British Photographic Industry News September 2019 by British Photographic Industry News (BPI News)

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SEPTEMBER 2019 • £3

Putting the photo trade in the picture for over 35 years

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‘BACK TO SCHOOL’ PHOTO TRADE SPECIAL Study the latest hardware & brush up on innovative print ideas to make £’s!

PLUS:

FUJIFILM’S LONDON MEGASTORE! AND… NEW FACE IN TOP ROLE AT SIGMA UK

IN THIS ISSUE…

PROFIT FROM PHOTO ID

KODAK ALARIS UPDATE

RETAIL PROFILE

BUSINESS ADVICE

Learn how London Camera Exchange in Leamington Spa has made shooting ID photos the most profitable part of its store

A new long-term partnership with Timpson, new kiosk software and range of services herald a concerted push for Kodak Alaris

Carmarthen Cameras has undergone a major move and a makeover. Discover why it’s now newly prioritising print

Three is the magic number: our resident expert highlights a crucial trio of changes those in photo retail need to prepare for

M I R R O R L E S S R E I N V E N T E D I N C R E D I B L E

P H O T O S .

M E S M E R I S I N G

M O V I E S .

Whether shooting stills or videos, the award winning full-frame Z series pushes the boundaries in imaging quality and lens capabilities, enabled by the all-new Z mount. Unleash full creative freedom with the innovatively designed NIKKOR Z lenses, or choose from over 90 fully AF/AE compatible NIKKOR F lenses*. Experience revolutionary optical performance in a compact form factor today. FULL-FRAME SYSTEM | QUAD VGA EVF | Z M O U N T & N I K KO R Z L E N S E S | I N - C A M E R A 5 A X I S V R | F U L L Y A F /A E C O M P A T I B L E W I T H O V E R 9 0 N I K K O R F L E N S E S * *When paired with the optional FTZ mount adapter

For more information visit www.nikon.co.uk

Logo based around Anders font. 3 possible logo uses.

BACK TO ‘SCHOOL’

Photographic British

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Editorial | September 2019

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Published monthly by

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

Gavin Stoker, Editor gavin@bpinews.co.uk @GavinStoker

Publisher’s Office: 31 New Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7HZ. Legacy Media Ltd accept no ultimate responsibility for accurate reproduction of digital artwork created by third parties. Insurance and carriage of products submitted for inclusion in reports rests with the owner. News, data, prices, interviews and opinion are printed in good faith E&OE. Content including advertising artwork created by Legacy Media Ltd or its agents is ©2019 Legacy Media Ltd. ISSN: to be advised.

ack to reality… As the photo trade shakes the sand out of its shoes and places the pool inflatables back in the loft for another year, we find ourselves catching up on all the new hardware releases announced over the summer from the most prominent names in the business, including Canon and Sony… plus the less expected announcement from Fujifilm that it is opening its own Covent Garden based ‘experience centre’, or ‘Fuji’s Apple store’ as commentators have already dubbed it. From this prominent location the manufacturer will not only be demonstrating and educating; it will also be selling direct to the public – a move that has had several readers wondering aloud how London based photo independents (especially those in Central London) will be affected by the move, and whether other major manufacturers may follow suit. Nikon, of course, already has a central ‘Nikon School’ just off Oxford Street – but to

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COVER IMAGE: We never stop learning when it comes to emerging technologies... and finding how we should, in turn, be engaging with and educating customers. We try to provide you with the ammunition to do both this issue. Let us know if we’ve succeeded!

date, as the name suggests, this has been purely an educational facility. A positive view for those in the business of photo retail is that by opening a three-storey store on a busy London shopping street and popular tourist destination, Fuji is helping put photography literally on the map and firmly in people’s faces – as far as shooting on dedicated cameras and making hard copy prints is concerned. Turn over the page for more on this development and feel free to let us know your own views via our usual address. The other big news this month is Graham Armitage stepping down as General Manager of Sigma UK to enjoy a well-earned retirement, having been involved with promoting the brand since the 1970s. We’ve some parting memories from Graham and details of his successor, who many of you will already recognise, on page 14. With political turmoil and the ‘B’ word still making headlines in the UK at the time of writing, our regular advice article this month looks at what else you need to be prepared for as we head into autumn in order to protect your livelihood and make a success of things. By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail, runs the old adage, so a read of our business feature on page 28 of this issue is strongly advised. Enjoy the magazine, and remember, as BPI News is not just ours but also your mouthpiece to the rest of the photo trade, make sure you use it!

Swains Passport Solutions Both passport systems are capable of producing passport photo codes for UK and Republic of Ireland. We also offer free POS materials for new and existing ID station owners.

For Starter

For Professional Includes: • Fast ID system • 300 prints (That’s £1,800 worth of revenue in prints!) • Sony bridge camera • Off White roller blind

£1,399.00 www.swains.co.uk

sales@swains.co.uk

For Shadow Problems LED Light Panel Includes: • ID station system • 600 prints (That’s £3,600 worth of revenue in prints!) • Canon DSLR camera • Wireless transmitter • LED panel

£399.00

£2,399.00

01485 536200

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BPI News | September 2019 3

News

promotions Camera AG

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

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

es he

A sudden mid August deluge of email from PRs heralded the fact that the winners of the EISA Awards for 2019-2020’s Best Products had been announced. As BPI News readers will know, the European Imaging and Sound Association celebrates new innovations and class leading performance, with 55 ‘special interest’ magazines from 29 countries delivering judgement. The biggest names in the trade were once again well represented. Here are some highlights… Picking up EISA’s Camera of the Year was the Nikon Z6 (top left), while the award for Professional Standard Zoom Lens went to the same manufacturer’s Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, described as the ‘perfect partner’ for Z series cameras. The judges said of the Z6 itself: ‘Nikon has made a superb camera with sensational handling and robust build quality… quite simply this is the best all round camera for serious photographers.’ Best Advanced Full Frame Camera went to the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R (above). Putting all of these to shame, however, was Sony, bagging a record seven awards, including its first one for Photo Innovation, Lumix Nationalwhich Trust POSwent to Sony Real-time Eye AF technology (see also news this issue on Description • Complimentary National its latest camera releases). EISA’s choice Trust Membership Campaign of POS Wide-Angle Prime Lens went to the

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

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

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21/08/2013 13:54

A3 Poster

Fujifilm also won two awards this year, with its GFX 100 (above) and X-T3 mirrorless cameras heralded for Camera Innovation and best Advanced Camera respectively. The judges said of the GFX 100: ‘Fujifilm has made a 100 megapixel Complimentary 12 month national trust membership with the lumiX FZ200 or FZ72

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

laCes

medium format camera that does not suffer from the restraints usually associated with large sensor, high resolution systems.’ Another BPI News regular likewise picked up two awards from EISA. The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports lens (below) won Telephoto Zoom Lens of the year, while its 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports optic was named the best Professional Telephoto Zoom lens.

©National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

onth national trust e lumiX FZ200 or FZ72

PHOTO TRADE WINS BIG AT EISA AWARDS 2019-20

Wobbler

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM, its FE 135mm f/1.8 GM picked up Portrait Prime Lens, while the FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS took best Telephoto Prime Lens. Photo/Video Camera of the year according to the judges was the Sony Alpha 6400 (above) APS-C mirrorless, best Compact Camera went to the just-updated Cybershot RX100 VI, while its seventh award was for its noise cancelling headphones. Coming a close second this year is Canon with five products recognised. Its EOS RP (below, left) was named Full Frame Camera best buy, while Standard Prime Lens went to the RF 50mm f/1.2L IS USM. EISA Standard Zoom Lens was the RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, Lens Innovation was bagged by the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM, and, finally, the EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM (right) was named the best Super Telephoto Prime Lens. Agree or disagree with the judges’ choices? Let us know your thoughts via info@bpinews.co.uk. For the full list of this year’s EISA winners head to the web address below. www.eisa.eu

Hang Tag

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

21/08/2013 13:56

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A4 Cling

British

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21/08/2013 13:59

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News

FUJIFILM TO OPEN ‘EXPERIENTIAL CONCEPT CENTRE’ IN LONDON In an interesting development for the photo trade, the manufacturer has announced plans to open its own consumer-facing ‘concept experience centre’ in London’s busy Covent Garden. Opening this winter and described by commentators as potentially ‘Fuji’s own Apple Store’, this builds on its existing concept of the Wonder Photo Shop that originated in Japan and has spread to western locations including Barcelona. However, with the London centre being spread across three floors, it’s being described as a ‘world first’ for the brand, as the broader intention is to ‘celebrate and showcase all aspects of Fujifilm’s innovative photography and imaging brands, from picture taking to picture making.’ The Wonder Photo Shop concept will make up just one of four ‘experience zones’ in London, the other three being dedicated areas for Instax instant

cameras and printers, Fuji’s GFX medium format mirrorless system, plus its popular X-series mirrorless line up. Fujifilm UK’s MD Yoshitaka Nakamura, who we first interviewed in BPI News in September 2018, explains: “Fujifilm is passionate about the preservation of people’s memories and is committed to more than just keeping the spirit and culture of photography alive – we want it to thrive. This new experience centre, a Fujifilm first, will help us do just that, and I am proud that Fujifilm and photography will have a new home in London’s premier shopping, entertainment and cultural destination.”   Fujifilm UK General Manager Theo Georghiades adds: “From rewriting the rulebook on larger format cameras with the GFX100, to launching the smallest and most innovative Instax instant camera to date, an incredibly exciting year for Fujifilm has just got even bigger.

