Friday 20 May 2011

Preview of Grays of Westminster's Double-Page Advert in Amateur Photographer

An Aladdin's Cave of Second-Hand Nikon

Click the image for a larger version of the advert

Monday 16 May 2011

Grays of Westminster...arguably the best store for Nikon worldwide

Downstairs at Grays of Westminster: the second hand Nikon department

"If you're in London and you're a Nikon user, this really is a must-stop."
I often find myself in shops in big cities and airports when I'm ready to buy my next toy, but I'm hesitant because I'm not yet certain. The trouble with chains and franchises is that you're usually being served by a spotty teenager whose understanding of a 'good quality point-and-shoot' is a pump-action-water-pistol. Photography is my hobby so my knowledge comes from my little experience, magazines, blogs and online reviews. When I'm in a shop, I'm almost sure of what I'm buying and if I'm still thinking, I need a little help. I don't want to get there only to hear someone read the product description from the box. I'm there to see the item in real life, feel it and perhaps hear an opinion about other potential options. I don't want to waste my time, nor feel obliged to buy something, just because I answered the dreadful question: 'Can I help you?'. No you can't... and no I would not like fries with that!

Amateur photographers fall into a strange customer segment. Our world of shopping is polarised between a shop whose product knowledge (and stock) is limited, and the virtual world where nothing can be touched nor tested. There are of course exceptions: you don't need to touch a battery, this can be bought online, and there are some chains with very professional sales people who've been trained to explain things better... BUT I'm often in and out of a shop in city far away for a maximum of thirty minutes... and I usually get the water-pistol guy!

Two weeks ago I was in London on business. I arrived in the evening, hired a car the next morning, drove to the east coast for a meeting, back to London in the afternoon and flew home that same night. With such a small window, I needed a shop. A real one. With people. I remembered my last experience (back in 2009) when I visited Grays of Westminster, which is arguably the best store for Nikon worldwide,. I went there to buy a replacement lens hood and a battery grip both of which were almost impossible to find anywhere in London.

This time I wanted to buy an every-day lens and a wide angle lens. The former to replace my 18-200, and the latter is something I really missed when I was in Turkey! 18mm is not wide enough for inside a beautiful church or a mosque so I thought it may be time for a wider angle. I emailed Grays asking about stock availability. I had a nice positive reply the following morning so I stopped there before heading to the airport.

This shop is mainly aimed at professionals, but you're made to feel welcome regardless of your knowledge (and budget). You can hear from professionals who know the cameras and the lenses better than anyone I have access to. They listen to your need and try to match it with the best option - offering second-hand options if available. They have a history with Nikon and they know every accessory, lens and camera body. My focus (sorry) is only on digital, but this shop covers it all. They have two publications, a gazette and a quarterly magazine. The gazette is available for download from their website. Speaking of their website, they have a great virtual tour (where the image above was taken from) and a few interesting links. The shop itself is small enough to be personal and large enough to hold the vast stock they maintain. Their second-hand section is a real treat even if you're not looking for anything specific. I was in and out of the shop having tried the lenses, made my purchase and got the VAT reclaim forms filled. I was there for less than an hour! When I checked in (foursquare) I added the comment: 'My Hamleys'. Now that I reflect to write this post today, I can't think of a better description. If you're in London and you're a Nikon user, this really is a must-stop.

Mohammad Abdullah

Story and image excerpted from: http://utterrelease.com/blog/2011/4/29/grays-of-westminster.html

Sunday 15 May 2011

Nikon Deals: Grays of Westminster News including the Nikon D5100

WELCOME TO GRAYS OF WESTMINSTER NEWS

The arrival of spring brings with it hundreds of things to be thankful for; the promise of longer days, warmer sunshine and new beginnings. And here at Grays of Westminster, you'll find us full of the joys of spring. In spite of ongoing supply issues due to the current situation in Japan, you will find that our shop is full to the brim with Nikon. For example, we currently have stocks of two hard-to-obtain DSLRs - the Nikon D3s and D90 cameras as well as limited stocks of two very popular lenses: the AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR and the AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.


Aladdin's Cave
If you have not had an opportunity to visit Grays of Westminster in person and see for yourself the Aladdin's cave which is our second-hand department, you might like to take a virtual tour by clicking on here: http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/tour/

We would also like to remind you that if you are buying either new or second-hand kit from Grays, you will be able to extend the warranty by taking out a subscription to Nikon Owner.


NIKON D5100



The anticipated replacement for the D5000 still features a vari-angled LCD Monitor, a very popular feature amongst travel photographers, but with all the censor capabilities of the D7000, allowing you to take fantastic photographs with the ease of several automatic and manual modes, and stunning HD home movies.


Key features include:


A vari-angle monitor which allows you to take pictures from above, below, around, and in-front of the camera. Ideal for those hard-to capture shots and self-portraits.


Built in filter effects and creative effects, including features such as a fisheye filter, night vision mode, colour sketch mode, low and high-key shooting modes and many more, for in-camera creativity.


Beautiful video recording up to 1080p HD shooting, including facial recognition features and auto-focus during movie mode. The D5100 is also compatible with the new Nikon M-1 microphone accessory, soon to be available sold separately.


A 16.2 megapixel sensor captures high-quality images.
This camera is available in stock now and the price for body only is £649.00 or with the 18-55mm lens £749.00 including VAT.

Our shop overflows with the best of Nikon from cameras to lenses and thousands of accessories both new and second-hand.

As always at Grays of Westminster, you can be sure of a warm welcome.

Tuesday 10 May 2011

Internationally Acclaimed Wildlife Photographer Heather Angel Demonstrates How to Photograph Endangered Animals and Plants


The Heather Angel Wildlife and Natural History Workshop, now in its 15th year, will be held at Saint Hill Manor, Sussex, on Saturday 23rd July, 2011. The Manor is one of the finest historic sandstone buildings in England, set in fifty-nine acres of landscaped gardens and a wooded lake, and provides the perfect location for this workshop.
London – Professor Heather Angel, the author of over sixty books and the recipient of numerous awards, will be holding an exclusive wildlife and natural history workshop in coordination with Nikon UK and Think Tank camera bags at Saint Hill Manor on Saturday 23rd July, 2011. The event is sponsored by the revered Nikon dealer Grays of Westminster, currently celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary year. Grays of Westminster specialises exclusively in Nikon, offering what is probably the widest range of new and second-hand Nikon in the world.

