British Photographic Industry News June 2019

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JUNE 2019 • £3

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IN THIS ISSUE…

EVENT REPORT

NEW PRODUCT FOCUS

PHOTO ACCESSORIES

BUSINESS ADVICE

Prints & the revolution: BPI News picks up tips & tricks of the trade to share with readers at Fujifilm’s annual conference

A sound choice: Reach a new audience with Saramonic pro audio kit for stills, video & smartphone photographers

It’s Hama time: Affordable new gear that’s convenient to stock and easy to sell with the summer holiday season fast approaching

Save & protect: Our resident expert shares details of tax breaks for anyone looking to undertake a shop re-fit this summer

Photographer: Alina Rudya

C AT C H T H E S U M M E R L I G H T W I T H N I KO N

Get instant discounts on selected Nikon cameras and NIKKOR lenses.

Save today! Offer available from 15th May 2019 until 15th August 2019.

For details on the range of products available and T&C please visit nikonpromotions.co.uk Available at participating retailers.

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Photographic British

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Published monthly by

EDITOR Gavin Stoker Tel: 020 8274 0578 Tel: 07990 974 367 ART EDITOR Michael O’Connell

Gavin Stoker, Editor

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Please direct all editorial requests, news and press releases to info@bpinews.co.uk

Editorial | June 2019

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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 ©2019 Legacy Media Ltd. ISSN: to be advised.

here’s nothing quite like advice picked up directly from your peers for getting to the heart of any issues and finding real world solutions.

We spent a weekend last month in the company of Fujifilm’s photo print division, which held its annual conference for retailers in its group. You can get the full story on page 16. Suffice to say, here was an opportunity to hear some refreshingly positive news from those making a success of it on the high street – and to learn exactly how they were managing to increase revenue, grow their businesses and maximise opportunity in 2019. Just like any regular issue of BPI News, there were plentiful ideas being bandied around and some innovative thinking brought to bear. Who knows if everything discussed proves successful for everyone, but at least we got the impression that the assembled photo dealers were willing to listen, learn and take on board the suggestions put forward to implement in their own

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COVER IMAGE: Taken by pro photographer Dave Kai-Piper on the Nikon D800. Model: Stephanie Knight.

Dave’s current project focuses on evocative images of abandoned buildings in Ireland.

Entitled ‘Forgotten Homes’, drylab prints start at just £10.

stores. As we’ve mentioned before, it really feels like the trade is crying out for innovation at present. It reminded us of that saying that if a shark stops moving it dies… we have to keep moving forward (and not just treading water!).

Luckily you’re off to a head start just by reading our ‘hot product’ themed June edition. We’ve included news of the release of Fujifilm’s long-trumpeted GFX100 medium format mirrorless, and, OK, so most of your customers won’t need a 102-megapixel camera, but as a statement of intent – and a show of how far the company has come since mostly shifting box-loads of cheap-y compacts a decade back – it’s an impressive one. Rather more affordable and approachable are an updated toughened compact from Olympus plus a Four Thirds sensor mirrorless option from Panasonic. For those moaning that they won’t make much margin on such items, we’ve articles on complementary accessories from the likes of MAC Group, with its newly acquired Saramonic range of audio recording gear, plus Hama, which offers affordable bags, tripods and accessories for just under a tenner that should prove an easy sale to a smartphone photographer and/or social media blogger.

Talking of which, while our own online readership and social media presence steadily grows and evolves, we still get occasionally asked how to get hold of a print copy; and to those making such enquiries we draw your attention to our subscription box on the left. Don’t forget, support for British Photographic Industry News is support for your industry too!

For more: www.davekaipiper.com/ Prints-for-Sale

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promotions Camera AG

whereas here the chip being offered is 1.7x larger than a 35mm full frame sensor.

So, theoretically, more ‘bang’ for your imaging ‘buck’ without added bulk. The back of the camera features a 2.36 milliondot resolution tilting 3.2-inch display.

As you’d expect of a professional camera, the body here is dust and weather resistant. Available at the end of June, SRP is pretty much in line with what was expected at £9,999, making it very much the specialist tool.

In related news, the eagle eyed amongst

Lumix National Trust POS

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

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

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you will have noticed that the manufacturer is offering several summer cashback promotions on its slightly more affordable mirrorless camera options. These include an up to £450 trade-in bonus on the aforementioned GFX 50S and 50R, until June 30th, and a £100 trade-in bonus on the X-H1, X-Pro2, X-T3 and X-T2 until 31st October this year. Other deals include up to £500 cashback on selected Fuji X series cameras and lenses until July 15th, and a free grip for your customers if they buy the X-T2 before 15th July.

For the full info and T&C’s, head to: https://fujifilm-x.com/en-gb/promotions/ www.fujifilm.co.uk

PANASONIC’S GX880: A DEDICATED FOLLOWER OF FASHION Description

• Complimentary National Trust Membership Campaign POS

Panasonic has quietly unveiled an entrylevel 16 megapixel stills and 4K video Micro Four Thirds mount mirrorless compact in the Lumix GX880.

Previously only available in the Far East, it’s due to arrive in the UK at the end of this month (June) at an SRP of £399.99 in a kit that includes a 12-32mm lens. There A3 Poster are three choices of bodies available for your customers: tan, silver or black. At this price point, the intended audience is Instagram posters, social media bloggers and the ilk – the camera arriving complete with a 3-inch, 1040K dot resolution back screen that flips through 180° to face to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special places with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72.

Promotional period: 22/08/2013 – 31/12/2013. Promotional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions *Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG

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21/08/2013 13:54

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

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

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Got commercial photographer customers demanding an ability to shoot billboardsized images? As promised back at Photokina last September, Fujifilm has finally delivered its 100-megapixel large format camera in the aptly named GFX100. Technically speaking, the camera features what Fuji describes as a newly developed 102 MP large format sensor with 55mm diagonal length – which enables it to claim the highest resolution in the story of mirrorless cameras so far, and makes it the flagship of a range already including the GFX 50S and GFX 50R. The back-illuminated sensor boasts 3.76 million phase-detection pixels spread across its surface and approximately 100% coverage, to enable swift and accurate AF wherever the subject might be in the frame, says its manufacturer.

Whopping stills capability aside, another pitch to your customers is that the GFX100 can also shoot 4K video at 30fps, with five axis image stabilization the claimed equivalent of 5.5 stops (when using a GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR lens).

Although the camera is obviously hefty at a weight of 1400g including two NPT125 batteries, memory card and 5.76 million dot EVF, Fuji claims the camera’s dimensions are broadly the equivalent of a flagship 35mm full frame DSLR,

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

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FUJI OFFERS ‘HIGHEST RESOLUTION IN HISTORY OF MIRRORLESS’

the subject and facilitate ‘selfies’, while Raw files can be shot and developed within the camera.

Creative controls including a monochrome mode and the ability to snatch a 8 megapixel photo from a 4K video sequence also feature. Given such blogging friendly features and spec, it’s Wobbler arguably a direct rival to the likes of the Olympus E-PL9. Like that camera, this Panasonic’s compact dimensions also suggest possible use by travel and street photographers. www.panasonic.co.uk

to take a speCial piCture you need to go to speCial plaCes Now you and your family can discover hundreds of new special places with the National Trust and capture every stunning detail with the award-winning new LUMIX FZ200 or FZ72.

Hang Tag

Photographic Promotional period: 22/08/2013 – 31/12/2013. Promotional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions *Leica is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG

21/08/2013 13:56

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Nikon Z tweaks and summer instant savings launched Direct Nikon Z series-owning customers to the fact that the manufacturer’s full frame mirrorless cameras have been given a latest firmware upgrade. The Version 2.0 tweaks enhance eye detection auto focus in stills mode, extend the cameras’ low light AF detection range (from -1EV to -2EV on the Z7 and -2EV to -3.5EV on the Z6), plus add auto exposure (AE) tracking capability to the cameras’ continuous high-speed (extended) mode.

The new firmware can be downloaded free of charge from Nikon’s download centre: https://

downloadcenter.nikonimglib. com/en/index.html In related Nikon news, alert your customers to the fact that the manufacturer has itself launched a summer ‘instant savings’ promotion, which began the middle of last month and currently runs up until August 15th. Unusually, in an attempt to streamline the process, this doesn’t require those buying qualifying Nikon products – including, yes, the Z6 and Z7 – to redeem cashback following their purchase. Therefore the instant savings are deducted from the retail price at the point of purchase.

“With a vast selection of Nikon cameras and lenses on offer, from the award-winning mirrorless Z range to our entry-level D3500 D-SLR, it’s never been a better time to invest in some exceptional glass and highperformance cameras in time for summer,” believes Nikon UK’s Head of Business Planning Jake Cundy.

