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NEWS Panasonic takes the wraps off three new Lumix cameras and discusses plans for the 6K shooting GH5, arriving 2017!
BPI News gets hands-on with the most exciting new photo gear from the biggest names in the business... discovering what you should be stocking & why!
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PHOTOKINA 2016 REPORT SEE INSIDE NOW FOR 4-PAGE PULL-OUT REVIEW!
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EDITORIAL | October 2016
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Another fine Messe…
t’s been an extremely busy few weeks at arriving in the final months of 2016 are BPI News Towers, what with attending all decidedly high-end, with premium pre-Photokina hands-on sessions, the big price tags to match. show itself, and subsequently attempting Whilst I’ll leave it up to experts longer to sift through all the resultant info to bring in the trade than I to debate whether a you the feature and news-packed issue return to professional and hobbyist levels of you now hold in your hands (or are interest in the nuts and bolts of camera and browsing online). lens ownership is what we’re happy with As the most recent Cologne long term, nobody anywhere at the show Gavin Stoker, extravaganza fades into memory – my could argue with the fact that photography Editor third visit since taking on editorship, and, itself is more popular than ever – and that gavin@bpinews.co.uk we’re visually documenting our lives with subsequently, ownership of BPI News – @GavinStoker we look to the future now (to quote that a veracity greater than anything any of us perennial Slade song) with Digital Splash, have witnessed before. We’re now not only The Societies Convention and ‘TPS’ all looming ever taking photos and videos we’re practically absorbing larger on the horizon. Not to mention the festive them, as the virtual headsets provided by Nikon on season itself, which will be a crucial time of make or the way into the show (and on their stand inside) break for many retailers. seemed to be encouraging us to do. We can’t ignore Taking stock for a moment (no pun intended), photography in 2016, because it is now literally all what can we gather from the inevitable flurry of new around us. releases and statements of intention that accompanied The other big launches at Photokina came from a visit to the hallowed halls of the Cologne Messe? Fujifilm, Panasonic, Sony, Olympus and many more… Apart from Nikon breaking with tradition and throwing and you can read all about them on the pages that its weight behind three action cameras (and, prior to follow. Me? I’m going to go and talk to my family for that, Leica introducing an instant camera – see page a change, and hope that they still remember me. 22), the products announced at the exhibition and Until next month…
CONTENTS 04 NEWS All the news from the past month we couldn’t fit in our central section, including Canon’s EOS M5, plus Samyang & Tamron lenses 06 PANASONIC’S PRE-CHRISTMAS CAMERA BONANZA With three new Lumix models arriving this month and next – plus the GH5 following in 2017 – we sit down with the electronics giant
more about the revolutionary technology behind LumeJet’s claims to offer the UK photo industry ‘best ever’ print quality 15 PHOTOKINA 2016: THE INDUSTRY COMES INTO FOCUS A four page pull-out report detailing the highlights of September’s biennial photo exhibition – the largest of its kind
08 SONY’S BIG FOCUS Another electronics company has also been bolstering its line up – this time in the lens department
20 KENRO LAUNCHES EXCITING NEW PRODUCT RANGE The proactive distributor was offering tripods, flashes, scanners and frames galore at Photokina
14 PHOTOGRAPHERS’ EYES LIGHT UP AT LUMEJET We meet the team and find out
30 HANDS-ON WITH FUJIFILM’S GFX The best saved ‘til last? It’s the
12 SIGMA FRAMES NEW PHOTO & CINE LENSES We catch up with Graham Armitage and Paul Reynolds to talk through its newest Art and Sport series products camera that arguably stole the show at Photokina. BPI News gets hands-on and talks to its designers
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NEWS
CANON M5 COMES ALIVE PRE-PHOTOKINA FOUND the photo stalwart unveiling a new compact system camera in the EOS M5 – with slightly more of a nod to DSLR styling than previous efforts. Announced alongside the camera body is also a new compatible 8.3x optical zoom lens in the EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, with four-stop image stabiliser. The M5 is DSLR-like on the inside too, in featuring a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sized sensor plus a latest generation Digic 7 processor and light sensitivity up to ISO25,600.
Suggesting itself as an allrounder, the camera is also able to capture up to 7fps with continuous AF, or 9fps with fixed AF. Unlike latest generation CSCs from competitors, however, there is no 4K video, but Full HD video capture is nevertheless a cinematic-like 60fps. Rounding out the features are a touch panel LCD and centrally placed eye-level viewfinder. The M5 body will be available from end of November at £1049 SRP, whilst a set that adds a EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens is £1,149 and a further option arriving mid December with an EF-M 18150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens will cost £1,399. Meanwhile the new EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens will be available from midDecember 2016 at £429 SRP. EOS M system aside, Canon also has a new wildlife and sports
Introducing the M5: Canon’s PR Professional Stephanie Hayward with Matthew Searle, Country Director Canon UK & Ireland, and Austin Freshwater, Sales Director
capable lens for APS-C or full frame DSLR users from the EOS 80D to 6D in the ‘whisper quiet’ EF 70-300mm
Bright idea from Ansmann
GET GIFTING WITH GISELA GRAHAM VIA TETENAL YOU MAY RECALL that Tetenal has continued to innovate as regards its product portfolio by offering the Gisela Graham range of classy photo frames to the UK trade since May this year. In that time it tells us it has garnered great feedback from a diverse range of customers, including Courtney and Chloe Lee from The Bigger Picture in Macroom, Ireland, who profess themselves really happy with the quality. Put simply, the Gisela Graham range enables retailers to create eye-catching displays in their store, like the example pictured. Photo retail businesses keen on adding the well-respected Gisela Graham brand to their portfolio should request a
brochure and price list from Tetenal via uk@tetenal.uk.com. To view the diverse range, meanwhile, pay a visit to www.tetenaluk.com/gg www.tetenaluk.com
F/4-5.6 IS II USM. November availability is promised at £499 SRP. www.canon.co.uk
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING cool to sell alongside traditional photo gear? As the nights start to draw in, Ansmann is pitching a multifunction torch with toughened non-slip exterior to the trade in the Ansmann Future Multi 3-in-1, available via its distribution partner Peak Development. As the name suggests, this is three lights in one: a focusable torch, a work light with three white SMD LEDs, and a funky flashing signal light with three red SMD LEDs. Further features to pitch to customers include a powerful
mounting magnet and removable belt clip. Capable of projecting light up to 140m, torch brightness is 180 lumens, whilst the work light is 100 lumens, with 4.5 hours or 10 hours of operation provided. Order from Peak via 01489 796979. Watch the YouTube demo video at: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=rW8crWIhjVo
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NEWS
NEW DISTRIBUTOR FOR DAYMEN DAYMEN – best known to the trade for its Lowepro and Joby brands – has signed a partnership with TNS Connect to distribute its products in the UK and Ireland, which came into effect October 1st. This, says Daymen, is part of a global strategy to allow it to focus on product design, market development and generating demand. Frederic Rainjonneau, Vice President of Daymen Europe, says of the deal: “I am extremely pleased that after careful review and analysis of various candidates, we can announce TNS Connect as our distribution partner for UK and Ireland. TNS Connect have struck up a very successful partnership
with Daymen in Australia in the last year and have also worked together successfully with Daymen in the UK and Ireland expanding the Joby Mobile and Joby Action product ranges into new channels”. Dublin based TNS founders John McHugh and Ivan Eustace add: “We are proud to continue and further develop our long standing partnership with the Daymen group and are excited to have the opportunity to work closely with our partners across the UK and Ireland to maintain and grow the market leading position of the Lowepro and Joby brands”. www.daymen.co.uk
LEICA’S PRIME MOVER THE PREMIUM PHOTO brand has launched a new prime lens for its ‘T’ system cameras, bringing its lens ‘portfolio’ for that series to six optics in total. The new addition is a macro lens in the snappily named Leica APO-MacroElmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH. Available now at £1,800 SRP, a lens hood can be added for an extra £80, while the lens itself is available in a choice of black or silver anodised finish. www.leica-camera.com
TAMRON TELEPHOTO DISTRIBUTOR INTRO2020 is offering the trade supply of its new Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens, which is being pitched as ‘the pinnacle of ultra telephoto zoom’. Aimed at DSLR users, the new generation G2 is said to boast faster AF speed and enhanced Vibration Compensation (now the equivalent of 4.5 stops) compared with the previous model launched in 2013. Canon and Nikon mount lenses have been launched simultaneously and are available now, whilst a Sony fit is to follow at a later date. SRP is £1350. Contact your Intro2020 rep for more. www.intro2020.co.uk
Meet the ‘BOSS’ of action cameras SONY HAS LAUNCHED what it is calling the ‘BOSS’ (Balanced Optical SteadyShot) of the action camera world. The FDR-X3000R offers 4K video shooting in 16:9 aspect ratio and also features an Exmor R CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor (as found in the brand’s flagship A7 camera series). Supplied underwater housing enables it to be able to claim waterproofing to depths of 60 metres. It can also shoot time lapse 4K-video and boasts a wearable and mountable body design. The X3000R
is available from November at £500 SRP. Accessories for dealers to piggyback on a sale include the AKA-FGP1 Finger Grip and AKAMCP1 lens protector. www.sony.co.uk
PITCH A PIXMA PRINTER! CANON HAS TAKEN the wraps off a new desktop Pixma printer line up offering something for everyone in the TS5050 (£119.99 SRP), TS6050 (£159.99), TS8050 (£199.99) and flagship TS9050 (£279.99). All are claimed to be 40% more compact than predecessors and offer Wi-Fi compatibility. The TS5050 and TS6050 feature five individual ink tanks and a 3-inch LCD (the latter’s being a touch screen), while the TS8050 offers a 4.3-inch touch screen and extra grey and enhanced photo black ink tanks, as does the TS9050 range topper, which comes with a large 5-inch touch screen. The printers are available October.
The photography giant previously announced a pair of low-cost all-in-one printers for the home in the Pixma MG3050 and MG2550S; both utilise hybrid ink systems – using dye and pigment inks together – with the option of users investing in XL cartridges to enable them to print more. The MG3050 is notable for being a wireless printer that features a new 5x5-inch square print option. Both devices come with ‘My Image Garden’ for Mac or PC, which organizes all photos in one location, plus ‘Creative Park Premium’, an online service featuring inspiration designs and projects from pro
artists and photographers. Available now, the MG3050 is £69.99 SRP whilst the MG2550S is £44.99. www.canon.co.uk
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BPI News | October 2016 5
BPI NEWS EXTRA
PANASONIC’S PRE-CHRISTMAS CAMERA BONANZA
Not content with revealing details of its flagship GH5 – coming 2017 – in Cologne last month, BPI News sat down with Panasonic’s UK team just prior, to get hands on with new models available late 2016: the 4K-shooting GX80, LX15 & FZ2000
T
he electronics giant is currently celebrating 15 years since the launch of its first ever Lumix digital camera, so what better time to announce the intention to introduce a new flagship model in the GH5 sometime during the first half of 2017 (see page 16 for more). Prior to that behemoth though, there arrives a trio of fresh Lumix cameras that trade partners and photo specialists can get their hands on in something other than prototype form. BPI News was invited to the headquarters of the Olympic Association in London (Panasonic being an Olympic partner) a couple of weeks before Photokina, to get a first hand preview of the new models – the mirror-less Lumix DMC-G80 and two premium compacts in the Lumix DMC-LX15 and FZ2000.
6 October 2016 | BPI News
According to Panasonic UK Product Manager Filipe Sa Nogueira, who cited figures from Futuresource, Panasonic’s fixed lens camera market share has increased to 25% in 2016, and in fact hit 27.3% this July. It has been the number one in premium compact cameras since April, and its share of the superzoom market is said to be 57%, something the brand attributes to the success of its ‘TZ’ series. Over the past 15 years of the Lumix range, it was the first to introduce a mirror-less camera and also the first to introduce a camera capable of 4K-video capture.
