Thursday 28 October 2010

The Pursuit of Excellence - Michael Bond on Grays of Westminster

Michael Bond, Author

"I have yet to read Grays of Westminster - Exclusively...Nikon; that is a pleasure still to come, but already I know what to expect. It will be a "quality" production: the title, with its two key words Grays and Nikon, says it all.

Such excellence is instantly recognizable; you can see it, feel it, taste it, even smell it. But for all that, it is often hard to pin down as it is to analyze the 'star quality' of, say, the late Rex Harrison or Laurence Olivier.

The car in a Rolls Royce dealer's showroom exudes it, as do the college lawns at Oxford and Cambridge. The formula in both cases is deceptively simple. Untold man-hours go into the making of a Rolls Royce, along with much skill and pride of workmanship; for the latter, you take a level patch of ground, scatter some grass seed over it, then mow it and roll it regularly for some five hundred years or so.

The truth is that excellence is not something that happens out of the blue; it is a goal that needs to be aimed for in the first place. Aimed for and worked on with unswerving dedication.

The story of Nikon is one of dedication to quality; you only have to hold one of their products in your hand to realize that. Pass through the door of 40 Churton Street, Pimlico, take a look around, and you will find a similar story.

To parody the well known song: "Grays and Nikon go together like a horse and carriage": in culinary terms, the French would say it is 'un bon marriage', and in a world where all too often standards seem to be falling around us, these are things to cherish!"

Michael Bond
Creator of Paddington Bear

An excerpt from "Grays of Westminster Exclusively... Nikon - In the Company of Legends" by Gillian Greenwood

Nikon Deals: News Flash - New Nikon Special Prices

We are pleased to announce the following price changes on our New Nikon Specials


SLR Bodies and Kits

D3s - £3,499.00
D3s kit with 14-24mm f/2.8G AF-S - £4,775.00
D3s kit with 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S - £4,690.00
D3s kit with 14-24mm f/2.8G & 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S - £5,969.00

D700 - £1,725.00
D700 kit with 14-24mm f/2.8G AF-S - £2,999.00
D700 kit with 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S - £2,920.00
D700 kit with 14-24mm f/2.8G & 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S - £4,190.00
D700 kit with 16-35mm f/4G AF-S VR - £2,585.00
D700 with MB-D10 battery grip - £1,920.00

D300s - £1,085.00
D300s with MB-D10 battery grip - £1,280.00
D300s kit with 16-85mm AF-S DX VR - £1,480.00
D300s kit with 18-200 AF-S DX VR - £1,599.00

D90 - £589.00
D90 kit with 18-105mm AF-S DX VR - £749.00

D5000 - £425.00
D5000 kit with 18-55mm AF-S DX VR - £479.00

D3100 - £449.00
D3100 kit with 18-55mm AF-S DX VR - £499.00

Nikkor Lenses

AF-S and AF DX section 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G
AF-S DX VRII - £519.00
55-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR - £315.00

AF-S FX section
24mm f/1.4G AF-S ED - £1,799.00
28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR - £829.00
70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED VR - £395.00
200mm f/2G AF-S IF-ED VR II - £4,999.00

AF and AF-S Micro -Nikkor section
85mm f/3.5G AF-S IF-ED VR Micro - £385.00

For all orders please email the shop or telephone us directly and speak to a member of staff.


D7000 Exclusive Preview

Nikon D7000Nikon D7000

If you have been eargerly awaiting the new Nikon D7000 body, we will be receiving a demonstration body tomorrow prior to our first delivery on the 5th of November. This camera falls right between the D90 and D300S, so if you are looking for a lighter solution than the D300S but a higher specification than the D90, this may be the camera for you.

There are only a select few shops receiving demonstration models and you will also have the opportunity to add yourself to the waiting list in-store if you wish to be notified when our full
stock arrives.

For further details check our website or call us on 0207 828 4925.


300S Cashback - Final Few Days
Get Closer with £200 Cashback from Nikon
Nikon are currently offering £200.00 cashback on the D300S body when bought with any new lens over £400.00. This offer expires on October 31st so there are just a few days left to take advantage of this. We currently have D300s bodies and all suitable DX lenses in stock and kit prices are accommodated for you to be eligible for this deal.

Claims must be filed before November 30th. Please see Terms & Conditions on the Nikon UK website.

If you would like to place an order please email us at: info@graysofwestminster.co.uk, or telephone the shop and speak to a member of staff who will be more than happy to help you on 0207 828 4925.

Kindest regards,

Tabitha Hardy

Thursday 21 October 2010

The Definitive Panoramic Seminar, Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 - Last Few Places Available

The Definitive Panoramic Seminar

by Michael Eleftheriades

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010


Due to overwhelming demand, we now only have a very small number of places available at the panoramic seminar to be held in London, at
Fitzroy House,
37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX

Fitzroy House, London

The seminar will be presented by Michael Eleftheriades, well known for his own stunning panoramic vistas and his inspirational lectures on the subject.