The workshop will be of benefit to the newcomer and the experienced photographer alike, appealing to all photographers interested in capturing the infinite variety of nature, both rare and commonplace. The schedule for the day includes comprehensive lectures, demonstrations and the opportunity to handle and use a large range of new Nikon camera equipment and Think Tank camera bags. Heather Angel’s previous workshops at Saint Hill Manor have attracted participants from all over the world, including the USA and Japan.

Heather Angel frequently visits dangerous and inhospitable places in her quest to provide organisations such as the WWF, Kew Gardens and the British Council with images of endangered animals and rare plants. Heather will reveal how she prepares for trips, what equipment she takes and how she works to meet her targets. She will show how digital cameras have enabled her to capture some special macro shots with innovative lighting and focus stacking. One of Heather Angel's images of a red panda is featured in the set of Royal Mail stamps to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the WWF, launched in March 2011, and the attendees will gain an insight into how memorable photographs can help to raise awareness of threatened wildlife.

A recent first class British postage stamp used this photograph of a Red Panda by Heather Angel

Highlights of the day include:
  • Nikon Total Imaging System – a talk by John Clements
  • Practical Macro session with Heather Angel inside and in the garden
  • Outside Practical session with John Clements
  • Photoshop Techniques with Giles Angel
  • Outside Practical session with the birds of prey and flying falcons
  • Dinner on the Manor terrace (weather permitting)
Booking details:

The ticket price includes refreshments, lunch and the evening meal, and costs £245.00 (£185.00 for Nikon Owner subscribers) per person for the day. The workshop starts at 9.15 a.m. and runs until 5.00 p.m., followed by dinner. Bookings can be made online here:

https://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/secure/angel-workshop.php

About Grays of Westminster

The legendary award-winning Grays of Westminster is a charming period shop, specialising exclusively in Nikon. It offers what is probably the widest range of new and second-hand Nikon in the world. It is situated in a quiet location in central London and offers a fast and reliable mail-order service on any Nikon item - available to all world-wide destinations. Tax free shopping to non-European Community residents is also available.

For more information about the workshop or Grays of Westminster please contact:

Gray Levett
Grays of Westminster Exclusively…Nikon
40 Churton Street
London
SW1V 2LP

+44 (0)20 7828 4925
info@graysofwestminster.co.uk
http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk

Friday 6 May 2011

Nikon Lens: The new Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8G lens

 Evolution of the Classic


RRP: £199.99
Sales start date: 2nd June 2011

Nikon announced the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens, a fast, compact lens that affords photographers the versatility of the classic 50mm focal length and the benefits of a fast aperture for photos and D-movies. Whether a new D-SLR enthusiast or a seasoned pro, users will appreciate the tack-sharp image quality, extreme low-light performance, shallow depth of field and Nikon core technologies that improve upon the original to make a great lens even better.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says:

"This 50mm is an ideal second lens. It's a great chance for curious D-SLR enthusiasts to venture out beyond a kit lens and explore the creative possibilities that fast aperture can offer, like pleasantly blurred backgrounds in portraiture and comfortable low-light shooting."

Fast and bright The fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 makes Nikon's new 50mm lens an excellent choice for low-light situations or when shallow depth-of-field is required. You can single out subjects to produce portraits with smooth bokeh or shoot with available light and still capture striking, sharp images. The fast aperture also provides a bright viewfinder image, making it easier to compose your shots.

All-new design The all-new optical design comprises seven elements in six groups, including one aspherical element for superb image quality. The dedicated Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures discreet but accurate autofocus. Compatible with Nikon FX-format D-SLRs, it offers a 75mm (equivalent) focal length when used with Nikon DX-format D-SLRs.

Go light Weighing in at only 185 grams and boasting a weather-sealed metal mount. This remarkably lightweight and compact 'take anywhere' lens is perfect for portraiture or general photography. With its strong combination of classic focal length, speed and quality optics, it easily deserves a place in every photographer's bag. The lens is supplied with a lens hood HB-47, and a soft pouch CL-1013.
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G

KEY ATTRIBUTES:
  • 50mm FX-format standard lens (75mm when used with a Nikon DX-format SLR).
  • Fast maximum aperture of f/1.8.
  • Ideal for shooting in low-light situations or when shallow depth of field is required.
  • Aspherical lens element for superior image quality.
  • SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, quiet autofocus.
  • Two focus modes: M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus).
  • Remarkably lightweight and compact body.
  • Weather-sealed metal lens mount

Thursday 5 May 2011

Nikon FM in Gold - Preview of Amateur Photographer Magazine Advert

The Gold Standard


Specialising in the Exceptional - Nikon FM in Gold

The Vintage Department at Grays of Westminster seeks out only the very best mint or near mint examples of Nikon equipment for our customers. On this advert we feature a very rare camera. It is a Nikon FM in a gold finish.

It was produced to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Nikon and the birth of the first Nikon compact 35mm SLR in May 1977. This example is fitted with a 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor AI lens serial no. 60024 which matched the serial number of the camera. It was also supplied with a Nikon certificate in a gold-backed Perspex block. There were approximately 300 Nikon FM gold cameras produced, but apparently they were never officially available for sale.

Wednesday 4 May 2011

The Definitive Simon Stafford Photography Flash Seminar

Grays of Westminster presents
The Definitive Simon Stafford
Nikon Flash Seminar, Saturday 21st May


For a number of years, Grays of Westminster has presented and hosted a number of comprehensive photographic seminars, workshops, tutorials and events covering a wide variety of subject matter including wildlife and natural history, flash, general photographic technique, portrait, macro and many more.