For more details and T&C’s, go here: www.nikonpromotions.co.uk

‘R’ YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW CANON LENS? One of six forthcoming new lenses for its EOS R full frame mirrorless camera system, as teased back in our March Photography Show preview edition, has arrived from Canon in the RF 85mm f/1.2L USM. With that sort of specification, it’s no surprise that the new lens is being pitched at portrait and wedding photographers, claims to offer the highest resolution of a Canon lens launched to date, and promises to deliver a ‘stunning’ shallow depth of field, bokeh and background separation. Its manufacturer claims the ultra wide aperture transmits 50% more light than an f/1.4 lens, making it useful when shooting in dimmer conditions.

“The new RF 85mm F1.2L USM is better than I could have imagined,” raves wedding photographer and Canon ambassador Félicia Sisco (sample pic, above). “This lens produces a depth of field and bokeh that is impossible to achieve with other lenses and I already know it will become a staple in my kitbag.

It separates the subject from the background and delivers a sharp focus on the subject’s eyes which is simply breath-taking, capturing every special moment.”

Available this month at a sizeable £2,799.99, an ET-89 Lens Hood is also offered at £69.99. No news yet at on the almost identical ‘DS’ (Defocus Smoothing) version of the same lens that Canon’s David Parry also spoke to us about earlier in the year, but we’ll keep you posted. www.canon.co.uk

TFC London are Hiring Sales & Rental Staff at a Variety of Levels.

We require dynamic team players with exceptional communication skills, technically minded fast learners who have a track record of sales preferably within the Photographic industry. Competitive salary.

Send CV’s to emily@theflashcentre.com www.theflashcentre.com @bpi_news

BPI News | June 2019 5

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Parting shot: fresh ‘developments’ at Fujifilm Print Long serving Fujifilm Marketing Manager Peter Wigington, a steadfast supporter of the photo trade generally and of Fujifilm’s Independent Photo Retailer partner scheme in particular, received a Lifetime Achievement award from our magazine last month at the brand’s annual Independent Photo Retail partner Conference (Peter pictured with Editor Gavin Stoker).

After a long and rewarding career with Fujifilm, Peter has made the decision to retire. He says: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my 33 years working with such a wide range of optimistic, proactive and enthusiastic photo retailers and professional lab owners; first as a Sales Coordinator in the early days of wet labs, then Sales Executive, Sales Manager and, most recently, Marketing Manager for the Photo Imaging Group – and all against the backdrop of the film-to-digital revolution.”

Peter, who will be much missed by friends and colleagues in the trade, is succeeded by new Marketing Manager Gloria McCann (see page 18).

Gloria, originally from Los Angeles, has worked with major film studios

producing marketing materials for the latest film releases. She has spent over a decade in the UK, and joins Fujifilm from Electrolux Professional, where she led marketing activity for the laundry manufacturing business.

Turn to page 16 now for more on how Fujifilm is keeping print alive and helping its dealer network profit via fresh ideas and product innovations. www.originalphotopaper.com

Brass in pocket Analogue photography nuts Lomography have done it again for those photographers who love getting hands on and achieving signature swirly ‘bokeh’ effects by introducing the Petzval 55mm f/1.7 Art Lens, claimed as the first such lens expressly designed for full frame mirrorless cameras.

Compatibility is offered for the Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z mounts.

For what it claims is even greater precision, Lomography has added a dedicated bokeh control ring, which

enables a seven level adjustment of bokeh. Videographers may also be interested in the fact that there’s the claimed ability to adjust focus and f-stop when the camera is rolling, thanks to a new long-throw focusing ring and stopless aperture diaphragm.

A black anodized aluminum version of this lens is due this July at £349, while two alternatives in either brass varnish or black painted brass arrive this August at £399 and £499 respectively. www.lomography.com

WEX AIMS TO ‘BOOST CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE’

Leading independent Wex Photo Video is offering 30 minute introductory product set up workshops to customers making purchases either via its stores or website, that will be tailored to their requirements and interests. The plan is that such workshops either take place at the point of purchase or via appointment at any Wex Photo Video store.

The company has also introduced a new real-time location service online, enabling potential customers to discover the availability of products across all its stores, if said products aren’t showing availability via the website itself.

“We have brought in these helpful new services following feedback from regular visitors to our stores and website,” claims Wex’s Marketing Director Paul Wareham. “Whether our customers are purchasing the latest mirrorless system or drone, or entering the world of filmmaking, the Wex team will be ready to offer customers detailed advice and insights to help them take the next steps.

“Photography or videography novices, or those purchasing a new type of equipment, will also benefit from a comprehensive introduction to the settings on their camera. This in-depth knowledge will give them a better understanding of the controls and functionality, as well as increasing their confidence to go out and take their work to the next level of creativity.”

The company tells us it has also recently undertaken a review and overhaul of its brand identity, to offer a consistent presence online, in print and in store. www.wexphotovideos.com

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the photo trade, so use it! Send your press releases and news items direct to: info@bpinews.co.uk 6 June 2019 | BPI News

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SPECTRAJET PAPER BRAND GETS A FRESH NEW LOOK As part of the recent management buyout, Tetenal UK has also purchased the SpectraJet brand of inkjet paper. A new look and feel is only the start of ambitious plans for growth.

Tetenal, the Leicester based distributor to the photographic and print markets has wasted no time in giving the inkjet paper brand SpectraJet a fresh lease of life.

With Tetenal's long history and expertise in photographic printing, producing their own range of inkjet paper was always inevitable.

NEW PRODUCTS WITH KEY FEATURES

STORY BEHIND THE NEW LOOK

Tetenal have already added some new products into the SpectraJet range, particularly aimed at the Fine Art market with Fine Art Smooth and Fine Art Etching.

Behind any re-branding exercise is a designer who takes multiple factors into account when deciding upon a new look for an already popular brand.

Key features include;

In this case it was one of Tetenal's Marketing Team Vanessa Derbyshire-Wood who took up the challenge.

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Longer length rolls - 15 metres

For those unfamiliar with the brand, SpectraJet has evolved over the years to cater for applications across the full spectrum of photographic requirements, with a variety of finishes to suit all types of image.

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Available in 4 widths from 24" to 60"

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High colour consistency and gamut

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100% cotton

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Free of optical whiteners

CORE RANGE

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Water resistant

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Pin sharp details

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Meets performance criteria for ISO 9706

The SpectraJet portfolio is focused on the core range of products favoured by the majority of the photographic printing industry across three key paper types; Dry Lab, Large Format and Fine Art. The majority are available in a variety of sizes in both sheet and roll, with many rolls available in longer lengths than similar brands.

DRY LAB FLEXIBILITY

"As a relatively new member of the team here at Tetenal I was able to look at the brand with a fresh eye and without prejudice.

A popular feature of the SpectraJet Dry Lab media papers in the range is that they a suitable for Epson, Fuji and Noritsu printers.

Knowing that SpectraJet was already popular, not only in the UK but also across Europe, my main thought process was to modernise it in terms of typeface and give it a new colour palette that allowed for consistent representation across multiple printing methods I also wanted to ensure there was adaptability in the logo, with the emphasis moved from the word Jet to Spectra which enables us to look at brand extension opportunities in the future".

BRAND DISTRIBUTION

The SpectraJet range will be distributed exclusively across the UK by brand owners Tetenal but distribution agreements with European partners have already been agreed. It's clear to see that, under the new ownership, the SpectraJet brand is destined for impressive growth.

spectra spectra spectra PREMIUM INK JET PAPER

REQUEST SAMPLES

If you'd like to find out more information on the SpectraJet range or request samples, simply mail us at marketing@tetenal.uk.com or use the contact form you'll find on our new website www.tetenaluk.com or call 0116 2893644

PREMIUM INK JET PAPER

SpectraJet is exclusively available in the UK from Tetenal • Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1WX • 0116 2893644 • www.tetenaluk.com

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IT AIN’T OVER ‘TIL IT’S ROVER: LEICA DRIFTER INSPIRED BY ROCKER’S ROAMIN’ Got customers who are big fans of retro rocker Lenny Kravitz and limited edition Leica cameras into the bargain? If they’ve got £20,500 to spare, point them in the direction of the limited edition Leica M Monochrom Drifter – so-named because of Kravitz’s love of being ‘on the road’ (i.e touring). This is the second time the singer has collaborated with the brand – the first being 2015’s vintage look Leica M-P ‘Correspondent’ model.