Triple whammy The compact LX15 marks itself out as a portable option for enthusiasts courtesy of featuring a 20-megapixel one inch sensor, an f/1.4 maximum lens aperture (and 24-72mm focal length) for subtly blurring backgrounds and delivering bokeh effects plus the fact that it offers 4K capture. In fact Panasonic says it is the smallest Lumix with 4K capability, and as regards video has the same functionality as the GH4, including the addition of an ND filter option. The portable option weighs 280g without battery and SD card and features innovations such as Post Focus and 3cm macro mode. Whilst omitting an eye-level viewfinder in order to achieve its small size, it also boasts a tiltable touch screen (at 1040k dot
Panasonic unveils the new Lumix trio. From L to R: Helen Wilson, Barnaby Sykes, Filipe Sa Nogueira, Mr Uematsu from Panasonic Japan,Yoshitaka Kishi, Planning Manager, Imaging
resolution), 10fps burst mode and is available November at £599.99 SRP. Also arriving mid November at £1099.99 SRP is the FZ2000, which should be pitched to your customers as the ‘ultimate photo and video camera’ according to its maker. It features a 20x equivalent 24-480mm zoom (thereby outstripping the still current 16x FZ1000) and Leica lens with maximum f/2.8 aperture. It offers unlimited 4K video recording at 30P, plus an OLED EVF, along with 3-inch touch monitor at 1040K dots resolution. Like the LX15 it incorporates a 20MP one inch sensor and five axis hybrid IS stabilisation. At 0.97kg in weight, Panasonic makes the point that it weighs approximately 27% less than a comparable DSLR, and again has all of the GH4’s video capabilities. Moving on to the magnesium
alloy framed, 16 megapixel G80, this again features all the 4K capabilities we’d expect. As far as Panasonic’s share of CSC goes, the brand’s Barnaby Sykes told BPI News that it had crept back to the number two market position this July and has the largest lens line up for CSC. Sitting just beneath the (current) flagship GH4 in the range, the G80 (not to be confused with the existing GX80) is splash and dust resistant and boasts a dual IS system. As well as a 4K photo mode it includes a 1040K dot free angle touch screen and the same sensor as the GX80, along with focus bracketing and aperture bracketing options. Once again an option for photo enthusiast, SRP is £699 body only or £799 with 12-60mm zoom. Shipping is from this month (October). www.panasonic.co.uk
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UP TO £200 CASHBACK WITH 4K PHOTO
Up to £200 Cashback when you buy a Lumix G camera and additional lens Promotional period: 11th October 2016 - 9th January 2017 (Claim Deadline: 06/03/2017) Claims accepted 28 days after purchase Promotional terms apply, please see panasonic.co.uk/promotions Limited to qualifying products within the maximum value stated in the terms and conditions Keep up to date with Panasonic: www.facebook.com/LumixUK
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BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS Three of a kind: Sony’s G Master lens trio in the 70-200mm constant f/2.8 telephoto, 24-70mm f/2.8 standard zoom and 85mm f/1.4 prime
SONY’S BIG FOCUS: TOMORROW’S LENSES TODAY
The electronics giant is bringing out the big guns to expand its lens line up, with two new models recently launched to join the 50mm f/1.4 launched in the summer plus G Master models introduced earlier in the year. BPI News finds out more about the advantages Sony has when it comes to lens production….
S
ony began its Photokina presentation this year by talking about its 22 available camera bodies, plus 74 lenses – one of the largest, most comprehensive ranges in the photographic business. But whilst its cameras – including the A99 Mark II freshly launched in Cologne (and featured in our page 15 report) – may grab the headlines, the manufacturer’s optics are also an area on which it is heavily focused (pun intended). The result is plenty of Sony accessories for dealers to piggyback on the sale of a body. Part of your pitch to customers should be that Sony is delivering tomorrow’s lenses today – in other words, there is a degree of
future proofing inherent, as the manufacturer is the number one image sensor manufacturer in the world. Another advantage is that, like its sensors, it produces its lenses in house, so quality control is first rate and enables it to make class leading claims: its optics producing, for example, the best bokeh possible. As if that wasn’t enough, its lens line up covers all bases – being pitched at both photographers and videographers (and optimized for such), plus adeptly suited to a comprehensive range of subjects. To re-cap: The Sony E-Mount lens range offers choices for all picture taking scenarios. G Master, G and Zeiss professional lenses offer a versatile selection of focal ranges with industry-leading optical performance, whilst the classic Sony
From L to R: Sony’s newest E PZ 18-110mm f/4 G OSS Super 35mm/ APS-C lens, the full frame FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro lens, and the full frame FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA prime
8 October 2016 | BPI News
range broadens creative possibilities for a wider audience.
Masterful optics for masterful imagery Premium cameras need a premium lens – hence Sony’s launch of its memorably named G Master series back in February. The new G Master lenses are an example of Sony’s expertise in developing class leading optics, with the incorporation of the XA lens element. The series launched with a trio of E-mount compatible full frame lenses in the 24-70mm constant f/2.8 standard zoom, 85mm f/1.4 prime (both of which arrived March) and a 70-200mm constant f/2.8 telephoto zoom (which landed in May). So, to the new lenses: last month saw the introduction of the Sony E PZ 18-110mm f/4 G OSS Super 35mm/ APS-C lens with power zoom capability. Ostensibly for moviemakers and designed to be able to resolve high resolution 4K video, it features Optical SteadyShot in-lens stabilization and a focal length the equivalent of 27-165mm in 35mm film terms (or 6.1x zoom). Maintaining a constant f/4 aperture throughout, the pitch is that it can deliver beautiful depth of field effects and stable exposure control across
The Sony lens advantage: n In house-production – thereby ensuring highest quality optics n Collaboration with Zeiss n Future-proof resolution (as Sony is the world’s number one sensor manufacturer) n G Master lenses best for bokeh and resolution n Zeiss lenses best for contrast and resolution n Lenses perfect for both photography and videography
the entire standard zoom range. Its maker suggests that it is the perfect companion to Alpha mount system cameras ranging from the PXW-FS7 professional camcorder to the A6300 and much-acclaimed A7 series. Also worth noting when pitching this lens to customers is the fact that it’s only Sony’s second lens to feature Smooth Motion Optics (SMO) to eliminate unwanted image shifts when adjusting the lens during video shooting. Naturally its operation is also very quiet, whilst three separate rings give control
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SONY LENS PROMOTION
Sample picture taken with the new Sony E PZ 18-110mm f/4 G OSS Super 35mm/ APS-C reveals the stunning amount of detail achievable
over focus, zoom and aperture. Due to arrive this December, retail pricing for the premium lens is in the region of £3,500.
From A to E The end of the summer also saw Sony announcing the full frame FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro lens. This compact and lightweight prime lens for Sony’s E-mount system cameras should be pitched to your customers as not just being perfect for 1:1 close ups (whereupon Extra-low Dispersion glass comes into play, avoiding chromatic aberration at close focus), but for scenery and portraiture also. Minimum focusing distance is 0.16m and the lens weighs a manageable 263g, meaning that it is portable too, plus dust and moisture resistant into the bargain. Again a circular aperture design will enable your photographer customers to produce beautiful bokeh effects, whilst the lens construction includes a focus mode switch, focus range limited and focus hold button to ensure quality macro shots by a wide range of users.
“Part of your pitch to customers should be that Sony is delivering tomorrow’s lenses today – in other words, there is a degree of future proofing inherent, as the manufacturer is the number one image sensor manufacturer in the world.” Available this October, RRP for the 50mm f/2.8 is in the region of £500. This lens joins the full frame
FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA prime lens announced in July this year and already on the market – again aimed at E-mount camera system users and described by Sony as a quintessential wide aperture 50mm ‘normal’ lens, bearing all the hallmarks of the Zeiss brand. The dust and moisture resistant optic features a large f/1.4 maximum aperture offering what’s claimed to be impressive contrast and outstanding resolution, whilst that bright/fast aperture again delivers flattering bokeh for portrait work and more. Naturally Zeiss T coating minimizes flare and ghosting. Pricing is in the region of £1600.
Designed for stills and video equally, “the new G Master brand represents the finest and most impressive group of lenses that Sony has ever brought to market,” says Arnaud Gutleben, Head of Imaging, Sony UK. “With our knowledge of what the future will bring for digital imaging, we have designed these lenses and can ensure that the G Master brand will inspire and ‘wow’ photographers and videographers for years to come.” For more on all of the Sony lenses profiled here, speak to your local rep or direct your browser at the below URL: www.sony.co.uk
Small wonder: Sample images taken with the full frame FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro show the beautiful ‘bokeh’ effects achievable close up to a subject
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BPI News | October 2016 9
BPI NEWS EXTRA
THIS IS THE ONE: 2nd GENERATION OLYMPUS FLAGSHIP LAUNCHES
The photo stalwart chose a warehouse away from the main hubbub of Photokina to take the wraps off the new jewel in its camera crown: the E-M1 Mark II, a re-tooled update of the OM-D system camera that started it all… plus there’s new lenses, a flash and PEN E-PL8 to add to stock!
T
he fastest possible performance and the best Olympus engine are just two of the promises for the new 20 megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor incorporating OM-D E-M1 Mark II, launched in Cologne last month. Arriving later this year, another part of the pitch is that the new camera has been in the making for the past three years and, whilst outwardly not deviating drastically from its classically styled brethren, its manufacturer says that nearly every feature has undergone a transformation. As one would expect of a range-topping model, the build is dust proof, splash proof and freeze proof.
Sporting a viewfinder said to be so good that photographers who were afforded a preview thought it was an optical viewfinder, the Mark II now offers 18fps burst shooting at full 20.4MP resolution in Raw format and with continuous auto focus, or up to 60fps with AF and AE locked. Unsurprisingly therefore it boasts a brand new all cross type autofocus system. It can also pre-empt action by buffering 14 frames in Raw format before the shutter is fully depressed.
Next generation ‘game changer’ Big improvements on the inside according to the manufacturer
include dual card slots and a new battery compartment and 40% improved power performance. Helping to deliver that stated fastest possible performance is a TruePic VIII imaging processor, whilst 5-axis Sync IS technology for up to 6.5 EV steps helps achieve sharply focused shots whether the user is on the move or shooting in lower light conditions. ISO sensitivity is also claimed to have been boosted/improved by the equivalent of one f stop. Videographers meanwhile may be delighted that we now also get 4K-video shooting, along with what the manufacturer describes as ‘Cinema 4K up to 30P.’ Dynamic range has been further improved
New Olympus lens trio & flash Two new ‘Pro’ lenses have also been announced alongside the updated flagship OM-D: a 25mm f/1.2 Pro – which is described as both weatherproof and offering beautiful bokeh due to that ultra bright aperture – plus the 12-100mm
f/4.0 IS Pro which offers a constant aperture of f/1.4 throughout its zoom range. This pro-grade 8.3x zoom boasts a 1.5cm close up capability, Sync IS technology up to 6.5 EV steps and is also weatherproof. SRP is £1099.99 and availability is from November, whilst the 25mm is available this month for the same price. Other E-M1 Mark II accessories for photo specialists to piggyback on a sale of camera body include a HLD-9 battery grip and FL-900R weatherproof flashlight with a Guide Number of 58, the latter
of which arrives December at £549.99 SRP. A third new lens has also surfaced in the 30mm f/3.5 Macro, described as a premium lens, available now at £249.99 SRP. This is being pitched as the most powerful and closest focusing lens in its class, with a minimum focusing distance of 9.5cm. It also features near silent focusing and a lightweight design.
by up to one stop and once again we get a 50 megapixel high res shot option for those photographers seeking the kind of image size you’d normally need a medium format camera to deliver. SRP was still being decided as we went to press.