Our new centre will put the customer at the heart of the experience as a place for everyone to completely immerse themselves in the world of photography.”  www.fujifilm.co.uk

WILKINSON CAMERAS ACQUIRES CAMERA SOLUTIONS With the acquisition of the former Camera Solutions store in Frodsham Street, Wilkinson Cameras has a new store in Chester – its 10th in total nationwide – and its first in the city. Formerly owned by Ray Fisher, who is retiring, Camera Solutions has been the traditional go-to camera store in the city for over 20 years. Wilkinson says that the transferal of ownership – which became effective on August 5th – demonstrates a desire to commit to future growth and success going forward. A full store refit and new storefront are planned before the end of the year. “We are excited to further expand our city-based stores – especially as Chester is one of the iconic cities of the North West of England, popular with shoppers and thousands of visitors to the historic walled city every year,” enthuses Wilkinson Cameras’ MD David Parkinson. “With an experienced team of staff already in-store, plus the support of our brand partners, we have big ambitions for the new Wilkinson branch – further strengthening our position as one of the truly independent

photographic retailers in the UK.” Former owner Ray Fisher adds: “I am delighted to be able to pass Camera Solutions over to the safe

L to R: Paul Edmondson, Company Director, Wilkinson Cameras; David Parkinson, MD Wilkinson Cameras; Ray Fisher, former owner of Camera Solutions; Alex Wilkinson, Company Director, Wilkinson Cameras

hands of Wilkinson Cameras; it is a positive move for the business, my loyal members of staff and a great way forward for all of Camera Solutions’ customers both past and present.” There are currently four full time members of staff employed by the store, all of which Wilkinson Cameras hopes to retain. www.wilkinson.co.uk

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

BPI News | September 2019 5

Swains Promotion

MAKE PASSPORTS THE MOST PROFITABLE PART OF YOUR STORE

ID photos are one of the most regularly in-demand services a retailer can sell to their customers. The added bonus is that they are the most profitable too, as ID Station distributor Swains illustrates

ith profit margins barely existent on most camera bodies, more switched-on retailers are looking to growth areas including personalised photo gifts, which we explored last issue, to maintain their bottom line. A tried and tested way of making the biggest profits however is via the provision of an ID photo service, with Swains currently leading the charge via its ID Station (see also our page 3 advert), for which there are two options. A ‘Starter’ package comes with a Sony bridge camera and capability to deliver 300 prints, while a second ‘Professional’ package includes a Canon DSLR, the ability to provide 600 prints out-of-the-box, plus wireless transfer and LED panel. Both systems can deliver passport photo codes for the UK and Republic of Ireland that allow customers to apply for documentation online. “Upload numbers are really ramping up,” advises Swains MD Danny Williams. “The number of codes used has increased four or five times compared to 12 months ago, with June especially good and over 7000 codes generated by our in-store devices. More and more people are applying electronically. “ For retailers, a key advantage is the systems’ ease of use – simply hit the flag of the country you’re producing the ID photo for, and the correct dimensions and format will be automatically assigned – avoiding errors and media wastage,

cost of the photos being pure profit for the retailer. It’s no surprise therefore that roughly half the stores in the LCE group currently have a similar set up. “We were keen to find a new solution as we’d been offering ID photos for quite some time, but found our old system was becoming difficult to satisfy new regulations with,” recalls Tom. “We asked Swains if we could have a 30 day trial, which they agreed, although they were 100% confident we wouldn’t be sending it back. It’s proved absolutely marvellous and the PHOTO SPECIALIST gives us lots of benefits over while saving time overall. the previous system – for Save Money On Yo ur A further advantage example we don’t have to Passport Applicatio n of partnering with rely on sizing up everything Swains is that it supplies perfectly in the camera, free POS materials to as the software will adjust promote your services the image framing. That’s – whether you’re a new really handy when you’re or existing ID Station photographing babies.” See in-store owner. “We’ve produced Having initially been for more informat ion A2 and A3 posters to worried about a possible help retailers,” confirms fall-off in customers when Danny, adding that the ability to apply digitally partnering with Swains also provides for a passport was introduced, retailers with technical support and in fact the opposite has proved to be the regular free software updates. case. “Probably 30 or 40% of people who If you want to create your own popcome in for a passport photo have tried up studio within your store, Swains and failed at home, whereas with us it’s can additionally supply an LED checked at every stage of the process – light panel for more professional enabling us to satisfy the customer that results. For a minimal set up cost, the photo will be within the regulations.” you can turn a square metre of your In terms of promoting said service, store into its most profitable area as well as an A-board outside the shop, – simply by offering ID photos! Tom notes that “buying a tin of biscuits for the ladies in your local Post Office does no harm”; word of mouth being ‘THE PROFITABILITY the most effective marketing of all. IS HUGE…’ Interestingly, the LCE manager notes Retailer London Camera Exchange in that since the latest cameras have become Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, has more expensive, specialized and possibly had a Swains-supplied ID Station in use intimidating, by offering ID photos for the past three years. Store Manager the shop has been able to hold on to a Tom Chandler, who currently charges broader, non-enthusiast customer base £7.99 for the service, confirms: “the that it might have otherwise lost. “Seeing profitability is huge. We went from 500 a friendly face and familiar service when orders a year to 10x that.” The money they come in is reassuring,” he concludes. invested was earned back by the second week, thanks to up to 98% of the sale www.swains.co.uk

PASSPORT

Licence to print money: London Camera Exchange’s Tom Chandler (pictured) confirms that by installing a Swains supplied ID Station in your store, you’ll be able to enjoy huge profit margins from the get go

Perfectly framed: Easy to use, the ID Station ensures your customers will be provided with a portrait that meets all the latest regulations and requirements and won’t be rejected

ICAO QUALI

TY TEST

100% SSPOR APPROV

For more info call Swains on 01485 536200, email sales@swains.co.uk or contact your Swains Regional Sales Manager 6 September 2019 | BPI News

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BPI News Product Focus

WANDRD: IT’S ALL IN THE BAG WITH VIKING OPTICAL

Viking Optical, renowned in the trade for supplying binoculars and optics, has acquired a new agency in WANDRD bags. It tells BPI News why, like the bags themselves, the new partnership is a perfect fit – and how your own business can benefit by requesting stock

£169.95 for the PRVKE 21L, rising to £249.95 for the 21PhotoBundle. Or it’s £189.95 for the 31L option and £269.95 for the 31PhotoBundle.

CARRY-ON… CARRYALLS

n a challenging retail environment it makes sense to broaden horizons and expand your offerings in order to become something of a one-stop shop for your trade customers. That’s just what the long established Viking Optical has done, with the acquisition of a new agency in WANDRD bags. The American brand, for which Viking is now UK and Ireland distributor, joins its extensive binocular and optical line up.

WORLD’S BEST TRAVEL CAMERA BAG Born out of its founders’ complaint about a lack of options for camera bags – in wanting both a bag that served a practical function, yet looked good while doing it – the stated aim with WANDRD was to create no less than the ‘world’s best travel camera bag’. Viking’s Sales Manager Rob Whyatt adds: “these are exciting times for Viking Optical to expand our range of products and WANDRD is the perfect fit. Many products supplied by Viking Optical, including binoculars, scopes and now WANDRD bags, are perfect for all kinds of outdoor activity and provide the opportunity to increase

sales and maximise margins.” If you’re wanting a steer on which WANDRD bags to stock, start by investigating two backpack models in the PRVKE 21L and 31L. Both are available in a choice of three colours – Black, Wasatch Green or Aegean Blue – as ‘bag only’ or in a Photo Bundle that includes camera cube, ‘rainfly’ rain cover, accessory and waist straps. The backpacks are suggested as perfect for travel or everyday photographic use. Suggested retail prices start at

Now available to stock via Viking Optical... the WANDRD range is being pitched as no less than ‘the world’s best travel camera bag’. Shown here are the PRVKE bag (left) and the Carryall Duffel (right)

If that wasn’t enticing enough there are three duffel bags in the HEXAD 45L plus Carryall 40L and 60L. These are again available in the same three colour options as detailed above. The 45L bag is pitched as ideal for when your photographer customers ‘need more organisational space’ – as a clamshell opening provides complete access to three interior organisational compartments. Suggested retail price is £249.95. The remaining two WANDRD Carryall Duffels are travel bags that come with backpack straps and countless features

These are exciting times for Viking Optical to expand our range of products and WANDRD is the perfect fit. The bags are perfect for all kinds of outdoor activity and provide the opportunity to increase sales and maximise margins.” Viking Optical Sales Manager Rob Whyatt

A great buy (and easy sell) is a Photo Bundle bag option, including ‘camera cube’, rain cover, accessory and waist straps

that Viking promises will make your photographer customers’ travels easier and fun-filled. Supplied with straps and ‘countless’ additional features, the large 40L option retails at £219.95 SRP while the even bigger 60L is SRP £244.95. Further details on the above can be found at www.vikingoptical.co.uk The photo trade is invited to contact Viking’s Sales Manager Rob Whyatt direct via rob@vikingoptical.co.uk or 07563 958046 NOW to place an order.

