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Tetenal Open Day

Save the date!

Wednesday, 13th September 2017 Leicester

Fine Art Printers, Giclée Masters in Cardiff, choose the perfect time to upgrade

Meet the experts of leading photographic brands at Tetenal We are delighted to announce that we are holding a Tetenal Open Day in conjunction with leading brands Epson, EIZO, Wacom and Hahnemuhle at our centrally located headquarters just off the M1 in Leicester. As part of this informal event you will have the opportunity not only to engage with our Area and Product Managers at Tetenal but to meet representatives of leading brands in the industry. Product experts from Epson, EIZO, Wacom and Hahnemuhle are joining us for the day to demonstrate their products and answer your questions. For more information on the Tetenal Open Day and to register for a free ticket, visit: www.tetenal-open-day.eventbrite.co.uk

“

Product Demonstrations: • Epson (SureLab D3000, D700 and Large Format Printers) • Kodak (APEX and Kiosk Systems) • DNP range (Dye Sub Photo Printers and Kiosks) • CS1 Kiosk • Wacom (Graphic Tablets) • EIZO (Colour Monitors) • Sunbounce & Sun-Sniper (Reflectors and Camera Straps) • JOBO (Analogue Processing Equipment) • Canvas Wrapping & Stretching

NEWS EXTRA

SHOOT, REMEMBER & SHARE… CANON FIRES SUMMER DSLR SALVO

Following the launch of its Live for the Story advert and marketing campaign attracting new people into photography last month – and for which there wasn’t a camera in sight – the photo giant is now launching two new DSLRs. Arriving in July are the enthusiast targeted EOS 6D Mark II, and the beginner friendly EOS 200D. BPI News attended the London preview…

ast issue we spoke to Canon Marketing Director Susie Donaldson to get an insight into its newly launched and continuing ‘Live for the Story’ marketing campaign, aimed at engaging with an audience not yet brought into the Canon brand, or the industry as a whole . Notably, a camera didn’t feature in the initial advert; it was more about feelings and experiences than hardware. This month we’re back to talking tangible product however, with the brand launching two interesting new DSLRs in the EOS 6D Mark II and the EOS 200D, pitched at the enthusiast/ hobbyist and beginner respectively.

“The background to this is our need to reach a wider group of image makers. The good news is that opportunity is growing all the time.” – Daniel Benjamin, Product Marketing Manager Canon UK commercial opportunities. So more accessories to support image capture, more opportunities to help users organise their images and more opportunities to encourage printing of their images… so we’re in quite an exciting time. “We’re also at the forefront of imaging technology, as we have been since 1934, and continue to

significantly invest in R&D. Though we continue to be the number one camera brand, the market’s changed and we’re adapting with it. Traditionally we’ve been focused on maxmising the demand for our products and now we need to start to drive desirability, especially in a competitive market. So we’ve got a very simple strapline now: ‘shoot,

Plenty of opportunity Daniel Benjamin, who heads up Product Marketing for Canon UK, gave us a bit of a market overview. “The background to this is our need to reach a wider group of image makers. The good news is that opportunity is growing all the time. In 2017 we know that more images than ever before – 358 billion images – will be taken. This creates opportunity to encourage consumers who are using their phone to trade up to a dedicated device. The good news is that this brings with it more

L to R: Canon’s Neale Conroy holds the new EOS 200D whilst Daniel Benjamin shows off the 6D Mark II

remember and share’. Effectively we’re growing our eco system. We’ve added additional services such as Lifecake and Kite. So, now when users capture their images with EOS or PowerShot, they have the opportunity to share and upload images through the likes of Lifecake and irista and then to print them via our services including Kite.ly, hdbook and using our PIXMA photo printers. “We’ve looked at how we can talk about our brand and instead of just focusing on the product and on the tech, we’re now focusing on how products and services can help people tell their story, regardless of where they are on their image journey. And we do this all under the umbrella of our new consumer platform ‘Live for the Story’ (see BPI News June for the full low-down). It’s an attitude, not just a strapline, where we can talk about the benefits of the product, not just the tech features. “While we’ve put big investment into the campaign to attract more people to the category, we’re continuing to develop our offerings for enthusiasts and professionals. We’re still sponsors of World Press Photo, our CPS team is at all the major sporting events this summer and we work very closely with camera clubs.. Hopefully everything we’re working

How to pitch Canon’s new DSLRs: The 26.2MP EOS 6D Mark II is a enthusiast/hobbyist device, whilst the 6 July/August 2017 | BPI News

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CANON DSLR PREVIEW

“We have the EOS ‘5’ series, which is aimed at the professional and then the ‘6’ series, which is aimed at the enthusiast. It’s smaller, lighter, easier to use but will still give you amazing image quality. – David Parry, Canon Product Specialist towards is helping build a bigger market. We’ve continued to be the number one camera brand with the number one selling SLR, we’ve got the number one mirror-less on the market and we’ve got the number one full frame camera on the market.”

New DSLR duo Market info aside, Canon Product Specialist David Parry also gave us a comprehensive run down of the new EOS 6D Mark II and EOS 200D, though professed excitement at the entire EOS range. “It’s a great selection of products, whatever level you are with your photography,” he told us. “I think that’s a real strong benefit for Canon – in that we have this depth and breadth in our range.” Talking us through the full frame EOS 6D Mark II first, David noted that its predecessor in the EOS 6D (which it replaces) was launched back at Photokina 2012 and created quite a stir for Canon. “What’s happened is that every generation of DSLR has moved up and up in terms of sophistication and pro features. The ‘5’ series moving up and being aimed at the professional has created a hole, which the ‘6’ series is filling for the enthusiast. It’s smaller, lighter, easier to use… but still provides amazing image quality. “We’ve kept the core message which is ‘compact and lightweight’, with full frame image quality and high sensitivity performance. The 6D was well known for its low light capability and this is a move forward. The original 6D was also

Canon’s David Parry details the features of its newest DSLR pair for summer 2017

the first camera in our line up to have Wi-Fi and GPS. We’ve now got Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and GPS in this one. “We’ve made the Mark II the first full frame camera in our line up with a variable angle monitor and a touch panel, plus the auto focus is a 45 point, all cross type. Controls haven’t changed much over the original 6D, so it handles much in the same manner. “Another thing that’s really important is the frames per second. It has risen from 4.5fps to 6.5fps. I think that’s made the Mark II quite a different beast to the original 6D. The original was very good for landscape and portrait photography, but this one I see as having a broader appeal, encompassing sports and action too. “The second new camera in the EOS 200D is kind of replacing the 100D. I say ‘kind of’ because it is such a leap forward, while targeting the same kind of consumer. It’s very small, lightweight and simple to use. For me the exciting thing to see on this camera is the variable angle touch

screen. It is huge, yet the camera is so small. It really does give you a lovely shooting experience. “In terms of who this camera’s aimed at, this is about getting people into SLR photography. To achieve that we’re utilising our ‘guided interface’ (GUI); it’s really exciting because it encourages people to come out of auto and encourages them to explore. We’ve got this on the 800D, the 77D, at the moment and I’m really pleased to say on this new one as well. Other than that, the button layout is very simplified. And I like that because it’s not scary for someone who’s come to this from a smart device. People can find their way around it easily. “It’s got a 9 point AF system, Digic 7 processor, 24 megapixel sensor, Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth connectivity, and it’s the world’s smallest SLR with a vari angle screen. If you use our new latest 18-55mm f/4-5.6 zoom with it, it makes for the world’s fastest AF system. There are a couple of caveats to that, but I think it’s quite an interesting story in itself. It also comes in a choice of three colours – a white, a silver and a black version as well. “Both of these cameras have Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. This piece of technology has grown with us and moved across our range. Why? Because it is a fantastic Live View auto focus system: 80% of the image capture area is AF points. So every single megapixel is used to capture AF in that 80% area, which is fantastic in terms of accuracy. Every single megapixel in this 80% area is basically an AF point… so you could almost say we have 18 million AF points. It really is exciting.”

New Canon DSLRs – at a glance: EOS 6D Mark II n Brand new 26.2 million pixel full frame sensor n Up to ISO 40,000 before full expansion n Latest generation DIGIC 7 processor (14x faster than DIGIC 6) n 45 point cross type AF system n Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology n Vari-angle touch screen n Full HD video at 60P with headphone input, HDR video mode and 4K timelapse function n Available July at £1,999.99 SRP (body only) or £2,379.99 with EF 24-105mm STM lens n Accessories include battery grip at £199 SRP and Protecting Cloth at £24.99 SRP EOS 200D n New 24.2 megapixel APS-C camera sensor n 9 point AF system n DIGIC 7 processor n Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology n World’s smallest APS-C DSLR with vari angle LCD n Available in white, silver or standard black n Available July at £579.99 SRP (body only), or £679.99 (all colours) with 18-55mm STM lens. A black only kit alternatively includes a 18-55mm DC lens for £649.99

Members of the trade should speak to their local Canon rep for more on the above products, or head to the below URL: www.canon.co.uk

24.2MP EOS 200D is firmly aimed at the beginner trading up from a smartphone. For more see www.canon.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | July/August 2017 7

NEWS

INTRO’S DYNAMIC TAMRON DUO THERE ARE ANOTHER NEW couple of Tamron lenses available via Intro2020 this month in the shape of a 24-70mm G lens and an 18-400mm. The latter is described as the world’s first ultra telephoto all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C DSLRs to achieve 400mm telephoto reach (here 620mm in 35mm terms); a zoom ratio of 22.2x. The pitch is that it allows your photographer customers to switch between wide angle and ultra telephoto

without changing lenses. Weighing 705g, the Tamron 18-400mm f/3.56.3 Di II VC HLD (right) is available this month in Canon and Nikon fits at an SRP of £649.99. The second newbie in the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 also arrives July, at an SRP TBC. This is described as a next generation high-speed lens, offering a superb performance even in back lit scenes. Features include fluorine coating on the front element, moisture resistant

construction and a locking lens hood. The versatile lens is said to be ideal for photographers shooting landscape, portrait, news and travel. www.intro2020.co.uk

Service with a smile FIXATION, THE LONDON-BASED camera service centre acquired by Wex Photographic in 2015, is celebrating the news that it has been named the first official walk-in Sony Imaging Pro Support Centre in the UK. The background is that Sony has traditionally undertaken repairs at a factory in Pencoed, Wales, but notes that most of its pro customers come from London. It will now be able to take advantage of Fixation’s database of 400k customers, 20+ highly trained technicians, that it undertakes 1,500 repairs each month and has 20,000 spare parts in stock, according to David Garratt, Complimentary 12 month national trust CEO of the Wex Group. membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72

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T48046 Panasonic_A3_Poster.indd 1

David adds: “We have ambitions to really scale the business. As part of the Wex Group, Fixation will increasingly be able to provide this support across the UK.” He added that when entering into any partnership “you need to choose a brand that has put in place the structure to support you.” Following Futuresource research for Wex in Wobbler 2016, which highlighted the fact that 63% of pro photographers intended to purchase a CSC in the next four years, “Fixation was keen to build relationships.” Wex says it’s seen an increase in 21/08/2013 13:54

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Trust Membership Sony’s Yosuke Aoki with David Garratt, Wex’s CEO. See page 25 for more from Mr Aoki

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

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Lumix National Trust POS

Hang Tag

demand for Sony products driven by its top end CSC products, including the Alpha 7R and 7S series, plus G Master lenses. Intending to go the extra mile for its customers, Fixation will be importing Sony proprietary testing equipment from Japan and will commence offering said services from September 1st. Fixation was most recently in the news in connection with Calumet’s owner Aurelius snapping up Wex Photographic for an undisclosed sum (see BPI News April). www.fixationuk.com