A perfect ‘8’ The second new camera body to slip out of Photokina with arguably a little less fanfare is the Olympus PEN E-PL8. Its maker is going all out to pitch this compact model at female fashion bloggers, ‘fashionistas’ and switched-on ‘millennials’; the headline pitch being that it ‘celebrates fashion and femininity’. With a body retailing for a suggested £399.99 (or £499.99 with 14-42mm pancake lens), the eye-catching camera features a flip down LCD enabling ‘selfies’, and arrives in a choice of brown, white or black and silver livery. Body weight is 326g and Olympus says the model will slip easily into any small bag. www.olympus.co.uk
10 October 2016 | BPI News
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PHOTO RETAIL NEWS
A warm welcome awaits students and staff
A strong brand gives immediate recognition
STUDENTS GAIN FIRST CLASS PRINT FACILITIES WITH KODAK EXPRESS Mark & Alison Williams build on the success of their existing Kodak Express stores by opening new premises on the campus of Cardiff University. Print Centre Cardiff
Operations Director Christian Williams (left) with Josh (team staff) handing out Kodak promo items in the freshers street event
Passport and ID services in an ideal location
SETTING THE BENCHMARK The transformation from a simple 24-hour photo print service into a fully equipped photo retail store will enable Mark, Alison and the team to offer Cardiff University students a first-class print service and set the benchmark for University print services across the UK.
Established over 14 years ago the Print Centre Group in Cardiff now runs three stores across the city and another in the town of Porthcawl, offering a range of different digital print services to its customers.
At least the number of photographs taken with smart phones nowadays has massively increased over the past years - so there is a potential.”
“We’ll be maximising the potential promotional opportunities offered during the Freshers period to establish ourselves as the go to photo and printing service for not only the students but the large number of oncampus staff too.”
Mark is convinced that this challenge can be best achieved under the Kodak brand which he explains stands Ken Rourke (left) with son Steve Rourke (centre) and Tetenal Equipment Product Manager Chris Castle (right) for high quality and reliable photo Big name clients With their new store, The Print Centre services across generations: “Kodak The Print Centre Group is an instant Group is fully committed to serving is a brand which communicates the digital print centre and services the student market once more under same values to young and old which both the independent retail, the Kodak Express banner. is why we would like to target both public and private sector markets The latest Print Centre Cardiff store equally with our different branches.” with clients such as John Lewis is located right at the heart of Cardiff Partnership, Welsh Government, University, inside the Students’ Union Hilton and Haymarket Media Group. building, and has recently undergone “Print Centre Group offers a 1 hour extensive renovation under the express print on demand digital hands on supervision of owner Mark printing service for items such as Williams and his wife Alison who is flyers, posters and business cards also the Managing Director. for example and are totally geared up to manufacturing at a high pace. Mark sees big potential in growing Hard at work during the transformation The Kodak net2retail facility and APP his business under the Kodak brand attracted the Print Centre Group to while addressing the younger partner up with KodakExpress to demographics: Tetenal Partnership enable to offer an instant click and “We are now joining the Kodak As part of this mission The Print collect service. Express Network with our fourth Centre Group has worked closely Having a Kodak Express and a Print store after seeing great growth in with Tetenal to upgrade their Kodak Centre next door to each other in the the other Kodak branches. While equipment at the university premises. SU compliments the full print service our existing stores were performing Mark explains the recent changes: for the students and university well, I always felt that we are missing “To achieve our targets we upgraded community. out on the student market and saw our instore Kodak equipment from an an opportunity for our business to instant print Kodak kiosk to the Kodak offer the first high-quality photo print Apex photo lab which enables us to services on campus to staff and work much more efficiently while students.” offering a whole range of services. “Unlike other businesses who seem Tetenal have been very supportive Contact Tetenal to discuss to accept that younger people are throughout this process and we how you could join the rarely having their photos developed, continue to maintain a healthy Kodak Express Network we see it as our challenge to get partnership with them to help us TEL 0116 289 3644 them back to printing pictures again. achieve our goals.”
www.tetenaluk.com
Distributed in the UK by Tetenal Ltd | TEL: 0116 289 3644 | www.tetenaluk.com
BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS
SIGMA FRAMES NEW PHOTO AND CINE LENSES
Three exciting new Sigma lenses are heading the way of its retail partners next month – as launched at this year’s Photokina. In addition it has new Cine lenses, announced just prior at IBC. BPI News gets up to speed with the latest innovations in the company of Sigma UK’s Graham Armitage and Paul Reynolds…
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s touched on in our main Photokina show report, three new Sigma lenses will reach the UK trade this November, in time to bolster the busy Christmas retail period: an 85mm F1.4 DG ‘Art’ series lens; the 12-24mm F4 Art lens and the ‘Sports’ class 500mm F4 DG OS HSM. It goes without saying that all three lenses have been precision engineered in Japan and evaluated with Sigma’s own MFT measuring system fittingly known as ‘A1’. Whilst these are primarily aimed at stills shooters, the burgeoning market for photographers and videographers shooting moving footage – and optics to support just that – hasn’t been overlooked. Prior to this, at IBC, it launched new cine lenses (see box out for more details).
Three of a kind Of the Photokina announced, November arriving lenses, the 85mm F1.4 DG ‘Art’ series lens designed for full frame sensors features a “completely new design” and SLD glass construction to deliver, says Sigma, ‘peak performance’ along with a beautiful bokeh effect. Indeed, it is described as being so precise that your customers can focus on the pupil of their subject’s eye whilst blurring the eyelashes! The construction, which boasts water and oil repellant coating, also features 14 lens elements in 12 groups and is said to be a match for full frame DSLRs offering a resolution of 50 megapixels or even higher. Meanwhile a newly designed Hyper
Cine fantastic
Sigma UK General Manager Graham Armitage and Paul Reynolds talking through the new lenses with BPI News on their product-packed Photokina stand
Sonic Motor (HSM) offers 1.3x the torque of its predecessor. Available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon lens mounts, SRP is £1199.99. It’s also worth noting that the new lens is compatible with Sigma’s MC-11 Mount Converter, allowing for it to be used with a Sony E-mount camera body for added versatility and sales opportunities. Available in the same range of mounts is the second new Sigma lens in the ultra-wide 12-24mm F4 Art lens for full frame cameras, a third generation model which comes weather sealed and promising optimal centre-to-edge image quality. The lens also features lens elements made with FLD (Low Dispersion) glass to help mimimise distortion, chromatic aberration and flare, whilst it’s worth adding that the f/4 aperture remains constant throughout its zoom range, whilst the minimum focusing distance is 24cm. SRP is £1649.99.
The third lens is the impressively substantial 500mm F4 DG OS HSM, which slots into its ‘Sports’ series as its flagship model. Pitched as being designed for challenging shoots, this also boasts full weather sealing, a magnesium alloy lightweight build, a water repellant front element, and is equipped with a fixed tripod socket. To minimise the weight usually associated with a large telephoto lens, construction is of lightweight yet sturdy magnesium alloy, whilst the lens hood is carbon fibre. A Hyper Sonic Motor again affords swift and quiet operation, and AF remains effective even when tele converters are attached. Priced at a suggested £5,999.99, availability is again from November 2016. All the new Sigma lenses are compatible with the manufacturer’s USB Dock to enable firmware updates. For more info, direct your browser to: www.sigma-imaging-uk.com
Two new Sigma ‘Art’ series lenses in the 85mm F1.4 DG and 12-24mm F4 are joined this November by the stonking ‘Sports’ class 500mm F4 DG OS HSM.
The other big news this month is that Sigma has entered the cinema lens market via its new lineup of Sigma Cine Lenses. The promise here is unbeatable value, a wide range of lenses for professional use and optimisation for the latest digital movie making technology. As part of its first phase, Sigma is releasing two zoom lenses in Japan and the USA for Canon EF and Sony E mount cameras initially, with availability planned for late 2016. The promise is that another zoom lens and five prime lenses will be released globally in 2017.
The cine lenses announced as part of Sigma’s opening gambit are the High Speed Zoom Line 18-35mm T2 and 50100mm T2, plus the FF Zoom Line 24-35mm T2.2 FF, both ranges designed to be able to resolve high resolution 6K or 8K shooting. Compatible with full frame sensors meanwhile are five FF High Speed Prime Line lenses. These are the 20mm T1.5 FF; 24mm T1.5 FF; 35mm T1.5 FF; 50mm T1.5 FF and 85mm T1.5 FF. More news as we have it!
All lenses sold via Sigma Imaging UK come with the benefit of a three year limited warranty. 12 October 2016 | BPI News
www.bpinews.co.uk
BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS
QSS PROVES A ‘SMART’ CHOICE FOR THE TRADE AT PHOTOKINA Last month’s Photokina provided the first opportunity for the trade to get hands on and demo the Japanese print equipment giant’s new modular range of ‘Smart’ desktop printer options, offered exclusively to the UK market by PhotoXport “The new printers can either be used as a low cost engine for desktop printing, for a photo lab, or slotted into a photo kiosk set up”
On Noritsu’s stand at Photokina, L to R: Luke Stutters, Noritsu Software Specialist Worldwide Support; Mr Higashi, Noritsu Sales Manager; Derek Fieldhouse, PhotoXport MD
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ooking for new ways to make extra profit whilst also reducing cost per print? As we touched on last issue, and as you will have seen for yourself if visiting Noritsu’s impressive stand at Photokina – where you will have also met up with UK distributor PhotoXport and its informative team led by MD Derek Fieldhouse – the Japanese print equipment specialist is offering a new range of QSS ‘Smart’ branded desktop printers to the UK market. These are designed to build on the success and uptake of Noritsu’s workhorse QSS Green dry labs. The pitch is that the new range is all about targeting the photo retailer who is seeking to make additional profit and also bring a lower cost per print to the market. Put simply, the ‘Smart’ line up from Noritsu is the smart choice. “The branding at Photokina said: ‘Noritsu passion for innovation’, which sums it up,” enthuses PhotoXport’s Derek Fieldhouse. “You might recall Noritsu was the inventor of the minilab with the QSS system back in the 1970s, and now we have yet another first in the launch of an innovative range of desktop printers.” The new printers can either be used as a low cost engine for desktop
printing, for a photo lab, or slotted into a photo kiosk set up. Also newly launched is a whole suite of Smart Picture Creation software compatible with the new QSS Smart and Noritsu printers, offering your customer base the opportunity to order a wide range of photo products and gifts. Hero products from the modular printer range meanwhile include the QSS Smart DR-08 Roll Simplex printer and the QSS Smart DR-012 Roll Simplex printer. The DR-08 boasts a range of print sizes and print quality claimed as ‘similar’ to current Noritsu inkjet printers – plus all of the advantages detailed above. It offers six ink printing using two print heads and a 320dpi head nozzle. Print resolution varies according to printing speed mode. Roll print sizes include 4-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch by 78-inches. The more comprehensive option in the DR-012 meanwhile offers an even greater range of roll print sizes, adding 10inch and 12-inch x78-inches.
Quality and (low) cost to dye for… For those in the trade who didn’t make it over to Cologne to bear witness, the new printers have been
trade prices contact Derek Fieldhouse engineered to fulfill a wish list of NOW on 0116 2675907 and visit market needs. Firstly, that inkjet www.photoxport.com for more info. media should be the same cost as AgX (silver halide) printing, whilst boasting better quality than both AgX and dye sub, due to higher colour gamut and colour depth. The QSS Smart machines additionally offer a small footprint and versatility for a low investment – being able to deliver high value products. These include photo books, duplex printing, and wider creative options in that they offer compatibility with art papers and thicker media. Helping to bring media cost down Noritsu has developed new Eco inkjet paper and dye ink. It says this is lower cost than current inkjet and dye sub media – its aim being to compete with the cost of silver halide media. Anyone wanting larger set ups is directed to the ability to utilise Ethernet connectivity for up to eight printers – with four printers running at full capacity at the same time. For anything from five to eight printers Noritsu simply advises that you add a 2nd PC to obtain maximum print capacity. The ‘Smart’ element of the printers further comes into play with its print head technology. This includes a sensor within the head assembly, which relays info about the head position and paper surface – adjustments made to ensure maximum quality prints for each print speed. Post-Photokina and as we head into the busy Christmas period when traditionally the most images are taken and prints made for gifting purposes, it seems that PhotoXport, Luke Stutters demo’s the Smart Picture in association with Noritsu, really is Creation software compatible with the new on a roll at the moment. For the latest QSS Smart and Noritsu printers
To order one of the new Smart QSS desktop printers call 0116 2675907, or visit www.photoxport.com for further details @bpi_news
BPI News | October 2016 13
BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS
PHOTOGRAPHERS’ EYES LIGHT UP WHEN THEY SEE THE QUALITY LUMEJET PROVIDES…
… So says LumeJet co-founder Paul Anson. Back from a successful Photokina where it met prospective trade partners to offer what it claims is the highest print quality ever seen, digital print specialist LumeJet updates us on its activities
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ast issue we learnt about LumeJet’s unique proposition to the trade – namely the sharing of its specially developed ‘photonic’ print technology, which produces high quality 400dpi printed output on traditional silver halide papers that photographers are already declaring the best they’ve ever seen. Since then it’s exhibited at Photokina for the first time, the aim of which was to set up additional partnerships for products using LumeJet. Already panoramic prints, lay-flat photo books, bespoke wedding albums, hospitality keepsakes, professional portfolios and mounted and framed prints are being offered to customers. Co-founder Paul Anson believes LumeJet is poised for its breakthrough moment. “At Photokina we met many professional photographers interested in our direct print service,” he reveals.