Following the sold-out success of the Definitive Nikon Flash Seminar last year, we are delighted to be able to repeat this comprehensive training session on Saturday, 21st May in central London, at Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX.

The seminar will be presented by Simon Stafford, technical director of Nikon Owner magazine and respected author of many Nikon books, and 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 send an email with your full name, (as well as your user name if you are a Nikon Owner subscriber), daytime landline and mobile telephone number to: gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk

Agenda for the session

Part One: Flash basics
  • Introduction to Nikon Speedlights and the Nikon Creative Lighting System
  • Understanding light, sync speeds, flash modes, and flash sync modes
  • Shooting with one Speedlight on your camera
  • Modifying light, its colour, quality, and direction
  • Taking the flash off camera, using a cable
  • The Advanced Wireless Lighting system
Part Two: Digging deeper
  • Advanced Creative Lighting System features: FV Lock and Auto High-speed Sync
  • Shooting with multiple Speedlights using wireless control
  • Controlling light: get creative with filters and light modifiers
  • Practical considerations for location shooting
Part Three: Shooting with one light
  • A practical demonstration of setting up and shooting a still-life photograph, using a single Nikon Speedlight and the few simple lighting accessories
There will be ample opportunity to ask questions throughout the event.

Please note: We are anticipating a very high level of response, so please do reply as soon as you are able to to ensure you have a place.

About Simon Stafford

Simon Stafford

Simon Stafford is one of the foremost technical Nikon experts in the UK. With over twenty-five years of experience using the Nikon system, he brings his considerable expertise to bear both as technical editor for Nikon Owner, and as author of a number of comprehensive books on the Nikon system, including his best-seller series of Magic Lantern Guides on the Nikon D70s/D70, the Nikon D80, the Nikon D40, D40X, D50, D60, D200, D300, D700, D90, D3. The series includes a Magic Lantern Guide on the Nikon AF Speedlights & Creative Lighting System, and he is currently working on a fully updated, second edition to include the latest Nikon SB-900.

Special Nikon Owner discount off the price of the course

If you are not already a Nikon Owner subscriber, you are welcome to join Nikon Owner at the same time to receive the benefit of booking the seminar at the lower price of £95
with the discount of £60 off the normal price of £155 for the session.

Nikon Owner Subscription

If you are not already a Nikon Owner subscriber, you are welcome to join Nikon Owner at the same time to receive the benefit of booking the seminar at the lower price.


Standard Annual Subscription - special price: £59
  • 1-year Subscription to Nikon Owner
  • 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster
  • Nikon Owner magazine, a superb, glossy full-colour 60-page quarterly magazine that is 100% Nikon. Each issue delivers benchmark technical reviews of the very latest Nikon equipment, thought-provoking interviews and articles with world-class images
  • Private user-name and password to subscribers-only website
  • Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline
  • 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster
  • 10% off Think Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster
  • Special trips and events
  • Discounts on events and training sessions
  • 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK
Silver Subscription - launch price: £129 (normal price: £179)
  • 2-year Subscription to Nikon Owner
  • 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster
  • A half-hour tutorial on the phone or face to face, by appointment
  • Nikon Owner quarterly magazine as above
  • Private user-name and password to subscribers-only website
  • Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline
  • 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster
  • 10% off Think Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster
  • Special trips and events
  • Discounts on events and training sessions
  • 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK
Gold subscription - launch price £349 (normal price £450)
  • 5-year subscription to Nikon Owner
  • 5-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster
  • 2-year warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster
  • Gold Priority waiting list for all new Nikon releases (top of the waiting list)
  • A half-hour tutorial on the phone or face to face, by appointment
  • Special offers to Gold subscribers throughout the period of subscription
  • A signed copy of Grays of Westminster - In the Company of Legends, or if you have one already, a Nikon Magic Lantern Guide of your choice
  • A Grays of Westminster umbrella (in store only)
  • Nikon Owner quarterly magazine as above
  • Private user-name and password to subscribers-only website which includes forum, message board, technical equipment reviews, events’ page and use of a photo gallery
  • Gold subscription card
  • Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline
  • 10% off Think Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster
  • Special trips and events
  • Substantial discounts on training sessions organised by Grays of Westminster, including Mike Maloney’s Workshops , Heather Angel’s Wildlife & Natural History Workshops, Simon Stafford’s Definitive Flash, Portraiture and Macro Training Sessions, Michael Eleftheriades’ panoramic and colour-calibration seminars and Chris Weston’s Photographic Courses.
  • 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK

Wednesday 20 April 2011

The Definitive Colour Calibration Seminar by Michael Eleftheriades


As the Introduction to Colour Calibration held last year was very well-received and many of the attendees requested a full seminar on the subject, Grays of Westminster are pleased to announce The Definitive Colour Calibration Seminar by Michael Eleftheriades on Saturday, May 7th, 2011 at Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX.

The seminar will comprehensively demonstrate the procedures and settings for calibrating Nikon cameras, monitors, lenses and printers and how to manage colour-profiled workflows with consistency and reliability. Attendance at the introductory evening is not a prerequisite.

The presentation will be given by Michael Eleftheriades, Nikon Owner London Group Coordinator. He says, "Like most of us, I found the myriad of options daunting and I was never in control of my camera's colour or the printing process, which usually ended in disaster. After many years of experimenting I finally began to 'see the light' and started to be in control of my workflows with predictable and controllable results. My aim in this seminar is to demonstrate my key rules and processes so that attendees can benefit too".

The event will end with a prize draw to win a SpyderCube (White balance tool), LensCal (Lens calibration tool) and Spyder 3 Express (Monitor calibration tool), kindly donated by Datacolor. Darren Sharpe, Product Marketing Manager for Datacolor at Computers Unlimited, will also be on hand to answer any questions and to provide a special discounted pricing offer.

The seminar will take place from 2.00 p.m. until 6.00 p.m. The cost of the session will be £155 with a special price of £95 if you are a current Nikon Owner subscriber, and includes afternoon tea. To book, please email your full name, daytime mobile and landline to Gillian Greenwood at: gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk If you are also a Nikon Owner subscriber, add your user name /subscription number to the email. There are limited places available, so do book as soon as you are able to in order to avoid disappointment, and please be kind enough to reply by email rather than by telephone.