While the price of the ‘Drifter’ may be eye watering to some, eye catching to others is the ‘synthetic python’ snakeskin

covering, with matching carry strap. For the outlay, two state of the art lenses are included fashioned in sepia brown – a Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, and an APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH. In a departure from the standard production model, the Summicron-M 28mm f/2 features a built-in extendable lens hood to match the design of its 75mm counterpart. Purchasers also get a leather-like brown Drifter Traveller bag and pouches and cases for both lenses, while the premium camera itself is limited to just 125 units worldwide. www.leica-camera.com

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PROFOTO A1 ON-CAMERA FLASH UPGRADED IN NEW SONY-COMPATIBLE A1X We wrote about the Profoto A1 – at the time hailed as the world’s smallest studio light (and, incidentally, Profoto’s first ever on-camera solution) – back in BPI News Dec 17/Jan 18, when its marketing manager hailed it as a killer product that specialist retailers should be getting behind. Now an update arrives in the equally compact shape of the Profoto A1X, described as ‘the A1’s new and improved sibling’ with no fewer than 30 tweaks over its predecessor, including a more powerful battery (with up to 450 full power ‘pops’ per charge), faster recycling and Sony compatibility. The A1X also features a magnetic clip-on mount for using light shaping tools of which there are six available that can be used individually or in combination. The A1X is £949 SRP, with an off-camera kit (which includes the A1X and Profoto Connect trigger) at £1049. For more, or to order in stock contact 01442 204919 or uk@profoto.com. www.profoto.com

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the photo trade, so use it! Send your press releases and news items direct to: info@bpinews.co.uk 8 June 2019 | BPI News

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Minilab News

PHOTOXPORT & CITIZEN PARTNERSHIP SPARKS SALES GROWTH

Compact, affordable and reliable, Citizen’s dye sub printer trio practically sell themselves, as official partner PhotoXport has discovered these past four months

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e reported back in March that printer specialist PhotoXport had expanded its offerings further by becoming an Official Citizen Photo Reseller – meaning it now offers Citizen’s entire range of current and future printing products, proprietary software solutions and accessories, to the UK photo trade.

“By having direct access to all of Citizen’s market-leading printers and media, I believe PhotoXport significantly strengthens Citizen’s position in the UK retail photofinishing market,” Citizen’s EMEA Business Manager for Photo Printers, Gary Andrews told us at the time.

Prior to this, PhotoXport had already brought the innovative Android-based SnapFoto solution to market, a core component of which is Citizen’s CX02 dye sub printer.

Any retailer currently considering adding a Citizen printer to their line up will already be aware that the brand is well known for its precision when it comes to mechanical engineering. Just examine its 100-year-long history of producing watches and timepieces!

And it seems like the photo trade is paying attention too, as PhotoXport MD Derek Fieldhouse tells us that sales have grown exponentially since it officially partnered with the Citizen brand as reseller of its products, with many orders coming in overnight for next-day dispatch.

CITIZEN’S TRIPLE WHAMMY TO BOOST PRINT SALES Recommended dye sublimation photo printer offerings include the Citizen CX-02 (core component of the Wi-Fi enabled SnapFoto), CY-02 and OP900II. As the most portable option, the CX-02 is 2Kg lighter than the original CX model and 15% smaller, ensuring it can fit into small and cramped spaces. Time being money you’ll want to know it can output a lab quality print in just 8 seconds, with a choice of two finish options (in either glossy or matte surface) selectable via the printer driver. In fact there are two print modes to choose from – high quality mode or high-speed mode – and three print sizes in 4x6, 5x7 and 6x8 inches. It also features a ribbon rewind function, to avoid paper or ribbon waste, while an energy saving sleep mode is claimed to reduce energy consumption by 98%. Comprehensively featured and flexible is what this printer is.

The next step up in the Citizen CY-02 offers not just user friendliness but high capacity printing too, being capable of producing 700 4x6 or 350 6x8-inch prints per roll, so you spend less time at the printer and more time serving customers. Again, it delivers glossy or matte surface options, the same three print sizes as the CX-02, plus the choice of printing at 300dpi or 600dpi.

The third current option from Citizen is the OP900II, which offers premium

Solutions to ‘dye’ for from Citizen, now available via PhotoXport. From L to R: the Citizen CX-02, CY-02 and OP900II printers

printing for professionals. Prints are described as providing ‘outstanding’ levels of colour, consistency and permanency, while this is also a great option for B&W. What’s more, the printer boasts a low cost per print that will be music to the ears of any photo retailer or minilab, with a high capacity ribbon delivering 600 6x4-inch images per roll. Again there’s a choice or glossy or matte surfaces, with a drop-in paper loading system. As well as 4x6, 5x7 and 6x8-inch prints, this model additionally offers 6x9 inches.

“By having direct access to all of Citizen’s market-leading printers and media, I believe PhotoXport significantly strengthens Citizen’s position in the UK retail photofinishing market” Gary Andrews, Citizen Systems It goes without saying that there are many retail functions that can be served by Citizen printers – for example providing ID photos in conjunction with ID Photos Pro 8 biometric passport software and Print Manager. This is a free yet powerful multi printer management solution which gives a simple visual reference of the status of all Citizen printers running at any one time – in terms of media types, number of prints remaining and if, heaven forefend, there might be a print jam.

For more on all of the above, including the SnapFoto solution, make sure you talk to Derek Fieldhouse at the earliest opportunity.

Order Citizen printers & media via PhotoXport’s Derek now on 0116 2675907. Visit www.photoxport.com & www.citizen-systems.com 10 June 2019 | BPI News

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MASTERS OF

COLOUR

Over 80 years of experience in photography goes into every camera we make. It’s part of what makes the FUJIFILM X Series special

FUJIFILM-X.COM IMAGE TAKEN BY UK X-PHOTOGRAPHER CHRIS UPTON

The simple and stylish way to get your customers printing z

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Say hello to

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Smart phones are the cameras we carry around with us every day, so it makes sense to bring the taking and printing of photos closer together.

want to print directly via the App and the cube is purely the print collection point. This means less time spent by you aiding customers.

Unlike traditional kiosks where the customer makes their purchasing decisions on the screen, with PrintCube the customer chooses what they

Our aim is to make printing photos as easy as taking or sharing them. Say hello to the future of photo printing.

z

PrintCube contains an integrated printer that produces a range of print sizes

Provide photo printing services with minimal initial investment, without the need for a traditional kiosk screen Attract a new generation of consumers Customer can create the order on their phone and simply ‘scan their QR code to print’

A variety of ways to create an in-store display

Distributed in in the the UK UK by

by Tetenal Tetenal Ltd Ltd Distributed

www.tetenaluk.com || www.tetenaluk.com

marketing@tetenal.uk.com || marketing@tetenal.uk.com

Making photo printing as simple as sharing There are also a wide variety of products available to display your photos, including ready made frames and collages as part of the Pixolo branded range. All available to order directly via the App.

PrintCube makes your smart phone the centre of your photo printing universe.

The PrintCube App allows you to select the photos you want to print, the format you want to print them in and where you want to pick them up.

It really is as easy as 1, 2, 3

1 Create an order 2

Scan your QR code

3 Print

your photos

Beautiful & Practical with a variety of display options A smart modular design that provides maximum flexibility, requires only a small footprint in your store and looks great. With PrintCube there are endless possibilities

Contact Tetenal for more information Simply call 0116 2893644 or drop us an e-mail to marketing@tetenal.uk.com

Distributed in the UK by

Visit www.tetenaluk.com/printcubevid to view a short video which shows the concept in a much more visual way. Alternatively, you can scan this QR code!

TEL: 0116 289 3644

|

Get in touch to arrange a demonstration of the PrintCube

News Extra

OLYMPUS’ ‘TOUGH’ STANCE & SOUND DEALS

The summer’s heating up for Olympus’ retail partners, with a new TG-6 toughened camera, up to £200 Lens Cashback, money off an LS-P1 audio recorder, plus a push on its Pro series binoculars…

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here’s a lot going on at Olympus HQ as we head into the summer.

For starters, we’ve an updated ‘Tough’ series model coming next month in the Olympus TG-6, along with a fistful of promo offers designed to drive footfall to retailer partners. On top of this, its patronage of the After Nyne Gallery in London’s upmarket Holland Park is still going strong, with new exhibitions and photographer brand ambassadors being added all the time.

With the launch of the TG-6, Olympus is offering purchasers (excluding those in the Republic of Ireland) a free adventure pack worth £49.99. This includes a durable case, a floating hand strap and an ice bag that holds a drink! Direct your customers to the fact that the launch offer is valid for purchases made up until August 19th, with claims accepted up until August 26th. For more, see: http://bit.ly/olympus-adventurepack A bit more on the camera itself: following on from the TG-5, the 12 megapixel, 4K video shooting TG-6 features various enhancements, including new underwater modes, macro photo options described as ‘more versatile’, plus a back plate monitor with an improved resolution. It also, naturally, has the usual destruction proofed capabilities.

The TG-6 is waterproof to 15 metres in depth, freeze-proof to minus 10°C, shock-proofed against a drop from 2.1 metres, and crushproof up to 100Kg. There’s also a bunch of accessories that could be piggybacked on a sale, including a PT-059 Underwater Case (extending the camera’s waterproofing to 45 metres in depth), CSCH-127 Silicone Jacket, LB-T01 Lens Barrier (protecting the lens against dirt and

More details at: http://bit.ly/olympus-LS-P1-video-kit Also ending June 30th is a cashback deal of up to £200 on selected Olympus M.Zuiko lenses. Customers are allowed to buy as many as they like from a long list of 26 possibilities, with cashbacks ranging from £30 upon purchase of the M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 in silver or black, up to the maximum £200 saving when buying the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/1.4 IS Pro. Talking of optics, don’t forget that Olympus’ specialism in this area extends to its impressive Professional series binoculars – likewise perfect for selling to your customers this summer. Properties include: a bright, clear field of view and sharp details, even in dim light; multicoated glass lenses and prisms; and scratches), FCON-T02 Fisheye Converter plus a UC-92 Battery Charger.