The LumeJet advantage at a glance: n LumeJet has not only developed a unique technology, but also has the team to keep developing it
Left to Right: Volker Josel, German Country Manager, Steve Lovatt, Market Development Manager, Paul Anson, Deputy Chairman, Jonathan Holmes, Marketing Specialist
accepting stagnation of quality for so long through lack of investment in the fundamental advancement of real photo print technology. I am always disappointed how many suppliers think print quality is not that important; we think that is
“At Photokina we met many professional photographers interested in our direct print service. The feedback was very positive – people can see the difference immediately.” – LumeJet co-founder, Paul Anson “The feedback was very positive – people can see the difference immediately. Photographers really get what we are doing and recognise that print quality should improve in line with the quality of displays and increases in camera resolution and capability. “Everybody acknowledges that photo print quality hasn’t improved for a very long time – but cameras and displays have. It’s one of those things that people have not really thought about. We’ve just made them think about it – and their reaction is always interesting. There is a dormant demand for sure, but people have been conditioned to
short sighted for our industry and disrespectful to real photographers and their customers. Photographers’ eyes light up when they see the quality output LumeJet provides.”
Highest quality prints, simple business model As Paul explained in our September edition, LumeJet’s business model is simple. It reviews each prospective opportunity and agrees how to structure a win-win commercial deal so its partners grow their business, escape price wars and become more profitable – by delivering great quality and value to their customers.
Each deal will be a little different and LumeJet promises no capital equipment risk, no unforeseen service issues or risk of redundancy, and no upfront charge. “We will cooperate with partners to support their marketing and provide retail product development support so they can develop the best possible products prior to launch,” Paul adds. This strategy hasn’t changed since Photokina, but it now feels it understands potential partners a little better. “There are businesses that are clearly focused on providing their customers the best quality and are excited by the opportunity. We have made a good number of new B2B connections; for example we have one new partner who will launch later in the year in the fine art space. This is very exciting as it is a completely new sector for us. There is also another UK business, in the mounted photo products sector, already preparing its website. Then again, there are others where price and volume is all important, and clearly they are not on our wavelength. “ For those who haven’t witnessed LumeJet’s breakthrough print technology for themselves – and that may well include you – the company offers samples and welcomes those making contact.
n It believes its photo quality – which includes the ability to produce fine text and graphics with true photo quality as well offering great colour fidelity and a beautifully natural reproduction – cannot be beaten, and photographers appear to agree n It combines the philosophy of a high-end lab, with the convenience of an online service, and a unique technology n LumeJet’s 400 dpi contone printhead delivers true 400 dpi resolution, whereas many that claim the same or even higher simply cannot independently address each pixel on the sheet “Many are waking up to the need for better quality now – silver halide is clawing back market share from inkjet and toner,” believes Paul. “We just take it a step further and we’re ready to work with businesses who want to catch that upswing with a truly unique level of quality. The other point to make is that LumeJet print isn’t just for professionals; LumeJet makes a good smartphone photo look better too. The main reason for buying a LumeJet print is simply that you really care about the picture. And that means the potential for LumeJet and its partners is truly vast…” Interested members of the trade should contact the LumeJet team NOW on 02476 992 649 or via sales@lumejet.com
Potential retail partners looking to take advantage of LumeJet print technology can get in touch via sales@lumejet.com 14 October 2016 | BPI News
www.bpinews.co.uk
PHOTOKINA NEWS ROUND-UP
Photokina 2016: The industry comes into focus
BPI News ventured to this year’s Photokina – the world’s biggest biennial photo trade show – in order to report back on the essential new product releases and innovations heading your way before Christmas…
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he cavernous halls of the Cologne Messe on the banks of the Rhine in Germany were once again the location for 2016’s Photokina, the massive photographic trade exhibition that takes place every two years and acts as a measure of photography’s present, as well as useful indicator of its future. As we reported previously in the build up to this year’s event, the show this time was loosely based around five ‘unlimited’ themed worlds of imaging – namely the arts of capturing, lighting, creating, sharing and presenting. Topics up for examination, focus
@bpi_news
and discussion were Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Cloud Services, Video, Audio, ‘Wearables’, the Smart Home and Astro Photography – the first two most visible on the Nikon stands, both within the show and positioned
by the southern entrance, where visitors wearing headsets stood as if entranced by the immersive imagery beamed direct to their eyeballs. Some 180,000 visitors were expected to have attended the show, which ran from
September 20th to 25th, and drew more than 1,000 exhibitors from 50 different countries (68% of those arriving from outside of Germany). The day before the show officially opens to the public and trade is traditionally earmarked as press day. BPI News was in attendance, and this year the announcements from the major camera manufacturers came thick and fast. Notably absent in 2016 were Samsung, who put out low-key press releases in Germany and UK earlier this year indicating they were pulling out of the photographic market. That left the field open for fellow electronics specialists Panasonic and Sony to press home their advantage.
BPI News | October 2016 15
PHOTOKINA NEWS ROUND-UP
Panasonic promises 8K-video by 2020
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ith the event coinciding with 15 years of its Lumix camera line up, Panasonic chose Photokina to officially unveil its latest high-end compact system camera in the Lumix DMC-G80, along with the FZ2000 20x zoom all-in-one and LX15 compact, both the latter featuring one-inch sensor and 20MP resolution. But perhaps the manufacturer’s biggest announcement was for a camera that doesn’t exist – as yet. The first half of 2017 will see Panasonic introduce a replacement for its GH4 flagship – naturally named the GH5. The new CSC range-topper promises to bring the further evolution of 4K video and 4K photo – as well as introducing the ability to record 6K imagery at 30P, enabling an 18 megapixel still image to be grabbed from said footage. We’ll also get 4K video at 60P; thereby allowing photographers to select an 8 megapixel still from a 60fps burst of frames.
Talking about both 15 years of Lumix and five years of Panasonic partnering with Leica in order to utilise its lens technology, Panasonic’s Imaging Division Director Yosuke Yamane suggested ‘The most important thing is the Leica collaboration – without this Lumix could not have succeeded.” Leica’s Chairman Andreas Kaufman – who owns 55% of Leica – was also present to praise the relationship between the companies, which has involved not only the licensing of lens technology but also products done together. Of the new GH5 announcement, Mr Yamane said “many photographers and videographers have been awaiting this model,” and that its 4K and 6K capabilities meant that: “a new raft of opportunities arises, including the ability to print in a larger format.” Also on the development roadmap are new lenses in a wide-angle 8-18mm,
Panasonic UK’s Mark Baber (centre) & brand ambassadors hosted talks throughout the show
plus standard 12-60mm and 50200mm zooms, suitable for both photo and video. Panasonic also divulged that it has plans to bring us 8K video shooting models in time for 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics, which will theoretically allow for 33 megapixel resolution stills to be produced. The manufacturer will naturally also be working on lenses optimised for 8K shooting. “It will be a totally new world and drastically simplify photo
production,” said Panasonic’s Yamane. “Each frame will be a beautiful 33 megapixel picture with a wider colour space.” www.panasonic.co.uk
99 reasons to choose Sony
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ony likewise chose Photokina to unveil its own flagship model in the A99 Mark II, arriving on what is the 10th anniversary of its Alpha series (having launched its original A100 DSLR on the back of acquiring the imaging expertise of Konica Minolta, early in 2006). The manufacturer made the point that it now offers 22 main units and 74 lenses, which cover all bases from amateurs to professionals, and that despite overall market shrinkage,
Sony has achieved steady growth – something it put down to the fact that customer trends show movement towards higher end cameras. Introducing the new camera, Yosuke Aoki, Vice President for Sony Europe told us: “Sony never compromise on speed and picture quality.” A case in point, the new A99 II boasts a 42.2MP resolution stills, 4K bideo recording without pixel binning, 12fps burst shooting with AF/AE tracking for the delivery of non-
cropped 42MP images, 5-axis image stabilisation built-in equivalent to a 5 steps faster shutter speed, and, naturally, a back-illuminated full frame sensor. 79 cross type AF points work simultaneously in tandem with 399 AF points. It also offers a Super 35mm mode, which collects 1.8x more info than 4K, thereby providing 15MP equivalent images. Sony’s target audience for the camera is professionals and enthusiasts, including those who photograph sports and wildlife, whilst the A99 Mark II is compatible with all existing Sony A mount lenses. Headline features aside the A99 II also offers a three axis tilting LCD, dual media slots, an XGA OLED viewfinder, front multi controller, revamped intuitive menu, a ‘downsized design’ when compared
with its predecessor, a tough magnesium alloy body that is dust and moisture resistant, plus a durable shutter unit able to withstand in excess of 300K operations. Shipping is from this November, with pricing expected to be around 3,600 Euros – just above £3,000. www.sony.co.uk
Big new announcements & releases at Photokina 2016 included the Olympus OM-D E-M1 MK II, 16 October 2016 | BPI News
www.bpinews.co.uk
PHOTOKINA NEWS ROUND-UP
Nikon on a Mission
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he photo stalwart chose Photokina to finally launch its earthquake delayed KeyMission 360 action camera, as previously reported on in these pages, which can be controlled remotely via a smart device. The brand also divulged that it had acquired a company developing robot-controlled solutions. Hiroyuki Ikegami, Head of Marketing for the Nikon Corporation, talked of “the Internet of cameras” and photography having developed to the stage
or backpack. Features include automatic interval shooting, waterproofing and touch panel operation, panoramic mode and a 2nd camera for high quality selfies. “It’s designed for great outdoor photography. It’s small and lightweight, with a tough frame,” Nikon promise. As the model name suggests, the KeyMission 170 offers 170° wide angle shooting, and comes with a choice of mounts allowing for diverse uses, along with an e-VR (Vibration Reduction) function, 120fps high frame rate, 170° time
lapse option, plus lens protection for use underwater. Nikon’s brand ambassador Ami Vitale has been one of the first to use the 170, and proceeded to show us close up images taken of one of the last three white rhinos in existence, protected around the clock by armed guards. Of the top five reasons to buy and use the 170, we were told the camera can handle a lot of abuse, compensate for image blur, whilst the slow motion capabilities were also of use. www.nikon.co.uk
where its audience now expected “in the moment image sharing”, acting as a pre-amble to introducing two more KeyMission series cameras in the 170 and 80. Described as “hands free, wearable cameras”, Mr Ikegami believes that they hold appeal “beyond thrill seekers… we want to extend [adoption] beyond the action market.” The top pocket-sized KeyMission 80 features an upright design, with convenient snap-on magnetic attachment for affixing to the shoulder strap of a camera bag
Fujifilm GFX: mirrorless medium format