'Colour Calibration - from Start to Finish': Seminar Agenda

The aim of the seminar is to provide attendees with the technical knowledge to calibrate their equipment and to be able to colour-manage their workflow successfully from acquisition to print.

Part 1: General Principles
  • Colour Theory
  • What are Colour Spaces & ICC Profiles?
  • Bit Depth; 8, 16 or 32 bits?
  • How Resolution and Pixel Size are interrelated
  • How to set up your applications
Part 2: Calibrating your Nikon
  • Recommended settings for your camera
  • Getting the right exposure
  • Determining the White Balance under any lighting conditions
  • Colour Calibrating your Camera
  • Camera Tips & Tricks

Part 3: Lens Calibration

  • Why calibrate
  • How to check your lenses
  • Setting up your camera to use the calibration

Part 4: Monitor Calibration

  • Why Monitor Calibration is important
  • The right settings for your display
  • Gamma and White Point explained

Part 5: Printer Calibration
  • When do you need to calibrate your printer?
  • Printing papers explained
  • How to calibrate your printer
  • Print Settings & Rendering Intent
  • RGB and CMYK Profiles explained
  • Printing workflows using Adobe Photoshop (or Elements) including Camera RAW
  • Advanced printing using a RIP (raster image processor)

Part 6: Putting it all together
  • Demonstration of colour-profiled workflow from acquisition, manipulation, to printing

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

Travel Information

Fitzroy House

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.

Nikon Owner Subscription

If you are not already a Nikon Owner subscriber, you are welcome to join Nikon Owner at the same time to receive the benefit of booking the seminar at the lower price.



Standard Annual Subscription - special price: £59
  • 1-year Subscription to Nikon Owner
  • 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster
  • Nikon Owner magazine, a superb, glossy full-colour 60-page quarterly magazine that is 100% Nikon. Each issue delivers benchmark technical reviews of the very latest Nikon equipment, thought-provoking interviews and articles with world-class images
  • Private user-name and password to subscribers-only website
  • Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline
  • 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster
  • 10% off Think Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster
  • Special trips and events
  • Discounts on events and training sessions
  • 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK
Silver Subscription - launch price: £129 (normal price: £179)
  • 2-year Subscription to Nikon Owner
  • 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster
  • A half-hour tutorial on the phone or face to face, by appointment
  • Nikon Owner quarterly magazine as above
  • Private user-name and password to subscribers-only website
  • Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline
  • 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster
  • 10% off Think Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster
  • Special trips and events
  • Discounts on events and training sessions
  • 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK
Gold subscription - launch price £349 (normal price £450)
  • 5-year subscription to Nikon Owner
  • 5-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster
  • 2-year warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster
  • Gold Priority waiting list for all new Nikon releases (top of the waiting list)
  • A half-hour tutorial on the phone or face to face, by appointment
  • Special offers to Gold subscribers throughout the period of subscription
  • A signed copy of Grays of Westminster - In the Company of Legends, or if you have one already, a Nikon Magic Lantern Guide of your choice
  • A Grays of Westminster umbrella (in store only)
  • Nikon Owner quarterly magazine as above
  • Private user-name and password to subscribers-only website which includes forum, message board, technical equipment reviews, events’ page and use of a photo gallery
  • Gold subscription card
  • Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline
  • 10% off Think Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster
  • Special trips and events
  • Substantial discounts on training sessions organised by Grays of Westminster, including Mike Maloney’s Workshops , Heather Angel’s Wildlife & Natural History Workshops, Simon Stafford’s Definitive Flash, Portraiture and Macro Training Sessions, Michael Eleftheriades’ panoramic and colour-calibration seminars and Chris Weston’s Photographic Courses.
  • 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK

Thursday 14 April 2011

Nikon Stock Levels

You may have heard that there have been supply issues with certain Nikon products as a result of the tsunami in Japan. The affect of which has resulted in a rush to buy equipment before it disappears. Stocks of certain Nikon cameras and lenses are affected and this is likely to remain so for some time to come. However, we do have some good news. We have been able to secure limited stocks of the following:


Nikon D3s, D700, and D90 camera bodies, and in lenses, Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII, AF-S14-24mm f/2.8 G, AF-S 24-120 f/4G ED VR, AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR and others too numerous to mention.

We also have very good stocks of Nikon accessories.

Second hand Nikon equipment

In the Aladdin's Cave that is our second hand department you will find we are full to the brim with all manner of Nikon DSLRs, film SLRs both autofocus and manual types. Additionally, we have a very broad range of auto-focus and manual focus Nikkor lenses. For those of you interested in vintage equipment we have a number of pristine examples of Nikon rangefinder as well as F and F2 cameras.

On a positive note, the main production plant and seven of Nikon's manufacturing subsiduaries have returned to production, but it will probably take a little time before they are back in full swing.

We look forward, as we have done over the last quarter of a century, to be of service to you.

Kind regards,

Tabitha Hardy
Sales Director
Grays of Westminster
40 Churton Street
Pimlico
London
SW1V 2LP
Tel: +44 020 7828 4925
Fax: +44 020 7976 5783
Website: http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/

Wednesday 13 April 2011

Grays of Westminster Mentioned in Amateur Photographer magazine's 'AskAP' section

Your questions answered: AskAP quotes Gray Levett of Grays of Westminster (Amateur Photographer, 16th April 2011)


Manual and Electronic

Q: I enjoyed Richard Sibley's article on pancake lenses (AO 26 March), but was curious about the Nikkor 45mm f/2.8P lens that featured in the piece. Despite being a manual lens, it has electronic contacts so that aperture information can be communicated with the camera. Are there any other Nikon manual-focus lenses that also have electronic contacts so they can be used with automatic exposure modes on modern DSLR camera?
Neil Winters