Contact Viking Optical’s Rob Whyatt now to place your order for WANDRD bags! www.vikingoptical.co.uk 8 September 2019 | BPI News

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News

Plenty of ‘R’s in this month from Sony The height of the summer is normally a quiet time for major product announcements, but Sony chose what commentators normally refer to as ‘the silly season’ to go new product crazy. Its long running series of RX100 premium compacts has been given a 2019 update in the new RX100 VII, with the pitch being it offers ‘Alpha 9 performance in your pocket’. As usual, at its heart is a 1-inch 20.1 megapixel Exmor RS CMOS sensor, coupled with latest generation Bionz X processor, 357-phase detection and 425 contrast detection AF points, plus a 24-200mm f/2.8 to f/4.5 zoom lens. Sony describes its 4K video capability as ‘pro level’, with real time tracking and real time Eye AF for movie shooting, along with 4K Active SteadyShot function and integrated microphone jack. New this time around is burst shooting functionality up to a whopping 90fps. SRP for the camera is £1,200 and it’s available now.

Additional options include a Shooting Grip Kit (DSC-RX100M7G) aimed at ‘vloggers’. This includes the camera, a VCT-SGR1 grip, bracket with accessory shoe to attach a microphone, plus two rechargeable battery packs. There’s also a new LCJ-RXK leather look battery case sold separately for £80 SRP. Also receiving an upgrade is Sony’s full frame A7R series, which gets a new model in the Alpha A7R IV. What’s notable here is that it features a world first 61-megapixel back illuminated full frame image sensor, coupled again with

Plenty of petrol in the tank: Sony’s RX100 compact has proved so popular it’s now in its 7th generation

a Bionz X processor. Despite the high resolution the camera can achieve 10fps continuous shooting with full AF/AE tracking for approximately seven seconds in full frame mode, and approximately three times more in APS-C mode, claims the manufacturer. Even an APS-C crop delivers an image 26.2 megapixels in size. Other features include 4K video recording, 5.76 million dot electronic viewfinder, 567 phase detection AF points and 425 contrast AF points. We also get an improved grip design and the debut of real time Eye AF for video and stills recording. Available now, SRP is £3,500. Optional accessories include a VGC4EM Vertical Grip (September availability at £400 SRP), ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone (also coming this month at £340 SRP), and XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit comprising two XLR/TRS combo connectors and one 3.5mm stereo mini jack for microphone and line input. The latter arrives October at £580 SRP. In timely fashion Sony has also boosted its full frame lens line up with the introduction of a lightweight

FE 35mm f/1.8 prime. Weighing just 280g and measuring 65.6x73mm, Sony says its news lens sets the standard for portability. Minimum focus is 0.22m, while a nine blade circular aperture is said to enable ‘beautiful bokeh’. Priced at £630 SRP, the lens is available now. Lastly, the electronics behemoth has also unveiled what it’s calling the world’s fastest (up to 1000MB/s) smart multifunction USB hub with UHS-II SD/microSD card reader – the MRW-S3 – aimed at photographers who feel they never have enough available USB ports, plus an addition to its fledgling TOUGH SD card range with the introduction of the TOUGH SF-M series. The latter is described as the world’s toughest UHS-II SD card that is shockproof and has the highest-grade waterproof and dustproof levels. ‘Ultra high’ data transfer speeds of up to 277 MB/s read and 150MB/s write are promised, with 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities on offer. Both the cards and the hub will be available sometime this autumn. www.sony.co.uk

Multi-functional: Sony’s USB hub with a built-in card reader

Olympus firmware update & teleconverter on-sale Over our summer break the manufacturer announced an immediately available Version 3 firmware update for OM-D E-M1 Mark II camera users, claimed to include major improvements to the camera’s auto focus performance, an enhancing of image quality, plus the unlocking of new video features.

Direct your Olympus owning customers to the fact that the firmware update is available for free download via www.olympus.co.uk/firmware In related news, the MC-20 2x teleconverter, originally announced by the manufacturer back in January this year, went on sale in July at £399.99 SRP.

Olympus says that focal length doubling device can be attached to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO lens as well as ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lens and will also be compatible with the ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens currently in development. www.olympus.co.uk

BPI News is your mouthpiece to the photo trade, so use it! Send your press releases and news items direct to: info@bpinews.co.uk 10 September 2019 | BPI News

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BPI News Extra

CANON’S HIGH RES DUO FEEL NEED FOR SPEED

Holding the number one position in the UK for DSLR and a ‘strong’ number two position for CSC, the brand has released two new models to satisfy those respective audiences

anon is aiming to deliver the double whammy of high resolution files and high speed capture with its latest two APS-C sensor incorporating interchangeable lens cameras – one mirrorless, in the case of the EOS M6 Mark II, and the other DSLR, in the case of the EOS 90D. “We want to inspire our customers to explore a world of opportunities and tell their stories,” Canon UK’s Marketing Manager Didi Goddard told us at the London unveiling, before giving a market overview suggesting that Canon is still leading the DSC market, for which its G7 X Mark II is currently its best seller, while for CSC in the UK it has a ‘strong’ number two position, according to data from industry watcher GFK. She also revealed that Canon was still number one within the DSLR category for both APS-C models and full frame offerings such as the EOS 5D series. Canon UK’s Product Specialist David Parry added that: “People want the choice, so we’re sticking behind our ranges and growing them.” A case in point is its two new 32.5-megapixel models in the EOS 90D, which replaces the 80D, plus the EOS M6 Mark II, which replaces the original M6. David told us that: “internally the two cameras’ technology is almost exactly the same”. Unsurprisingly, the EOS 90D is aimed at the same type of user as the 80D – namely one who is into sports and wildlife photography. The new camera is, said David, all about

In pole position: Canon’s dynamic duo in the EOS 90D and M6 Mark II – modeled here by Canon’s Didi Goddard and David Parry, respectively – aim to help the brand maintain its market lead

resolution, speed and handling. By contrast, we were told, the M6 Mark II is more about capturing spontaneous moments, would be good for street photography, and is aimed at the technically savvy enthusiast. Both are robust-feeling cameras when held in the palm, without being prohibitively heavy, even with lenses attached and batteries

inserted. The weight of the 90D has even dropped when compared to its predecessor and it now weighs a very manageable 701g without lens.

HEAVY DUTY YET LIGHT FOOTED The EOS 90D’s APS-C sensor is combined with a Digic 8 processor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF like the rest of Canon’s current DSLR range, the ability to shoot 4K ‘movies’ with no crop this time around at 30fps or 25fps, plus the ability to shoot up to 120fps in Full HD mode. Your videographer customers will want to know that the camera also delivers ‘clean’ HDMI output, and is capable of shooting stills up to 10fps (or 11fps if AF is fixed). We also get 45 cross type AF points, focus bracketing, electronic shutter mode, an ISO100-25600 core range expandable to ISO51200, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, vari-angle touch screen control, two multi controller joysticks on the rear of the camera, plus much improved 1300 shot battery

Two new 32.5MP APS-C cameras in the EOS 90D DSLR and EOS M6 Mark II compact system camera. www.canon.co.uk 12 September 2019 | BPI News

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News life (CIPA standard). The compatible battery grip for the EOS 90D is the same as that for the 80D, David added. Moving on, key selling points of the EOS M6 Mark II – on which Canon admitted design has not changed ‘massively’ compared with the earlier M6 – include the fact that it boasts a ‘market leading’ 14fps capture speed with AF, plus 1/16000 sec electronic shutter. Like the 90D it boasts a new 32.5 MP APS-C sensor and Digic 8 processor, while ISO range is the same as its bigger DSLR ‘brother’ too. Exposure compensation can be dialed down to -5EV, there’s a tilting touch screen once again, plus support for touch and drag AF functionality. The camera weighs 408g without lens, is compatible with its optional EVF-DC2 viewfinder and can be bought in a zoom lens kit. Further features include 4K video capture, or Full HD shooting at 50/60P. The camera is also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth equipped. Two new Canon lenses for its mirrorless ‘R’ and ‘RP’ cameras originally teased back at The Photography Show in March are also being made available for sale in the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM and RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM. These are described as portable, durable and just as good at movies as stills, thanks to ‘nano USM’ technology that means they’re quiet as well as fast, as well as built-in image stabilisation. Finally the brand has announced an EOS R/RP Eye AF firmware update. The improvement is that eye detection starts a lot earlier on the camera and is more accurate, it’s claimed. Speak to your local Canon rep for more! www.canon.co.uk