Ansmann charges your summer sales A COUPLE OF NEW PRODUCTS from power specialist Ansmann, for which sales go hand in hand: the high quality Ansmann 18650 lithium battery, plus separately available Ansmann Lithium 2 charger, which offers compatibility with said battery, along with 26650, 22650, 18500, 17670, 16340 and 14500 cells. Rechargeable batteries aren’t included with the charger, so here’s the perfect opportunity to sell your customer both products. The high quality 18650 3.7V 2600mAh battery is pitched as ideal for use in LED torches, headlights, e-cigarettes and laser pens, and can be charged up to 2000 times, says Ansmann. A four-way integrated protection circuit avoids overload, overcharge, short circuit plus deep discharge. Boasting a very good price/ performance ratio, a two-year warranty is offered. The charger itself can replenish one or two lithium ion batteries from the above list, and includes a micro USB charge cable. Offering single slot monitoring, there is automatic detection of an inserted battery and charging also starts automatically. An indication of charge status is provided via three LEDs per charge slot, whilst a three-year guarantee provides peace of mind for your customers. Contact Ansmann’s trade partner Peak Development to stock up now on 01489 796979 or email sales@peak-uk.com www.peak-uk.com

21/08/2013 13:56

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A4 Cling

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FUJIFILM PHOTO PRINT SERVICES PROMOTION

FUJIFILM HIGHLIGHTS ‘SILVER’ LINING FOR TRADE PARTNERS

BPI News eavesdrops on what happened when Fujifilm invited a bunch of the UK’s leading pro labs – Loxley Colour, Metro, G.F.Smith, One Vision, Bayeux, Digitalab, Genesis and Colorworld – to visit its vast photographic paper manufacturing plant in Tilburg, Holland, and witness that silver halide technology is alive and well. Plus, we highlight Fujifilm’s new ‘Make it an Original’ paper promotion and website

ujifilm’s Tilburg plant in Holland is an enormous 150-acre site that, amongst many other things, produces the photo paper on which over a third of the prints made worldwide are output. This staggering fact wasn’t lost on a cluster of print experts from professional photofinishing labs from around the UK, who were recently invited on a two-day factory tour, enabling them to witness the creation process first hand and also hear about the exciting future of silver halide. The Tilburg tour coincided with the launch of Fujifilm’s new ‘Make it an Original’ silver halide photo paper campaign and website – both of which focus on creating awareness of the blossoming silver halide marketplace, plus Fujifilm’s own inventory of twenty-seven different colour papers with varied surface types and sizes. For those who believe that the unstoppable tide of digitisation has all but carried away traditional processes, it might come as a surprise to hear that silver halide has a future at all, but, in fact, the pro labs know better, and Fujifilm’s classic Crystal Archive paper, revered for its exceptional quality and archival qualities, is still the media of choice for professional and hobbyist photographers right across the board. As a result, Fujifilm was keen to showcase the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure it stays ahead of the game as a manufacturer and that its silver halide products continue to more than hold their own.

Those making the trip to Holland from the UK included owners and senior managers from Loxley Colour, Metro, G.F.Smith, One Vision, Bayeux, Digitalab, Genesis and Colorworld. One of the truly great things about the pro lab business is that, despite the fact that all of those on the Tilburg trip are in competition with one another, there was still a great sense of camaraderie in evidence, along with a willingness to network and to share experiences. So, it was a buzzing, lively crowd that donned the mandatory white overalls on that first afternoon to undertake the factory tour and to see for themselves where the papers they use actually originate.

A focus on quality Nothing was off-limits, barring those areas where coating processes need to be undertaken, for obvious

“Our new ‘Make it an Original’ campaign is all about highlighting the compelling advantages of photographers using silver halide papers. We are seeing exciting exponential growth in this sector, so are making available new marketing toolkits for our trade partners, to be used as a key ‘call to action’ for their customers.” – Fujifilm UK Marketing Manager Peter Wigington

reasons, in complete darkness. Our guide Wil der Kinderen, like so many of the Fujifilm employees encountered on the tour, had worked for the company for decades. He proudly showed his guests everything from the store where the vast rolls of paper waiting to be coated were kept – along with the ingenious automated traverser system employed to move them around – through to the high-tech systems that cut the paper to size and take care of quality control. Everything is checked thoroughly at every stage, and attention to detail is impressive: after all, Fujifilm’s reputation and that of its customers is on the line, and that message has clearly been received loud and clear.

As the various processes were explained on the way round the building, there was no shortage of questions. Ken Sethi, CEO of Genesis Imaging – a lab that handles the printing for many major exhibitions, as well as the fine art print requirements for Getty Images – was one of those having his eyes opened as to how much goes into the production of silver halide print materials, in terms of R&D and physical production methods. “It’s real eye-opener when it’s explained to you, and not at all what I imagined it to be,” he enthuses. “Silver halide paper still represents the vast bulk of my business. It’s what brings photographers through my door, so it was reassuring to hear

Boost your print sales in 2017! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via photoprintservices_UK@fujifilm.com @bpi_news

BPI News | July/August 2017 9

MINILAB NEWS

from Fujifilm about their confidence in the future of the product. When you hear this first hand you realise that you’re in safe hands and that you can rely totally on silver halide papers being around for the long term.” Tim Berry, GF Smith’s Commercial Manager, was another taking a huge interest in the tour, appreciating the opportunity not just to get an insight and a deeper understanding of the products that his lab uses extensively, but also to get a feel for what the future might hold for silver halide papers in general. “G F Smith has worked with Fujifilm products since the start of 2001,” he says, “but I’ve personally had dealings with the company for over 30 years now on various projects. I was very impressed with the whole paper-manufacturing process, but equally it was really good to see the knowledge of the staff at the factory and the pride they had in their work.”

From raw material paper rolls to cut sheet final products, Will Der Kinderen explains the process. Left: New products. Below: The Tilburg site with its wind turbines

prints still hanging on a wall after 50 or 60 years is less than 1%. That’s a reasonable lifetime, but we want to extend that longevity still further. Fujifilm paper prints are officially the best in class amongst silver halide print types – especially our renowned DPII Professional Paper. Fujifilm professional paper prints will last 48 years under 250 lux and 12 hours’ indoor light exposure.” There’s also going to be a strong focus on the booming market for albums that are printed on silver halide paper, especially those that The future’s bright, the feature a lay flat design. Fujifilm aims future’s silver to secure 50% of the album market in the not-too-distant future. The following day the pro lab party “We are seeing an exponential was back at the Tilburg plant, this increase in growth,” says Judith. time to hear from Fujifilm Product “Today 95% of all professional albums Manager Judith van Linden and Key within the EU are created with Fujifilm Account Manager Evert Groen. Both colour papers. We currently have gave presentations that focused an inventory of 27 different colour on the bright future that lies ahead papers with varied surface types and for silver halide paper, as well as a sizes – and of course innovative new dedicated website that will focus on the massively growing market for fine products such as Album XS paper. Our album papers are growing by art prints. This has been launched 17% a year and we have new papers with the aim of driving custom to for wall décor in the pipeline.” professional labs that can, in turn, “It’s great to see that Fujifilm is act as evangelists for the supreme continuing to invest in silver halide qualities of the silver halide papers papers in this way,” says Metro they’re working with. Imaging’s Director Tony Window, “We are constantly working who has worked with the company’s to achieve ever greater print permanence,” Evert told his audience. products for 25 years. “I was delighted to learn that the company’s “Statistics show that the amount of

Enhance the value of your photos by printing those you the most on Fujiﬁ love lm’s original phot o paper. Your phot become a one- of-ao will kind item, keeping its intense and brillia colours for a very nt long time. It will be your personal ‘original’. www.originalphotop aper.com

An ‘Original’ thought from Fujifilm

paper range is continuing to expand and obviously we’ll be looking to incorporate any new products that are introduced. We’ll also be continuing to work with Fujifilm to promote the value of printing on professional photo papers, and it’s great to hear that silver halide has such a positive future.” Overall, the trip was a valuable chance to cement relationships, for those that base their businesses around the quality of silver halide paper to be able to see firsthand how much goes into the manufacturing process and to share the news about the exciting plans that will firmly establish traditional printing at the heart of professional photography for many years to come. All of those who made the trip came away enthused and inspired, and now it’s the turn of their customers to reap the benefit of the considerable investment and development that is currently going on in the depths of that cavernous Fujifilm plant in Holland. Browse the new Fujifilm website dedicated to photo papers for yourself at www.originalphotopaper.com In addition, to find out more about how Fujifilm could help inspire your own business, call 01234 572138 or email photoimaging_uk@fujifilm.com

“Our new ‘Make it an Original’ campaign is all about highlighting the compelling advantages of photographers using silver halide papers,” explains Fujifilm UK’s Marketing Manager Peter Wigington. “We are seeing exciting exponential growth in this sector. So the website will provide access to a raft of information, including background stories, tutorials, videos and tips, alongside invitations to special events. “We are also making available new marketing toolkits for our trade partners, complete with ‘Make it an Original’ support artwork and logos to be used as a key ‘call to action’ for their customers,” he adds. “We have new ‘proof of quality’ seals they can apply too – guaranteeing their clients exceptional quality, amazing colour longevity, brilliant whites and continuous tone – alongside a portfolio of high-res images highlighing the ways in which photo papers, including Fujicolor Crystal Archive Supreme High Definition, Album Paper XS and Textured Paper Canvas, can be used to increase profit margins. “The toolkit further comprises informative sales sheets, ongoing POS materials – and even a short movie that brings these outstanding silver halide photo papers to life. This is all part of Fujifilm’s drive to ensure your photographer customers can store and showcase their most significant images printed on quality papers with matchless longevity assurances.” www.originalphotopaper.com

Boost your print sales in 2017! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via photoprintservices_UK@fujifilm.com 10 July/August 2017 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

MAKE IT AN

Original

You can always trust in our photo paper, whether you’re a professional or a keen amateur photographer. Whatever you need, our range of silver halide paper types delivers exceptional quality and has the perfect product for you. All our photo paper types guarantee: • Amazing colour longevity • Brilliant whites • Continuous tone CREATIVE PAPERS

ALBUM PAPERS

SHARING PAPERS

PROFESSIONAL PAPERS

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Professional Textured Paper Canvas

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Album Paper

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Digital Pearl Paper

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Professional Textured Paper Linen

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Album HD Paper

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper Supreme

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Digital Paper Type DP II

These high-end photo papers are for professional use and requirements. They have a luxurious look and feel and a thick base, and produce deep blacks and exceptional sharpness. Fujicolor Crystal Archive Professional Textured Paper Leather

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Premium HDX Paper X-Tra Coat

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Paper Supreme HD

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Professional Velvet Paper

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Album Paper XS

Fujicolor Crystal Archive Writable Paper

For ultimate creativity: this creative, professional range has an impressive, unique surface finish, making it ideal for all photo ideas. Turn pictures into masterpieces for the fine art market.

Preserve and enjoy your most precious moments. These album papers are designed for beautiful layflat photo albums and offer ultimate paper thickness or outstanding thinness.

Turn moments into everlasting memories with this supreme paper range. Create beautiful prints and keep memories alive with excellent image stability.

www.originalphotopaper.com

MINILAB NEWS

KODAK KODAK EXPRESS EXPRESS CONTINUES CONTINUES TO TO ADD ADD STORES STORES ACROSS ACROSS THE THE UK UK Premier Print in Wiltshire and My Photo Hut in Northumberland Premier Print in Wiltshire and My Photo Hut in Northumberland join the network to offer consumers even more geographical coverage. join the network to offer consumers even more geographical coverage.