It will take place from 2.00 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. The cost of the session will be £155 with a special price of £95 if you are a current Nikon Owner subscriber. To book, please email me with your full name, daytime mobile and landline, or call between 12.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday on 020 7828 4925 or for International calls telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925, and ask to speak to me, Gillian Greenwood, or my colleague Katrin Ruckert. There are limited places available, so please book as soon as you are able to, in order to avoid disappointment.

gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk


Panoramic Seminar Agenda
The aim of the seminar is to demonstrate the principles, tools and software behind panoramic photography and to provide attendees with the knowledge to apply these to panoramic as well as to general photography, for example to photograph interiors or landscape vistas with more mainstream equipment.

The event will cover the following and will end with a showcase of projects:

Part 1: The Principles
  • Panoramic theory & principles
  • Selecting the right camera and lenses
  • Shooting techniques
  • How to set the exposure and white Balance
  • High Dynamic Range shooting
  • Using Tilt & Shift lenses
Part 2: Post Production
  • Image processing
  • Creating cylinders and spherical images
  • Creating photospheres
  • Stitching with Photoshop and more advanced tools
  • Creating virtual tours
Part 3: Presenting Panoramas
  • Printing panoramas
  • Publishing on the web
  • Playback on portable devices
Part 4: Panorama showcase
  • Examples of recent work, including panoramas from the Nikon Owner trips to Japan, Thailand and Cambodia.


About Michael Eleftheriades
A Nikon Owner subscriber since 2002, Michael is an architect and photographer who fuses his particular passion for architecture, virtual reality, computer graphics and photography in the creation of large-scale panoramic imagery.

Michael had been photographing virtual reality scenes using Nikon film cameras since 1986, and subsequently moved into digital usage and implementation with the launch of Nikon's Coolpix range in 1998.

He has exhibited his photographs at three exhibitions in London and lectured on panoramic creation to wide acclaim in the UK, Europe and the United States. When not photographing, Michael directs the efforts of Media Synthesis, a media development and consultancy company established in 1993, and is responsible for virtual reality tours and interactive exhibits at many of the UK's leading museums, including the Maritime and Natural History Museums.

Michael has recently created the virtual tour for Grays of Westminster and has been the Nikon Owner London Group coordinator for the last two years.

Comments from the attendees of his Panoramic Seminars at the Nikon UK Headquarters

Thank you for a informative and enjoyable evening. I have been an architectural photographer for twenty something years and your seminar has enlightened me on how to offer clients alternative marketing, display and web site design possibilities. I will be very interested in attending any future workshops that you and Nikon might offer - C.B. & K. M.

I really enjoyed the talk you gave, and was fascinated by the capability of both the software and pano heads. When I got home that night, I told my wife that I had seen true magic! Those are powerful tools, and you have personally done some amazing things with them - J. W.

I was lucky enough to attend both your recent Seminars at Nikon House. It's an interest I have had for a long time and I found your seminar most interesting and informative - M. H.
I just wanted to thank you for the two seminars that I attended, I found both seminars very informative and inspiring. Both seminars were very well presented - K. P.

I should like to let you know, how much I enjoyed the talk by Mike Eleftheriades - I found it most inspirational - T. J.

Fast, but a great deal to cover. Excellent friendly manner, presentation by a master of his art - E. C.

Fantastic, a real eye opener! Excellent! - S. H.

Absolutely fascinating - R. J. S.


Travelling to Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX:
the nearest underground station is Warren Street, but please do make sure that it is open – it is occasionally closed on a Saturday – if so, Goodge Street station is a good option.

What is Nikon Owner?
Nikon Owner Magazine and Interactive Website is considered by many to be the world’s number 1 user group for Nikon owners. It was initially founded with the purpose of assisting Nikon users to make full use of the Nikon equipment they own, to give advice on a wide spectrum of photographic queries and problems, and at the same time to offer ideas to bring about an increase in photographic skills. Subscription to Nikon Owner magazine and interactive website provides a bridge between theory and practical, technical knowledge and accomplishment. As a subscriber to this group, you will receive an array of offers and assistance, as well as the unique photographic publication:

Nikon Owner Magazine CoversNikon Owner Magazine
From the cold reaches of the Arctic to the muted ocres of The Palio, from the panoramic sweep of an alien landscape to the microscopic detail of a leaf in bud, Nikon Owner magazine is both inspirational and informative. With its mix of stunning images, illuminating articles to assist and enlighten the photographer, and the very latest reviews on Nikon equipment, it is the essential magazine for the Nikon user, and is 100% Nikon.