A: I spoke to Gray Levett of Grays of Westminster www.graysofwestminster.co.uk , who kindly lent us the 45mm f/2.8P lens featured in the article. He told me 'Nikon had a 500mm f/4P Nikkor IF-ED optic in its manual lens range, and produced, to special order, the 1200-1700mm f/5.6-8P Nikkor IF-ED which was the Godzilla of all manual-focus Nikon lenses. We had one here briefly and, if I remember it correctly, it cost £53,000. Its specification is: focal length 1200-1700mm, aperture f/.5.6-f/8, lens construction 18 elements in 13 groups (3 x EDs), weight 16kg, dimensions 237mm diameter x 880mm long (overall), filters 52mm drop-in. It was designed to cover an American baseball field, or baseball diamond as it is sometimes known.
Richard Sibley

Nikon announces the production of its 60 millionth NIKKOR interchangeable lens for Nikon SLR cameras


London, UK, April 2011 - Nikon celebrates a significant milestone this month, with the production of its 60 millionth NIKKOR interchangeable lens. The landmark figure is the culmination of over 50 years of Nikon's commitment to supplying professional and amateur photographers alike with the best possible equipment.

Five million lenses have been produced in the last seven months alone, after total production of NIKKOR lenses reached 55 million in August 2010. Since then, Nikon has continued to expand the product lineup by releasing six new NIKKOR lenses for FX- and DX-format SLR cameras. The popularity of the six new releases, which satisfy the needs of a wide variety of photographers, has helped production surpass expectations.

NIKKOR lenses released since August 2010:

AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
(released September 2010)
An ultra high-power zoom lens with magnification of approximately 10.7× that covers a broad range of focal lengths from the wide-angle 28 mm to the telephoto 300 mm; equipped with Nikon's latest vibration reduction system, VR II, which provides image stabilization equivalent to an approximately four-step increase in shutter speed. This lens is compatible with the FX format.

AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
(released September 2010)
fast, mid-telephoto, fixed focal length (prime) lens that offers pleasing blur characteristics and superior resolution with a focal length of 85 mm and fast maximum aperture of f/1.4. This lens is compatible with the FX format.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
(released September 2010)
An ultra high-power zoom lens with magnification of approximately 5.5× that covers the 55 mm to 300 mm range of focal lengths; equipped with Nikon's latest vibration reduction system, VR II, and high refractive index (HRI) lens elements. This lens is compatible with the DX format.

AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
(released September 2010)
A 5× standard zoom lens with a fixed maximum aperture of f/4 throughout the entire zoom range; utilizes Nano Crystal Coat and is equipped with Nikon's latest vibration reduction system, VR II. This lens is compatible with the FX format.

AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II
(released October 2010)
A fast, telephoto, fixed focal length (prime) lens with a focal length of 200 mm and maximum aperture of f/2 that is equipped with Nikon's latest vibration reduction system, VR II, and utilizes Nano Crystal Coat. This lens is compatible with the FX format.

AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G
(released November 2010)
A fast, wide-angle lens that exhibits superior image quality with shooting at f/1.4 maximum aperture; utilizes Nano Crystal Coat and is equipped with Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM). This lens is compatible with the FX format.

The history of NIKKOR lenses began in 1959, when Nikon (then Nippon Kogaku K.K.) released its first SLR camera, the Nikon F. At the same time, Nikon also released its first NIKKOR interchangeable lenses for Nikon SLR cameras, among them the NIKKOR-S Auto 5cm f/2. The current lineup of more than sixty NIKKOR lenses for Nikon SLR cameras offers a rich variety of lenses, including fisheye lenses, super wide-angle to super telephoto lenses, micro lenses and PC-E lenses.

Tuesday 12 April 2011

CHRISTIE'S again represented Michael Doven Fine Art

CHRISTIE'S International recently represented another of Michael Doven's fine art photographs

Michael Doven

This one is called: EVEREST VALLEY.

It was for the 2nd Annual GREEN AUCTION to benefit the ENVIRONMENT: "A BID TO SAVE THE EARTH".

Everest Valley, by Michael Doven

Proceeds to benefit Conservation International, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Central Park Conservancy.

http://www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/ABidtoSavetheEarth/catalog_items/256001

It is a large photographic print of a part of this planet that Michael has a great love for.

"Some years ago, I rented a helicopter and went from Kathmandu, Nepal to Mt. Everest Base camp. I had tea with the Lamas at the highest monastery there and saw the mountain of my dreams and took images. As we turned back down valley to return to Kathmandu I saw the most spectacular blue distant huge mountain ridges in the distance that we would be passing and I shot from the Heli. The combination of our altitude (18,000 feet) and the clear day cause the color temperature to go very blue to the eye and on the film negative.

The result was a view of the Everest Valley we never see." - Michael Doven, www.michaeldoven.com

This is a fine art Giclee print on Museum matt Archival Hahnemuhle paper.

Shot with a Mamiya 7 on film, from Helicopter near Everest.

30”wide by 24” high, EVEREST VALLEY, 3 of 5

Last year his CENTRAL PARK print sold at this same auction and also sold again that week elsewhere for $9,500.

Friday 8 April 2011

Sneak Preview of the next Grays of Westminster Amateur Photographer Advert

click image to enlarge

Specialising in the Exceptional

The Vintage Department at Grays of Westminster seeks out only the very best mint or near mint examples of Nikon equipment for our customers. For example, on the right-hand page is the very rare Nikon Model H Field Microscope. This is a portable microscope based on the design of their Nikon rangefinder cameras. It enjoyed a reputation as one of the finest field microscopes, eventually being selected by NASA for a place in Skylab Missions in the early 1970s, where it was known as the “Skylab Microscope”. It employed inverted optics with an especially large prism, along with a built-in three-position objective revolving nosepiece. The range of the optics covered 4x, 10x, 40x, 100x (oil immersion) - and 10x wide-field eyepiece lens. It also offered illumination provided by daylight or a built-in incandescent lamp, powered by two self-contained penlight batteries.

If you have Nikon equipment like this that you wish to dispose of, or indeed any high-quality Nikon, then kindly contact us by telephone 020-7828 4925 or if you prefer, you can email us at info@graysofwestminster.co.uk for our highest offer.