The TG-6 is on sale from early July at £449.99 SRP, although customers can preorder now at selected retailers and take advantage of the adventure pack deal.

A SOUND DEAL FOR E-M5 II PURCHASERS Photographers/videographers eyeing up purchase of an OM-D E-M5 Mark II are currently being offered a saving of £50 if buying an LS-P1 Video Kit – including, as it sounds, the LS-P1 audio recorder – alongside it for just £79.99.

The recorder is definitely worth having for those who want improved ‘better than CD’ quality audio when shooting video on their mirrorless model. This current promotion ends on June 30th, so don’t delay in telling your customers about it!

Top: The TG-6 arrives in widely available black and retailer exclusive red. Above: Up to £200 to be saved on selected lenses until June 30th.

Below: Olympus’ Pro binoculars are ideal for pitching to customers this summer

nitrogen filled construction to prevent fogging and condensation. The range additionally includes waterproof models for any customer wanting such features.

For more, visit: http://bit.ly/olympus-binos Speak to your local Olympus sales rep for more details on all of the above. www.olympus.co.uk

Alert your customers to two Olympus deals ending June 30th: £200 Lens Cashback & £50 off an LS-P1 Video Kit 14 June 2019 | BPI News

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Look SHARP

Up to £200 CASHBACK on all M.Zuiko lenses Offers end 30th June 2019. visit enjoy.photo for details

© Tesni Ward – Olympus Ambassador.

See more of Tesni’s images at www.tesniward.co.uk CAMERA: OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 Mark II LENS: M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm 1:4.0 IS PRO

Fujifilm Advertorial

DEALERS’ CHOICE: FUJIFILM CONFERENCE INSPIRES SALES SUCCESS

Fujifilm’s Photo Print Services held its annual Conference for retailer members last month, which this year comprised an expanded two days’ worth of workshops, awards and trade fair. BPI News brings you this inspiration packed report to showcase how you could benefit from joining the group…

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cross a weekend last month in the surroundings of the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel, Fujifilm, its partner Swains and key retailers held court, seeking to help motivate its dealer membership to realise their businesses’ potential when it comes to profiting from print. Indeed, this year the manufacturer was asking attendees to tag their social media posts with #fujifilmpotential.

Once again, Fujifilm’s Marketing Manager Peter Wigington acted as ringmaster and mentor – though this year the Conference had a bittersweet air, as it was Peter’s final appearance before a well-earned retirement. He is succeeded by new Fujifilm recruit, Gloria McCann, who was also present at the event by way of introduction.

HELPING RETAILERS TO HELP THEMSELVES This year, the first day of the Conference was divided into six workshops, attendees split into groups. Our first workshop was ‘Planning Your Marketing Year’, given by Peter himself, followed by ‘Creating and

Using a Monthly Newsletter’, with advice from InSpires Consultancy’s Wendy Gray.

Peter’s advice to the audience of retailers was to regularly check its online marketing ‘Hub’, to which all its members have access. This resource provides point of sale materials; topically, a new POS campaign starts this June. Fujifilm is also looking to produce a new series of productrelated videos, such as encouraging customers to put together a photo book, that retailers can host on their own sites and social media feeds. The aim is that these videos will be engaging enough to be ‘thumb stopping’, when customers are idly scrolling through social media.

“We can act as your marketing department, but we’re not retailers, so it’s up to you to do the rest,” Peter outlined. “The Members HUB is where we put our marketing tools, so any time we create new posters we will put them up there. If there’s a particular poster you need then give us a call.

“We try to give you as many different promotional items as possible, including an article on 1000 different marketing ideas. Content is king and the Hub

is where we’re putting it all.”

As a further push, Peter revealed that Fujifilm has produced an A3 marketing calendar for its dealers, highlighting various promotions and ideas plus providing space for shop owners and staff to be able to note down sales targets and how well they’re doing.

With Swains distributed mini photo

Dealers assemble!

Super heroes and heroines of the fight to profit-from-print gather for Fujifilm’s annual weekend of workshops, awards and trade show. Below, the departing Peter Wigington welcomes attendees

To discover how Fujifilm can inspire ideas and help boost the profile and bottom line of your own store or minilab, 16 June 2019 | BPI News

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FDIS Conference & Awards books and photo panels proving particularly popular at the moment – and canvasses and frame prints still selling like hot cakes – Fujifilm stated its desire to run a few ‘universal’ promotions throughout the year where every dealer sells at a standardized price. This will enable one set of marketing materials to be used by everyone, and for the message to be centralised and therefore more effective.

Attending dealers were also given the opportunity to request what products they’d like to see featured and promoted

by Fujifilm. Some ideas included montage/multi aperture frames, cushions,

towels, as well as the tried and tested regulars of photobooks and canvasses.

Another push involves Fujifilm branded clothing that stores can purchase for their staff at a discounted price. As well as indicating to customers which people in your store are actually staff, having such a ‘uniform’ also gives a more professional appearance. “A polo shirt with a logo on it makes your staff look more consistent,” Peter reasons. “You can also sell these garment printing services.”

Looking to the future and building on the success of last autumn’s Fujifilm roadshows, another eight are being planned for October 2019, as well as appearances at the Autumn and Spring Fairs at the NEC. Retailers may additionally be invited to attend workshops every six months, provided interest is sufficient.

MAKE YOUR LIST & CHECK IT TWICE Business guru Wendy Gray’s workshop developed some of the previous themes while zeroing in on the value of creating

We can act as your marketing department, but we’re not retailers, so it’s up to you to do the rest. We try to give you as many different promotional items as possible. Content is king and the Members HUB is where we’re putting it all.”

Peter Wigington, Fujifilm and sending e-shots to your customer base. Such newsletters shouldn’t just be about selling, but adding value by providing hints, tips and advice, so customers will make a point of opening the email and reading it. That said, they will still want to know about new services.

It goes without saying that the design of your emails needs to be really eye catching, advised Wendy, and consistency is key: “Once you’ve chosen your design, stick to it and also keep it regular.” As well as relevant content, don’t forget to include links back to your website and social media channels.

Wendy advised that drawing up a list of email recipients is easy enough; all you need is the customer’s first name, last name, email address and whether they’ve accepted they may be marketed to.

A good way of initially ‘capturing’ such information is to let the customer enter their details on your in-store kiosk. “Do not touch the kiosk – let the customer do it because when they do they will enter all of their information. People who say no to marketing tend to do so because they don’t know the possible benefits.” So make sure they’re aware they will be getting extras coming their way for signing up: “Make them feel important, tell them they’ll receive exclusive offers they can also share with family and friends, while informing them that you will not share their data.

“Go to the Hub and download a poster, add your company logo and promotion, while making sure the subject of your e-shot is ‘VIP offer’ rather than ‘20% off ’, as the latter may be treated as spam. If you use a promotion code each time you send an e-shot, then you can work out whether it’s done well or not. Always send a test email before you commit to send, so you can check for any spelling mistakes.

Also get into the habit of downloading your database of .csv files once a month.”

EVER MORE SOCIAL MEDIA Two further Fujifilm workshops on the day dug even more deeply into promotion via the Internet. The first, ‘Websites Made Easy’, hosted by Sian Ellis-Thomas, a certified ‘Wix’ webmaster, shockingly informed us that an estimated 50% of all businesses don’t have a website. As a brand ambassador for the Wix website building platform – which apparently has 150 million users worldwide and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) built in – Sian gave advice to anyone building

a retail website for the first time; namely they should seek to provide a visual and exciting interactive experience, including, again, links to their social media presence.

Informing us that interactive elements are important since people have an average eight second attention span, Sian Inspiring fellow retailers: Idea-packed workshops were the centre piece of the weekend, given by: 1 Click Click’s Lindsey Trundle (left) and Sophie Gough 2 Marlborough Photo Centre’s Pete Davies 3 Social media guru Suzanne McDougall & 4 InSpire Consultancy’s Wendy Gray 1

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get in touch with Fujifilm’s Marketing Manager Gloria McCann on 01234 572138 or view www.originalphotopaper.com @bpi_news

BPI News | June 2019 17

Fujifilm Advertorial told us that including video content can act as both a way of keeping people on your site for longer and as a call to action: “Video is the most important thing, as it gets the highest engagement level out of anything”. The other way to be more search engine friendly is to include a regularly updated blog. This could also be a way to make your business more approachable to a first time customer.

“People buy from people,” Sian concluded.

Photographic Services offering members its camera servicing expertise as well as a Veritek Technical Services and Fujifilm’s Software Support helpdesk – the Saturday evening played host to Fujifilm’s annual Business Endeavour Awards.

See side panel for the list of winners!

In all, this was an informationpacked weekend that left the retailers we spoke to feeling very positive and engaged about their businesses and their industry. No mean feat!