Wex extends Fixation services to Manchester store

The Manchester brand of Wex Photo Video, which itself opened in September 2018, has opened a dedicated Fixation service centre offering ‘while you wait’ diagnosis, sensor cleaning, maintenance and repairs. As regular readers will know, Wex acquired the London based Fixation in October 2015, and, until now, it has been offering its repair services countrywide. From its new service centre at the Manchester store, Fixation says it will now better serve customers in the North, which, it hopes, will lead to improved turnaround times to meet the needs of pro photographers and videographers based in the region. Customers can visit the store in person or book services via www.fixationuk.com Wex Photo Video’s Head of Marketing Matt Devine says: “The launch of our dedicated

Fixation repair desk in Manchester will enable our teams to deliver an enhanced service to those based in the north of the country. In particular, we envisage that turnaround times for testing, diagnosis, sensor cleaning and other essential activities will be significantly reduced for local photographers. We look forward to welcoming customers at the new centre and to strengthening our status as the leading photo and video support service in the UK.” www.wexphotovideo.com

September on-sale for new Nikon ‘Z’

A touch of glass: Two new RF lenses swell Canon’s full frame mirrorless offerings further

While Canon has new lenses for its full frame mirrorless cameras, so does its long-term rival. Nikon has given its Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S portrait lens a September 5th sales start date. The promise here is incredible detail throughout the frame for users of its Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 cameras plus ‘superb’ edge-to-edge sharpness even when shooting at f/1.8. Coupled with the Eye Detection feature of the Nikon Z cameras, the lens’ focusing is said to be incredibly fast, while videographers can also use it for shooting footage with an eye catching shallow depth of field. SRP is £799. “The Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 is an incredibly versatile lens,” claims Nikon UK’s Senior Commercial Planning Manager, Robert Harmon: “With its fast multi-focusing system and large maximum aperture, you don’t need to worry about challenging light or

unexpected opportunities. Whether you’re shooting at an event, in the studio or out in the open, you’re free to capture vibrant portraits that are anything but ordinary.” www.nikon.co.uk

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

BPI News | September 2019 13

BPI News Extra

LEADERSHIP CHANGE, BUT CONSISTENCY ENSURED AT SIGMA UK

After 40+ years of looking after the Sigma brand, UK General Manager Graham Armitage has stepped down to enjoy a well-earned retirement, in doing so handing over the reins to another long-term ‘hand’ in Paul Reynolds. BPI News gets the inside scoop…

hough Sigma UK General Manager Graham Armitage may be leaving us after four decades of service to the photo trade, the good news is that he’s handing over his role at Sigma to the very capable Paul Reynolds, another long-term (albeit not quite as long serving!) employee. The manufacturer therefore aims to reassure those in the trade of a smooth transition and a welcome degree of consistency via an already tried and tested team. Graham Armitage recalls: “I joined CZ Scientific Instruments Ltd in 1978 as Product Manager for Sigma lenses, Sunpak flashguns and Elmo cine. Who would have imagined that the small family owned business whose modest factory nestled on the slopes of the, hopefully, dormant volcano, Mount Bandai would have evolved into the influential brand it has become today. The Sigma factory, still in its original location, has become one of the biggest and technologically sophisticated of its kind staffed by Japanese craftsmen and women of the highest order. “Despite the huge change in fortunes Sigma remains an independent family

A smooth handover: The departing Graham Armitage (on right), who has steered the Sigma brand through 40+ years of trading in the UK, congratulates new General Manager and successor Paul Reynolds (left)

owned company which is unusually caring for its employees and for the environment as well as for the photo/ imaging community in general. A stance that is quite refreshing in these days of corporate big business where the bottom-line is everything.

“I was asked to establish Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sigma Corporation, in late 2000. It made sense to recreate a compact family-like organisation which reflected our parent company‘s values, especially as the vast majority of our core

SIGMA UNVEILS FULL FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERA & LENS TRIO Not content with a couple of EISA wins this month for existing lenses, Sigma has introduced a trio of new lenses for mirrorless cameras; plus, less expectedly, a full frame mirrorless camera of its own – the Sigma fp – described as the world’s smallest and lightest in its class, with a body weight of just 370g and compact dimensions of 112.6x69.9x45.3mm. This camera also utilises the L-mount and boasts a 24.6 effective megapixel resolution. The pitch is that the pocket-able Sigma fp is casual enough to take anywhere with you, yet sufficiently high spec for serious still and cine users, with the reassurance of a robust

and classy body that is weather sealed at 42 points to ensure dust and splash proofing. The camera’s user interface is described as highly intuitive, allowing users to switch between stills and video modes with just one finger. Also the fact that this is an L-mount compatible camera means that it will be able to be used with lenses and accessories from other brands, in addition to Sigma itself. Attendant features include the ability to shoot at 18 fps, electronic shutter for quiet shooting and the avoidance of ‘shutter shock’, plus there is 24fps 4K UHD video recording offered. Pricing for the new camera was still ‘TBA’ as we went to press, but a delivery date of end of September/

All lenses sold via Sigma Imaging UK come with the benefit of a three year limited warranty. www.sigma-imaging-uk.com 14 September 2019 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

Sigma UK Promotion Your key Sigma UK contacts 2019: Steve Vigors, National Sales Manager (Covering Greater London, the Home Counties and the South of England) Mobile: 07535 940 958 Email: steve@sigma-imaging-uk.com

Graham Armitage, seen here in the late 1970s when he was Product Manager for Sigma (along with Sunpak flashguns and Elmo cine) at CZ Scientific Instruments Ltd in Borehamwood. “As you can see I’m actually holding a Sigma lens in the livery of the day,” he adds

customers were, and still are, running family owned businesses themselves. This approach proved to be very successful as we continue to grow and prosper.” “Over the years I have had the privilege to work alongside some very capable and supportive colleagues and with many talented and accomplished customers many of whom have become friends. The time has now come to retire and I am delighted to hand over responsibility as General Manager to Paul Reynolds who, having worked within Sigma UK for the past 16 years, knows intimately how the organisation works. In addition, in his day Paul was the youngest Licentiate & Associate of the Royal Photographic Society and brings a talent and love for all things photographic to the role. “Paul has three young sons of his own and so recognises the importance of family values too! I know that Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd will be in safe hands and that the existing close-knit team will continue to give Paul the commitment and support that they have given me

over the years to ensure that our customers enjoy a seamless handover and a continuation of the service to which they have become accustomed. “I‘d like to say a big thank you to all my friends in the trade for making what could have been a forty year slog into a thoroughly enjoyable career which has passed all too quickly.” BPI News would also like to extend our best wishes to Graham for future health and prosperity, and our thanks for his support for the magazine since we started editing it in 2012. The newly installed Sigma UK General Manager Paul Reynolds says: “It’s a privilege to be taking the reins from Graham who has done an outstanding job in building Sigma UK into the hugely successful company that it is today. It’s an exciting time for the Sigma brand which is continually introducing high quality and innovative products. Our reputation has never been better and I’m excited to be leading Sigma UK into a new era.”

beginning of October was being promised. The three new Sigma lenses aimed at full frame mirrorless camera users are available in both L-mount and Sony E-mount. First up is the 35mm f/1.2 DG DN – which is described as Sigma’s first f/1.2 maximum aperture large diameter prime lens. Part of its maker’s ‘Art’ series, it’s a perfect candidate for use with the Sigma fp, as above. The manufacturer says that the lens allows for creation of ‘astounding resolution and large bokeh effects’. SRP is £1459.99 and it’s available now. Also new and available for both L-mount and E-mount is the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN, which forms part of Sigma’s Contemporary range. Again, it is described as capable of delivering

Ray Fitchett, Regional Sales Manager (Lancashire, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Wales) Tel/Fax: 0121 311 0567 Mobile: 07973 116 483 Email: sigma@rayfitchett.com Donald Spencer, Agent (Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cumbria, North East England and Channel Isles) Tel: 01506 843510 Mobile: 07836 380995 Email: don.spencer@btconnect.com Sam Smith, Cine Specialist and Regional Sales Manager (Covering the South West of England) Mobile: 07415 606 662 Email: sam@sigma-imaging-uk.com Paul Reynolds, General Manager Tel: 01707 329 999 Fax: 01707 327 822 Email: sales@sigma-imaging-uk.com

beautiful bokeh and this time of being suitable for everyday use. Featuring a high build quality and operability said to be ‘outstanding’, the lens’ stepping motor enables high speed and highly accurate AF. Available now, SRP is £549.99. The third new lens is the 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN, which forms part of Sigma’s ‘Art’ line up. This is a high performance wide-angle zoom that is said to be ‘the definitive lens for astrophotography’ according to its maker. Its construction, made up of one FLD glass and five SLD glass elements, is said to have been arranged to suppress chromatic aberration to the edge of frame. Pricing for this one is £1459.99 and it’s available now. Speak to your local Sigma rep (see side panel) for more on all of the above.