The Kodak name continues The Kodak name continues to attract photo stores who to attract photo stores who want a brand which offers want a brand which offers real customer recognition. real customer recognition.

Two new stores at opposite ends of the Two newchose storestoatjoin opposite endsExpress of the country the Kodak country join the the Kodak Express network chose basedto on suitability and network based onKodak the suitability and ease of use of the photo printing ease of use of the Kodak photo printing equipment together with having a brand equipment together withgives having a brand above the door which customers above the and door which assurance peace of gives mind. customers assurance and peace of mind. Andy Smith and Mark Jones, co-owners Andy Smith Prints and Mark Jones, co-owners of Premier in Trowbridge, saw a of Premier Prints in Trowbridge, saw a business opportunity when the previous business opportunity when the previous Kodak Express store owner in town retired. Kodak Express store owner in town retired. "Mark and I already owned the "Mark and Ibusiness already owned the FoneSolutions in Trowbridge so FoneSolutions business in Trowbridge so we were aware of the Kodak Express store we of the Kodak Express andwere how aware well established and busy itstore was. and how well established and busy it was. When we heard the owner was retiring When we heard the we owner and closing the store saw was it as retiring a great and closing the store we it asExpress a great opportunity to keep the saw Kodak opportunity to keep the Kodak Express name alive in Trowbridge and build on the name in Trowbridge andhad build on the phonealive business we already whilst at phone business we already had whilst at the same time expanding into a new area the expanding into a me. new area but same with a time trusted brand behind but with a trusted brand behind me. The support we've received from Tetenal The we've received from starting Tetenal has support been excellent and we're has been excellent and we're starting to build a good business. People seem to buildpleased a good to business. seem really still seePeople the Kodak really still see the Kodak Expresspleased name in to town." Express name in town."

"The Kodak Express "The Kodak branding looksExpress great and branding looks great and makes a real statement. makes a real statement. It's easily identifiable by It's easily which identifiable shoppers givesby us shoppers which gives is usso instant credibility which instant credibility which is so important for a new store." important for a new store." Andy Smith - Owner Premier Prints Andy Smith - Owner Premier Prints

Premier Prints co-owner Andy Smith (left) together with Tetenal Hardware Sales Chris Castle Premier Prints co-owner AndyManager Smith (left) together with Tetenal Hardware Sales Manager Chris Castle

My Photo Hut in Blyth, Northumberland is My Photo Hut inbetween Blyth, Northumberland is a joint venture William Bell and a joint venture between and step-son Scott Dunn whoWilliam explainsBell more. step-son Scott Dunn who explains more. "Opening a Photo Retail store was "Opening Photo was something awe'd talkedRetail aboutstore for a long something we'd talked about for a long time and then once we'd finally taken the time andwe then once to we'd finally taken the decision started look around for the decision we started to look around for the best mix of equipment and brand to give best mix ofstart. equipment and brand to give us a great us a great start. We spoke to Chris Castle at Tetenal We to through Chris Castle at Tetenal who spoke talked us the options and who talked us through the options demonstrated a variety of equipment.and demonstrated a variety of equipment. That was one of the things we liked, we That wasjust onebeing of thelimited thingsto weone liked, we weren't brand weren't just being limited to one brand of equipment, we could choose what of equipment, we could choose what worked for our specific requirements. worked for our specific requirements. We could have just opened up as an We could have up as an independent but just as aopened brand new store independent but as a brand new store we knew that consumers find comfort in we knewthey that recognise consumersand findtrust. comfort in a brand So in a brand they recognise and trust. So in the end we decided to open as a Kodak the end store. we decided to open was as aperfect Kodak Express The equipment Express store. The equipment was perfect for us and the support we've received has for us fantastic." and the support we've received has been been fantastic."

Scott Dunn behind the counter of My Photo Hut in Blyth Scott Dunn behind the counter of My Photo Hut in Blyth

"As soon as the signage went "As as the signage went up,soon and before we had even up, and before had even opened, we hadwe businesses, opened, we hadand businesses, photographers camera photographers and camera clubs knocking on the door clubs knocking onwhen the door wanting to know we wanting to know when we were opening as they wanted were opening as they wanted access to our services" access to our services" Scott Dunn - My Photo Hut Scott Dunn - My Photo Hut

Contact Tetenal to discuss Contact Tetenal to discuss joining the Kodak Express Network joining the Kodak Express Network

TEL 0116 289 3644 TEL 0116 289 3644 www.tetenaluk.com www.tetenaluk.com

Managed Managed in in the the UK UK by by Tetenal Tetenal Ltd Ltd || TEL: TEL: 0116 0116 289 289 3644 3644 || www.tetenaluk.com www.tetenaluk.com

NEWS

HAMA ADDS DRONES TO PRODUCT PORTFOLIO WITH DRONES MUCH IN THE NEWS as well as the skies, photo accessories supplier Hama is adding ‘Xiro’ products to its line up, which include what it describes as ‘the ultimate selfie drone’ in the Xplorer Mini (see also page 31 advert). Stating that Xiro quadcopters are particularly impressive, thanks to their precise control system and award winning product designs, Hama UK Senior Product Manager Ben Jones adds: “Xiro have designed, developed and manufactured a superb range of

drones that will appeal to hobbyist and semi pro users. Not only do Xiro pack the drones with all the latest technologies, but, with their 48hrs repair service, they haven’t forgotten the important customer care aspect. The technology and the service is second to none and Hama is privileged to be a part of its worldwide success within the UK.” Bob Blankert, Xiro’s Sales Director for EMEA, explains: “The UK market offers a lot of sales potential for consumer drones. We want to increase the visibility of our brand

Xiro’s Bob Blankert is excited about drone sales in the UK

As noted earlier, the Xplorer Mini has won several prestigious awards for superior product design, such as the Red Dot Award 2016 and Good Design Award 2016. Get in touch with Hama direct on 0333 123 4262. www.uk.hama.com

and make our products accessible to the UK consumer. With Hama, we have an absolute distribution expert at our side, with whom we can surely implement our plans and jointly launch new distribution channels.”

A ‘buzz’ about Manfrotto

Swains frames your power choices THE PRO-ACTIVE DISTRIBUTOR has a couple of products to pitch to the trade this month. First up, it has extended its range of Duracell lithium batteries for popular camera types, including Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and GoPro cells. Each battery is supplied in the new smaller size Duracell packaging, which takes up no more space than a pack of 4 AA batteries, says Swains. Prices start at under £6 – making these an easy sell for any camera dealer. The second bit of news ties in with the fact that Swains distributes Impossible products. New here is a special Metallic

@bpi_news

Frames Edition of Impossible’s Colour 600 instant film. As it sounds, the Metallic Frames Edition allows your customers to place their instant photos in a spectrum of shimmering foil frames, from gold and blue to purple and pink. An element of surprise and excitement has been introduced via the fact that photographers never know which colour they’ll get next. To order stock of both this summer, speak to your regional sales manager, call direct on 01485 536200, or visit the Swains web site to see the full range on offer. www.swains.co.uk

THE ITALIAN BRAND has a swarm of new bags coming your way – in the shape of its Pro Light Bumblebee camera bag family. The pitch for photographers who dare to leave their ‘hive’, is that the outdoor bags will offer comfort and protection in the harshest of conditions: high temperatures, extreme cold or high humidity. There are both new backpacks in the Bumblebee-230 PL (designed for DSLRs and up to a whopping 10 extra lenses) and smaller Bumblebee-130 PL (for DSLR or high-end CSC plus up to 8 extra optics), plus new messenger bags in the Bumblebee-M30 PL (for camera, lens and 15-inch laptop)

and Bumblebee-M10 PL (holding a 13-inch laptop). Prices for the Bumblebee collections start at a sting-free £109.95 SRP. Smartphone photographers alongside action, CSC and DSLR users are also being targeted with Manfrotto’s new PIXIPano360. As it sounds, this is a remote controlled 360° panoramic head, with a universal 1/4-inch thread attachment, which can handle up to a 2Kg payload. Constructed from what’s described as ‘premium metal’, SRP is £124.95. For more info see www.manfrotto.co.uk

BPI News | July/August 2017 13

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

Trade takes Sigma’s ‘Art’ lens duo to heart

Japanese optical specialist Sigma has unveiled more details of its much anticipated 14mm f/1.8 and 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses, both of which fall within its ‘Art’ class of product. We get the lowdown from UK General Manager Graham Armitage on why you should be making room to stock and sell them to photographer customers…

igma wants its retail partners in the UK to be the first to know further details of its forthcoming 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art and 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art lenses. But, what you’ll really want to know is, why you should be stocking them, and how you should be pitching and selling them to your photographer customers. “Both lenses have been much anticipated since their announcement to the trade in February this year,” notes Sigma UK’s General Manager Graham Armitage. “Now further details have been released, we’re only witnessing that anticipation increase! Business is booming, so make sure you speak to your local Sigma rep now about ordering stock to meet the expected demand.”

World’s first and only… Photo specialists will have long been well aware of Sigma’s enticing proposition to the trade; namely high quality lenses at value added prices, along with competitive margins. The new lens duo is a case in point; the key sales message behind the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art being that it’s the ‘world’s first and only f/1.8 ultra wide angle lens’, according to its manufacturer. Available for Canon, Nikon and Sigma fits straight out of the box, the high speed lens is further said to ‘deliver a new dimension of experience’, in offering full frame 35mm coverage, bright aperture, plus ultra wide angle of view for taking photos of starry skies at night, or capturing wide perspective landscapes. Going beyond fast shutter speeds, Sigma says this lens can capture a swarm of fireflies with crystal clarity, a beautiful ‘bokeh’/ shallow depth of field effect complete with sharp subject and blurred background, plus offers

Rising suns: excitement is building for the arrival of Sigma’s new ‘Art’ lens duo, compatible with Canon, Nikon and Sigma DSLRs, plus Sony E-mount cameras if using the MC-11 Mount Converter

outstanding control. Chromatic aberrations have been minimised thanks to the inclusion of three FLD (‘F’ Low dispersion) glass elements and four SLD (Super Low Dispersion) glass elements, with Sigma claiming this delivers superior image quality from the centre of the image to the edges. Its forthcoming release marks the seventh full frame prime lens to join the Art line up. SRP is £1679.99.

High quality zoom, for high megapixel cameras The second new lens is the 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art which has been optimised for use with high resolution DSLRs, according to its maker. Optically stabilised, it also features a newly designed HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) and a metal lens barrel designed for high rigidity. Its pitch to your customers is that this is ‘the definitive large diameter standard zoom for any shoot’ – including those in inclement

Promising to deliver bokeh effects that are ‘a cut above’, this is Sigma’s fourth generation lens to be released with such specification since 2001. The Nikon mount version includes an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism that allows it to receive the appropriate signals from the camera body to ensure precise control and stable auto focus. SRP for the 24-70mm f/2.8 is £1399.99. Further features of both new lenses include fast AF with full time manual override, compatibility with Sigma’s own Mount Converter MC-11 (making them usable with Sony E-mount cameras) and its USB Dock for a degree of future proofing, a rounded diaphragm designed to minimise flare and ghosting, lens barrel engraved with its year of release and a high precision, durable brass bayonet mount. Finally, the duo have been evaluated using

“Both lenses have been much anticipated since their announcement to the trade in February this year. Now further details have been released, we’re only witnessing that anticipation increase!” –Sigma UK General Manager Graham Armitage conditions, as it features a dust and splash proof mount with rubber sealing. Also included in its construction are three SLD (Super Low Dispersion) glass elements, plus four aspherical lens elements.