FUJIFILM’S SPECIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO INDEPENDENT PHOTO RETAIL

The second of two workshops was given by social media manager Suzanne McDougall, who focused on ‘Making Social Media Work For Your Small Business’. She divulged that, whereas Twitter gives you immediacy in getting your message across, Instagram is all about the aesthetics. Also worth knowing is that 91% of customers now research their purchases online before committing, and that 50% of us engage with relevant social media content/ ads at least once as part of that process.

“Have a look at competitors’ social media accounts and see what’s working for them,” she advised. “Then consider where you think your business sits.”

If you want to have maximum impact on social media, then Instagram ‘Stories’ are ‘huge’ at the moment, according to Suzanne, who noted that retailers should always include hashtags on their Instagram posts to get more traction. The ‘optimum’ number of hashtags for any one post is, she says, anything between seven and nine, though can be as high as 30. She also advised using vertical ratio images at dimensions of 1080x1350, and tagging your location – particularly important when your marketing to a local community.

In terms of using Twitter as a promotional tool, the advice here is to always use images, utilise Twitter lists, and connect with your followers during relevant Twitter hours. Twitter polls are also a good way of generating interest and responses, as are including @ mentions and tagging photos. However, you don’t want to bore your Twitter audience by constantly selling to them. The advice here is to follow the ’80:20’ rule – so, for every

Showing the trade what it’s all about: Sunday of the Convention witnessed a plethora of print products showcased.

Peter shown here with his Marketing Manager replacement Gloria McCann

20% of promotional activity posted, you should post 80% of ‘other stuff ’. Namely people want online content that inspires, informs, educates and entertains – and, ultimately, tells a story. How to’s, practical tips, relevant insights, interesting facts and community news are all ways of drawing customers in. Again, consistency plays its part here – and be consistent when it comes to the times of the day you post.

The final two sessions of the Saturday, for us, were workshops with Lindsey Trundle, owner of retailer Click Click, previously featured as a case study in BPI News February 2019. We also heard from Pete Davies of Marlborough Photo Services, who previously featured in our March 2019 edition. Lindsey talked about ‘How to Design Your Shop Layout For Maximum Impact & Increased Sales’ with her advice on how spending a modest £200 on new brick effect vinyl wall coverings and using a scented air fresher in store really can make a difference. Pete advised on ‘How to Engage With Your Local Community for Additional Sales’ with striking candour, discussing how partnerships with local schools let him market to people who might not necessarily otherwise come into his shop.

See our relevant back issues for more!

With the Sunday of the Conference weekend being all about the trade show element – with Swains showcasing its photo gifting and framed print ideas, Novachrome promoting dye sub gifts, Pictures To Fabric promoting personalised prints on cushions, Photowonder talking all things photo restoration and enhancement and H.Lehmann

Bal Basra of Birmingham’s Focus Studio, recieves his Outstanding Contribution award from Peter and Wendy

The full list of Award winners: n Shop of the Year: Lords Photographic, Brighouse n Business Endeavour Award Winner: Click Click, Bishops Stortford n BEA Highly Commended: Photos2Print, Andover; Salisbury Photo Centre & Y Stiwdio Brint, Lampeter n Shop Assistant of the Year: Rosie Payne, Colorgrafix, Louth n Swains Regional Sales Manager: Neil Wooldridge, South West Region n Mystery Shopper Result of the Year: Fivemiletown Pharmacy, Co. Tyrone & Treorchy Photolab, Rhondda n Best Marketing Campaign: Island Photo Centre, Ryde I.O.W (Capture Perfect) & Photos2Print, Andover (My Dad’s Shop) n Best Window Display: Y Stiwdio Brint, Lampeter (St David’s Day) n Best Social Media Campaign: Morrison Photos, Douglas, Isle of Man See also the congratulatory winners’ page this issue, for photos from this year’s awards gala.

Turn to page 31 of this magazine now to see more on the winners of this year’s Business Endeavour Awards!

18 June 2019 | BPI News

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BPI News Product Focus

COTTON-ON TO THIS PROFITABLE DEAL FROM DPS GROUP & EPSON Epson re-seller the DPS Group offers a timely demo of its profit-generating SC-F2100 T-shirt printer. Plus, until June 30th, hurry to grab an extended three-year warranty on P-series printers

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eeking a way to take your business from rags to riches – or rather generate riches from ‘rags’ – and help it stand out on the high street and Internet? Then consider Epson’s direct-to-garment (or ‘DTG’) SC-F2100 printer. This could prove the moneyspinner that makes all the difference to your profitability this summer, thanks to its ability to print personalised T-shirts and all manner of extras.

A high-end device for printing on garments ranging from 100% cotton to 50/50 fabric blends, this boasts an operational speed claimed to be twice as swift as the previous generation, thanks to the likes of Light Garment Mode and its quick-load platen.

Because of the system’s use of four colour inks plus white ink, garment designs are promised to really ‘pop’.

Taking any of the ‘risk’ out of investing in such a machine, specialist Epson re-seller the DPS Group is giving you the chance to test demand up front, in offering to print your T-shirt or garment order and deliver it back to you. This would, for example, allow you to build up an in-store or window display of printed garments that should, in turn, drive and build customer demand.

“Retailers can send T-shirt orders over to us for printing and we’ll deliver them back to the retailer at nominal cost,” confirms DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel. “This way, retailers can test demand for T-shirt printing without investing in DTG equipment from day one.” Just get in touch via the contact details below to take advantage of this winning solution this summer.

EPSON PRINTERS AT A GLANCE: SureColor F2100 garment printer n High quality garment prints at swift production speeds n Up to twice as fast as the previous generation ‘DTG’ printer n Four colour inks plus white ink for designs that really ‘pop’ n Option to print on 100% cotton garments or 50/50 fabric blends n Epson Garment Creator Software is intuitive and thereby easy to use n Integrated self-cleaning system means less downtime for the printer

SureColor P10000 wide format printer Get shirty this summer by installing an Epson SC-F2100 garment printer, sourced via the DPS Group

Hurry to grab an extended 3 year warranty on Epson’s P series printers until the end of June

ar three ynety warra now able! avail

A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY IN PRINT If it’s more conventional printing and products you’re after, then take advantage of the extended 3 year warranty deal being offered until the close of June on Epson’s P-series printers, including the likes of the SureColor P10000 or larger P20000 wide format printer. Again, via the DPS Group you can demo these products before investing; the 44-inch P10000 printer is set up and waiting in its purpose-built showroom now. If you like what you see, the re-seller can put together a tailor-made solution that best suits the demands of your business.

For those wanting to print bigger still there’s the 64-inch flagship P20000 printer, recommended for anyone seeking to add industrial heft and reliability to their business. “The DPS Group can help BPI News readers make the decision to upgrade to the Epson SureColor P series from their older Epson Stylus Pro range or from any other brand they might own – for example Canon or HP,” the DPS Group’s Maneesh further promises.

A further bonus for BPI News readers thinking about partnering with the DPS Group for their large format Epson printer needs, is that you will also be able to take advantage its on-going low

n 44-inch wide format printer n 600x600 dpi resolution n PrecisionCore MicroTFP print head n Aimed at photographic laboratories and copy shops n Newly developed camera based paper feed stabiliser & media inductive roller system

SureColor P20000 wide format printer n 64-inch wide format printer n Maximum 2400x1200dpi resolution n PrecisionCore MicroTFP print head n For those requiring printing with ‘industrial heft’ n Print head structure claims to result in fewer vibrations and more accurate ink drops and ink placement prices for the compatible inks, making it the proverbial one stop shop.

So don’t miss out that time-limited window to grab a three-year warranty, or get printing garments for summer!

Contact sales@dpsb.co.uk or call 020 8466 7230 now. www.thedpsgroup.co.uk www.dpsb.co.uk

Contact the DPS Group now for a demo on 020 8460 3690, email sales@dpsb.co.uk or visit www.dpsb.co.uk NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline

BPI News | June 2019 19

BPI News Product Focus

Saramonic: clearly a ‘sound’ choice from MAC Group Nigel Fielden, Saramonic Brand Manager for MAC Group Europe, takes us through the hero products in its audio range that will appeal to photo retailers seeking to broaden their customer base…

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ith many stills photographers now getting asked to shoot video, it makes sense for photo retailers to explore accessories that offer better sound quality than cameras’ built-in microphones can provide.

Leading photo accessory distributor MAC Group Europe has recently taken on the Saramonic brand, which provides plenty of affordably simple, yet specialist options to do just that.

“We think there’s an opportunity here for photo dealers to get a firm hook into the video space, capitalising on the technologies that are built into the hardware they already sell,” enthuses MAC Group Europe’s Operations Director and Saramonic Brand Manager Nigel Fielden. “These affordable, simple to use yet effective products are a way for retailers to get their customers interested in shooting video as well as photo, and to meet their audio needs.

“Most of the firms operating in the professional audio space are focused on public address systems or music, whereas Saramonic specialises in solutions for photographers and videographers. We think our job is to bring this category to the photo dealer in a way which is easy for them, and will work hard to deliver them a competitive margin.”