All lenses sold via Sigma Imaging UK come with the benefit of a three year limited warranty. www.sigma-imaging-uk.com NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Read BPI News online at issuu.com/bpinewsonline

BPI News | September 2019 15

BPI News Product Focus

KODAK ALARIS SIGNS MULTI £M TIMPSON DEAL

BPI News learns of a new multi-year deal signed with the Timpson group – the UK’s leading instant print kiosk retailer, according to Futuresource Consulting

e may not have heard from the company in the pages of BPI News for a while, but Kodak Alaris and, specifically, its Kodak Moments division, has been diligently busy improving its offerings for those in the photo trade engaged in the business of print. A case in point: news now reaches us of a major new multi million pound, multi-year contract signed with the Timpson group, which famously encompasses 450 Max Spielmann stores and 120 Snappy Snaps franchises. The Timpson deal is a continuation of an already existing and well-established relationship set up in 2006, ensuring supply of photo printing equipment and print media. It highlights the high regard Timpson has for the brand, and the worldwide consumer recognition for that ‘Kodak moment’. “It further pays testament to our strong, positive working relationship,” adds Kodak’s Alaris’ Janice Paterson, Business Manager for Timpson. “Timpson are a forward thinking company and have a great vision for the photo market in the UK.” Of course Timpson itself has very well known photo industry brands of its own – namely Max Spielmann and photo specialists Snappy Snaps. For its part, Kodak Alaris remains the No.1 Instant Print Kiosk brand in Europe, for more than 10 consecutive years running, according to FutureSource Consulting. Globally, Kodak Picture

Timpson are a forward thinking company and have a great vision for the photo market in the UK. The new deal pays testament to our strong, positive working relationship.” Janice Paterson, Kodak Business Manager for Timpson

xxx

Kiosks receive over 500,000 consumer interactions every day, and, again according to FutureSource, over two billion prints are produced on Kodak Kiosks every year.

Timpson and Kodak Alaris have renewed a multi year, multi million pound deal that will see the retailer supplied with photo printing equipment and print media

Big news from Kodak Alaris this month: new multi year, multi million pound deal struck with the Timpson group, plus 16 September 2019 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

Kodak Alaris Promotion

NEW KODAK PICTURE KIOSK SOFTWARE

The Kodak Moments division of Kodak Alaris is launching innovative new kiosk software, broadening its offerings and streamlining the print fulfillment process

xxx

he other big news this month is that there is new kiosk software too – Kodak Moments Retail Software V9.0 Update, to be precise – that streamlines the process of customers and retailers achieving a print, as well as offering exciting new product lines, including very popular personalised photo gifts. New and important features include Apple AirPrint and iOS Cloud Printing, plus eye-catching and attention-grabbing Mini Prints, which should make for an easy sale. The advantage of the new Kodak Picture Kiosk software for the retailer is that, as well as being swift and easy for both store and consumer, content can be customised around seasonal opportunities. Naturally, in the modern era, there’s the further ability to print wirelessly from iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch via Apple AirPrint, a feature already built in to any iPhone – so there’s no need to cajole them into downloading a specific app to their smartphone – as well as print high res files that they’ve stored on iCloud. This all makes perfect sense, especially with Kodak Alaris telling us that 50% of consumers using the kiosks now want to print from their phone, as opposed to other media. In addition, Kodak Alaris says that 60% of iPhone users use iCloud to

New print borders and frames for a series of Mini Prints have also been introduced, creating a range of very eye catching and saleable products, including film strips that can be utilised as bookmarks or given as gifts

back up their photos – so having the hassle free facility to now print them via the Kodak Picture Kiosks’ addition of Wi-Fi bridging is a boon for any retailer looking to maximise revenue. Naturally, transferring images from a mobile phone in order to print them requires an active Internet connection, in order to retrieve the original iCloud image, or Kodak Picture Kiosk with Wi-Fi bridging.

New Kodak Picture Kiosk software has been introduced to further simplify and streamline the process, from ordering a print to receiving a hard copy – including retrieving pictures from mobile phones and cloud storage

NEW PRODUCTS, EASIER THAN EVER TO IMPLEMENT The company hasn’t just streamlined the process by which consumers can retrieve images and get them printed, there is new product they can generate too. As it sounds, ‘Mini Prints’ are a series of small, fun and trendy printed

images. These can be arranged in the style of a strip of film, which means that they make for great bookmarks and souvenirs, as well as wallet friendly retro prints. For the retailer, a new premium pricing option allows for greater profit potential from this unique product set, while an exciting on-screen visual presentation makes it easier than ever to choose the correct format. Choose from nine 1.3x2-inch prints, four 2x3inches, four 3x3-inches, two 3x4-inches, two six-inch prints or 3x6-inch prints. The above can also be stylised with wide array of coloured border designs with differing patterns to really make them ‘pop’. Again, thanks to all-new workflows, it’s easy for customers to create border designs for standard print sizes, as well as posters and magnets. Likewise it’s simpler now for consumers to make crops of their prints, with modifications selectable from the main ‘Prints & Enlargements’ menu. In addition there is an expanded collection of Decorative Panels now available – including photo panels, decorative panels, collage panels and multi panels. A simulated wood grain effect option has been added to achieve a rustic appearance. Finally, Kodak Moments kiosks are now compatible with HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) files, a default format recently introduced by Apple with its release of iOS 11. For further information on the above, direct your browser to: imaging.kodakalaris.com/retailers

new Kodak Picture Kiosk software to maximise product offerings & revenue. Visit: imaging.kodakalaris.com/retailers @bpi_news

BPI News | September 2019 17

BPI News Product Focus

CLEAR VIEW TO PROFIT WITH KENRO

From high spec NanLite monolights, to Nissin flash and Marumi filters, the pro-active distributor is debuting a profitable array of own brand and distributed hardware

omething of the proverbial one-stop shop for the photo trade, distributor Kenro is setting the trade up for a successful autumn with an illuminating array of gear, for which the mantra is, as always, ‘high quality, yet affordable’. Its ‘hero’ products this month are the NanLite Forza LED monolights (right), which feature a single bulb capable of delivering a dazzling amount of brightness for their compact size and price, with a colour temperature of 5600K and 0-100% continuous dimming. Available in a choice of 60W (SRP £299.94), 300W (£1,049.94) and 500W (£1,979.94), they deliver soft light at a high intensity, with true daylight-matching colour fidelity. The Forza 60 weighs just 800g but can output up to 11,950 Lux at 1m using the included reflector, whereas the Forza 300 gives 43,060 Lux and the Forza 500 is capable of up to 66,300 Lux. Optional extras include Fresnel lens attachments to concentrate the light from the Forza 60 and Forza 300 even further, and parabolic softboxes and matching grids (available separately) for all models, allowing for softer, more diffused light. The 60W model is ideal for amateur enthusiasts, whereas the high spec on the 500W is suitable for professional use. In addition there is an optional battery handle available for the smallest 60W light so that it can be used on location, and an RC-1 remote control compatible with all three. Also worth investigation is the new Nissin i600 Compact Speedlight (left). This new model has features similar to the i40, but the power of the i60A. With a Guide Number of 60 and 24-200mm zoom, the i600 unit is available in fits for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm and Micro Four Thirds system cameras. Bright, consistent and well made, Kenro suggests the flash could be used by everyone, from a pro who wants something small, powerful and reliable in their kit bag, to an enthusiast who wants to upgrade from their current flash. Pricing is a very reasonable £189.95.

Bright idea: Illuminate sales with the new Forza monolight trio from NanLite, available now via Kenro

The new Nissin LS-55C (right) is claimed to be one of the world’s most lightweight stands, with a maximum load capacity of 1.5kg and maximum working height of two metres. This ultraportable stand weighs 625g and folds down to 48.5cm, making it a must for photographers who need to minimise the amount of heavy kit they’re carrying. SRP is £139.98. Concluding the new lighting kit, there’s the compact Nissin Light Shaping Kit (left), at £52.94 SRP, which includes a snoot, beauty dish and honeycomb grid. Or, staying on the compact theme, direct photographers to the Kenro Slimline LED Light Panel (left), upon which slides, film and negatives can be viewed with even light and accurate colours. SRP is £42.