Out in front: Sigma’s new 24-70mm standard zoom is described as ‘definitive’ in terms of its large diameter and feature set

Sigma’s own ‘A1’ MFT measuring system. “It’s also worth noting our proud claim that both lenses have been made in Japan, with the outstanding craftsmanship that both implies and entails,” concludes Graham Armitage. “Get in touch with your local Sigma rep to be first on the case now all fittings are available except the Nikon 14mm which will follow later this month. Each of these is well worth looking into.” For more details of both lenses in the meantime, please head to the below URLs: www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/ www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

All lenses sold via Sigma Imaging UK come with the benefit of a three year limited warranty. 14 July/August 2017 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

MINILAB LATEST

& PHOTOXPORT TRADE PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENED

Want a dry or wet lab for your own business? The relationship between the Japanese print specialist and its exclusive UK distributor in Leicester’s PhotoXport is proving fruitful; the latter going through an intense period of installations across the UK, overseen in part by Noritsu technical expert Tomoji Sando. BPI News finds out more…

Repeat Printing Capacity

Film types*

Film formats*

As we reported last month, Noritsu’s Technical Support Supervisor Tomoji

Standard Option Standard

Compatible output 2 3 media* *

Option

Paper advance length) Print size (Width x 3.5") 127 x 89mm (5" x 6") 102 x 152mm (4" x 4") 152 x 102mm (6" x 10") 203 x 254mm (8" x x 8") 254 x 203mm (10" x 12") 254 x 305mm (10" 5 203 x 264mm* 5 210 x 307mm*

D705 positive, B&W negative Color negative and 135FP, 135FPS, IX240 135F, 135H, 135P, x9 5FPS,IX240,6x4.5,6x6,6x7,6x8,6 110,135F,135H,135P,135FP,13 DVD-R, DVD+R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, HDD, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM DVD-RW, MMC, RS-MMC, SmartMedia, SD Card, Duo, Microdrive, CompactFlash, Memory Stick Pro, Memory Stick Stick, Mini SD Card, Memory Card, USB Flash Memory xD-Picture Memory Stick Pro Duo, DVD-RAM HDD, CD-R, CD-RW, SD Card, MMC, RS-MMC, SmartMedia, Duo, Pro, Memory Stick DVD-R, Microdrive, CompactFlash, Stick, Memory Stick Flash Memory Mini SD Card, Memory xD-Picture Card, USB Memory Stick Pro Duo,

135F Negative Film Print size length) (Width x Paper advance 3.5") 127 x 89mm (5" x 6") 102 x 152mm (4" x 4") 152 x 102mm (6" x 10") 203 x 254mm (8" x x 8") 254 x 203mm (10" x 12") 254 x 305mm (10" 5 203 x 264mm* 5 210 x 307mm*

Inkjet system 720×720dpi line CCD line exposure via 3 Main scanning: Independent movement Sub scanning: Film 254mm 102, 127, 152, 203, 89 to 457mm Roll paper: Width: the width is 102, 127, 152mm: Advance length: When 254mm: 89 to 914mm When the width is 203, with when making prints (An option is required that exceeds 457mm) an advance length Print Sizes to 127 216mm Sheet paper: Width: to 297mm Advance length: 200 in tray Up to 20 can be set Max. no. of sheets: (sheet paper) paper) / 216 x 297mm (24”) 254 x 914mm* (Roll a RIP-PC is 610mm length when not using Maximum print size ossy) *The maximum advance (semi-glossy/gl inkjet photo paper 100m Roll paper: Noritsu Length of paper roll: Paper thickness: 242µm recommended paper Paper specifications Sheet paper: Noritsu (Black) (Magenta), C (Cyan), BK Y (Yellow), M 4 colors of dye ink: color Ink Volume: 500ml per below See "External view" 17.5kg / Dimensions / LS-1100: Approx. 16.7kg 1 Approx. LS-600: Scanner* 18.6kg HS-1800: Approx. （LS-600/LS-1100/HS-1800） (Not including RIP-PC) Weight Approx. 96.0kg RIP-PC) D705 1P2W (Not including AC100-120V / 200-240V Power specifications including RIP-PC) 800VA or less (Not Rated power capacity is sold separately. （LS-600/LS-1100/HS-1800） . *1 The film scanner （sold separately） EZ Controller Noritsu Koki. *2 Going through the depending on the PC, card reader used. system supplied by using the computer *3 Capacities may vary represent values when Capacities shown above RIP-PC Celeron D 3.2 GHz SP2 English version CPU Windows XP Professional OS 512MB 40GB Memory Hard disk CD-R drive ports PS/2: 1 port Media drives 1 port USB 2.0: 3 (EPP/ECP support): 1 port Ethernet (1000 base): (COM): 1 port Parallel Video (VGA): 1 port Serial External interface Printing system Print resolution 1 Film scanning method* （LS-600/1100, HS-1800）

mm）

External view（Unit:

door 353（When the front

is open）

Paper

Roll

Sheet

Capacity (Approx.) 750 510 650 250 280 195 35 33

*1 Print Capacity (prints/hr) Capacity (Approx.) HS-1800 LS-1100 LS-600 750 600 510 510 650 600 250 Roll 280 160 190 170 35 33 Sheet

Paper

The compact all-round

2 3 (prints/hr) * * Camera Print Capacity 4 Megapixel Digital Capacity (Approx.) Paper Paper advance length) 750 Print size (Width x 3.5") 510 127 x 89mm (5" x 6") 650 102 x 152mm (4" x 4") 250 Roll 152 x 102mm (6" x 10") 280 203 x 254mm (8" x x 8") 195 254 x 203mm (10" x 12") 35 254 x 305mm (10" 5 33 Sheet 203 x 264mm* 5

210 x 307mm* 2 4 (prints/hr) * * Camera Print Capacity 6 Megapixel Digital Capacity (Approx.) Paper Paper advance length) 750 Print size (Width x 3.5") 510 127 x 89mm (5" x 6") 650 102 x 152mm (4" x 4") 250 Roll 152 x 102mm (6" x 10") 280 203 x 254mm (8" x x 8") 195 254 x 203mm (10" 12") x (10" 35 254 x 305mm 5 33 Sheet 203 x 264mm* 5

210 x 307mm* scanner. EZ Controller and film the separately sold *1 When used with EZ Controller. the separately sold *2 When used with Card. 2304 x 1728 pixels per image. *3 512MB xD-Picture Card. 3024 x 2016 pixels per image. achieve may be different. *4 512MB xD-Picture to our criteria. The actual capacity you (210 x 297 mm) prints, Calculated according x 254 mm and A4 size the print after it is printed. *5 When making 203 off the rear edge of you need to cut 5 mm print is cut off automatically (5mm).) (The front edge of the

Space required for

installation（Unit: mm） 1681 1181 1099

400

is open）

400

100

1484 984 800

184

450

100

102

door 415（When the rear

(prints/hr)

800

1099

280

2068

918 440

1277

197

369 557

1797

997

239

Expertise on hand for lab installations

HS-1800

Compatible input 2 3 media* *

589

700

1211 1277

824

25 402

188

369 491

223 440

280

Space required for 197

800 1099

102

440

621

122

installation：2.7m 2

：3.5m With the print sorter

Ready to order now: Noritsu’s new D705 dry lab was launched at Photokina in March and produces up to 650 prints per hour using roll paper (or up to 1300 prints per hour if double stacking two units)

“Noritsu continues to focus its energies on the UK market, in offering marketing support. There’s lots of stuff going on at the moment with many installations to get our heads around.” –PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse expertise on tap for PhotoXport’s prospective trade partners. So, if you’ve been thinking about adding a print lab to your business, or replacing an old one, now’s the time to get in touch. If this sounds inspiring, there are a couple of options you might want to consider from PhotoXport. We’ve featured the Japanese print giant’s newest D705 dry lab most recently in BPI News – which is gathering strong interest from the trade – and also the fact that Noritsu’s impressive 3704G wet lab (see right) has enjoyed sales figures seven times higher than last year for PhotoXport, which it tells us is partly down to the availability and popularity of new papers.

LS-600/1100, HS-1800 LS-600 / 1100

390

here’s lots of stuff going on at the moment,” enthuses PhotoXport’s busy MD Derek Fieldhouse. “We’ve so many installations to get our heads around.” As well a steady stream of trade enquiries, the Leicester based distributor has, of late, received a number of visitors from Noritsu – including Mr Sumi Ikejiri, Associate Manager Imaging Business Group, Sales Division for Noritsu Europe. On top of this, one of its experts, Technical Support Supervisor Tomoji Sando, is now embedded with the company for a full year. This move both forges a closer relationship between the two entities and also, naturally, provides first hand

538

“

Sando was dispatched from Japan to work more closely with its UK trade partner – and was quickly out and about, overseeing installations for PhotoXport’s grateful customer base. “Noritsu is showing even more commitment to the UK market, in terms of technical support and marketing information, which we’re obviously really pleased about,” noted PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse. “So it can’t be criticised that there is no commitment from Noritsu in the UK. We’re currently snowed under fulfilling orders

and are incredibly busy – but we wouldn’t want it any other way.” For retailers and minilabs seeking to save on space yet splurge on output, its latest addition to the Noritsu line up, now available via PhotoXport, is the D705 Green series duplex, as showcased in the past couple of issues of BPI News. A compact all-rounder, with a footprint of just 0.35 square metres, this can print either on one or both sides of the media. Print size options range from 9x9cm up to 25x61cm, with a choice of panoramic format prints at 25x171cm. The other recommended option is the Green II simplex – in a nutshell a Green II lab on which the duplex facility has been removed – meaning that the flagship product is now even cheaper to those who want it. “If someone has a high output minilab and they want to migrate to a dry lab without any interruption then they should choose the Green II simplex,” Derek explains. Also worth mentioning is Noritsu’s Smart Picture Creation software, and its kiosk solution for retailers and minilabs, which utilises a Dell touch

Noritsu D705 dry lab advantages – at a glance: n Compact footprint, freeing up space for other retail needs n High quality prints (6 gradations per dot) with excellent image permanence n No messy chemicals, environmentally friendly, safe and clean n Scalable system configuration to meet individual needs n Substantially lower investment cost than silver halide printers n Produces up to 650 prints per hour using roll paper (or up to 1300 prints per hour if double stacking two units) n Easy operation via intuitive user interface (EZ controller sold separately)

screen PC, supported on site by Dell. Here PhotoXport has added an ATC card reader, which is fixed on the bottom, to accept common media cards. In short, when it comes to a strong workflow chain that runs from input to output, PhotoXport can cover your business’ needs. Take direct advantage of PhotoXport’s close links with Noritsu Japan – get in touch now with Derek Fieldhouse on 0116 2675907. www.photoxport.com

Take advantage of Noritsu expertise in-house at PhotoXport. Call MD Derek & his team now on 0116 2675907 @bpi_news

BPI News | July/August 2017 15

BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE

THE BREXIT EFFECT:

How is it for (E)U?