A great place to start is the UWMic9 Wireless Microphone System, which Nigel describes as “really good value.” Offering reliable broadcast quality audio and three selectable channels in two groups, this

“There’s an opportunity here for photo dealers to get a firm hook into the video space, capitalising on the technologies that are built into the hardware they already sell.”

Nigel Fielden, Brand Manager for Saramonic

Tuned into the wireless: Saramonic’s convenient UWMic9 system offers transmitters with microphones, wireless handheld microphone, plus plug-in receiver for a video camera, all of which are shown here

system involves wireless transmitters and wireless receivers and works in the licence-free UHF frequency range that used to be occupied by analogue TV. There are plentiful options here, including a handheld wireless microphone with transmitter built in; a two antennae transmitter with a clip-on lavalier microphone; a receiver that will clip onto a camera hotshoe; plus a plugin transmitter compatiwble with the widely used XLR audio connector.

The UwMic9 system

also offers a smartphone mountable solution with a handle and built-in receiver, plus a receiver that will plug straight into a professional video camera.

“The reason this system is better than others is that it uses a licencefree frequency, and the receiver will handle up to two transmitters,” Nigel expands. “So you could be using both the handheld mic and the lavalier mic and have them picked up by one receiver. And, because the receiver has a stereo output, you can mix the channels together or keep them separate, which is unique at this price point. For £285

Get in touch with distributor MAC Group now for all your audio accessory needs, with the Saramonic brand truly providing something 20 June 2019 | BPI News

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MAC Group Saramonic promotion inc VAT the user can have a transmitter/ receiver system that’s expandable, as you can add an additional microphone thanks to the two-channel capability.”

ON-CAMERA MICROPHONES Another key area for Saramonic is oncamera microphones. Described as a ‘fabulous little product’ for £60 SRP, the battery-powered SR-M3 has an integrated shoe mount that allows it to sit atop a DSLR, CSC or bridge camera.

As well as its shotgun microphone with windshield, it boasts an additional microphone socket. Headphones can also be attached for monitoring sound, while a couple of filter options allow for the minimising of traffic noise or the improvement of high frequencies. It can be connected directly to a camera via a standard 3.5mm jack plug.

One alternative is the Vmic Mini, which while an extra mic cannot be added and there’s no headphone socket, shares many of the above functions.

It also has a detachable cable, which allows for it to be used with either a smartphone or a camera. “At £55 SRP, this is a very affordable and easy product for a dealer to sell,” Nigel suggests.

A step up from these two is the Vmic (£115 SRP) that offers all that the SRM3 does, but adds better frequency response, sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio, along with an improved shock

xxx

Get ‘smart’ with Saramonic: As well as accessories for recording sound with stills and video cameras, the brand has plentiful options for smartphone photographers too, as shown top right

mount. We also get a 3.5mm headphone output, a couple of filter options, a level control and battery power. Stepping up again is the Vmic Pro at £160 SRP, on which performance improves again while usability is maintained.

Lastly there’s the Vmic Stereo (£200 SRP), which, as the name suggests, does the same job but brings us two channels instead; beneath the foam windshield there are two microphones pointing in opposing directions.

We think our job is to bring this category to the photo dealer in a way which is easy for them, and will work hard to deliver them a competitive margin.”

PLUG & PLAY MICROPHONES

Supersonic: Oncamera microphones include, from the top down: the Saramonic SR-M3, the Vmic Mini and the Vmic Pro

As you’ll have gathered, a fair portion of Saramonic product is aimed at those who use phones to record video and sound. “This is good for the camera business too, because a number of cameras that shoot video don’t offer an external sound input. So you can record the sound separately on a phone or sound recorder, the video on your camera, and bring it together in a software editor afterwards.

We have options for recording sound on iPhones and Android phones, each with a number of connectors.”

Using the standard 3.5mm jack type plug are the SR-XM1 (£25 SRP), SmartMic and SmartMic+. The first is a general-purpose microphone that

can be used with more or less anything, according to Mac Group, and offers far better quality than a device’s built-in mic. The SmartMic, also £25 SRP, is designed for older iOS devices, like the iPhone 5S and prior, along with most Android devices, and will again give a better performance thanks to a wider frequency response. For more current devices there’s the SmartMic+ (£55 SRP); which is directional rather than omni-directional. “It’s really good for people shooting on phones as, unlike the built-in mic, it will only collect sound from the direction the camera points,” reasons Nigel. There are three versions of the SmartMic +. One which works with phones with a 3.5mm jack connector, a ‘Di’ version for use with an iPhone, plus a ‘UC’ version that’s claimed as perfect for an Android device.

“Even people just casually shooting stuff for social media on their phones are going to get far better sound using one of these,” Nigel promises.

Lastly, there are a range of Saramonic branded lavalier microphones that clip onto your lapel, starting with the SR-XLM1 (shown left). Again there are standard 3.5mm jack plug versions, ones with Android phone USB type C connector, plus iPhone friendly Lightning connector options.

“They’re very basic devices without wireless capability yet perfect for interview type situations.” Prices start around £20-£30 and go up to £60, dependent on functionality.

So don’t be deaf to your customers asking how they can capture better audio; make sure you have these audio accessories in stock for summer. Get in touch with MAC Group Europe now to request the full Saramonic brochure on 01902 255500 or email info@macgroupeu.com www.macgroupeu.com

for everyone looking to record better sound with their stills camera, video camera and smartphone. www.saramonicuk.com @bpi_news

BPI News | June 2019 21

BPI News Product Focus

WHY STOCKING HAMA IS THE ‘SMART’ OPTION

With every retailer acknowledging there’s more profit to be made from photo accessories than camera bodies, Hama is leading the charge when it comes to the former. BPI News surveys its latest must-haves you should be adding to stock

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omething for every photographer at every conceivable price point is the Hama sales mantra, which means that it has one of the broadest ranges of options for photo specialists looking to make sales of accessories this summer.

For many casual photographers, the camera of choice is now the smartphone – so there are opportunities galore here. Hama has a brace of smartphone photography accessories that are perfect for photo specialists to push, which can be sold with the idea that they’re perfect for aiding travel photography, the taking of ‘selfies’, blogging and social media posting in general.

its compact size (27cm maximum height, 16cm minimum height) and weight of 348g makes it ultra portable too.

BAGS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR ADDED SALES

A SMARTER CHOICE FOR STOCK Top of your wants list should be the Hama 3-in-1 Lens Kit for Smartphones & Tablets (see below). A very affordable set (£9.99 SRP), comprising fisheye, wide angle and macro lenses, attachment is via a universal quick-release lens clip.

Despite the value added price, the manufacture of the three lenses is said to impress, thanks to multi-coatings and a thin metal mount around the edge, which lends additional protection.

What’s more, the set even comes with a soft storage case to aid portability.

One store that has done particularly well with Hama products is London Camera Exchange in Bath. Manager Mark Wallis explains the value of Hama’s something-for-everyone product line up: “Photography is for everyone. It’s not just creating a lovely picture; it is capturing a memory, a moment in time never to be repeated!

“Whether you are using a mobile phone, disposable camera, or fully featured SLR, it’s all about being in a position to keep and review that specific event or subject.”

Sticking with Hama accessories for smartphone fans, also worth

London Camera Exchange is just one of the retailers doing well with sales of the Hama supplied range of goods for smartphone photographers, including the Hama Moments 100 Selfie Stick (shown)

investigation is the Hama Moments 100 Selfie Stick (see above) (£13.99 SRP), acting as a perfect arm extension for wobble free photography – the ‘100’ in the name referencing the fact it can be extended up to 100cm. Also provided is a universal quarter-inch thread, quick clamp for smartphone attachment, non-slip rubber grip, twist-proof telescopic rod, a compact 21cm minimum length and a weight of just 126g.

Further illuminating profit for dealers is the Hama Selfie Ring Light for Smartphones (see left) (£11.99 SRP), which features 36 LEDs to deliver a perfectly illuminated face; thereby making it ideal for bloggers and for anyone looking to ensure favourable lighting in otherwise unfavourable conditions. With no charging required, power is via two AAA batteries, while its grip is silicon coated, helping protect any smartphone from scratches.

The Hama FlexPro Tripod (see top right) (£24.99 SRP) is a further option for a smartphone, GoPro or smaller camera related sale. This flexible product can be bent 360° and attached to railings and branches, while attachment is via a standard quarter inch thread. The ball head aids perfect alignments when setting up portrait and landscape shots, while

Smartphone friendly items aside, Hama also has a new Trindad range of camera bags (see below). For smaller cameras, there are two options here: the Hama Trinidad, a polyester soft bag, or the Hama HC Trinidad, a polyester hard bag. Both feature a convenient belt loop, double zip opening and removable neck strap with small hook fastener. Again, these won’t break your customers’ budgets, will deliver you a competitive margin, and will make for an easy sale if piggybacking with the sale of a digital camera. There are further options in the same range for DSLR users – look to the Trinidad 110 and 135 camera bags – complete with zipped compartment under the cover for storage media, a detachable shoulder strap, quick grab handle and two adjustable internal dividers.