MAKE ROOM FOR MARUMI Moving over to the Kenro-distributed Marumi brand, new here are a range of DHG Super ND filters. At the darker end of the scale are the ND500, 1000, 4000 (below) and 32000 varieties, available in nine sizes from 49mm to 82mm, said to be good for architectural photography and daytime long exposures with the aim of blurring clouds in the sky or breaking waves on a shoreline. The newest additions to this range are the less dense ND8, 16, 32 and 64 filters, which are good for shooting light trails, fireworks and waterfalls. They are available in seven sizes, from 67mm to 105m. These high quality Japanese Marumi branded filters come with scratch resistant water and oil repellent coatings. Suggested pricing starts at £61.20 for a 67mm ND8 filter, rising to £258 for a 105mm ND64. Talk to your Kenro rep for more or get in touch via the contact details below! www.kenro.co.uk

WITHOUT FILTER

Filter tips: Marumi filters are sure to spark interest with photographer customers seeking to get creative with shots

WITH FILTER

Contact Kenro’s sales team to order any of the above on 01793 615836 or visit www.kenro.co.uk for more info 18 September 2019 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

IT’SBECANVAS TIME! READY & STOCK UP NOW

Film sales are booming so if you’re not selling it, you’re missing out! Tetenal stock an extensive range of Colour, Black & White and SUC from the leading manufacturers of analogue film. See the latest line up of film from the leading names.

AVAILABLE AT WWW.TETENALUK.COM/STRETCHERBARS All available now from Tetenal.

Wooden wedges for corner fixing are supplied with all of our stretcher bars Additional lengths available to order, contact Tetenal for more details

CONTRACT

STANDARD

PREMIUM

GALLERY

38mm x 35mm

34mm x 20mm

44mm x 24mm

44mm x 44mm

All sold in 12 pairs per pack

Sold in pairs except in *5 pairs where starred

All sold in pairs

INCHES

CODE

PRICE - PAIR

CODE

PRICE - PAIR

CODE

PRICE - PAIR

CODE

PRICE - PAIR

203mm

XP203

£1.13

S203T

£1.55

10"

254mm

XP254

£1.30

S254T

£1.74

P254*

£1.97

G254

£3.17

11"

279mm

S279T

£1.84

12"

305mm

XP305

£1.54

S305T

£1.92

P305*

£2.50

G305

£3.20

13"

330mm

S330T

£1.99

14"

355mm

XP356

£1.78

S356T

£2.00

P356

£2.57

G356

£3.65

15"

381mm

S381T

£2.09

G381

£4.39

16"

406mm

XP406

£2.01

S406T

£2.28

P406*

£2.83

G406

£4.48

17"

431mm

S432T

£2.30

18"

457mm

XP457

£2.22

S457T

£2.44

P457*

£3.08

G457

£4.87

20"

508mm

XP508

£2.40

S508T

£2.64

P508*

£3.21

G508

£5.55

22"

558mm

S559T

£2.71

P559

£3.39

G559

£5.74

24"

609mm

XP610

£2.48

S610T

£3.00

P610*

£3.83

G610

£6.18

28"

711mm

XP711

£2.63

S711T

£3.18

P711

£4.35

G711

£7.05

30"

762mm

XP762

£2.83

S762T

£3.46

P762

£4.67

G762

£7.01

32"

813mm

S813T

£3.53

P813

£4.96

G813

£7.79

36"

914mm

XP914

£3.46

S914T

£4.07

P914

£5.49

G914

£7.90

40"

1016mm

S1016T

£4.20

P1016

£5.96

G1016

£8.70

46"

1168mm

S1168T

£4.75

P1168

£5.99

G1168

£10.42

All of our stretcher bars are made from premium quality pine, with timber kiln-dried to a moisture content of 12-14%, on a par with most wooden picture mouldings.

• Carefully selected timber • Sophisticated manufactuing process • Bars slot neatly together • Lengths are straight and knot free • Minimal wastage

Available from Tetenal Ltd | TEL: 0116 289 3644 | www.tetenaluk.com

Minilab News

CHAPEL OF PRINT

We’ve heard a lot of talk these past few months about one of Fujifilm’s leading independent photo retail partners, Carmarthen Cameras, its amazing new store and in-house photo printing set up. With that in mind we thought it high time we paid a visit…

t’s not often we hear of places of worship being transformed into camera shops and mini labs, though many a photo enthusiast may have worshipped at the altar of the latest tempting gear. Back in May Carmarthen Cameras, which has been in business for 21 years, moved into a deconsecrated chapel and, believes MD Mathew Whittal-Williams, may now be the second largest photo store in Britain. “We’re a little bit different to your normal camera store, put it that way,” he says, proudly. “Our previous premises were on the edge of town and passing trade wasn’t something we had much of. We wouldn’t get their mothers and their pushchairs coming in. We did have a Fujifilm kiosk there, but it wasn’t a big part of what we did. “However our new premises are in the centre of town and in a big ex chapel you can’t miss, so we’re getting a lot more of that sort of custom now. While we’re been with Fujifilm in the past, it’s never been to the extent that we are now. We’ve got a big printing station with a huge printer and all the stuff that comes with that – which is a new venture for us since we’ve moved into this new store. We’ve not been able to do that side of the business justice until now. “Fujifilm are a really friendly company, they provide good advice and want you to do well,” Mathew adds. “That was the key clincher for me, that they want you to do well; they’re not just about

selling you a printer and walking away. “Being in the town centre now and having a big, bright and airy space approximately 12 x 17 metres by 8 metres high, we thought the ability to offer a wide range of print services was something we definitely needed. It’s all new and exciting stuff.” As part of his business’ fresh Fujifilm-focused approach, Mathew says they have been contacting local schools and nurseries and offering them print services, in order to get Carmarthen Cameras known in that circle. “You’ve got to be quite inventive with your promotions,” he notes. “It’s a new market for us.”

FUJIFILM FONT OF KNOWLEDGE Not surprisingly, whilst it’s not looking to run the business for them, Fujifilm has been on hand to offer help and guidance. “Business advisor Wendy Gray is a really excellent help. We’ve just completed a weekend with her where

The second biggest camera shop in Britain? Certainly we don’t know of any other that boasts a full sized organ! There’s plenty of space for demonstrating print ideas and selling equipment in Carmarthen Cameras’ ex-chapel premises

we set up a photo studio with lights and a background and an offer attached. We’ve got photographers here and people who know how to take pictures, but it’s the setting up of promotions we needed help with. She’s been really enthusiastic and knows her stuff, so we’ve been able to learn a hell of a lot from her. As well as babies, some people brought their pets in, so it worked really well and was very popular.”

As Carmarthen Cameras’ location is a listed building, there is a limit to the signage that can be placed on the exterior, making innovative promotional ideas to draw in custom (all of which Fujifilm can help with) all the more important

To discover how Fujifilm can inspire ideas and help boost the profile and bottom line of your own store or minilab, 20 September 2019 | BPI News

www.bpinews.co.uk

Fujifilm advertorial FINAL CALL FOR FUJIFILM ‘MY LIFE’ PROMOTION

As to how the pop-up studio was promoted, Mathew replies that since they were targeting the local community, they utilised social media and “shared it in the right areas locally. As everyone came away happy, hopefully they’ll tell their friends and people will hear about us through word of mouth.” As the shop’s premises are now in a listed building, the store is limited with what it can do to the outside in terms of hanging banners and showing

Increased square footage has enabled Mathew and his team to devote an entire corner of the store to Fujifilm Print Services, with staff instructed to up-sell where possible and educate customers in the myriad ways their images can be printed and displayed

for standard prints – but the MD encourages his staff to upsell wherever possible. “It’s down to their sales ability, really, to show what can be done with that particular print. For example, someone came in the other day with an A4 print of a panoramic shot. So we said: “well, actually if you enlarged that to a 4ft wide print it would look absolutely amazing, and it will still cost less than £20.”