A full year on from the controversial referendum vote and result that declared Britain was to leave the European Union – the so-called ‘Brexit’ – resident business expert Adam Bernstein speaks to key figures in the photo trade to ascertain its effects on our industry, so far

ormer Prime Minister Harold Wilson once noted that a week is a long time in politics. Imagine how he’d feel now. We’ve had just over 52 of those weeks. And, although another financial crisis has thus far been avoided, none have been terribly pleasant to our business, economy, or the UK’s standing in the world. We’ve gone from an advisory vote to a formal Article 50 Brexit trigger. We’ve seen those behind the campaigns – for and against leaving the EU – disappear from (and in some cases re-appear on) the political stage. We’ve had an opportunistic election called where the instigator ended up with a bloody nose. And now we have a minority government facing a European Commission threatening a cliff edge Brexit. It’s safe to say that the future is uncertain and there are challenges ahead. So, with this in mind, how is the UK photo trade faring?

Brexit: the retailer’s perspective From a retail perspective, leading independent Cameraworld isn’t overly complaining – yet. Although Director Tony Stent agrees that

16 July/August 2017 | BPI News

“While there’s no positive effect from Brexit at present, photographers still want the gear and, thanks to a plethora of offers on many products, sales have bounced back.” – Tony Stent, Cameraworld the financial implications of the referendum result have not been as bad as some feared, he adds that there’s “certainly no positive effect from Brexit at present, though”, either. Price rises caused by the drop in the value of Sterling affected retail sales in the short term. “However,” he notes, “photographers still want the gear and, thanks to a plethora of offers on many products, sales soon bounced back.” Cameraworld’s Managing Director Jason Mitchell (right), echoes Stent: “For a short period after the vote, whilst the nation was taking in what had happened, business did suffer. But we recently had our year end and the year showed an increase – a good result.” Mitchell admits that if Brexit had not happened his business might have

fared even better – “but who knows?” As for the immediate future, Mitchell sees sales of luxury goods remaining volatile while the economy and politics are unsettled. That said, he adds: “there have been many disturbances to the economy before and the industry survived.” For him, as long as his company can show value for money, business will remain strong. There is a note of caution: “Pricing against our European neighbours is, and will always be, a challenge; I can’t see any restrictions being implemented to stop the flow of goods around Europe.” Like his partner in business, Mitchell sees few positives arising from Brexit at this point in time. “We have seen the Pound against the Euro down to €1.11, which has had a massive effect on pricing. We have seen price increases of up to 30%, which has impacted sales. Customers originally thinking of spending £1,000

on their new camera have seen prices shooting up to over £1,300.” The saving grace for him, though, is that new, high value products have hit the market, boosting sales values. “Nonetheless,” says Mitchell, “the market needs the exchange rates to settle nearer to where they were before, as UK retail pricing has to come down in order to stimulate sales.” The drop in the value of Sterling hasn’t helped margins, which, Mitchell notes, remain small. Absorbing price increases is difficult, if not impossible. “It’s a shame that suppliers cannot guide retail prices, as this would be a tremendous help to SMEs (Small & Medium-sized Enterprises),” he believes. “Mostly, retail price drops are orchestrated via a handful of powerful retailers. Many of these don’t even need photographic products to sustain them, yet they are hell-bent on discounting prices to increase sales.” Does Mitchell think the government can stimulate business? He thinks so. He’d like to see some short-term support for SMEs – “a corporation tax relief based around re-investment in the business perhaps, and focusing on the large companies that avoid paying UK

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BREXIT VOTE & TRADE: ONE YEAR ON

“We now need to get this Brexit transition over as soon as possible, so that we can have a return to normality – whatever that looks like.” – Nigel Fielden, MAC Group taxes as they operate outside of the UK. Some of this money could be re-invested in supporting SMEs.”

The distributor’s view Nigel Fielden, Operations Director at MAC Group Europe, says he has seen business in UK grow steadily since the Brexit vote, “with no discernible impact due to the vote itself”. He points out that the company has only been trading since 2015 and “our market share is growing every month at the expense of more established players, so we expect growth, but the market doesn’t seem any harder than before the referendum.” He does, however, think that some consumers are holding back on discretionary purchases due to the uncertainty over what sort of deal the UK will seek or indeed receive, noting: “that’s something we could all do without.” As regards future growth, Fielden believes that: “if the value of Sterling continues to represent good value, we can expect strong manufacturing performance to continue, which will add strength to the economy. On the other hand, if immigration is heavily restricted and there aren’t enough people to run our industries, then business could suffer.” For him, everything depends on the final shape of the Brexit deal, but clearly a strong economy is key to success. At this point in time, Fielden is concerned about the collapse of Sterling and the general air of uncertainty, only heighted by the June election result. “We now need to get this Brexit transition over as soon as possible, so that we can have a return to normality – whatever that looks like.” Like many other businesses, the collapse in the value of Sterling has not led to a smooth ride for MAC Group Europe over the past 12 months. Fielden says it increased the cost of his products by 20%, as they are all purchased in dollars. “Along with many other importers we passed on part of that increase

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to our customers by increasing prices. I can’t say our customers were happy, but they understood why we were doing it, and it doesn’t seem to have impacted on the volumes we sell.” Governmental action could help UK businesses reckons Fielden. In particular, he’s concerned over any imposition of customs checks and customs tariffs “which will be a major headache for our business.” MAC Europe’s warehouse is located in the Netherlands (it supplies other countries too), which is why Fielden sees customs checks at the UK border adding time and expense to his UK deliveries. “I think we would be forced to open another warehouse in UK to service UK customers. This will add cost and complexity to our business and need extra working capital.” Overall, though, Fielden advises firms to not panic in the face of Brexit. “All of us are facing the same challenges. Keep a close eye on figures day by day, and don’t hesitate to take action when needed.”

The manufacturer’s take on Brexit Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is just about to complete its financial year, which almost exactly coincides with the anniversary of the Brexit vote. General Manager Graham Armitage (above) strikes a note of positivity, in saying his sales are “hugely up on last year”. In fact, he believes: “already we have achieved greater sales than in any other year since the company started in 2001.” Armitage puts this down to products and market perception as much as anything. In short, Brexit doesn’t, so far, seem to have impacted negatively. Sigma UK imports solely from its parent company in Japan and yes, as Sterling has lost value against the yen, then the price of said imports has inevitably

increased. But Armitage makes one key observation: “As all our direct competitors also import their products, they too have experienced price increases and so the playing field remains level.” Despite uncertainty over the Brexit discussions and outcome, Armitage remains upbeat about the future. “Yes, there is still animosity and distrust between the two sides, but so far I have seen no negatives from a commercial point of view. Even price increases grow turnover and profit in real terms, as long as unit sales hold up.” In terms of governmental action, Armitage believes that the UK should not impose a blanket ban on immigration, as “we have a long tradition of welcoming immigrants, who have enriched and benefitted our society and commerce.” He adds that the UK should continue to accept talented and hardworking individuals “as it will be to our mutual benefit… but not adopt an open-door policy which leads to a drain on our resources.” Like others, he notes that the IT, health, catering and hotel sectors alone couldn’t survive without immigrant employees. The drop in the value of Sterling hasn’t been such a negative for Sigma simply because “we are fortunately positioned at the top end of the enthusiast and professional market and topquality products are less sensitive to price points than entry level equipment.” He’s grateful that specialist photo/imaging retailers “are dedicated to the trade and very good at what they do, so they continue to do well.” Interestingly, he sees that non-specialists are not doing so well in the current environment. His parting advice? Stay confident and positive. “If your products are attractive and you are good at what you do, you will succeed no matter what the economic future brings.” He says that there are always winners and losers… so make sure you’re a winner. In conclusion, the broad message from the photo trade is that things aren’t as bad as at first feared a year down the line from the Brexit vote. Yes there are unwelcome challenges and uncertainties, but the trade has weathered these before and will do again.

Post-election Britain: what comes next? From a relative highpoint of 331 seats, at the time of writing Britain’s leading political party in the Conservatives have a minority government on their hands and are now dependent on Ulster’s DUP and its 10 seats for a working, but small, majority. With current thinking being that the DUP may extract a heavy and disproportionate price for their support, who knows how long the relationship will endure. With the Conservatives’ former pre-election plans in tatters, and the fact that a fresh election in the short term would more likely damage the party than help it, we’re arguably in different territory now as regards leaving the EU, with political pundits suggesting a move from a so-called ‘hard’ Brexit – with Britain crashing out of the single market and customs union – to a ‘soft’ Brexit, giving greater weight to preserving our economy and not just curbing immigration whatever the cost. In terms of our economy, the years of austerity could be over, as the government has to step in to fill the gap left by weak consumer confidence. Sterling against the Euro is below where it was at the start of March 2011 (€1.12 in mid June), while against the dollar, the last time it stood as low as $1.27 was at the end of May 1985. Import costs are going to rise. A number of measures were dropped from the post-Budget Finance Act just so that it could be passed before parliament was dissolved; these include cuts to the money purchase annual allowance; dramatic rises to the amount charged for probate; a cut to tax-free dividends allowance; a clampdown on ‘non-doms’; plus plans to introduce a new digital tax regime. All of these may well be re-introduced, but only to the extent backbench Conservative and DUP MPs allow it. But what of future Conservative plans – for example an increase to higher (40%) tax rate band from £50,000 by 2020, and raising the National Living Wage to £8.75 and beyond by 2020? And what does Brexit, combined with the outcome of the election, plus the cost of living rising whilst wages stagnate, mean for consumer confidence? Time will tell. With the political landscape at home and abroad still unpredictably fluid, you’d be brave to bet on the eventual outcome. It appears all the photo trade can do is bide by that wellworn adage to keep calm and carry on.

BPI News | July/August 2017 17

BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

MAC GROUP’S BENRO SLIM TRIPOD KITS HOLD WIDE APPEAL

Just in time for the holiday season, the Benro brand, distributed in the UK by MAC Group Europe, has announced two new ‘Benro Slim’ travel tripod kits, designed for photographers using mirror-less cameras and compact DSLRs. With carbon fibre and aluminium models retailing from just £80 upwards, these are sure to be popular with both retailers and their customers this summer…

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Both kits feature a removable ball head, plus Arca style quick release plate

erfect for summer photographic adventures…’ that’s the pitch for a new pair of Benro Slim branded tripod kits. More specifically, the tripods, which sport a streamlined design that gives them their name, are said to be ideal for your photographer customers using mirror-less and compact DSLRs. Value for money is another intrinsic part of the deal when it comes to the lightweight, portable pair. For example, the aluminium kit is priced at £80 SRP, whilst the carbon fibre kit is a still affordable £120 SRP. In short, these travel tripods are an easy sell this holiday season, and come hot on the heels – or rather ‘wheels’ – of the MAC Group Europe distributed Tenba Roadie bag range we featured on page 18 of BPI News June. Incidentally, these also feature a side pocket for transportation of a tripod.