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ujifilm has been a Photokina regular since 1966, the company’s Senior Vice President Toru Takahashi told us, by way of a pre-amble to introducing its ‘GFX’ medium format digital camera at the show; arguably the biggest bit of news from 2016’s exhibition (incidentally, the ‘F’ stands for ‘film like’ and ‘X’ denotes Fuji’s existing ‘X’ series DNA). Mr Takahashi reminded us that the 1978 Photokina had seen Fuji’s “love affair” with medium format begin, whilst in 1988 it had exhibited the
world’s first digital camera in the DS-IP, which became the ‘Fujix’ a year later. He went on to reference a quote from W.Eugene Smith who once said ‘the world does not conveniently fit into the format of a 35mm camera’, adding that: “sometimes we feel this as a camera manufacturer.” So the result is the new format GFX, with its large sensor size, which Fuji hopes will “bring back the thrill of photography”, adding that in its best selling ‘X’ series and now GFX, it has two systems that compliment each other. The GFX format sensor, with physical dimensions of 43.8x32.9mm, is 1.7x larger than a 35mm sensor. As a result Fuji is introducing a new line of ‘G’ lenses to make the most of the new format, and which will be able to resolve the GFX’s 51.4MP resolution (8256x6192 effective pixels). Fujifilm’s General Manager for Sales and Marketing Toshihisa Iida told us that the new camera will be able to offer a multitude of different aspect ratios: 4:3 ratio at 51.4 megapixels, 3:2 at 45.4MP,
16:9 at 38.3MP, 65:24 at 25.2MP, 5:4 at 48MP and 38.8MP in 1:1 format. “You can maintain a decent number of pixels at any aspect ratio you choose,” he concluded. Another point to note is that with a mirrorless system, users will be freed from mirror shock when capturing images, whilst a newly designed focal plane shutter will allow up to 1/4000th sec captures. The camera – the first iteration of which will be called the GFX 50S – also features a waist level tilt screen and a fully rotating separate viewfinder. Fujifilm promises that the option to shoot tethered will be available from day one. Pricing had not been
fixed at the time of writing – but the manufacturer did boast that it would retail for ‘under $10,000 with viewfinder’. Announced GF series lenses for the GFX, coming ‘early 2017’, include the GF63mm f/2.8 R WR standard prime lens, providing the equivalent of 50mm in the 35mm format and described as ‘lightweight and small’. This is joined by the GF32-64mm f/4 R LM WR zoom, providing the 35mm format equivalent of 25-51mm, plus a GF120mmm f/4 macro lens. Three more lenses are also in development to join this initial trio. www.fujifilm.co.uk Turn to page 30 for more
Sony A99 MK II, Panasonic GH5 & G80, and arguably the biggest of all: the Fujifilm GFX 50S @bpi_news
BPI News | October 2016 17
PHOTOKINA NEWS ROUND-UP
OM-G it’s OM-D E-M1 Mark II
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espite a “challenging situation because of the earthquake that we are working hard to overcome,” Olympus’ Michael Honda, a company veteran of over 36 years, announced a new flagship model in the E-M1 Mark II. Prefacing it with “uniqueness is a key word for us” and talking of mobility, reliability and image quality, the
Familiar face in the trade Mark Thackara of Olympus shows off the new camera to UK journalists
new O-MD series camera is “coming later this year”, with the promise of it offering “the fastest possible performance to professionals.” Olympus says that the camera has been ‘in the making’ for the past three years, and that everything about it has undergone a transformation. The Mark II now offers 18fps burst shooting at full resolution in Raw format and with continuous auto focus, or without continuous auto focus at up to 60fps. Unsurprisingly perhaps, it boasts a new AF system, with all cross type focus points (121 cross type, phase detection and contrast AF focus points in all). It can also pre-empt action by buffering 14 frames in Raw format before the shutter is pressed. The electronic viewfinder provided is also said to be “so good, photographers thought it was an optical viewfinder.” Naturally the camera is dustproof, splash-proof and freeze-proof, and there are,
states Olympus: “big improvements on the inside” – a completely new battery compartment included, along with dual card slots, 20MP LMOS sensor, higher speed data readout, TruePic VIII imaging processor, 5-axis Sync IS technology for up to 6.5 EV steps, and 4K video shooting, which the manufacturer described as ‘Cinema 4K up to 30P.’ Dynamic range has been improved by up to one stop and once again we get a 50 megapixel high res shot option – which also helps prevent image blur of moving subjects. Two new lenses have also been announced alongside the camera body: a 25mm f/1.2 Pro – which is described as both weatherproof and offering beautiful bokeh – plus
the 12-100mm f/4.0 IS Pro which offers a constant aperture of f/1.4 throughout its zoom range. This pro-grade 8.3x zoom boasts a 1.5cm close up capability, Sync IS technology up to 6.5 EV steps and is also weatherproof. E-M1 Mark II accessories for dealers to piggyback on a sale meanwhile a HLD-9 battery grip and FL-900R weatherproof flash. Lastly the manufacturer has announced the ‘Olympus Pro Service’ for photographers – offering next day delivery and replacement – plus a video hotline. There are three levels of support – and the maintenance and repair service will be available in select European countries.
The third enticing piece of glass arrives in the shape of Sigma’s 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM lens, which slots into its ‘Sports’ series. This also boasts full weather sealing, a magnesium alloy lightweight build, a water repellant front element, a drop-in filter option, click stops for a tripod ring and is described
a sharp and clever. Like other Sigma lenses it is compatible with the manufacturer’s USB Dock to enable firmware updates. Priced at a suggested £5,999.99, availability is again from November 2016.
www.olympus.co.uk
Sigma lens trio
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he third party lens manufacturer chose Photokina to introduce three new lenses to the press. These are the 85mm f/1.4 DG ‘Art’ series optic, which is described as boasting a completely new design and SLD glass construction. Available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon lens
mounts, it arrives this November at an SRP of £1199.99 SRP. The second new Sigma lens is the 12-24mm f/1.4 Art lens for full frame cameras, which comes weather sealed. This also has a November 2016 launch, and will be available then in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts at a suggested £1649.99.
www.sigma-imaging-uk.com
If you missed Photokina 2016, and now wished you hadn’t, you’ll want to take note of the fact that 2018 dates have already been announced as 25th to 30th September. www.photokina.com
18 October 2016 | BPI News
www.bpinews.co.uk
BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS
Photographic
Proofing
Specialist
Canvas
CAD
MAKE INDIGO YOUR ‘GO TO’ FOR INKJET MEDIA Got a large format printer or minilab? Then you need Indigo media from the DPS Group, says MD Maneesh Patel. BPI News explores this high quality yet good value option to boost your day-to-day profits
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he DPS Group isn’t just about supplying the Epson P-series printer range to the trade – showcased to great effect at Photokina and available to touch and try back at the DPS’s Kent based demo studio – it can supply a wealth of media for your large format printer or minilab too. Recently introduced is a comprehensive, great value and moreover high quality Indigo Inkjet paper range. The pitch is that this comprehensive range of media will enable you to get the best results, best value and moreover biggest profits from your machine, making
the DPS Group, in effect, the very definition of a ‘one stop shop’. MD Maneesh Patel describes Indigo’s offerings as “very cost effective but very high quality”, adding that the Indigo Inkjet range covers poster paper, photo, and general usage paper at great prices. But for those wanting an even higher end solution, don’t forget the DPS Group can supply this too. “Apart from inks, we supply the full range of consumables; from maintenance tanks and ancillaries, to over 15 of the key photo and photo finishing brands as regards papers in
Indigo Inkjet has a brand new website to go with its extensive print media offerings see indigo-inkjet.co.uk - trade enquiries welcome!
roll and cut sheet format,” Maneesh confirms. “These include high end Hahnemuhle and Innova fine art media, alongside the great value Indigo Inkjet options.”
All your photo printing needs catered for The pitch is that Indigo Inkjet large format media gives you real quality and value for money in one of the broadest ranges of consumables available for a wide range of applications, suitable for everything from large format prints to outdoor signage – along with the promise of consistent results every time. “Right now, Indigo Inkjet has one of the largest selections of high quality media under a single brand,” enthuses DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel. “We are constantly expanding our range with new uses and applications being met all of the time. What’s more, we are always looking for new products for new and innovative applications. Our whole ethos is that quality printing materials don’t have to cost the earth.” Current photographic paper choices in the Indigo range include Premium Matt Coated Paper, Ultra White Satin Photo Paper, Ultra White Glacier Photo Paper, Lustre Pro Photo Paper, Satin Pro Photo Paper, as well as double sided and Water
“For anyone running a minilab or large format printer, Indigo Inkjet print media is very cost effective but very high quality. The range covers poster paper, photo, and general usage paper at great prices.” – Maneesh Patel, MD the DPS Group Resistant Matt Coated Paper. It also has a bunch of specialist media for creating banners, films and vinyl media for specialist use. In short whatever your market or business Indigo Inkjet produce print media to suit your needs in a range of sizes. For more info see www.indigo-inkjet.co.uk Dealer enquiries are very welcome. In fact, members of the trade interested in finding out more about not just Indigo but moreover the wide variety of inkjet media options available via the DPS Group are strongly advised to get in touch with Maneesh Patel or Gary Crawley on 0208 466 7230, or email sales@dpsb.co.uk www.digitalphotosolutions.co.uk www.thedpsgroup.co.uk
Place your order for Indigo Inkjet media with the DPS Group’s Gary Crawley now on 020 8466 7230 @bpi_news
BPI News | October 2016 19
BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS
KENRO LAUNCHES EXCITING RANGE OF NEW PRODUCTS AT PHOTOKINA
HARDWARE CATALOGUE 2016 /17
We catch up with Kenro’s MD Paul Kench who unveils its latest high quality, big margin items, as showcased in the new brochure this issue and launched last month at Photokina – including its own brand Speedflash, film scanner and more… 06/09/2016 12:48:00
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Hardware 2016 Leaflet -
n the past few months we’ve been introduced to Kenro’s own-brand, high margin travel and video tripods. Next up, as recently showcased at Photokina, is the Kenro KFL101 Speedflash, a standard flashgun aimed at the entry-level photographer. Retailers will also be aware Kenro already distributes Nissin flash, which Paul suggests is aimed at the enthusiast through to professional. “We have introduced the Kenro Speedflash to complement our existing offerings from Nissin. For an entry level flash it is very well specified and for retailers it’s a good option because they only need to stock one product to cater for both Canon and Nikon users,” he says of its new addition, featured on page 12 of its latest brochure, a publication likewise launched at the show and bundled with this very
Sept 2016.indd 1
“The Kenro KFL101 Speedflash is a well specified flashgun that also offers very good value for money, and it’s a good option for retailers because they only need to stock one product to cater for both Canon and Nikon users.” – Kenro MD, Paul Kench issue. The new Kenro flash cleverly detects which camera it is being used with – also boasting highspeed synchronisation, fast recycle time, auto zoom, built-in diffuser, guide number of 58 at ISO100 and more. The unit also arrives with a built-in wide-angle diffuser and reflector card, plus carry case, softbox and included flash stand.
Power conveniently comes via four AA batteries. SRP is £95.94 and it’s available now. Arriving mid October but also previewed at Photokina is Kenro’s new Windows and Mac compatible Film Scanner KNSC101, ideal for converting your customers’ slides and negatives into JPEG image files. It offers a choice of resolution at 14 megapixels, utilising a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, or 22MP (interpolated), and accepts SD cards up to 32GB for storing scanned images. It also features a 2.4-inch colour LCD screen.
Weight is just 272g, making it a very portable desktop option. SRP is £101.94. “For the specification it provides, it’s very affordable indeed,” enthuses Paul.