SRPs range from £14.99 to £39.99.

To take advantage of Hama’s summer accessory range, get in touch now on 0333 123 4262 or head to the below URL to register to become a trade partner. https://uk.hama.com/

Get set for summer with Hama’s high quality yet affordable accessory range. See also https://uk.hama.com 22 June 2019 | BPI News

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News

CAMERA BOX GET CREATIVE WITH NEW PHOTO KIOSK Following a visit to Tetenal’s showrooms in Leicester to get hands on with a range of equipment, Camera Box owner, Adrian Clarke, made the decision to purchase the Creation Station Kiosk (CS1)

Established in 2003, Kettering based retailer Camera Box provide a wide range of products from traditional film through to the very latest digital cameras from the leading brands in the industry, along with a photo printing and personalised gifting. They pride themselves on offering the best advice and support both before and after each sale.

Showroom visit gives multiple options Following a visit to Tetenal’s showrooms in Leicester, owner Adrian Clarke made the decision to purchase the Creation Station (CS1) Kiosk. “When we were thinking of purchasing a new kiosk, we contacted Chris Castle at Tetenal and he arranged for us to visit the Tetenal office in Leicester and have a demonstration of all the solutions they offer. It was fantastic to be able to try a selection of different print solutions and have a choice rather than just be presented with one option”.

Fulfilled photo gifting products plus ID After weighing up the options available, Adrian explains what influenced his decision “We were drawn to the CS1 as it would allow us to offer a much larger range of photo gifts than we were currently able to, plus the added advantage of ID services.

We were not able to produce a lot of the gifting products until we purchased the CS1 which enabled us to take advantage of the fulfilment service meaning items like clocks and cushions could be produced for us off-site and delivered direct to our shop."

" being able to test several options at the Tetenal showroom was a real help" Adrian Clarke, Camera Box owner Welcome to

Camera Box

Online Passport codes attracting customers The ability to produce passport photos with an auto generated code which are instantly verified via the government website, was another key factor in the decision process.

"The Photo ID Code system is clearly growing in popularity and we have many customers seeking us out now that we offer this service.

The versatility of the CS1 and the competitive price made the decision to purchase the kiosk a relatively easy one. It’s a decision we have been delighted with and we have had a positive reaction from our customers with them enjoying the increased photo range as well as the speed of our instant printing services. Although we have another kiosk in store, we always go to the CS1 by default as it is fast and dependable."

Working with Tetenal made the process simple Once the decision to purchase the CS1 had been made, we had regular contact with Chris and the service team. Initial installation and set-up was very quick and we were up and running in no time. We have dealt with Tetenal since purchasing our first equipment for the store over 15 years ago and following the service we have received we would never considered going anywhere else”.

CS1 customers can print from the cloud The frustrating problem for customers of only being able to print in-store using the photos saved on their phone (rather than those saved to the cloud) has now been solved.

The CS1 kiosk now comes with the MikroTik HAP solution for phone Wi-Fi which enables your customers to print their images from the cloud automatically using the store's own internet connection.

For more information email us at marketing@tetenal.uk.com or call us on 0116 289 3644

The CS1 is exclusively available from Tetenal Ltd. Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1WX • see more at www.tetenaluk.com/cs1

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News

BACK TO THE 60S AT THE OLYMPUS GALLERY We first wrote about Olympus’ long-term takeover of the After Nyne Gallery in London’s swish Holland Park this time last year. A year on, the exhibitions involving Olympus photographer ambassadors and affiliated artistic works keep on coming – the latest showcasing a collaboration between veteran music photographer Gered Mankowitz and painter Christian Furr, which BPI News visited last month.

The idea behind the ‘45RPM’ creative partnership is that Furr breathes new life into a selection of Mankowitz’s iconic pop culture images from the late 60s – said shots featuring such luminaries and contemporaries as Marianne Faithful, Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones; the photographer having befriended and extensively photographed them at the time. For more see: https://furrmankowitz.com Opening times for the After Nyne Gallery are 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday. More details can be found at www.afternynegallery.com.

For details of current and future Olympus exhibitions, keep an eye on www.olympus-imagespace.co.uk

Gered and Christian’s 45RPM exhibition attracted both the curious and the famous. Pics courtesy of Marcus Clackson

ALL ABOARD THE PHOTO BUS Here’s a novel idea for a photographic shop – one that’s aboard a double decker bus. Cue jokes about waiting ages for a new camera store to open… then three arrive at once (if only). The Eydetic bus store is the brainchild of Tom Goad, who has previously been a location manager for a host of big name TV series, as well as having worked as a photographer’s assistant for some equally high profile photographers. Tom tells us that the plan involves locating the bus next to Waterloo Station and the London Eye, where he believes he will be able to

enjoy some heavy customer footfall.

“We hope to become a focal point for London’s photography enthusiasts,” he says. “The style and design of the bus will use photography as its base. This will be unlike any other shop.” He plans to stock quirky retro memorabilia, accessories as well as the latest cameras and gadgets – including something for the film, smartphone and specialist camera owning photographer. With 300 square foot at his disposal, Tom hopes to be open by the end of June. More news as we have it! www.eydetic.com

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the photo trade, so use it! Send your press releases and news items direct to: info@bpinews.co.uk 24 June 2019 | BPI News

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News

TETENAL UK LAUNCH BRAND NEW WEBSITE

Hot on the heels of the recent management buy out of Tetenal UK comes the launch of a brand new website with a fresh new look, more information on product ranges and improved functionality.

Tetenal, the Leicester based distributor to the photographic and print markets has launched their brand new website for the UK market.

No sooner has the dust started to settle on the recent management buy out at Tetenal UK than they have launched a fresh new look for their online store.

Whilst the previous site was well used and popular, the management team at Tetenal recognised that what visitors needed, from a website catering to a wide range of photo retail and print businesses, is a mix of information for products with which they may not be familiar, but also easy access to purchase those products which are key to their business.

This fundamental mindset led the Sales, Marketing and Digital teams to develop a brand new website which met the criteria of fulfilling both requirements within a single site.

Visitors to the new site will have the option of looking at Tetenal's Product Range or diving right into the shop to purchase for next day delivery on thousands of items.

IMPROVED USER EXPERIENCE One of the key requirements for any website is to offer users a pain free customer experience. This means a clear and visible flow through the site allied to an easy to use search system. Both elements have been at the heart of the new design as Tetenal's Digital Manager Mark Powell explains.

"At the start of the project we analysed how people used our previous site, how they navigated through the various pages and how they used the search and shop checkout functions to improve the user experience for our new site.

We've tried to make it easy to locate the individual product groups in the shop area and added improved search and filtering features to make product finding much easier than previously.

In addition, customers can now create a list of favourite items which they can quickly access on repeat visits to the site."

www.tetenaluk.com

OPEN ALL HOURS At the heart of the Tetenal website is the desire to offer 24 hour access to product information and the ability to place orders when it suits the user. The majority of products are also available for next day delivery within standard business hours.

ALWAYS COMPETITIVELY PRICED As a key partner with many of the leading names in photo and print such as Epson, Kodak, DNP, Ilford and more, Tetenal aim to secure the very best pricing on a variety of products including hardware, ink and media.

Wherever possible the latest pricing is always shown but on some items you will be requested to give them a quick call to hear the very latest pricing.

spectra spectra spectra PREMIUM INK JET PAPER

SPECTRAJET As you'd expect following its' acquisition as part of the management buyout, the SpectraJet inkjet media brand features strongly site.

P R E M I Uin M the I N K new JET PA P E R The brand has already been given fresh impetus with the creation of a new identity in the form of a new logo which will start to be rolled out across packaging as new stock is delivered.

INTERESTING INSIGHTS! PREMIUM INK JET PAPER Alongside the vast array of products featured, you can also find out more about the team behind the Tetenal name in the About section of the site.

Instead of just stating a name and job title, Tetenal have taken the unusual approach of asking their team to give up a few secrets about their lives. Alongside their favourite music and films, each was asked about an unusual fact which most people may not know about them. For instance, which Tetenal staff member once had lunch with Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne? Or appeared on Countdown?

The only way to find out and see all the changes that have been made for yourself is to visit Tetenal online at www.tetenaluk.com

Tetenal Ltd - Suppliers to the Photo & Print Business • Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1WX • 0116 2893644 • www.tetenaluk.com

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Business Advice

PROTECT & SAVE THIS SUMMER

It’s never been truer that money makes the world go around. Business guru Adam Bernstein highlights two ways for readers to protect their position while making savings.

The first examines how the tax system deals with refitting and renovating premises. The second offers welcome relief to a retailer seeking redress against a financial institution

E

very business will, from time to time, need to spend money to repair or improve their premises.

Those who properly account for the work can make large savings against their tax bill. Accounting body the ACCA’s Manager for Corporate Reporting and Tax, Yen-Pei Chen, cautions that mistakes made in accounting for projects can be very expensive. So the first thing to get

straight is whether the refitting costs relate to repair or improvement.