Light in weight, heavy on features

The Benro branded kits come with anodised aluminium twist leg locks, enabling swift set up or pack up

Both of the MAC Group-supplied Benro kits include a removable ball head, complete with Arca style quick release plate and carry case. Furthermore the aluminium and carbon fibre constructed tripods (model number TSL08AN00 and TSL08CN00 respectively) boast maximum load capabilities of 4kg, a maximum height (without centre column) of 122cm, a minimum operational height of 40cm, plus a folded length is 51cm. The aluminium kit weighs 1.2kg whilst the carbon fibre kit is just 1.01kg. The slim profile of the tripod(s) when folded ensures that it will tuck neatly away when the photographer is packing up their gear, and will fit comfortably in a backback

“Initial feedback from the trade and our Ambassador team has been overwhelmingly positive, with most wanting to know how we’ve managed to deliver such great products at such amazing prices.” – MAC Group’s Brand Manager for Benro, Mark Hoskins when out and about shooting on location. What’s more, thanks to their professionallooking black finish and stylish blue highlights, they very much look the part too. Attendant features include: anodised aluminium twist locks, which it’s claimed only require a quick half turn to lock and unlock; three available leg positions to help maintain stability even when faced with uneven terrain; removable single action ballhead featuring an oversized ratchet style locking knob for easy operation, including a panoramic scale. Both conveniently come complete with a lightweight carry case too. “We were asked for a compact, lightweight tripod that didn’t use a reverse folding leg design, and from the moment our factory showed us the samples we were excited,” says MAC Group’s Brand Manager for Benro, Mark Hoskins. “We knew right away that Benro Slim tripods were going to be popular, amazing quality and design that delivered exactly what our customers were asking for”. “Initial feedback from the trade and our Ambassador team has been overwhelmingly positive, with most wanting to know how we’ve managed to deliver such great products at such amazing prices.” Benro Slim tripod kits are available to order now. To order stock, get in touch with MAC Group Europe now on 01902 255 500. For more on the entire range of Benro tripods, camera,

video and drone bags, see www.benro.com To view MAC Group’s comprehensive range of photography related brands meanwhile, visit www.macgroupeu.com

Benro Slim tripod kits – your sales pitch at a glance: n Brand new slim profile design allows for the tripod legs to be even more compact when folded n Anodised aluminium twist locks only require a quick half turn to lock and unlock n Arca-style quick release plate features ¼-inch D-ring camera attachment screw n Lightweight magnesium ‘shoulder’, featuring three available leg positions, makes these perfect for uneven terrain n Removable single action ball head included with each kit n Stylish design with attractive blue detailing n Lightweight carry case included with each kit

Summer is the perfect time to sell travel tripods! Get in touch with MAC Group Europe now on 01902 255 500 18 July/August 2017 | BPI News

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BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

CEWE: OPEN FOR BUSINESS 24/7 Photobook specialist CEWE is providing the customer with even more reason to get in touch, via its newly launched ability to be contacted any time of the day or night, seven days a week. BPI News finds out more…

e covered CEWE’s latest innovations back in our April issue – namely embossed highlights for its photobook covers, allowing text, logos and imagery to really jump off the page, plus smooth and heavyweight Matte Photographic paper for the pages therein. With industry pundits having long predicted there is more the UK market can do to encourage and benefit from sales of photobooks, here was an extra reason to place an order for your customers and broaden your offerings. CEWE is no small player in this market either, having delivered over 42 million individual photo books to customer across the continent and the UK – an incredible feat. Now, in an ‘always connected’ world in which business never sleeps, CEWE has again risen to the challenge, extending its customer service operation to all day every day, 24/7. “We’re the first UK photobook provider to offer 24/7 customer service,” reveals Customer Services Manager Sam Connolly. “Following a soft launch in April, we’ve now started advertising it more and putting it on all our emails. Aside from the move being partly led by user feedback, we were getting contacts during the night that we were missing and having to go back to. With the type of product we’re creating we want to be there when people are actually trying to order, so they don’t give up and go somewhere else.”

Day or night, CEWE’s fit to print Customer service readily contactable day or night – by phone, email, or Live Chat – is obviously invaluable to aid those who may get stuck on a technical issue or can’t get a voucher code to work, “and just need a little bit of help and direction, to get them through to completing their order,” according to Sam. CEWE has also launched a Team Viewer screen sharing link on the

CEWE’s Sam Connolly (front, left) and her Customer Services team are now on call 24/7

“We’re the first UK photobook provider to offer 24/7 customer service. Apart from dealing with technical queries we’ll also recommend paper types and sizes and how best to proceed.” – CEWE Customer Services Manager Sam Connolly ‘contact us’ section of the website as a further aid to circumnavigate any potential technical queries. “Via Team Viewer, customers can connect to us quickly without having to go with the rigmarole of setting up a password. We can see exactly what they’re doing and where it’s going wrong. Although issues can be sorted out via email, it’s so much easier if my agents go on to the screen, sharing their computers and fix it for them. “It helps if you’re able to see and feel the product, but because we’re an online company, it’s sometimes hard for people to visualise how it’s going to look when it comes out, so we’ll also recommend paper types and sizes and how best to proceed. “Business enquiries tend to be a little bit different, in that they’ll know the product already, so it just tends to be user assistance. We also brought out a paper swatch sample that we can send to customers so they get a feel for the different

paper types we offer with a CEWE PHOTOBOOK; that can be a big issue as they vary so much.” The company also engages with customers via Trust Pilot, where it has a 9/10 score and reviews get monitored and copied into a large proportion of the management team. And in terms of whether being readily contactable 24/7 is having a positive effect on the bottom line, CEWE claims that it is. “We’ve been able to streamline our interaction with customers a lot more,” notes the company’s Sam Connolly. “We also noticed that when we launched Chat in 2014 we had a huge increase in contacts. So those would have been people who might otherwise just have gone off the site or elsewhere.” By far and away the product it continues to receive the most enquiries about is the CEWE PHOTOBOOK. “In terms of customer contact it’s 60% of what people contact us about. It’s such an in

depth product and you can do so much with our software. We spend a lot of time talking through what people can do and how to make the most of the product.”

Get in touch Having read the above, you’ll doubtless be thinking of testing out the new extended service for yourself. To get in touch with CEWE’s Customer Services team, visit www.cewe-photoworld.com/contact for all the options. Prospective trade partners meanwhile are invited to get in touch direct with CEWE’s UK MD Duncan Midwood at CEWE on 01926463107. For more info on the product range, please visit: https://cewe-photoworld.com/ photo-books www.cewe-photoworld.com

Get in touch 24/7 via cewe-photoworld.com/contact • For product info see: cewe-photoworld.com/photo-books @bpi_news

BPI News | July/August 2017 19

DEMONSTRATIONS & TRAINING With a suite of showrooms dedicated to a complete variety of photographic printing solutions, we give you the opportunity to see every product in action. Visitors also have the chance to get ‘hands-on’ with a large array of related products including Wacom graphic tablets, Eizo colour management monitors and studio products including Sun-Sniper camera straps and Sunbounce light reflectors.

Serving the Photographic Industry in more ways than you probably realise DISTRIBUTORS OF THE LEADING BRANDS As distributors of the leading brands in photographic print, we are perfectly placed to provide the hardware and media from the right mix of brands and manufactures for your business. This ensures you buy into the correct systems, enabling you to supply the right services and products to your customers - maximising your business potential. At Tetenal, customer service is at the heart of everything we do, It’s something we believe we won’t be beaten on by any of our competitors. We are a forward thinking company who try to lead rather than follow, and our aim is to maintain Tetenal’s position as the benchmark in photographic distribution.

PROVIDING YOU MORE THAN JUST GREAT PRODUCTS At Tetenal you’ll find a large and diverse team filled with both experience and expertise, with industry specialists who are totally immersed in product groups enabling them to offer expert advice on the right solutions and mix of products for each particular business. Whether you’re a Photographer, a Retailer, or a Professional Print Business (or a mix of these), our Account Management, Marketing and Technical Support Services teams work with you to deliver invaluable advice and support to help you maximise the profit potential from the products you purchase from us.

Get in touch to discover more about the ways we can help drive your business forward

YOU ORDER WE DELIVER Our UK stock holding and distribution operation is the envy of the industry. We know the importance of having the right products when you need them. At Tetenal we offer our customers a next working day delivery service on almost all products, with stock dispatched from our large Leicester based warehouse. Customers can order by phone on 0116 289 3644. Orders can also be placed online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.tetenaluk.com

MANUFACTURING AT OUR HEART Our heritage in the innovation, manufacture and distribution of photographic paper, chemistry and technologies extends back to 1847, making us one of the oldest names in photography in the world. Our headquarters are based in Norderstedt, a small town just outside Hamburg in Germany where we have a large manufacturing facility for the production of photographic chemical products that we continue to distribute across Europe and beyond. Here in the UK we are based centrally in Leicester, where our business has been established for almost 30 years and in that time we have grown to become one of the most respected distributors to the photographic and print industries in the country.

KEEPING YOU PRINTING We provide nationwide technical support across a range of different hardware brands including Epson, Kodak, DNP and Noritsu.

SUPPORT SERVICES keeping Britain printing

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A choice of different levels of service at fixed pricing as well as customised support solutions means running your hardware to its optimum ability, on the latest software with controlled support costs which in return gives you complete peace of mind, and keeps your business printing.

TEL: 0116 281 5743

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NEWS

Cape expectations from Lomo

CANON EXPANDS CINEMA EOS THE EOS C200 is the latest highend solution for those seeking to shoot 4K video. Canon says that it is also the first Cinema EOS camera to support the new Cinema Raw Light recording format, which claims to provide the same flexibility in colour grading as Cinema Raw, but with a smaller file size, thus enabling videographers to record

internally to a CFast 2.0 card. Dual Digic DV6 processors provide the ability to internally record 4K UHD/50P MP4, 4K DCI Raw and continuous 120fps Full HD movies without crop, if so desired. Pricing reflects the camera’s professional status; it’s £7,699.99 SRP.

ANOTHER MONTH, ANOTHER brightly-coloured Lomo camera for the trade’s delectation, this time the green liveried ‘Cabo Verde’ (or Cape Verde to non Portuguese speakers). The latest instant print model, which is the first new edition of the Lomo Instant Automat since last year, deploys Fuji Instax Mini Film and automatically adjusts shutter speed, aperture and flash output, allowing for snapshots in just about any setting. According to Lomo, this is ‘the perfect camera for the summer months’. The Cabo Verde with lens bundle has an SRP of £169, otherwise it’s £139 for the standalone camera without the creative extras. www.lomography.com

www.canon.co.uk

FUJI LAUNCHES CINEMA CLASS TELEPHOTO LENS

Digitalab wins Large Trader of the Year

A FAMILY RUN PRO LAB in the North East, Digitalab, is celebrating after bagging the above accolade at the Newborn Photography Show. Large Trader of the Year is described as a highly competitive category, including many of the best professional photography services from across Europe. The win is all the sweeter in that it’s voted for by photographers. “We couldn’t be more delighted to have won this award,” says Jill Roe, owner and granddaughter of company founder Bob Fountain. This is Digitalab’s first industry

22 July/August 2017 | BPI News

award and a huge achievement for the entire team. “The printing market has changed a lot in recent years and we have adapted with it to meet our customers changing needs, while at the same time sharing our expertise and knowledge. We use the very best materials, including Fujifilm Crystal Archive Professional Photographic Paper, offer a full suite of printing solutions and are on-hand to guide and advise when needed.” www.digitalab.co.uk

A NEW FUJINON MK50-135mm T2.9 telephoto zoom cinema lens has been announced in an E-mount ‘fit’, which its manufacturer suggests can be combined with its MK1855mm T2.9 standard zoom lens (released in March this year) to form a kit that covers the most frequently used focal lengths of 18mm to 135mm. According to Fuji, the rapid growth in popularity of movies

made by emerging cinematographers in recent years, including corporate and commercial movies on the Internet, has not only increased the opportunities for shooting movies using cinema and regular digital cameras, it has also boosted demand for high-performance cinema lenses that deliver high resolution and advanced scenedepicting capability. It adds that the The X Mount versions of MK lenses (with the focal lengths of 18-55mm and 50-135mm) for Fujifilm’s X Series of digital cameras (APS-C sensor) are currently under development, and due to be released by the end of this year. In the meantime the Fujinon MK50-135mm T2.9 arrives mid July at SRP £3,300 (ex VAT). www.fujifilm.co.uk

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BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS

YOU’LL GO A ‘BUNDLE’ ON THIS EPSON DEAL, VIA THE DPS GROUP Official Epson re-seller the DPS Group is offering the photo trade a value added bundle deal this summer on the SureLab D700 photo printer. But you probably won’t want to stick around and read to the end of this article, because the offer is only valid while stocks last…!

ummer is about to get hotter for the photo trade – thanks to a sizzling deal on one of the flagship printers for Beckenham based re-seller The DPS Group; namely Epson’s SureLab D700. As seen at The Photography Show back in March and previously spot-lit in our show preview edition, this printer can output just about anything you care to name: photos, cards, invitations, flyers, promotional leaflets and more. In addition it can utilise a wide range of media formats, including glossy, lustre and matte roll paper. As regards the latter, those in the trade can choose from rolls 102mm to 210 mm wide and from 89mm to 1000mm in length. The current deal via The DPS Group is a special price of £2,395 (exclusive of VAT and delivery) for the Epson SureLab D700. This deal includes a free Ink and Media Starter Pack, worth over £480+VAT, that helpfully comprises one set of inks, six rolls of 6-inch glossy media, six rolls of 6-inch lustre media, plus one roll of A4 art matte media. This special bundle offer is limited, while stocks last, so get your proverbial skates on to secure one.