Wednesday 6 April 2011

Nikon D5100 and Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone Preview

Nikon is pleased to announce a new D-SLR to its line-up, the D5100, which is packed with features to make shooting stills or full HD movies more exciting than ever.

 Nikon D5100

Sales start date: End of April 2011

The D5100 offers a new creative perspective thanks to its improved Vari-angle screen, special effects mode and full (1080p) HD Movie. Additionally, Nikon UK is proud to introduce a new stereo microphone, the ME-1. Specifically designed for D-SLRs, the new microphone allows you to record movie clips in high-quality stereo sound without picking up AF-noise.


I AM THE NIKON D5100. I am new perspectives. With a large, high resolution vari-angle monitor, full HD movie shooting, 16.2 MP CMOS sensor, EXPEED 2 image processor, up to 6400 ISO for detailed pictures in low light conditions, and new special effects mode. I am full of creativity. iamnikon.co.uk



Unique viewing angles
The D5100 features an improved Vari-angle LCD screen. The screen now opens horizontally for greater manoeuvrability, even when using a tripod. This freedom of movement adds unparalleled creativity when using Live View, allowing shooting from virtually any angle. You can also view pictures and movies in more detail on the high resolution (approximately 921k-dot), 7.5 cm (3-in.) wide-viewing angle monitor.

Inspire your creativity
The D5100 has a newly introduced special effects mode to shoot amazingly unique pictures and full HD movies (1080p @ 24/25/30fps). There are seven different effects to choose from directly accessible via the mode dial on the top of the camera.

Superior image quality
The DX-format 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, delivers rich colours and fine detail for both pictures and movies, whilst the powerful image-processing engine, EXPEED 2, maximizes the performance of the sensor for exceptional quality. Adding to this the D5100 has an expanded ISO range from 100 to 6400 (can be raised to 25600 at Hi 2) to further help capture brilliant images in challenging light conditions.

 Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone with removable wind screen

ME-1 Stereo Microphone
The new Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone (sold separately) is designed specifically for DSLR videography. Featuring a gold plated 3.5mm input jack ergonomically positioned for eye-level use, and robust build quality, it is suitable for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

 Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone mounted on the Nikon D7000

The microphone's vibration reduction design almost eliminates the pick-up of auto-focus noise and the switchable Low-Cut Filter reduces low frequency wind noise not blocked by the included wind screen.

 Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone without wind screen

Both the Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone and the Nikon D5100 will be available at the end of April 2011. The D5100 is available to order as a body only option or as a kit with the 18-55mm VR lens.

Tuesday 5 April 2011

The Definitive Simon Stafford Close-up & Macro Photography Seminar

Saturday, 16th April
2.00 p.m. - 5.30 p.m.


Simon Stafford's Close-up & Macro Photography Seminar will be held in central London, at Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX on Saturday, 16th April between 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.. The price of the seminar is £155 with the lower price of £95 for Nikon Owner subscribers and includes mid-afternoon tea and coffee.

Following his highly successful series of photographic seminars and workshops presented in association with Grays of Westminster, Simon has developed this entirely new presentation dedicated to close-up and macro photography. Simon Stafford is one of the world's foremost Nikon experts, the technical editor of Nikon Owner magazine and best-selling author of numerous Magic Lantern Guides to the Nikon camera system.

The event has been prepared to help you make a dramatic improvement to the quality of your close-up pictures by mastering core skills and applying creative techniques. The emphasis is very much on methodology and achieving high-quality pictures with the minimum of specialized equipment, regardless of whether you are a complete newcomer to the Lilliputian1 world of close-up photography, or a seasoned exponent. Simon will share his in-depth knowledge and 30 years of photographic experience so that you can achieve professional looking results consistently.

(Please note attendance of one of Simon's previous seminars or workshops is not a prerequisite).

Agenda

Part one: Camera skills
  • Understanding reproduction ratios and subject magnification
  • Appreciate the influence of working distance and diffraction
  • Choosing and using lenses for close focusing
  • Using lens accessories for close focusing
  • Filters for close-up photography
  • Selecting camera/lens support systems
  • Achieving accurate exposure at a close focus distance
  • Learn how to interpret the digital histogram display

Part two: Shooting skills
  • Best practice in camera handling
  • The pros and cons of AF and Vibration Reduction
  • Focusing techniques for close-up photography
  • Understanding and using depth-of-field
  • Selecting viewpoint and perspective
  • Honing composition skills
  • The importance of backgrounds
  • Creative techniques with focus, white balance and multiple exposure

Part three: Lighting for Micro & Macro Photography
  • Working with and controlling available light
  • Flash equipment and its application for close-up photography
  • Specialised lighting techniques
  • Choosing lighting equipment and accessories

Please note there will be ample opportunity to ask questions throughout the event, and Simon will demonstrate some of the tips and techniques he discusses.


To book a place on this course, send an email to Gillian Greenwood, gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.com, with your full name, daytime mobile and landline. Please note there are limited places available, so do send the email as soon as you are able to, in order to ensure you have a place.

Nikon Owner Subscription

If you are not already a Nikon Owner subscriber, you are welcome to join Nikon Owner at the same time to receive the benefit of booking the seminar at the lower price.