Have tripods, will travel Likewise new from Kenro is another innovative own brand product in the Karoo Ultimate Travel Tripod Kits (page 6 of brochure), which include either a 401 or 401C model, key recommendations from the range that comprises seven tripods in all (see also pages 8 & 9 of brochure). As one would expect, these have been designed to be lightweight, durable and stable. The 401 version is fashioned from aluminium and weighs 2.15Kg with a load capacity of 10Kg. The 401C model is manufactured from eight layers of carbon fibre, weighs 1.93Kg and has a load capacity of 10Kg. The centre columns on both tripods are said to allow easy conversion from horizontal to vertical use, with a
Left: Kenro’s entry level Speedflash was just one of the exciting own-brand products launched at Photokina 2016
Kenro’s Photokina-launched products include an own brand flashgun and portable film scanner - both offering big margins, yet small price tags
Open the new Kenro catalogue to view great quality new accessories including the 20 October 2016 | BPI News
www.bpinews.co.uk
BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS
Kenro’s newly introduced Ultimate Travel Tripod Kit range comprises the carbon fibre 401C model (top) - whilst it has also introduced a Video Tripod in the KENVT102C (right)
“Our Kenro Gimbal Head is for use with DSLRs equipped with large telephoto lenses. It allows you to balance and move around a heavy load quickly, so you can stably follow the fast moving action as it unfolds. It has a 15Kg maximum load and 360° smooth panning base. It’s exciting stuff!” smooth 360° calibrated panning control. Rubber and metal spiked feet feature for rough terrain, as does a carry case and matched ball head with quick release plate (Arca Swiss-style). Four-section, twist lock legs also allow for speedy set up and adjustment, as well as rigidity. “These have just arrived into stock and had their big launch at Photokina,” Paul reveals. “They’re our trademarked name for travel tripods. There’s one version in aluminum and the other in carbon fibre, and they can fold down to very compact dimensions (of 480mm). It also comes with a short centre column, which allows it to go very low and take images at very interesting angles. Karoo is actually a place – a natural semi-desert region in South Africa, which is fitting for a travel tripod that you’ll want to take with you on a photographic adventure. Also the ‘K’s of Kenro and Karoo link us and the brand nicely together.” It’s further worth mentioning that all the distributor’s own brand tripods are covered by a 6 year limited warranty. An enticing new accessory to pitch to your photographer customers arrives late November/ early December in the Kenro Gimbal Head (see page 11 of the new hardware brochure). This has been manufactured in carbon fibre and aluminium and is designed for large
telephoto lenses used with DSLR cameras. Members of the trade who attended Photokina will have also seen this new product previewed there. “It’s for use with DSLRs and a lot of people use them for bird watching, sports or events photography. It allows you to balance large lenses easily and move around quite a heavy load quite quickly, so you can stably follow the fast moving action as it unfolds. It has a 15Kg maximum load and 360° smooth panning base. It’s exciting stuff!” SRP is £293.94. “If you compare that with a market leading brand, this is again a very keenly priced product, taking into account the quality provided.” It fits virtually all telephoto lenses with a rotation collar. Turn to page 4 of the latest Kenro brochure meanwhile to survey Kenro’s Video Tripod line up.
“Our standard video tripod kit in aluminium has been well received, and has now evolved with the launch of the KENVT102C, a carbon fibre version. This has literally just been launched at Photokina as well,” says Paul. This tripod has a maximum working height if 1700mm and a maximum load capacity of 6Kg. Other new essential Kenro items to consider stocking include its Kenro Ball Head Series (page 10 of brochure). The six available options are precision manufactured in aluminium alloy and are specifically designed for a compact, lightweight, stable performance when used with your customers’ cameras and tripods (including Kenro’s own) via 3/8-inch fittings. Each ball head has a built-in spirit level, Arca Swiss style quickrelease plate and all are supplied with fabric carry bags. A further strong selling accessory is the Kenro Universal Charger. This is a high quality product designed to charge AA and AAA batteries as well as digital cameras and smartphones via USB 2.0 port. It comes attractively packed in a blister pack with UK plug and additional car charging adapter. As usual with Kenro products,
retailers who purchase stock will be rewarded with deals that allow them to enjoy a healthy margin on each sale. To swot up further on all of the above new products, please see the hardware guide bundled with this issue, call direct on 01793 615836, email sales@kenro.co.uk or simply direct your browser to www.kenro.co.uk
Having a Ball: New heads for your customers’ tripods from Kenro (above), plus best selling charger (right)
KFL101 Speedflash, Film Scanner, Karoo Travel Tripods, Gimbal Head & Carbon Fibre Video Tripod @bpi_news
BPI News | October 2016 21
BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS
FOTOSPEED PROVES IT’S HIP TO BE SQUARE!
Even if you don’t currently sell Fotospeed inkjet papers, you should stock this one…
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hotographers have been asking us ‘why hasn’t anyone done this before’?” Fotospeed’s Toby Herlinger enthused to BPI News last month when we caught up with him at Photokina and found his stand proudly displaying its latest innovation: sheets of square inkjet paper. This is perfect for adding to your offerings and pitching at the Instagram generation, medium format camera users and photo enthusiasts generally. The square inkjet papers are available from this month in two sizes – 8x8-inch, and 12x12-inch – with 10x10-inch coming soon. The papers also come in three finishes too: Fotospeed PF Lustre 275, Platinum Etching and Platinum Baryta. “To get more photographers printing you need to give them the tools so they can do it easily,” Toby believes. “Square format images are one of the most visually pleasing
and one of the most popular. They’re a more cost effective solution than having to trim larger sheets of paper. To get an 8x8-inch you would have to print on an A4 page and trim that, while for a 12x12-inch you would have to use A3+. We have positioned the price point of this paper so that, aside from there being no trimming necessary, the consumer also saves money.” Fotospeed has long believed in freeing images from social media pages – and so giving its customers the ability to produce unusual format prints, as it has done in the past with its panoramic paper (in 3:1 ratio) for inkjet printers, makes perfect sense. Email sales@fotospeed.com or call 01249 714555 NOW for trade details.
Stock Fotospeed’s square paper because… n It’s perfect for Instagram-ers, medium format shooters and photo enthusiasts to produce prints of their work n It’s available in three sizes: 8x8inch, 10x10-inch and 12x12inches n It comes supplied in a choice of three finishes: Fotospeed PF Lustre 275, Platinum Etching and Platinum Baryta n It offers great value and a high quality finish, as well as a very competitive dealer margin
Toby and Ben Herlinger launch their innovative square paper range at Photokina 2016
22 October 2016 | BPI News
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH
BPI NEWS PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: LEICA SOFORT
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romising lifelong (miniature) memories in an instant… well this is something decidedly different from Leica, and such a break from its deadly serious image that it feels worthy of celebration in these pages. It isn’t crazily priced either, albeit at £215 it’s more expensive than a Fuji Instax (the Leica, incidentally, can utilise the Fuji’s Instax film packs). For those customers of yours desirous of an instant camera that doesn’t look overtly like something a teenager might wield – unless that is, said teenager attends a Swiss finishing school – the Leica Sofort arrives this November in a choice of three contemporary colours – orange, mint and ‘classic’ white, as pictured. And, as designed by Leica Camera Germany, not Fuji, as the box tells us. Our own review unit in white came with a Leica branded strap (sold separately at £15) and mains charger out of the box. It’s quick to power up, whereupon the 34mm equivalent lens extends outwards from its storage position flush to the body, images framed via tiny eye level optical viewfinder. It’s a long time – 15+ years – since we’ve used a camera without a backplate LCD, though the Leica does provide a narrow function display panel and a row of function buttons stacked vertically alongside it, which neatly hides both the rechargeable battery and compartment for stashing the film pack. The boxy-looking camera certainly has the requisite 1970s/80s charm, even if the battery cover felt a little flimsy on our sample. For those who want to get creative
– or merely point and shoot – the camera has a range of selectable shooting modes, including one for the ubiquitous selfie (handy mirror window provided above the lens), along with flash and self-timer. Of course, this is the sort of camera you want to be able to hand to someone at a party and have them taking your picture straight away, so a lack of clutter when it comes to controls makes sense. Like Fuji, Leica is offering a monochrome film pack for its camera (for £11), which, as with the color packs (at £9.50), affords 10 shots/exposures. Colour packs that provide 20 shots are also available at £15.50, and are obvious add-on sales with the camera body at the point of purchase. www.leica-camera.com
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BPI NEWS PRODUCT FOCUS
ENDLESS PRINT POSSIBILITIES VIA NEW CANSON INFINITY BARYTA PRESTIGE
The French fine art inkjet paper manufacturer has enjoyed a successful Photokina, where it unveiled a new paper, new Glassine rolls and the Canson Infinity E-Academy. BPI News finds out more…
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e’ve featured Canson in the pages of BPI News before – when it won a TIPA last year for its Infinity Photo Lustre Premium PRC 310gsm – but those with shorter-term memories may be due a re-cap on the French fine art inkjet paper manufacturer, which last year celebrated 150 years in the photographic business and this Photokina bolstered its already robust product portfolio with some exciting new launches. Each is sure to appeal to both print specialists in the trade and their photographer customers.
Papers that are truly unique Newly launched is Canson Infinity Baryta Prestige 340gsm, which is described as a baryta paper designed especially for fine art inkjet usage. The pitch to yourselves and your customers is that it evokes the look and aesthetic feel of traditional darkroom papers. It is comprised of an acid-free cellulose and cotton white paper base with a true barium sulphate coating. Canson goes on to describe the paper characteristics as truly unique – excellent surface durability, outstanding black optical density
(D-max) and superb image sharpness. The paper also has good lay flat qualities, plus what is described as excellent surface cohesion as well as very low gloss differential between printed and non-printed portions – as demonstrated to BPI news and many other visitors at Photokina. Not only this; it naturally offers a wide gamut which improves colour reproduction and increases visual impact. It all adds up to what is being pitched as an innovative paper for the more discerning photographers and printmaker that is equally suitable for black and white or colour archival prints. The other product that deviates from the norm is Canson Infinity rolls of Glassine Translucent Archival Interleaving Paper at 40gsm. These rolls are described as being ideal for protecting, conserving and archiving illustrations and photographs, and being launched in sizes 44-inches wide by 50ft in length.
“The paper has good lay flat qualities, excellent surface cohesion and very low gloss differential between printed and nonprinted portions – as demonstrated to BPI News and many other visitors at Photokina.”
choosing a Canson Infinity paper that fits your requirements, choosing a printer and much more. For more on the Canson Infinity E-Academy head to the website at: www.canson-infinity.com/en/ e-academy For sales enquiries, please contact Canson’s distributors: RKBURT (UK) - rkburt.co.uk Fotospeed (UK) - fotospeed.com FINE ART PAPER (Ireland) Sheldonphoto.com www.cansoninfinity.com From left to right: Holger Daemmer (Sales Manager Germany, Anja Greger (Product Manager), Christophe Renard (Sales Manager – Europe)
Getting the best prints with online tools On top of its exciting new products the French paper manufacturer is also launching an online e-learning tool it has christened the Canson Infinity E-Academy. This will take the shape of a range of practical videos and live webinars about producing fine art prints from digital files by professional photographers. Topics covered will include Lightroom, ICC profiles, monitor calibration, colour management, aesthetics of a good print, permanence and longevity,
Unique features of Canson Infinity Baryta Prestige 340gsm at a glance: n Excellent durability, outstanding black density and superb image sharpness n Aesthetics similar to traditional silver halide prints n Very limited gloss differential between the printed and non printed zones in the print n High optical density and wide colour gamut n Excellent surface cohesion for scratch and crease resistance n Good lay flat ness n Paper base permanence meets the ISO 9706 requirements
Don’t miss out: order Canson’s new Infinity Baryta Prestige 340gsm paper NOW from the trade contacts given above. @bpi_news
BPI News | October 2016 23
MINILAB NEWS
‘STAX’ OF FUJIFILM IDEAS DRAW NEW RETAILERS TO PRINT SERVICES
Fresh from a successful Photokina, Fujifilm continues to help its Digital Imaging Service (FDIS) members spread the word about its revenue boosting range of print, photo gift and Instax services back home, whilst we profile a recent addition to its membership…
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ecent weeks and months have witnessed a growing number of UK photo specialists, chemists and minilabs signing up to become members of Fujifilm’s countrywide Digital Imaging Service – whereupon they benefit not only from the manufacturer’s wide range of print options, but also from its point of sale material, seasonal promotions (as detailed on this spread) and one-to-one business advice. A recent convert is Trevor Brown, co-director with Samantha Brannick of Colorgrafix (www.colografix.co.uk), based in Louth, Lincolnshire. Having established the business as a retailer with minilab service back in 1989, Colorgrafix have gone through numerous machines and store re-fits to keep things fresh – including being, it believes, the first to take delivery of a digital minilab. Most recently they bought and installed four Frontier-S DX100 printers and four Digital Photo Centre
DPC10 Imagine kiosks. It now offers everything from passport photos up to 44-inch width prints on paper or on canvas, along with photo gifts and photo books. With the stated aim to never say no to a customer, Colorgrafix also stocks a varied range of frames and albums, plus cameras, cards and printer inks. “We were looking to be part of a forward thinking network,” replies Trevor when asked about the reason for joining the Fujifilm Digital Imaging Service. He notes that his customers are still looking for tangible, physical keepsakes – and a service that is available in store, via mobile and via PC. “After a very good look at the Fujifilm stand at The Photography Show we gave Paul Henry a ring and he came up to see us with Fujifilm’s business consultant Wendy Gray. What confirmed to us we had made the right decision was that they really dotted the ‘i’s and crossed the ‘t’s. The flexibility to create varying options was there,
“We were looking to be part of a forward thinking network. Being a member of FDIS gives us access to a wide range of production options together with great software support technicians…” – Trevor Brown, co-director of Colorgrafix thanks to Fujifilm Imagine software, plus the print quality was far superior to the dye sublimation prints we were producing. The eagerness to converse about direction was also outstanding and everything was two-way rather than dictatorial.”