“Fujifilm are a really friendly company, they provide good advice and want you to do well. That was the key clincher for me. They’re not just about selling you a printer and walking away.” Mathew Whittal-Williams MD, Carmarthen Cameras off stock – so inventive and engaging promotions are all the more important. “We’ve got signs out, but they’re not slap bang in front of the building, which is a bit of an issue, but everyone who comes in is blown away by the place and the building and how open it is.” In terms of what’s doing well for the store in terms of printed goods, Mathew says customers are still coming in asking

Fujifilm’s business advisor Wendy Gray (on left) has helped the store with promotional ideas, including hosting pop up portrait studios & offering a free print to encourage a sale of a frame. “We’ve been able to learn hell of a lot from her,” says Mathew

Carmarthen Cameras’ team are ‘still learning’, as photo finishing is not a market they’ve explored in great detail until now, due to their former lack of space, but are finding that Fujifilm are proving to be good tutors. “We’re learning a lot from Wendy about putting different packages together – for example ‘buy a frame and get a free print’. Obviously you’ll make more money on the frame, so offering a free print as a sweetener is good business.” Its MD says that the aim has always been to “build the dream camera shop,” adding that any money made was always put back into stock and building a bigger and better shop. With Fujifilm’s help, it seems Mathew and his team are well on the way to having realised that dream. To find out how Fujifilm Print Services can help advise and improve your own business and turnover, get in touch with Marketing Manager Gloria McCann now on 01234 572138 and visit www.originalphotopaper.com

Since we first wrote about the promotional initiative last issue, aiming to remind a younger generation that printed photos aren’t a thing of the past, Fujifilm has extended the cut-off date for entries to its pioneering ‘My Life’ print exhibition to September 13 – so nudge your photographer customers to send in their entries if they haven’t already. An exhibition of submitted shots is due to run at London’s Truman Brewery from October 24 to 27 – with the aim of creating a picture of what life is all about in modern Britain. Anyone taking part doesn’t just stand to see their image exhibited, but also receive a free print of said picture and have a £2.50 donation made on their behalf by Fujifilm to youth charity The Mix, a confidential support service for the under 25’s (see www.themix.org.uk). Capping things off, everyone who enters will automatically be placed into a prize draw to win one of nine Instax Square SQ6 cameras worth £149.99, or one Fujifilm X-T100 camera worth £700. “Millions of amazing photos are taken every single day, yet so many remain trapped on phones, cameras, and hard drives – and we’re keen to change that,” enthuses Fujifilm UK’s Head of Corporate Communications Andy Ross. “From amateurs to professionals, we want everyone with an eye for a great photo to play their part in our first ever crowd-sourced exhibition, and make a real difference to a great charity in the process.” So, for the chance for your customers to claim a free print, have money donated to charity, potentially have their work exhibited in London and be in with a chance to win one of ten cameras… make sure they upload up to three photos to fujifilm-printlife.eu/London by September 13th. See also the advert on page 31 of this edition for more information.

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

BPI News | September 2019 21

BPI News Product Focus

MIND YOUR ‘P’S & CROSS YOUR ‘T’S WITH EPSON & DPS GROUP

Seeking to boost business by installing a large format Epson SureColor printer? Then you’ll be tempted by both time limited extended warranties plus low-cost of ownership

ack to work after the summer holidays and looking to maximise your earning potential leading into the autumn? For a limited time only, official Epson re-seller the DPS Group is offering the trade the opportunity to snap up an Epson P series printer with a warranty extended from one year to three. But hurry – you have only until September 30th to take advantage of this added peace of mind. As we’ve highlighted in the recent past, the best way to discover how the wide format P series line up can help send your profits soaring is by speaking directly with the DPS Group and, ideally, dropping by for a personal demo at its Kent showroom. You’ll already be aware that printers including the 44-inch P10000 and larger 64-inch P20000 directly replaced the very popular and established Stylus Pro family from Epson – meaning a heritage of proven quality already exists. The range includes some of the largest most heavy-duty devices available to the photo trade – making the manufacturer the perfect partner for your own print fulfillment services. “Don’t miss the boat – get in touch now and book a demo of our in-house P10000 printer so you’ll be in time to grab the limited three-year warranty deal on these magnificent machines,” enthuses DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel, who adds that his company can tailor make a solution that best fits the

Showroom of dreams: Book yourself in for a DPS Group demo of Epson’s P10000 (sample print shown below) and grab the extended 3 year warranty deal

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Again, these are large format devices, with the Epson SureColor SC-T3400, to take one example, offering reliable and accurate wireless printing up to 24-inches. With a compact design and white finish, the printer will slot into most working environments, says the manufacturer, while another advantage is that its UltraChrome XD2 pigment inks will ensure prints are smudge and water-resistant (standard dye inks, by comparison, may run). Its deep blacks and crisp dense lines are said to be particularly good for reproducing graphics. Offering similar qualities but prints up to 36-inches is the Epson SureColor SC-T5400. Unique Nozzle Verification Technology (NVT) helps prevent misprints. What’s more the printer won a ‘best of the best’ Red Dot Award for 2019 – being the annual global competition awarding product design. Again, Maneesh Patel and his team are the guys to speak to about adding these products to your business offerings – and thereby increasing your customer base in a competitive and challenging market.

“Don’t miss the boat – get in touch now and book a demo of our in-house P10000 printer so you’ll be in time to grab the limited three year warranty deal on these magnificent machines.” DPS Group MD Maneesh Patel specific needs of your business, rather than merely box shipping a one-size-fitsall solution. “The DPS Group can help BPI News readers make the decision to upgrade to the Epson SureColor P series from their existing Epson Stylus Pro range or from any other brand they might own – for example Canon or HP.” So don’t miss out that time-limited window to grab a three-year warranty! Get in touch direct via sales@dpsb.co.uk or dial 020 8466 7230 to request a demo and discover the advantages of using an Epson P10000 or P20000 printer in your own business. Time for ‘T’: Brew up some business by installing Epson’s T3400 or T5400 printers, which now come with a two year warranty as standard

DONE TO A ‘T’ In addition, it’s well worth considering Epson’s T series T3400 and T5400 printers, which now come with the advantage of a two-year warranty as standard, whereas the T3100 and T5100 models lower down the range come with the standard one year warranty. The pitch here is that these printers offer precision and reliability, yet a low cost of ownership.

www.thedpsgroup.co.uk www.dpsb.co.uk

Contact the DPS Group to demo Epson printers on 020 8460 3690, email sales@dpsb.co.uk or visit www.dpsb.co.uk 22 September 2019 | BPI News

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News

LEICA’S ‘5’ COMES ALIVE Describing it as ‘a perfect camera for all photographers’ the premium camera manufacturer has unveiled the Leica V-Lux 5. Also pitched as being ideal for travel and adventure, this model features a handy 24-400mm f/2.8-4 zoom lens (16x optical), along with 20 megapixel one-inch sensor, ISO12800 sensitivity, 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder and 3-inch, 1,240,000 dot LCD touch screen. Leica says that its camera takes just 0.1 seconds to sharply focus on a subject. Further facilitating those who want to take the camera with them when travelling, the battery can be charged via USB lead as well as via the mains. The camera is currently priced at £1,050. www.leica-camera.com

CANONS FOR FLOGGING TO THOSE INTO VLOGGING

Not content with launching a new mirrorless camera and DSLR this month (see page 12), Canon chose August to make available a pair of new ‘G’ series PowerShots in the G5 X Mark II and G7 X Mark III plus a full frame RF series zoom lens in the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM, which arrives this month. Weighing 750g, the 24-240mm provides the equivalent of a 10x zoom range, is aimed at ‘creative, enthusiast

photographers’ and has an SRP of £899.99. There is also a kit option that includes an EOS RP camera body for a combined £1999.99, while an optional EW-78F lens hood retails at £34.99. Key features of the G7 X Mark III to pitch to your customers meanwhile include 20.1 megapixel 1.0-inch sized sensor, 4K video without cropping, up to 120fps in Full HD mode, f/1.8-2.8 4.2x zoom lens, plus 3.5mm microphone input

and Wi-Fi connectivity, all of which has its maker suggesting the camera would be ideal for ‘vloggers’. We also get a Digic 8 processor and 20fps continuous shooting. SRP is £699.99, while a battery kit option is slightly extra at £749.99. It’s available in silver and black or black bodied options. Pricier at £849.99 SRP is the G5 X Mark II, with a battery kit option again adding £50 to the asking price. Again we get a 20.1 megapixel 1.0-inch type stacked sensor, 4K video capture, and in the case of the G5, a new 5x optical zoom with f/1.8-2.8 aperture and pop-up EVF. www.canon.co.uk

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

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Business Advice

FIRST RULE OF BUSINESS?

BE PREPARED! With businesses still waiting for certainty on the thorny issue of Brexit as we go to press, the pound falling and political upheaval a-plenty, what else can you do to prepare your business for trading as we head from summer into autumn? We put business expert Adam Bernstein on the case to answer that question…

unning a business isn’t easy. If it were, everyone would be doing it. Those who are successful in navigating the at times choppy waters that confront everyone no doubt have something in common with Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scout Movement; namely they will ‘be prepared’ for whatever comes their way. After all, while we cannot control everything, being prepared puts us in a better position to deal with the unexpected. With that in mind, here are three newsworthy changes that may affect your business going forward that everyone in the trade needs to be aware of.