Nikon Owner subscriber benefits additionally include:
  • Private user name and password to subscribers-only website which includes a lively forum, message board, technical equipment reviews, events’ page and use of a photo gallery.
  • Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline: free technical consultation and support from Simon Stafford who is widely recognized as one of the top Nikon experts in the UK; you will be able to benefit from his formidable knowledge and have all your technical questions fully answered by email. This service is exclusive to Nikon Owner subscribers.
  • FREE 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster within your year of subscription.
  • FREE 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster within your year of subscription.
  • 10% off Think-Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster.
  • Special trips: past visits have included a two-week trip to Japan and a personal tour of the Nikon factory, a visit to Nikon Thailand, Angkor Watt, Cambodia.
  • Substantial discounts on events and training sessions such as Mike Maloney’s House of Lords Photographic Workshop, Heather Angel’s Wildlife & Natural History Workshops, Chris Weston’s Photographic Courses, Simon Stafford’s Definitive Flash, Portraiture and Macro Seminars.
  • 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK.
  • A range of complimentary meetings and outings organized by local Nikon Owner Groups.
  • Nikon Owner Grand Christmas Dinner at the Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, London.
The cost of a standard annual subscription to Nikon Owner is currently at the special price of £59. (Quote ME59 when you call or email.)

With kindest regards

Gillian Greenwood
Features Editor and Events & Training Coordinator

Saturday 16 October 2010

Nikon Deals: Nikon Secondhand at Grays of Westminster. Latest arrivals!

Are you Sitting Comfortably?
Secondhand Nikon Equipment at Grays of Westminster


We have recently taken in almost a third of a metric ton of secondhand equipment. Everything from Micro lenses to Perspective Control , wide angle to telephoto lenses and some rare beauties such as the 105mm f/2.8 and 135mm f/2 AF-DC lenses, 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6D AF IF-ED Micro-Nikkor, and 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor AIS and AI plus 120mm f/4 Medical-Nikkor IF (internal focusing) AIS.

You will find all of the above and much, much more. For more information of what we have available, check our secondhand equipment page on the Grays of Westminster website.

Kind regards,

Gray Levett

Tuesday 12 October 2010

Grays of Westminster News and Updates

New items now in stock!

Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G AF-S VR
We now have the latest addition to the Nikkor range, the 24-120mm f/4G AF-S VR in stock. Priced at £1049.00 and with only a few in stock, please contact us if you would like to place an order.
Although it's still early days of testing, many of those lucky enough to receive a lens from the first batch have agreed that it is an incredible improvement on its predecessor.

Coolpix P7000 - Nikon's Newest Compact
For those who have been anticipating a new P-range Nikon Coolpix, we now have the new P7000 in stock. This light yet sturdy compact includes a 10.1 megapixel sensor, ISO equivalent of 6400, 3 inch LCD monitor, super quick-response shutter release and 720p HD video mode.

With a zoom equivalent of 28-200mm and built in ND filter for extra-contrast, you won't be disappointed with the results no matter what scenario you throw at Nikon's new Coolpix. Nikon have also included two ED glass elements to reduce chromatic aberration and fringing at the longer focal lengths.

You can read the full press release here:
http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/newsitem.php?id=295&pg=1&mem=&arc=0

For more information or to place an order please telephone or email the shop directly.


The Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR - In Stock Now
Rated as one of Nikon's most impressive all-round lenses, the new 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G VR is a great addition to the FX lens line up. This lens is perfect for travel and general walk about photography being compact and relatively light.

This lens is currently retailing at £849.00 while stocks last.

The much awaited Think Tank Retrospective series have just come into stock.

We have a limited supply - please call to place your order.

For full details on the Think Tank range, you can go to their website here:

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/

Soon to come...

The initial batch of 84mm f1.4 AF S G has sold out I'm afraid, but we will be re-stocking as soon as Nikon UK have more which I have been told will be 2-3 weeks. I have a small waiting list on this now so let me know if you would like to be added. So far the feedback has been 100% positive on this lens with very happy customers who have purchased and used it.

The new D3100 has also very quickly sold out and I can take your details if you are interested in this camera. A limited supply of this camera should be arriving with us next Wednesday.

We are expecting our first batch of new D7000 at the end of this month and so far it is proving to be very popular. I anticipate it may take a little while before they are in free stock so if you are interested in this camera, please let me know and I will put you on the waiting list so you can get one sooner.

In addition, Nikon have announced further new releases in lenses and a new SB700. To read up about what is available with full details and specifications, please go to the news section of our website using the following link:

http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/news.php


Second hand equipment

A half a ton of second hand equipment is on its way over from Japan and will be listed on the website over the next few days.

Exciting, sought after lenses such as the 135mm f2 DC lens, great for portraiture and the 70-200mm f2.8 VR lens are amongst the equipment that will be lining the second hand department shelves very soon.

If you are looking for a specific second hand item and you cannot find it on the website, you can go on the 'Wants list' either via our website or drop me an e-mail or call and we will let you know when the item comes in.

Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to place an order.

We look forward to hearing from you!