Ready to roll… Another selling point here is the relatively compact size of the printer. Because of this, it can fit into a photo kiosk and is durable too, in that most of its component parts are permanent. As one would expect from Epson, the

Epson SureLab D700 bundle offer – at a glance: n The time limited deal includes the printer plus free Ink and Media Starter Pack, worth over £480+VAT n Media Pack includes one set of inks (6 colours), six rolls of 6-inch glossy media, six rolls of 6-inch lustre media, plus one roll of A4 art matte media n Low cost per print means bigger profits for your business n Low maintenance with a long service interval n Compact size ensures the printer fits into a photo kiosk The six colour ink Epson SureLab D700 is extremely versatile, hard working and low maintenance. Get in touch now with the DPS Group to place your order and take advantage of its time limited bundle deal

D700 offers a print quality and colour consistency that is inline with the brand’s professional graphics printers. Needless to say, this device boasts a wide colour gamut and the ability to deliver sharp looking prints, thanks, in part, to its Micro Piezo print head. The D700 uses professional UltraChrome D6-S ink – also available via the DPS Group – which has been formulated for premium glossy photo prints, produced at high production speeds by a busy mini lab. Further enticements to purchase come in the shape of a low cost per print, a high

resolution of 720dpi x 1440 dpi, plus the fact that the machine is reliable and low maintenance with it. “This six colour printer now comes at a great price, considering its versatility and flexibility as regards print formats and size of output,” says DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel. “It will enable our trade partners to increase the range of services they make available to their customers, thus preventing them from taking custom elsewhere, while delivering the possibility of a very healthy profit margin into the bargain for the

n High print resolution of 720dpi x 1440dpi n Uses Micro Piezo print head plus Epson’s ‘LUT’ image processing technology n Can print on a wide range of media formats and output a wide range of sizes retailer or minilab themselves.” Get in touch: Trade members interested in discovering more about the time-limited Epson SureLab D700 deal are strongly advised to contact Maneesh Patel or David Harrison on 0208 466 7230, or email sales@dpsb.co.uk For more on the bundle deal itself, simply head here: http://bit.ly/d700-deal

Get in touch about the time-limited Epson SureLab D700 deal. Call 020 8466 7230 or email sales@dpsb.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | July/August 2017 23

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TALK OF THE TRADE

‘We want to keep bringing excitement to the market…’ BPI News speaks with Sony’s Vice President, Digital Imaging Pan European Product Marketing, Mr Yosuke Aoki, at a recent event to celebrate Fixation becoming an official Sony Imaging Pro Support Centre. Our interview was far ranging, providing a fascinating snapshot not only of Sony’s current and future plans when it comes to digital imaging, but that of the trade as a whole…

ony and Fixation have entered into a partnership that sees the latter become an official Sony Support Centre. See our news page 8 for more on that. The occasion also granted the opportunity for us to meet with and quiz Mr Yosuke Aoki, Sony’s Vice President for Digital Imaging Pan European Product Marketing. This was an opportunity we felt we couldn’t pass up, in order to hear more about the company’s current and future plans, and how it is facing the challenges of an ever-evolving market place.

step we have to tackle, which is the sports photographers and wildlife photographers, those who are faced with harder conditions as regards the performance of the camera itself. Q: And I guess that professional audience is perhaps harder to convince? A: (Laughs) Yes. Our point is that now we have a mirror-less structure. We always see sports photographers with a big white lens or black lens, but not a Sony

“For Sony it’s a very important segment. That’s why we are focusing on the full frame market” BPI News: What can you tell us about Sony’s future business direction? Yosuke Aoki: For Alpha 9 business we are focusing more on the high end. As regards the Alpha 7R Mark II, we’ve already captured some of the potential professional customers… but there is one more

lens or system. Somehow Sony could not be number one. So, with the Alpha 9, we looked at how we approach, tackle and overtake those quality mirror structure camera systems. That is our starting point. We also feel this is a big time for the evolution of camera systems. In the past, it was a big jump from manual focus to auto focus, or from film

to digital. Always new technology takes over from old technology. Q: Although it takes a while for people’s perceptions to change. A: Exactly. The digital SLR market these days is slightly saturated, because the improvement from one generation to the next is limited. But with mirror-less cameras such as the Alpha 9, we have room to improve the electronics further and somehow stimulate the market. If we can do that, we feel a new generation can be started. Q: Talking of the market, as people are aware DSLR has been pretty flat for a while now, whereas the mirror-less market has still seen growth… A: So for that top-end market we have to be number one. Then finally people will think ‘ah, mirror-less is photography’s new generation.’ Q: You think that Sony has to be number one first in order to convince people that mirror-less is the future?

A: Exactly. For Sony it’s a very important segment. That’s why we are focusing on the full frame market. Q: Have you got a projection for when you might be number one, or would like to be? A date you’re aiming for? A: As you can imagine we’re always thinking we’d like to be number one in the future… but that kind of roadmap is not always a success for every brand. We recognised from the start that the Alpha 9 is a super good camera, but were not sure how long it would take the market to be excited. But looking at the market since we announced the Alpha 9 and seeing the excitement, now we are confident that the market will be changed in favour of mirror-less very soon. The reaction from high quality photo dealers and professionals and high-end enthusiast hobbyist customers has been that they are super excited. We’ve had many requests from people who want to test it, so we feel attention for this camera is super high. Some of the

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BPI News | July/August 2017 25

TALK OF THE TRADE

photographers who have tested it have posted that ‘this is a game changer’. Looking at those types of article will generate further interest and curiosity in this type of camera. Q: What are people enjoying about it the most, the high resolution or the speed of the camera? A: Oh, the speed. But it’s also about how innovative the camera is… and the viewfinder quality. There have been lots of positive comments. People feel like somehow this is the best camera yet. Q: What can you tell me about Sony’s future business direction? I guess you’re going to stick with high end products, because that’s where the market is at the moment. But what about tackling the younger market, because there is a lot of interest there in taking photos and sharing photos, too?

keep selling those types of cameras and stay in that market. In terms of support for our products in Europe, the UK is number two and Germany is number one for full frame cameras, two months before we released the Alpha 9, according to German GfK data. So after the Alpha 9 has debuted we expect a further stronger market share in Germany. Of course our target is that we want to be number one in all Europe. Q: Of course. And in terms of the cameras in Sony’s range, at one time you had DSLRs, which gradually became ‘SLT’ cameras… and then you introduced compact system cameras…. A: Compacts also are still being developed. For example the RX10 Mark III offers a 24-600mm focal range and f/2.4 to f/4 aperture, making this camera an all-in-one. But as I say we always try to be the

“We launched the A-mount 11 years ago, so still many customers are enjoying the A-mount system, especially in Europe. We never forget about these customers.” A: In the past Sony looked at a line up of products from beginner to high end, but in 2014 the market was starting to saturate and so we needed to change. We realised we had to try and make the best camera we could, which would sell for longer. That was quite a change from the business strategy of the past. For example the RX100 was developed in 2012, and still we are selling this camera. Over time a line up of different generations of the camera develops, Mark II, Mark II, Mark IV, Mark V, and the customer can select which is best for them. Our focus therefore is always producing the best camera we can for hobby customers or professional customers.

best and this lens is super high quality. We’re also still developing our A-mount SLT cameras. For example the A99 Mark II, which has two auto focus sensors which all the time are tracking the subject, so this technology is still very good. And also we’ve developed some Mark II A-mount lenses as well. We launched the A-mount 11 years ago, so still many customers are enjoying the A-mount system, especially in Europe. We never forget about these customers.

BPI News Editor Gavin meets Mr Yosuke Aoki, Sony’s Vice President, Digital Imaging Pan European Product Marketing at a recent event that saw it announce a service partnership with Fixation

Q: That’s interesting to hear, as the majority of excitement lately has been around E-mount products. And talking of Europe, I wondered what Sony’s reaction was to the news that its biggest photo show, Photokina, is now yearly? A: We weren’t told in advance, so Sony was surprised and I would guess that it came as a surprise to other brands also. Now we are discussing with Tokyo and Europe about how we treat this new opportunity. There’s the issue of budget. Less stressful for us is the fact that it will also be moving to May from September, in 2019. The issue is more it becoming the annual event and also its increased focus on multimedia, because Sony already exhibits at IFA and IBC. Q: To wrap things up, what’s your impression of the overall state of the photographic market at the moment?

Q: So you’re saying that if you produce the best camera in the market, it will stay in the market longer… A: Exactly. Of course, sometimes a component will be modified and we can’t produce any more of that type of camera and we have to discontinue. But as far as market support, we want to

Sony’s latest ‘big beast’ in the £4,500 α9 has been pitched at professionals and described as ‘revolutionary’

A: Last year many manufacturers faced a shortage, which meant the overall market was changed. Comparing before the earthquake in Japan and after the earthquake… before there were more players in the market. But afterwards,

I feel there are a more limited amount of players. We also faced a shortage, but for us it didn’t cause a serious problem in terms of product development. Already now we are 100% recovered. But now there are less players, each player has a more dominant market share. The more affordable camera segment keeps declining, but the high-end premium compacts like our RX100, or Panasonic’s TZ series, we can see growing the market. People are more sticklers for the higher quality cameras, so there is a clear gap developing between the high-end cameras and the smartphone cameras. We’re in the final stages of one cannibalizing the other. That’s why there is not so severe competition between smartphones and cameras. Now when people purchase a camera they’re looking for the higher quality that is impossible with a smartphone. That’s why premium compact cameras are growing, then mirror-less cameras. Not so much at the entry level but more the 1,000 Euros segment, which is the hobbyist market. That is strongly growing. Sony never stops. We keep challenging ourselves and keep growing. Journalists’ feedback and sales feedback encourages our engineers as to what they should try next. We want to keep bringing excitement to the market. www.sony.co.uk

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NEWS

And now from Norwich…

WORLD PHOTO AWARDS BACK IN MOTION

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN when the Sony World Photography Awards throws open its doors for entries, this time for 2018. The 11th annual edition of the Awards also introduces two new categories in its Pro competition – ‘Creative’ and ‘Discovery’ – plus an opportunity for award winners to secure a grant to fund future photographic projects. Last year’s winner Frederik Buyckx says: “Being named Photographer of the Year has given

me more exposure than I could ever have imagined. It has opened lots of new doors but, just as an importantly, the award has also encouraged me to keep on working on my personal projects.” The Awards comprises four competitions: Professional, Open (best single image across 10 categories), Youth (for those aged 12 to 19) and Student Focus. Submissions are free at www.worldphoto.org

LOOKING TO ADD photobooks to your product offerings for customers – and want someone else to fulfill that order? Norwichbased 2mprofessional.com produce HD photobooks powered by Canon HD photoprinting, that are described as very high resolution with a colour gamut beyond the reach of conventional photo materials. Alongside the photobooks, for which three album ranges are available in Coffee Table, Majestic (layflat with spine hinge) and Gallery (lay-flat with no visible hinge), it also offers 300mm prints and carefully colour matched HD gamut prints up to a massive A1 – ideal for clients wanting large wall prints. All books are hand checked and finished, presentation packed

and dispatched direct to the photographer with the promise of 300-year archival permanence to reassure the customer. With cyberattacks risking the permanent loss of images stored only in digital form, the company says that the HD process offers the closest thing to the brilliance and detail of an image seen on screen. Prices start at just £19.99. For more info call 01603 408153. www.2mprofessional.com

Plenty in ‘Stock’ from Hasselblad PREMIUM CAMERA BRAND Hasselblad has announced that it is partnering with Stockholm’s Fotografiska, described as a centre for contemporary photography, to open its first Hasselblad branded store, which will be located by the centre’s entrance. “Our cameras were born from a love of photography and we are excited to partner with Fotografiska to spread our passion and inspire a more conscious world through the power of photography,” enthuses Johan Åhlén, Chief Marketing Officer for Hasselblad. “Our new store and workshops represent our commitment to Hasselblad users and our desire to enhance the future of photography.”