Standard Annual Subscription - special price: £59
  • 1-year Subscription to Nikon Owner
  • 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster
  • Nikon Owner magazine, a superb, glossy full-colour 60-page quarterly magazine that is 100% Nikon. Each issue delivers benchmark technical reviews of the very latest Nikon equipment, thought-provoking interviews and articles with world-class images
  • Private user-name and password to subscribers-only website
  • Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline
  • 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster
  • 10% off Think Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster
  • Special trips and events
  • Discounts on events and training sessions
  • 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK
Silver Subscription - launch price: £129 (normal price: £179)
  • 2-year Subscription to Nikon Owner
  • 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster
  • A half-hour tutorial on the phone or face to face, by appointment
  • Nikon Owner quarterly magazine as above
  • Private user-name and password to subscribers-only website
  • Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline
  • 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster
  • 10% off Think Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster
  • Special trips and events
  • Discounts on events and training sessions
  • 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK
Gold subscription - launch price £349 (normal price £450)
  • 5-year subscription to Nikon Owner
  • 5-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster
  • 2-year warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster
  • Gold Priority waiting list for all new Nikon releases (top of the waiting list)
  • A half-hour tutorial on the phone or face to face, by appointment
  • Special offers to Gold subscribers throughout the period of subscription
  • A signed copy of Grays of Westminster - In the Company of Legends, or if you have one already, a Nikon Magic Lantern Guide of your choice
  • A Grays of Westminster umbrella (in store only)
  • Nikon Owner quarterly magazine as above
  • Private user-name and password to subscribers-only website which includes forum, message board, technical equipment reviews, events’ page and use of a photo gallery
  • Gold subscription card
  • Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline
  • 10% off Think Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster
  • Special trips and events
  • Substantial discounts on training sessions organised by Grays of Westminster, including Mike Maloney’s Workshops , Heather Angel’s Wildlife & Natural History Workshops, Simon Stafford’s Definitive Flash, Portraiture and Macro Training Sessions, Michael Eleftheriades’ panoramic and colour-calibration seminars and Chris Weston’s Photographic Courses.
  • 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK

Monday 4 April 2011

Heather Angel Wildlife & Natural History Nikon Photography Workshop

Grays of Westminster present
by Public Demand

The 15th Annual
Heather Angel Wildlife & Natural History
Nikon Photographic Workshop


With Nikon & Thinktank

Saturday 23rd July, 2011
Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, West Sussex England


Heather Angel, the internationally renowned wildlife photographer, has been the recipient of a large number of awards and prizes from all over the world for her widely acclaimed lectures, writing and workshops. In addition she is a regular contributor to the worldwide photographic press and the distinguished author of 60 books. Heather Angel is an enthusiastic tutor of wildlife and nature photography, and these world-famous workshops on Saturday 23rd July, 2011 at Saint Hill Manor have become part of the photographic calendar. They are perfect for both the newcomer and experienced photographer alike. The schedule for the day includes lectures, demonstrations and the chance to handle and use a large range of new Nikon camera equipment and the range of Think Tank camera bags. Her workshops regularly attract visitors from all over the U.K., Europe and throughout the world.

Please note that Nikon cameras and lenses will be available for you to try out during the day, but do bring your own gear - macro lens, long lens, flash and tripod - to get the best from the practical sessions

09.15 Registration with coffee and tea served on the terrace of the Manor.

10.00 - 11.15 Heather Angel Creative Digital Outdoor Photography

Using images from the natural world Heather will show how Nikon digital cameras have enabled her to get some shots, which would have been impossible with film. She will show comparative shots taken with available light and after modifying it to enhance the subject, which will be relevant to the afternoon session. Heather will also show how enhanced depth of field is possible with 3-D macro shots by using focus stacking. Multiple exposure digital images created in-camera are possible to achieve on only some Nikon cameras; however, it is also possible to produce multi-exposure images from any camera by shooting individual shots and combining them using a software program.

Copies of Heather's books will be available this weekend.

11.15 Break for mid-morning refreshment: tea, coffee, mineral water on the Terrace.

11.45 - 12.45 Nikon Total Imaging System - John Clements

Regardless of your choice of Nikon camera, you need to know how to achieve the best from it using Nikon optics, plus Nikon Speedlights and software; so the NTIS will be fully explained. In a live shoot environment, using Speedlight illumination inside, John Clements will demonstrate how to create images to using the Creative Lighting System and in camera options to cover various genres of natural history photography, explaining every step of the way from taking the initial image to the end result. As our example images are shot, they will appear on screen. John will then talk through as he fine-tunes and improves upon them in camera. Each vital camera feature - from focusing and exposure with many other considerations - will be detailed and exact settings explained during the shoot.

Maximising the Jpeg?

Jpegs - working within a limited time frame, Jpegs allow a speedy way to go straight to print when all aspects come together.

Maximising your image quality?

NEF Raw files - using Nikon Capture NX2 and John's broad experience of post-capture techniques to generate imagery to professional imaging standards.

During the event John will use the Nikon WT-4 Wi-Fi system, the Creative Lighting System and components of the Nikon software system.

John Clements is a professional photographer specialising in digital photography, as well as consultant and trainer for a number of photographic companies, such as Nikon UK. He has written extensively for leading photography magazines and currently writes on a monthly basis for the BJP (British Journal of Photography), Practical Photography and PC Pro.


13.00 Lunch

14.00 onwards there will be a choice of four sessions. You may attend them all or be selective. Please note that Giles' Photoshop session will be aimed at different levels as the afternoon progresses. The sessions are outlined here with details of each below.

14.00 - 16.15 Practical Macro session with Heather Angel inside and in the garden
14.00 - 16.15 Outside Practical session with John Clements
14.00 - 16.30 Photoshop Techniques with Giles Angel
Outside Practical session with the Birds of Prey and Flying Falcons and Julian Ford - time to be announced

14.00 - 16.15 Practical Macro session with Heather Angel inside and in the garden

An opportunity to get to grips with macro photography in the field. Heather will demonstrate how to use natural light and especially how to modify it to get the best possible light by reducing the dynamic range. This is done by modifying natural light with a reflector, a diffuser (or both) or by using a portable soft box. If you have a macro lens, do bring your own. This is a great opportunity for you to gain instant feedback on composition and lighting from Heather. If the weather is wet, we will works indoors with a still life session using window light, flash, a light box, a light tent and fibre optics.

PLEASE BRING A MACRO LENS, TRIPOD AND FLASH



A few Micro Nikkor lenses will be available to borrow from the Nikon stand. Indeed, these workshops are an excellent opportunity to handle and try out Nikon equipment before making a purchase.


14.00 - 16.15 Outside Practical session with John Clements

Following on from his morning presentation, John with continue to explain how to get the best out of the Nikon Total Imaging System; this time — weather permitting — using available light outdoors.