Member benefits As to what Trevor and Samantha are looking to gain from being a member of FDIS, the response is a simple and direct: “more money, more income. I know it sounds a bit flippant but in reality we run a business and all decisions are based
on financial parameters. Being a member of FDIS gives us access to a wide range of production options together with great software support technicians, which we have never had before. We are looking to use these guys, together with the back office software provided, to move our shop up another level. We want to give customers incredible options to transfer their memories into print formats that they can
FDIS Instax Mini 8 promotion Fujifilm has recently launched an autumn promotion that will provide participating FDIS retailer customers with the chance to win a free Instax Mini 8 when they purchase 50 prints or more – thereby tempting them into ordering 50 prints or above in the first place! This promotion falls at the same time as Fujifilm starts running their new preChristmas Instax campaign – so FDIS stores are also being encouraged to stock up on Instax cameras in time for the expected busy festive sales. “As usual with a FDIS promotion, Swains’ Regional Sales
Managers have been busy calling the FDIS stores in their area to encourage the retailers to take part,” Fujifilm’s Marketing Manager Peter Wigington tells us. “Once confirmed the Swains distribution centre then arrange for a POS pack, which includes the Mini 8 camera prize, to be shipped to the store along with any other stock they may have ordered.”
Retailers rewarded “As a bit of fun - and to encourage the FDIS retailers to really get behind the promotion – we have also been offering a retailer
Winner: Sumi Hasan of Razzaq Digital
Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk 24 October 2016 | BPI News
www.bpinews.co.uk
FUJIFILM FDIS PROMOTION
A new shop layout, varied stock and a marketing campaign have given sales at Colorgrafix a 30% boost.
they’re easy to produce and always look great on the wall. There’s too much competition online to merely promote standard prints, but by
enjoy, share and pass on to future generations. The Imagine App is really well thought out, offering our customers the benefit of ordering what they want when they want, but using the same store interface. Click & Collect is an area we now want to focus on. We have lots to learn, but Fujifilm is no stranger to us. We had been a Fuji Digital Camera Centre for years, so coupled with our energy, Fujifilm’s technical support and
Wendy’s retail drive we are expecting great things…” In terms of profitability, for Trevor and his partner canvas prints are king, though standard four, five and six-inch prints are still popular. A change in shop layout and the way their kiosk workflow operates has also given a boost to frame sales too, which are up by 30%. “A good and varied selection of frames is essential, with gifting frames like those from Gisela Graham doing really well,” notes Trevor. “Kiosk printing accounts for 35% of our trade, which in reality is where D&P stood in its heyday. By far our best marketing campaign has been a three for two offer on canvas printing, or buy one and get a second canvas half price. There’s great margin in the product,
prize for the best promotional window,” Peter adds, explaining that Swains regional managers took photographs of the windows as they visited each store on their rounds and then entered these into the competition. “I just loved the creativeness that went into creating the displays. We chose four runners up with the eventual winner being Razzaq Digital, who got their very own Instax Mini 8 camera.” Danny Williams Sales & Marketing Director at Swains adds: “Swains have been working closely with Peter and the rest of the FDIS marketing team for many years. We have brought the benefit of a dedicated in-house customers services team and field managers
who call and visit each FDIS retailer on a regular basis. This helps build a great working relationship with the store owner and staff which means that we are able to help push the regular FDIS promotions and, as with the Instax promotion, talk to the retailers and really get them thinking about how to make each one as successful as possible.” Sumi Hasan of Razzaq Digital says of winning an Instax camera for her window display: “Richard, our Swains rep, called me to tell me our window had been chosen as the winner while I was driving back from Photokina. I was so excited I nearly swerved across the autobahn! The display was a joint effort between my sister Amy and
I. I’d been inspired after seeing a similar display at a trade stand in Las Vegas where I had been attending the International Print & Imaging Conference earlier this year (as part of Razzaq’s prize for getting FDIS Shop of the Year – Ed). Reaction to the window has been amazing. Customers would ask if we could print photos like those in the display. We can, but I’d tell them that if they bought 50 prints and entered the draw then if they won then they could use the Instax Mini 8 to do them too! “If I wasn’t already running a FDIS promotion I would do one of my own. The promotion prior to the Instax Mini 8 was for a half price 20x16 canvas. This was also
Samantha and Trevor of Colografix have recently signed up to the FDIS service and have nothing but praise for Fujifilm since making the switch
using premium stretchers your canvasses can compete in terms of quality and turnaround time. The word ‘free’ always grabs the attention of the customer, so always use it in conjunction with them purchasing another product.” If you’d like your business to enjoy the business boosting benefits of signing up with FDIS, the man you need to speak to is Fujifilm’s Peter Wigington, whose contact details can be found at the base of this feature!
very successful and we got so many requests that we widened it out to include all our canvas frame sizes.” Sumi’s top tip for promotions is to keep them short and sweet – usually three to four weeks, and never more than five: “When we run a headline promotion we will create a strong window display, make sure that the message is repeated inside the store and that all our staff are aware of the promotion and how to use it to upsell to the customers. So, for example, with the Instax promo if a customer comes in for 20 or 30 prints our staff will point out that getting 50 prints means they get the additional chance to win the camera.”
Boost your print sales in 2016! Get in touch with Peter direct on 01234 572138 or via pwigington@fuji.co.uk @bpi_news
BPI News | October 2016 25
NEWS
BLACK & WHITE ISSUE FOR FUJIFILM A NEW MONOCHROME film for users of its Instax mini cameras has been launched by Fujifilm in the aptly named ‘Instax mini film Monochrome’, which includes 10 frames of printable film providing a compact picture size of 62x46mm in each retail pack. The idea, says the manufacturer, is to expand its Instax users’ creative potential for artistic, fashion and street photography. Available from October, pack price is a suggested £9.99.
CANON TAKES YOU TO THE MOVIES
www.fujifilm.co.uk
PHOTOS MORE VALUABLE THAN CARS GOOD NEWS FOR anyone fearing photography is being devalued: a third of Brits value their digital photos and videos more than their car, according to a new survey. Mobile and antimalware experts BullGuard commissioned the survey of 2,000 adults that also discovered that half of respondents value their digital memories more than their smartphones, and 40%
more than their wallet, credit card or laptop. Despite this a fifth never back up their photos or videos and over half of those surveyed were concerned they will lose a photo or video footage in the future, while 30 per cent have already suffered the loss of a precious memory. In 23 per cent of cases this happened due to a lost or misplaced device.
SEE YOUR WAY TO A SALE WITH PRAKTICA VIA SWAINS STORMY SEAS AHEAD? Help your customers to see clearly via these Swains distributed Praktica Marine binoculars, built to not only survive harsh weather conditions, but to deliver excellent image clarity at all times. Retailing for sub £150, the low-cost, yet high-quality binos feature a standard marine 7x magnification with a 50mm objective lens, rubber housing, plus an illuminating compass and internal rangefinder. The fully multicoated optics also come with an
described as a professional compact 4K camcorder with high-end audio capability. Built on feedback from XC10 users, this can also capture 4K at 25p or 24p plus Full HD video, and is described as the perfect ‘B’ or ‘C’ camera for film productions. News gatherers will also be able to extract 8.29 megapixel stills when recording video in 4K. A vari-angle touch screen LCD and Wi-Fi also feature. www.canon.co.uk
Samyang’s premium pair array of accessories which include a floating strap, soft case, eye piece caps and more. For more, speak to your Swains rep. www.swains.co.uk
Those who served… BPI NEWS NOTES WITH SADNESS the sudden passing of Ian Broomhead of SRB Photographic, Luton, well known and respected throughout the photographic
THE PHOTO – and now video – giant has expanded its Cinema EOS system with two 4K capturing flagship models: the EOS C700 (EF/PL) and C700 GS PL. With the cameras modular in design (accessories include a new RVF-V70 0.7-inch OLED viewfinder) and sporting Super 35mm CMOS sensors, frame rates for 4K capture are up to 59.94P/50P, with 2K (Full HD) capture at up to 200p/240p in sensor crop mode, or 4K Raw up to 100P/120P. They also include support for the Apple ProRes format for the first time, with the C700 GS PL in particular said to be designed for fast moving subjects and action scenes. Anamorphic lenses are supported, as is a ‘huge range’ of EF and PL lenses according to Canon. Arriving December is the C700 (EF/ PL) at £28,839 SRP, while the C700 GS PL will cost £30,789 when it arrives in early 2017. The slightly more affordable option at £2,409 is the new Canon XC15 (on right), available now and
industry for his life’s work and dedication with SRB. A service was due to have been held on September 22nd in Stopsley, Luton.
DISTRIBUTOR INTRO2020 is offering the trade a new pair of third party manual focus lenses from the Korean manufacturer in the 85mm f/1.2 and 14mm f/2.4, said to be able to resolve 50 megapixel photos and/ or 4K video. The 85mm f/1.2 is claimed as the brightest lens available for full frame DSLR users, while the wideangle aluminium alloy metal 14mm f/2.4 is similarly described as one
of a kind. Availability is promised within 2016 at a price yet to be set. www.intro2020.co.uk www.samyanglensglobal.com
BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 26 October 2016 | BPI News
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PHOTO RETAIL NEWS
A simple offer, explained simply
THE SKY'S THE LIMIT FOR BLUE SKY PRINTING WITH EPSON & TETENAL Previous experience gained in the photo retail market enabled James Callaghan to know exactly what equipment he needed when it came to opening his own store. James Callaghan owner of Blue Sky Printing
Blue Sky Printing Sky Blue Printing opened their doors inside Meadows Shopping Centre in Chelmsford in March 2015 and have had Epson equipment from the very beginning. Starting off their business with an Epson D700 Printer and the Epson Stylus Pro 9900 Inkjet large-format printer, the photo retail store has recently upgraded their equipment. Store owner James Callaghan explains: “In April we purchased a D7 Photo Studio Kiosk and an Epson P9000 large-format printer from Tetenal and I have to say both machines work perfectly and are extremely reliable.”
With 10 years of experience in the photo retail industry, James has gained trust in the Epson brand over the years which has further grown since opening Sky Blue Printing last year. “I have always worked with Epson and to me the quality of prints is simply unique! That’s why I had no doubt when upgrading our photo printing equipment. In my opinion the quality of competitive ink jet printers simply doesn’t marry up with Epson’s machines.”