NEW PROCESS FOR CARD AUTHENTICATION Europe has been worried about the problem of card fraud and so a new process known as Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) made under the EU’s Revised Directive on Payment Services is coming into force. Originally set for 14th September, in common with other EU states, the UK has postponed introduction for 18 months to give firms more time to prepare. As you may have heard, SCA is an extra layer of security designed to prevent payment fraud. It ensures that online card transactions become more secure

through ‘multi-factor authentication’ – a second check to demonstrate that both the transaction and card holder are genuine. The aim of SCA is to be the ‘chip and pin’ of the online world; and it will apply to card transactions over a certain value of €30 (£28). But while SCA targets the online transaction, banks and merchants may also need to regularly check that contactless payments are made by the correct card holder too, via asking for a PIN. This might occur after a contactless card has been tapped five times in succession, or when €150 (£140) has been spent, using only contactless taps. As to how it’ll work, SCA could mean any

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

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‘Back to School’ Trade Special one of numerous authentication methods, including an online PIN or password, a device that only the cardholder can authenticate, or a biometric trait such as a fingerprint or facial recognition. Compliance with the new regime is mandatory, and if a firm doesn’t comply then all transactions will be automatically declined by the cardholder’s bank when they make a purchase. Further, by not developing authentication processes that offer the least friction to consumers, firms could see payment problems and customers moving to firms that do actually offer a seamless experience. So, the first step for every trader is to set systems to recognise when transactions need to abide by SCA (because they are above the €30 threshold) or when they don’t. The second step is for a business to consider how SCA is to be operated – for example how will transactions be authenticated? Visa suggests that for transactions that require SCA, businesses should have what is known as 3-D Secure 2.0 (3DS) in place to enable them apply exemptions, such as low-risk transaction analysis, or perform two-factor authentication when needed. The benefit of 3DS is that it allows issuing banks to verify credit card owners during the transaction process, to transfer liability for fraud disputes away from the trader. A conversation with a merchant acquirer would be time well spent. SCA is coming, like it or not, and those selling online need to plan ahead or potentially face a meltdown as a huge chunk of their business is denied.

COMPANIES HOUSE TO BE REFORMED Limited companies are registered at Companies House and its processes are under review, with the government recently consulting on options. This is due to concerns arising in recent years that Companies House is open to misuse. Worries come mainly from four interrelated issues: misuse of UK companies by international criminals and corrupt elites; the accuracy of information held; the abuse of personal information on the register; and the limited nature of cross checks between Companies House and other bodies. The government is proposing farreaching proposals to introduce identity checks for those who file information on the register, including directors, People with Significant Control and, on a voluntary basis, shareholders. It also sets out a series of proposed reforms that would deliver better quality information on the register, including

The proposals amount to the most significant reform of the UK’s company registration framework since a register was first introduced in 1844.” extending the powers of Companies House to query and seek corroboration on information before it is entered on the register and making it easier to remove inaccurate information. The government has also outlined how Companies House will store information. Under identity verification proposals, access to the register will be carefully managed, allowing only identified or authorised persons to file information. New processes are proposed for sensitive information to be protected. Proposals to allow directors some additional rights to suppress their information from public view have also been set out. The government wants to see the exchange of intelligence made easier to identify criminal behaviour. This will lead to faster identification of anomalies between data at Companies House and elsewhere. The consultation sought views on measures that might deter abuse of UK legal entities, including ending the business activities of limited partnerships which are being misused, imposing limits on the number of directorships any one individual can hold, disclosure of banking information and action to deter misuse of company names and addresses. This could mean routine cross-checking of information on the companies register against external data, a risk-based approach to the sharing of intelligence with law enforcement agencies and the requirement of companies to provide details of their bank account. The proposals amount to the most significant reform of the UK’s company registration framework since a register was first introduced in 1844.

NEW HMRC PREFERENCE It stings when firms fail, leaving financially hurt creditors. But when the taxman steams in, taking preference over other creditors, it can leave a nasty taste in the mouth. Known as Crown Preference, this was abolished in 2002. However, it’s about to be reinstated through the Finance Bill. There are broadly two different types of security: a fixed charge over immovable or larger assets, and a floating charge over moveable items or assets such as stock and debtors. In an enforcement scenario, the amount a secured creditor receives from the proceeds of a secured asset differs depending on whether the secured asset is subject to a fixed or floating charge. A receiver, administrator

or liquidator selling a floating charge asset will distribute the proceeds with insolvency costs first, followed by preferential creditors (employees currently), the ‘prescribed part’, and then the floating charge holder, unsecured creditors and, lastly, shareholders. Fixed charge assets realisations are sent directly to fixed charge asset holders only. This process leads to banks wanting a fixed charge over any assets with any significant value, and a floating charge over everything else; banks lending against floating charge assets will want to know which creditors get paid before them when calculating the value of the security, and how risky the lending is – which determines the cost and availability of borrowing. As noted earlier, under the old regime, the Crown (that is, HMRC), used to be a preferential creditor. The Enterprise Act 2002 removed that to drive a rescue culture. However, the government inserted the ‘prescribed part’, a percentage of the floating charge realisations that by-pass secured creditors holding a floating charge and is paid to the unsecured creditors, including the taxman. This is around 20% of net floating charge monies recovered, to a maximum of £600,000. The Finance Bill re-introduces a different form of Crown preference. If passed, VAT and ‘relevant deductions’ (probably PAYE, employee NICs and Construction Industry Scheme deductions) will place HMRC second in line after employees and above prescribed part creditors. Worryingly for those without security, there is to be no cap to the amount or the look-back period for HMRC to reclaim tax. Firms ought to be worried, as the proposed changes will impact the potential recoveries an asset-based lender could make on insolvency. This means more risk for lenders, and therefore more cost on any borrowing and more rejected attempts to obtain finance. Worse still is the retrospective application of the proposal. Lenders may have to take out insurance on existing floating charge loans, while they will also have to review every borrower’s books to check for unpaid taxes which may pose a risk to their capital. This will add cost for borrowers. Lastly, lenders will start to ask for a greater number of personal guarantees from directors as additional security.

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

BPI News | September 2019 29

News

OLYMPUS & SEA LIFE MAKE A SPLASH The manufacturer has teamed up with the charity Sea Life Trust, which is dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans and marine life, and, in the process, owns and runs various marine animal sanctuaries as well as funding conservation campaigns and educational projects. As part of the partnership it is donating £5 from each sale of a TG-6 toughened camera – waterproof and not so afraid of the sea itself – to Sea Life. But that’s not all. Olympus is also supporting a global beach cleaning initiative and commissioning a sculpture of the rubbish collected to take centre stage at its London Gallery. On top of this, as mentioned previously in these pages, it

will be documenting the journey and transportation of some Beluga whales from Shanghai to Iceland, with the aid of wildlife ambassador photographer Tesni Ward, which will it itself lead to an exhibition this December. Olympus will further be encouraging documentation via photography in a social media campaign too, with details to follow. www.olympus.co.uk www.sealifetrust.com

‘Smallest ever’ Instax is a sound choice

Panasonic loans to get cameras in hands & £’s in pockets Panasonic has launched a complimentary two week loan scheme for professional and high-end photographers and videographers wanting to try out its ‘S’ series cameras – currently the S1 and S1R – before they possibly commit to buying them. A choice of S series lenses – the 24-105mm, 70-200mm or 50mm – is also being made available as part of the scheme, along with the Sigma MC21 converter. S1 samples issued for loan will include the recent SFU2 updated firmware, which was announced back in July and focused on improvements to image stabilisation and AF performance. If you’ve got customers interested in switching to Panasonic, direct them to sign up for a loan at: https://campaigns.panasonic.eu/ lumix-s-loan-scheme-uk-pr

In other Fujifilm news that broke over the summer, the manufacturer has unveiled its smallest and most lightweight hybrid instant camera to date: the Instax Mini LiPlay. Described as being a tool for a new generation that will make capturing and creating ‘real’ photos of special life moments more creative and fun than before, latest features a new ‘Sound’ function that allows a voice message or personalised audio to be played via a unique QR code embedded in a mini print. A Direct Print function allows images stored on a smartphone to be transferred to the camera via Bluetooth for printing on the go, while there are ten pre-installed frame designs provided on the camera, with an additional 20 available via a dedicated app. These

can be added to prints to provide ‘Snapchat-like’ filters in an instant print environment. Finally, a Remote Shooting function allows the shutter to be fired via smartphone operation – allowing users to grab a group photo with friends, for example. Unlike most instant cameras, this one comes with a colour 2.7-inch LCD monitor at the rear, while brightness adjustment and six filters are said to further aid capture of a perfect picture. Available now, SRP is £149.99 in a choice of white, black or gold colours. Two new film products were announced alongside the camera. These are a new Instax Mini film in ‘Confetti’ (£8.99 SRP for a 10 shot pack) which, as the name suggests, adds a confetti-filled border to prints; plus ‘Star-illumination’, which is aimed at Instax Square camera users and adds a star-strewn night sky-like border effect. SRP is £9.99 for 10 shots. www.instax.co.uk

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

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