Per Broman, founder of Fotografiska, adds: “We are honoured to collaborate with iconic Swedish camera brand Hasselblad on the opening of its first store. We share the same values and devotion for photography. Together with Hasselblad’s renowned technical excellence and creative vision, we aim to welcome photography enthusiasts around the world. It is a perfect match for our 535,000 guests who visit us every year for inspiration via the very inclusive art form of photography.” For more info see www.fotografiska.eu/Hasselblad/

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BPI News | July/August 2017 27

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

NEWS

New Zeiss? That’s nice…

BPI NEWS PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-5

he vogue for toughened, action-ready cameras continues, with the Ricoh WG-50 announced alongside this last month, swiftly followed by the Nikon W300 (see page 4 this issue). Olympus has been ploughing this furrow for a fair while now, and the TG-5, which follows on from the TG-4, takes an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach. In most respects it’s identical to its predecessor from 2015. Available in red or black, it now offers 4K video capture plus up to 120fps Full HD clips, though maximum stills resolution has dropped from 16 megapixels to 12.

Take care fingertips don’t stray in front of the internally stacked zoom lens and your customers will be able to capture colour rich images like these sample ones

28 July/August 2017 | BPI News

Otherwise, its destruction proof capabilities, including that it is shock-proofed against drops from 2.1 metres in height, crush proofed to withstand weights of 100Kg, can be utilised in temperatures down to minus 10°C, and is dust proofed to boot – are all the same as the TG-4. Also remaining from its predecessor is a bright f/2 maximum aperture, and the fact that its internally stacked zoom lens remains protected within the body at all times. One thing that did appear different to us, thankfully, was the speed of the TG-5’s operation. It’s noticeably faster, by a second or so, when it comes to powering up and writing an image to (SD) card, which may be down to the inclusion of a latest generation TruePic VIII processor. Unusual for this class of camera is the fact that Raw files can be captured alongside JPEGs (its forebear also offered this) – going someway to justifying the £399.99 SRP – with shots composed via 3-inch, 460k dot screen at the rear. In terms of image quality, on brighter days primary colours have plenty of punch, with a pleasing level of contrast in our shots. If your customers are looking for a take anywhere, shoot anything, combined travel and action camera this summer, then the TG-5 may fit the bill. www.olympus.co.uk

YOUR CANON AND NIKON full frame DSLR owning customers have a new potential creative partner in the Zeiss Milvus 1.4/35 camera lens. This is the 10th lens in in the series, which its manufacturer claims to have given a completely new optical design, thus ensuring photos are practically free from chromatic aberrations. Protected against dust and water spray, it’s being pitched as a ‘genuine all rounder’ and comes with an SRP of £1,699, with availability from this month.

For more info, visit the URL below. www.zeiss.co.uk

BUILT LIKE A (THINK) TANK DISTRIBUTOR SNAPPERSTUFF LTD has a couple of Think Tank bag ranges to tempt your photographer customers with. The Signature series is pitched as a modernised version of the classic shoulder bag, with hand sewn fabrics said to blend weather protection and durability with the classic feel of fine wool. There are a couple of options here: the Signature 10 (which fits a standard DSLR plus 3-4 prime lenses and 10-inch tablet) in Slate Gray or Dusty Olive colours at £244.99 SRP, or the Signature 13 (fitting one DSLR with mid range zoom plus 2-3 extra

lenses and 13-inch laptop) in the same two hues at £269.99. In related news, Think Tank also has new a StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 (which can fit two DSLRs with lenses attached plus 15-inch laptop) and upgrades to its three existing StreetWalker backpacks in the HardDrive V2.0, StreetWalker Pro V2.0 and StreetWalker V2.0. SRP prices range from £166 to £292.

www.thinktankphoto.com www.snapperstuff.com

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TALK OF THE TRADE

A Century of Nikon... and beyond! This July 25th officially marks the date of Nikon’s 100th anniversary. With a telegram from the Queen doubtless winging its way, we felt it suggested the perfect occasion to ask UK Managing Director John Walshe to answer a few questions about the company’s past and its future…

Q: Not many companies last this long. What do you think has been the ‘secret’ of Nikon’s longevity?

ft described as one of the ‘big two’ when it comes to camera manufacturers, Nikon has a long and distinguished heritage. But 21st Century Nikon is obviously all about digital photography, and that has come with its own set of challenges as well as successes. We started by asking its UK Managing Director, John Walshe, how Nikon is celebrating and commemorating its 100th anniversary?

A: Nikon’s core philosophy is based on ‘trustworthiness and creativity’. As a company, if you can keep on innovating and at the same time, create a strong level of trust with customers who use your products, I think you have the basic ingredients for success. Q: While the Nikon brand, in some shape of form, may have been around for a Century, Nikon UK is far newer… what have been the company’s proudest moments… or perhaps even proudest launches… so far?

John Walshe: Nikon is incredibly proud of its 100th anniversary and we are planning a wide range of events to celebrate the occasion. There will be something for everyone; Nikon photographers and enthusiasts, retailers, our staff and for the wider community. We’re taking the opportunity to look back over the last 100 years and to reflect on how Nikon has been an important part of so many people’s lives. I’d encourage everyone to have a look at our dedicated anniversary website (www.nikon.com/100th) and to keep an eye out for some unique press and magazine supplements, which will explore some of the key milestones over the years. BPI News: What’s on the cards by way of further anniversary related activity this summer and the rest of the year? Any promotions that consumers might be interested in? A: Looking ahead, there will be a number of opportunities to get involved and be part of the celebration. We have an ambitious plan to create a unique anniversary film with the help of our social media community. It’s a chance for photography fans to be an official contributor to the history of Nikon and a part of Nikon’s future too. It will launch 25th July, so make sure you check it out on the day. We are also planning a themed

#NikonMeetup for over 100 photographers and of course, there will be plenty of in-store activities with Nikon ambassador and Nikon School talks. Nikon employees also wanted to leave a lasting legacy for future generations as part of our 100th anniversary celebrations. Sightsavers are a global charity that focuses on restoring sight to people with curable blindness diseases and Nikon staff have chosen to dedicate their charitable fundraising efforts towards this great cause. To support this, we plan to run a unique promotion as part of our Christmas campaign, so watch this space.

Trooping the colours: Nikon UK’s Managing Director John Walshe, in brandmatching tie and suit (for a portrait taken at a prior launch, for the D810). Below: limited edition anniversary products

A: Everyone who works for Nikon in the UK, whether in imaging business, or in our medical, metrology, robotics, or precision business units, is part of the wider Nikon Corporation. Our proudest moments are when we have the opportunity to use our knowledge and skills to make a difference to our local markets. Those who were around in 1999, tell me the D1 launch was an epic turning point for the industry and more recently, Nikon winning the 2015 Which? Award for Best Photography Brand was a big highlight and a testament to all the hard work by the team at Nikon UK.

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BPI News | July/August 2017 29

TALK OF THE TRADE

Q: How has the UK market – and photo retail – changed in that time, from your perspective? A: Nikon UK ltd was incorporated in 1979 and the world has changed immensely during that time. Probably the biggest challenge we have faced together with our retail partners, has been the digitisation of our industry - both from a product perspective, but more importantly from a retailing perspective too. Q: Who would you say is the archetypal Nikon user in 2017, as regards the UK market? A: All around the world, Nikon users are passionate about photography; they are more than just image takers, they take their photography

seriously. They expect the best from their equipment and have high expectations on what their cameras will deliver in the way of features and benefit over others. Q: We’ve seen Nikon move most recently into the action camera market and highlighting virtual reality applications. Is the latter the future for our industry… and, if so, can we expect more such products from Nikon? A: The reason people capture and share images has changed dramatically since the advent of photography. We’ve moved from a time of staged portraits for the wealthy, to the more ubiquitous ‘selfie generation’. As technology changes, the ways in which we all chose to apply the technology

changes. Even with the recent advent of virtual reality, or even augmented reality, I still think that there will still be a strong demand for a curated single viewpoint perspective. In all cases, I expect Nikon to be at the heart of imaging industry innovation. Q: The past year has been challenging, for not just Nikon but the photo trade generally…. with natural disasters in Japan followed by the Brexit vote and rising prices because of the fall in the value of Sterling. What measures is Nikon putting in place, or prioritising, to ensure the company survives not just in the here and now, but for another 100 years? A: It’s certainly been an interesting year from so many perspectives. They say ‘a week is a long time

Sale of the Century: Plenty of souvenirs showing the brand’s heritage products and logos - are available to the diehard Nikon fan in this anniversary year (above), along with working products like the Nikkor 700-200E lens, Special Edition D5 and commemorative binoculars (below)...

in politics’, so to try and look forward another 100 years is a challenge. As a company we have been making adjustments to new market conditions and as a result, there have been some significant restructuring programmes within the company. At the same time, Nikon is also diversifying into other business segments and technologies. Of course, within imaging, we will continue to innovate and create exciting new products that users will love. www.nikon.co.uk

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As compact as a tablet and very light, only 430g, Xplorer Mini is the ideal companion for outdoor adventures or indoor fun. Its foldable yet durable body is convenient and easy to carry. Despite its small portable size, Xplorer Mini has everything a bigger aerial photography drone has to offer: from a 13-megapixel 1080p/30fps fisheye camera and electronic image stabilization to the latest generation intelligent flight control system with motion control via the XIRO Xplore app. Special flight modes such as “360 Selfie”, “Follow Me” and “Follow Snap” are also added to record the most adventurous moments.

Instant sharing of memorable experiences has never been easier. Images and videos can be automatically synced with your mobile device and posted on all major social media networks in just one click. The XIRO Xplore app (available for both iOs and Android devices) works with all XIRO products, and also supports tags.

Safe and stable flights are possible both outdoors and indoors thanks to the GPS/GLONASS dual-satellite positioning system and the indoor visual positioning.

www.xirodrone.com

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