Professional quality In addition to the usual customer coming into the store for every
serving professional photographers. James is delighted by their judgement on his Epson printers: “It’s great to see that the Epson D700 even fulfils professional photographers’ needs. We had feedback that the print quality actually comes close to the C- Type print (chromogenic colour print) while being a much quicker process with the photographic print being done within seconds.”
Modern design Apart from the quality of photo products printed with Epson equipment, James and his team have also always been concerned about how the printers visually fit into their store: “It might sound silly but I think within a retail environment it’s actually really important that the equipment nicely fits into the entire store atmosphere. Here at Sky Blue Printing our aim
is to create a modern and clean environment, inviting the customer to have a look at the range of different products we display in our store. I must say the modern Epson printers match this space much more than any other printer I’ve seen from competitive brands.”
TETENAL - PERFECT PARTNERS FOR EPSON EQUIPMENT James also emphasises how Tetenal have supported him in making the right equipment choice for his business: “We have been really happy with the help Tetenal have offered us when picking our new printers. The first one we purchased was the Epson D700 which really took our business to the next level, making us a full service photo shop.”
Official Distributors Epson Photographic Print Solutions
Blue Sky Printing in Chelmsford
TEL 0116 289 3644 phil.barker@tetenal.uk.com www.tetenaluk.com
day prints, Blue Sky Printing is also
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BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE
Beat the bankers!
There’s nothing worse than a letter through the post that details a new set of charges or terms that your bank has decided to unilaterally impose. While some of the changes may be benign, others can be quite costly and you may decide to vote with your feet. However, choosing a bank is not as simple as it seems…
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lthough unlikely in a retail environment, depending on the complexity of your business it’s entirely possible that you can use a personal bank account – as long as you’re not a limited company or partnership. However, it’s not recommended. Not only will you have no separation of personal and business monies, HMRC do not like the practice. If they decide to investigate your affairs they can then latch on to your use of a personal bank account as an excuse to widen the investigation into other aspects of your (personal) finances.
Filtering the accounts Walking down the high street is the most obvious way of finding a bank. But it is very time consuming. An alternative is a bank comparison tool, like that offered by the British Bankers Association at www.bba. org.uk. This allows a search to be
28 October 2016 | BPI News
conducted first based on entity (sole trader, partnership, company, club/ society, or charity), and then on facilities required (branch, debit card, overdraft, and credit interest). Upon making the appropriate choices a long list of matching bank accounts is presented. At the time of writing, a limited company could be presented with a wide array of charges. Cheques written can cost anywhere from nothing (such as with a Santander Business current account – four levels of flat rate monthly fee apply based on levels of cash deposited), to £1.50 (Danske Bank Small Business Digital). Exactly the same charges can apply to cash deposited. Apart from the BBA, from the end of July (2016), a second online comparison tool became available to SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). Operated by British Banking Insight, and to be found at www.businessbankinginsight.co.uk/
“While it’s sensible to focus on the cost of the banking arrangement, it shouldn’t be the sole consideration. ’” current-accounts, it’s a collaboration between HM Treasury, the British Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses. It’s independent of any bank but has an advisory group consisting of a number of banks and the government. Here you can get suggestions based on customer ratings of charges and fees, ease of contact, business understanding, fair treatment, and banks having concern for the client. You can search for recommended banks using criteria such as turnover, business sector, level of international activity, age of business, number of employees plus location. Each option has a subset of categories to refine the search. The returned results list the organisation and ‘user’ reviews with direct links to the institutions.
As an example, an SME searching for a bank in the wholesale or retail sector would see (again, at the time of writing) 28 institutions returned. In first and second positions, based on ratings of 100%, are Isle of Man Bank, followed by FSB and Standard Bank. Rated lowest is Barclays, with only 22%. Neither site provides details on loan accounts or foreign currency accounts. Nor is there information on merchant accounts that allow for the processing of credit and debit card transactions. That is another subject entirely, for which help can be found on the UK Cards Association site at http://bit.ly/JnCcMc. One thing you should do is look for any introductory rates that may be available. These are presently few and far between and are invariably
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BPI NEWS BUSINESS ADVICE targeted to the new business, via offers of time-limited free banking. At the time of writing, Santander offers a 12-month deal, TSB gives 18 months, while Yorkshire offers 25 months of free banking. But firms should obviously examine the charges beyond the initial period. The majority of banks don’t pay interest on current accounts. Exceptions include Santander, which pays 0.25% on credit balances, and Yorkshire Bank, which claims it will negotiate on interest paid. With this in mind you should plan to sweep excess cash into some form of savings account. The higher the rate, the longer the notice period, so when chasing rates ensure that it’s with cash that isn’t required for daily working capital. Presently Aldermore is offering between 1.12 and 2% on a 60-day to five-year notice period account. If you want instant notice access, consider Nationwide’s Business Instant Saver, which pays 0.80%.
Cost isn’t king While it’s sensible to focus on the cost of the banking arrangement, it shouldn’t be the sole consideration. Ask yourself: n Do you want to bank at a branch, via the Post Office, or will a post box suffice? n How much cash do you deposit? n Do you want face-to-face contact with a manager or small business advisor? n Do you need an overdraft or other borrowing facilities? If so, how good is your credit rating, both personally and for the firm? n Do you want the convenience of being able to view your personal account and associated cards, plus business account and cards, in the same place? n Are you bothered by key-fob based security? HSBC still use a fob-type device to log-on, which adds pocket bulk. n Are the formats the banks use for downloadable reports compatible with whatever software you use?
To conclude Just because you’re running a business doesn’t you need to pay more than necessary for the facilities. For the best chance of success, you need to invest time and keep a weather eye out on the market – and that means switching banks if necessary, to beat them at their own game.
@bpi_news
Maintaining cover The Insurance Act 2015 came in on 12 August 2016 and brings the most significant reform to how businesses buy insurance in more than 100 years. Whether you buy buildings or contents cover for your shop, motor cover for vans, or public and employee liability cover, this new legislation will affect how you buy insurance, writes business expert Adam Bernstein. UNDER THE NEW ACT, there is now a duty governing the information that you must disclose before a policy is taken out – the ‘Duty of Fair Presentation’. A failure to comply may provide insurers with grounds to refuse to pay your claim, or reduce what they pay. You now need to disclose not only information you know, but also information that you ought to know. This includes material that should have been revealed by a ‘reasonable search’. The old automatic remedy of avoidance – effectively cancellation – of a policy, in the event that a policyholder fails to disclose material information to an insurer, has been replaced by a range of ‘proportionate remedies’, based on what the insurer would have done had a fair presentation been made. This includes amending the terms of the policy to those it would have agreed, had a fair presentation been made. Insurance policies frequently contain various terms such as ‘warranties’ and ‘conditions precedent’. These are conditions an insured business must comply
“You now need to disclose not only information you know, but also information that you ought to know. This includes material that should have been revealed by a ‘reasonable search’. ” with; for example, a working smoke alarm, or a set of anti-ram raid posts. Previously, breaches automatically permitted insurers to refuse a claim. However, the Act has the effect of transforming warranties into ‘suspensory conditions’. Here the insurer can deny your claims while you are in breach of warranty, but, if fixed, your cover will restart. Furthermore, an insurer will only be allowed to cite a breach of a warranty or particular condition in declining a claim, if your loss is connected to the stated breach. For example, an insurer will not be able to decline a flood claim merely because a fire alarm warranty was breached. In business contracts, the parties to a policy are free to contract out of any part of the Act, apart from a declaration stating that representations made by the
policyholder are true and accurate. The Act allows contracting out, removing the rights that the new Act confers on policyholders, and you need to be aware of this. The Insurance Act should be welcomed by purchasers of insurance. But before buyers get too excited, it’s important that they are aware of the new need to capture information that could be relevant to an insurer and the fact that this may involve detailed searches within the business and of suppliers. For further reading on the above matters, direct your browser to the following: The legislation: http://www. legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/4/ contents Government notes on the legislation: https://www.gov.uk/ government/news/governmentmodernises-100-year-oldinsurance-rules
BPI News | October 2016 29
BPI NEWS EXTRA
HANDS-ON WITH FUJIFILM’S MEDIUM FORMAT GFX MIRRORLESS CAMERA BPI News gets hands on with the new 51 megapixel Fujifilm GFX at an exclusive breakout session in a backroom at the Cologne Messe last month – arguably the biggest announcement to come out of this year’s show – where we get to listen to and quiz the new system’s Japanese development and design team further…
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t Photokina, BPI News was invited to a ‘break out’ session with the developers and designers of Fujifilm’s new GFX 50S camera. This was a more in-depth look at its forthcoming mirrorless digital medium format model – and also there was discussion about the promised GF lenses – which Fuji told us “also inherit X series DNA”. In fact there are six lenses currently planned, scheduled to be introduced sequentially, with the manufacturer promising to consult photographers as regards which further lenses they would like to see for the new system once the initial batch is in circulation. The first lens released will be a standard prime lens, the second will be a standard zoom lens, the third will be a mid telephoto/ macro, the fourth will be a mid telephoto lens with a large aperture, the fifth will be an ultra wide prime lens and the sixth will be a wide prime lens. In fact, the first trio of lenses was announced at Fuji’s main Photokina press conference as being the GF63mm f/2.8 R WR (the standard prime lens), providing
A team effort: Jeannie Corby and Theo Georghiades from Fujifilm UK pose with Japanese colleagues directly responsible for developing and designing the innovative GFX system
the equivalent of 50mm in the 35mm format and described as ‘lightweight and small’. This is joined by the GF32-64mm f/4 R LM WR zoom (the standard zoom), providing the 35mm format equivalent of 25-51mm, plus a GF120mmm f/4 macro lens (the mid telephoto/ macro lens as described by the manufacturer’s development team). The second ‘wave’ of lenses unveiled at our breakout session
Displaying the goods: Fujifilm’s new GFX system body and proposed lens line up inspired a feeding frenzy at Photokina 2016 as journalists and visitors scrambled to get closer to one of the biggest announcements - perhaps the biggest - of the show
are the GF 110mm f/2 RLM WR, the 23mm f/4 RLM WR and the GF45mm f/2.8 R WR; the ‘WR’ denoting their weather resistance. All these optics are also dust proofed.
Short flange back & customised sensor The manufacturer has suggested that the GFX camera is designed as much for use in the great outdoors as the studio, so unsurprisingly all these proposed GF lenses are additionally claimed to operate down to minus 10°C, plus boast a brass mount construction. We were also told that the G Mount camera features a short flange back, which has enabled a degree of freedom when it comes to the optical design, and that the construction is such that the battery is located just behind the sensor. Though Fujifilm said it had itself designed and customised the sensor used for the 50S, it admitted it was not the manufacturer. As we learnt in the body text of our main Photokina report this issue, the GFX format sensor, with physical dimensions of 43.8x32.9mm, is 1.7x larger than a 35mm sensor. The 50S also features a LCD window on top, to display key settings at a glance, along with an ISO dial and a shutter speed dial. Its
grip has been optimized for a middle finger hold according to its designer, whilst a newly developed focal plane shutter provides silent operation, high durability and low shutter shock, so users can achieve high resolution imagery. Shutter speeds up to 1/4000th sec are achievable, and users are able to shoot with both ‘no leaf shutter’ lenses and ‘leaf shutter lenses’ too.
Film-look images As regards the look of the images the GFX promises to deliver, Fujifilm’s team says that they will appear “real and natural, not artificial,” that it is reducing enhancements in image processing to achieve greater naturalism, and that results will have a “film look”. The launch date for the camera and first lens is early 2017, but any exact date was still to be decided as we went to press. As widely reported, the price suggested for launch was “lower than $10,000”, which will include both body and prime lens. More news as we have it but we have to conclude that this is an interesting development for Fujifilm as it moves ever further away from the point and shoot models that were once its mainstay in the mid 2000s. www.fujifilm.co.uk
BPI News is your mouthpiece to the industry. Send your news to info@bpinews.co.uk 30 October 2016 | BPI News
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