“The distinction might seem pedantic, but it makes all the difference. If the costs relate to repair, they are deductible as an expense from taxable profit. If the costs relate to improvement, however, HMRC considers them to be capital expenditure. And, as such, no deductions from taxable profit are allowed.”

Essentially, she says that replacing or fixing something to get premises back into working order is fine, but do anything further and the business could stray into capital expenditure.

The good news is that if the business ends up with capital expenditure and can’t deduct that cost straight from taxable profit, it may still get tax deductions in the form of capital allowances. Chen notes

Got an idea for a photo trade-related business issue you’d like us to cover? Let us know direct via info@bpinews.co.uk 28 June 2019 | BPI News

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Shore up Your Business Special that: “Changes were announced in the October 2018 Budget in this area, and it’s well worth taking specific advice.”

Also take note of the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), which allows a business to claim tax deductions upfront, on the full amount of qualifying expenditure, in the year it’s incurred: “Businesses looking to invest seriously in refitting over the next two years can take comfort in knowing that the AIA has increased to £1 million, up from £200,000, from 1st January 2019 to 1st January 2021. Advice from your accountant here will also be invaluable.”

The AIA is available on both plant and machinery and integral features.

To qualify, the expenditure has to be kept ‘for permanent employment in the business’. In other words, this excludes stock or expendable equipment with a lifespan of less than two years.

“The basic principle,” says Chen, “is that anything which can reasonably be expected to form part of the building – for example, walls, partitions, ceilings, floors, doors, windows and lighting – should be considered to be premises rather than plant.”

She adds that if, however, the criteria for plant doesn’t apply, it may be possible to look at special rate allowances which are available on assets integral to buildings. These include electrical systems (including a lighting system), cold water systems, space or water heating systems, powered systems of ventilation, air cooling or air purification systems, and any floor

There will be times when a bank might overcharge, an insurer might refuse to pay a claim, or a merchant acquirer might levy new charges without proper notice. These are all matters that can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).” or ceiling comprised in such a system, along with lifts, escalators or moving walkways, or external solar shading.

There’s a further recent change to take into account, says Chen: “The October 2018 Budget introduced a new Structures and Buildings Allowance (SBA). This gives a 2% flat rate annual allowance on commercial structures and buildings over a period of 50 years. The new SBA is available to renovations and conversions started after 29th October 2018.” It’s worth noting that the buildings covered by the SBA won’t qualify for the AIA. This allowance is available to incorporated businesses and sole traders alike. But to access the allowance, the business will need to have an interest in

If the costs relate to repair, they are deductible as an expense from taxable profit. If the costs relate to improvement, however, HMRC considers them to be capital expenditure.” the land on which the building sits.

One final piece of advice: keep clear records, and separately identify each item of expenditure – “be prepared to back up claims with invoices and a breakdown of the works carried out if and when HMRC asks for details.”

GETTING FINANCIAL REDRESS There will undoubtedly be times when a bank might overcharge, an insurer might refuse to pay a claim, or a merchant acquirer might levy new charges without proper notice. These are all matters that can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). With new powers granted from 1st April 2019, the FOS could well be a firm’s route to fighting a financial institution.

The FOS is a free service set up by Parliament to deal with complaints against any financial organisation. Costs are borne by the financial services sector.

It’s these case fees that make the FOS interesting, because, depending on the claim, an institution may settle a case that it might not win rather than dig its heels in. As it presently stands, each institution is permitted 25 investigations a year without charge.

Beyond that they pay £550 per case, added to which will be its own internal costs and time in dealing with the case.

Primarily aimed at helping the individual, the FOS has been able to help certain businesses and charities.

However, from 1st April 2019 more firms came under its protection.

Now assistance can be given to firms with less than £6.5m turnover, which have less than 50 staff, and a balance sheet less than £5m.

As the FOS points out, it can resolve complaints about most financial products and services including debt collection and repayment, mortgages, pensions and investments, PPI insurance, bank accounts, payments, cards, loans and credit.

But before the FOS can step in, a complainant has to give the institution an opportunity to investigate and where appropriate, fix the problem.

This means making contact, outlining in simple terms what the issue is, and what is required to make amends.

The institution then has eight weeks to respond with an offer to fix, or alternatively, a ‘deadlock’

letter where it denies the claim.

After that the FOS can intervene.

However, there are strict time limits placed on the FOS’s investigations. It cannot examine matters that happened more than six years prior to the claim, or which happened more than three years from when the matter first arose (or should have been noticed).

Further, the FOS cannot investigate matters where the complaint is made more than six months after the deadlock letter has been issued.

It’s worth pointing out that the FOS can investigate matters relating to someone who has died, but it will need to see proof of authority to act – a copy of a Will or a grant of probate for example. It can also investigate any firm in the UK (excluding the Isle of man or Channel Islands), even if the complainant lives overseas.

When investigating, the FOS will make contact with the institution, seeking their side of the story. If the decision goes in the complainant’s favour, the FOS can require the institution to either apologise, pay an award to cover loss, refund fees and charges, or pay compensation.

Where the decision goes against the complainant, it’s possible to appeal higher within the FOS. Beyond that, the matter can be sent to the courts. But if the FOS’s decision is accepted, there is no further recourse. Either way, the decision is binding on the institution. The FOS cannot take on a case if the matter has already been through the courts.

But just as from 1st April the FOS gained new powers to help more businesses, so the limits on compensation rose. Complaints made before 1st April were limited to £150,000. Complaints relating to periods before 1st April, but referred to the FOS after 1st April, are limited to £160,000. However, complaints relating to periods after 1st April have an upper limit of £350,000. Beyond those limits the FOS can only recommend that the institutions pay more. On top of those limits – which only relate to compensation – are costs and interest.

While fighting a large financial institution may put a complainant in a David and Goliath situation, the FOS can even up the odds. There are time limits and a process to follow, but those with a decent case should actively pursue their rights. Those wishing to make contact should do so via: complaint.info@financialombudsman.org.uk or 0800 023 4567.

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the photo trade, so use it! Send your press releases and news items direct to: info@bpinews.co.uk @bpi_news

BPI News | June 2019 29

News

POLAROID TURNS UPSIDE DOWN FOR STRANGER THINGS TIE-IN The revitalised Polaroid brand has gone even more retro with its latest camera release in the 1980s ‘flavoured’ Stranger Things Special Edition OneStep 2 camera and similarly themed film packs.

The new kit ties in with the screening of Season 3 of the returning sci-fi show, which is due to premiere on July 9th, with the colours of the camera a visual nod to the reds and blues used extensively on-screen in the show itself.

The film packs enable 8 shots, while also featuring 16 graphic design prints that will appeal to fans of the series.

Features to note include the Polaroid’s fixed focus lens, powerful built-in flash, USB charging facility, self timer and a battery claimed to last up to a

whopping 60 days. The camera itself has an SRP of £119.99 while a film pack comes priced at £16.99. Both are available to order and stock now. www.polaroidoriginals.com

Samyang makes light work of its latest lens

Lexar feels the need for speed

Another month, another third party lens from manufacturer Samyang via Intro2020. The latest is a newbie for Sony full frame cameras in the AF 45mm f/1.8 FE, which is described as ‘multi purpose’ – and compact and lightweight with it – at a mere 162g without lens cap and hood. Minimum focus distance is 45cm, while, with the lens being optimised for use with mirrorless cameras, the claim is that the likes of vignetting, distortion and chromatic aberration are ‘extremely well controlled’. The target audience is said to be photographers interested in photographing anything, from children and animals to landscapes and nature.

Suggested UK retail price is £349.99 and the lens is available now. www.intro2020.co.uk

There’s a new high capacity, swiftly data crunching Lexar branded media card on the way in the Lexar Professional CFexpress 2.0 Type B. A prototype was shown at the NAB show in Las Vegas back in April this year, boasting demo speeds of up to 1650 MB/sec read, and up to 1000 MB/sec write.

“Standardization of CFexpress has been an industry-wide effort within the CFA (CompactFlash Association),” says Kevin Kilbuck, Lexar VP of Business Development and member of the CFA Board of Directors. “It is no small feat to standardise a solution that offers very high performance in the small yet familiar form factors. The Lexar CFexpress will be able to set itself apart by

assuring seamless video capture at 4K and 8K resolution that provides sustained bandwidth without any drop-off in speed to the full capacity of the card.” www.lexar.com

BPI News is your mouthpiece to your peers in the photo trade. Send news & views to info@bpinews.co.uk 30 June 2019 | BPI News

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CONGRATULATIONS to all our Independent Photo Retail Partner winners of 2019

Shop of the Year: Lords Photography

BUSINESS ENDEAVOUR AWARDS 2019

Winner: Click Click

Highly Commended: Y Stwidio Brint

Highly Commended: Salisbury Photo Centre

Highly Commended: Photos2Print, Andover

See also our page 16 feature on Fujifilm's Conference this issue for the complete list of 2019 award winners