Outside Practical session with Flying Falcons and Julian Ford - time to be announced

By popular request, the birds of prey are back - ideal subjects to achieve stunning action images - both as stills and HD video with the latest DSLR Nikon cameras!

14.00 - 16.30 Photoshop Techniques with Giles Angel

Giles is a professional photographer and digital retoucher. The start of this session will be pitched at the beginner and will move onto more advanced and specific techniques as the afternoon progresses.
  • Introduction to a colour managed workflow
  • Editing your images using Adobe Bridge
  • Workflow in Bridge (editing, renaming, applying raw corrections)
  • RAW v JPEG
  • RAW conversion tips & techniques
  • Simple colour correction / variations
  • Introduction to adjustment layers
  • Levels - adjusting colour balance
  • Preparing images for print and the web
  • Precise colour correction with adjustment layers
  • Replace colour
  • Black and white from colour
  • Masking
  • Solarisation / colour effects
  • Content aware scaling
  • Panoramic stitching and panoramic head gear. Photo Merge (to create panoramics) in CS3/ CS4
  • Dodging and burning selective areas (CS4 comparison)
  • Shadow and highlights tool
  • Combining different raw conversion exposures using masks
  • Editing masks using paint brushes and gradients to make selective exposure and tonal adjustments
  • Working with mask and adjustment levels with reference to levels and curves
  • Selectively correcting areas using masks
  • Pseudo HDR. Working with multiple adjusted raw files (Single) image and using masks to selectively
  • Introduction to HDR

16.15 Afternoon Tea and Coffee or cool drinks served on the Terrace.

16.45 Practical Session with Heather Angel

Heather will demonstrate various gadgets for aiding outdoor photography and demonstrate how she works in the rain.

17.00 Workshop closes

18.30 Dinner at the Manor. A special thank you dinner to all those attending our workshop has been organised by Grays of Westminster and the staff of Saint Hill Manor. This must be arranged in advance.

Booking details:

The ticket price includes refreshments, lunch and the evening meal, and costs £245.00 (£185.00 for Nikon Owner magazine subscribers) per person for the day. The workshops start at 9.15 a.m. and run until 5.00 p.m., followed by dinner. Book online here! or call Gillian Greenwood, Events and Training Coordinator between 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. on 020 7828 4925 or 020 7828 8971 Monday to Friday if you are not a current Nikon Owner subscriber to find out how you can receive the £60 discount.

Wednesday 30 March 2011

Latest Edition of the Grays of Westminster Gazette, Available Now

Grays of Westminster Gazette - issue 65

The Grays of Westminster Gazette was first published in August 1992. Initially four pages long, and thereafter eight, it contained a wide range of intelligent articles by clients as well as staff on the latest Nikon equipment and a full page devoted to the History of Nikon by founder, Gray Levett starting from 1917 onwards. The Gazette is now expanded to a 32-page full colour publication.

Inside this issue you will find Simon Stafford's review of the Nikon D7000, wildlife photographer and respected broadcaster Chris Packham on the new EDG binoculars, legendary National Geographic photographer Jim Brandenburg on the D3s and our Nikonopaedia which highlights some of our best sellers as well as the most recent product releases from Nikon.

The latest edition of the Grays of Westminster Gazette is now available. If you'd like a copy (free of charge), please pop in to the shop and take one. Alternatively, a PDF version of it can be found here.

http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/legend/gazette.php

Friday 25 March 2011

Grays of Westminster Customer Feedback

"...the whole 'Grays experience' made my re-entry
into photography such a joy."

After a twenty year gap which I truly regret, I have taken up photography again. After a great deal of  research, all my experience was pre-digital, I decided to purchase a Nikon camera. Having scoured all available avenues I came upon Grays of Westminster and having perused the website made my way to Churton Street with a certain amount of apprehension - after all I am a novice in the digital photography age.

On the first occasion, I was helped by Bron who was patience personified as he explained the features and mysteries of the D7000 allowing me the opportunity of taking the aforementioned onto Churton Street to have a play. As time was short, I bid my thanks and farewells and dashed to a meeting.

The following week I returned and received a warm greeting from Bron, he was attending to another customer, and was helped by Tabitha. Again the service was exemplary, she was friendly, knowledgeable and patient. I purchased the D7000, the 18-200 zoom and all the peripherals and the whole "Grays' experience" made my re-entry into photography such a joy.

Nikon D7000

The ambience of the shop, the friendliness of the team and the range of product is absolutely out of the top draw and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about purchasing a new camera to pay a visit to Grays before they make their decision.

Andrew R. R. Vickers.



"Excellent service as usual"

Just a note to confirm safe receipt of a Nikon D700 and MB-D10. Excellent service as usual - ordered late afternoon on Friday, delivered before 9.00 a.m. on Saturday!

Nikon D700 with the MB-D10 Battery pack

The camera is a gift for my son, because I'm still so pleased with the F6 that I bought from you some years ago, that I am still using that ... along with my original F, and as new F3 & F3P of course. All four cameras are used with MF Nikkors; my collection of AF's have been donated to the D700. ... Who knows, I may be converted to Nikon D yet!

Thank you again for your continuing excellent service.

Ivor Bolton


"We Nikon owners are so fortunate to have Grays of Westminster"

Thank you so very much for yesterday's (Mike Eleftheriades Definitive Panoramic Workshop) talk in London.


It was extremely instructive, helpful and you were most generous in sharing your knowledge. I came away inspired even though I had to leave for my train just before you showed your final images.

We Nikon owners are so fortunate to have Grays of Westminster and people like yourself who are so generous with your time and instruction.

I would also like to say that your way of showing the techniques is much superior to most 'gurus'. Your pace enable us to follow everything whereas most, if not all, others speed through with quick clicks in such a manner that one has difficulty in following and, by the time a note has been made, one is way behind what is happening on the screen. This is not what happened yesterday and I greatly commend you for that.

Yesterday was my first 'Grays' event' it will not be the last even given the hassle of travel down from Nottingham.

My sincere thanks to you and Gray for arranging the event.

Howard Fisher