Friday, 25 February 2011

Nikon Deals: Limited Time Offer for Customers from the UK & Ireland ... 9 Days Only!

If you have been holding off from purchasing a camera, your wait has not been in vain. We are pleased to announce a very special offer available for 9 days only from the 25th February - 5th March inclusive.

Left: Nikon D700; Right: Nikon D7000

Your purchase of a D700 body will entitle you to an immediate £150.00 voucher to spend in-store that day, which can be used towards any Nikon or ThinkTank product. However, iIf it's the latest DX camera you're after, you will receive a £100.00 instant voucher for the D7000 body only, or a £120.00 voucher for the D7000 + 18-105mm VR Kit.

Being two of the most popular cameras in the digital range Nikon have produced thus far, and available with a variety of FX and DX lenses, speedlights and accessories, this allows lovers of landscape, wildlife, portrait, sport and reportage photography to obtain these bodies at this very special price.

This offer is available to UK & Ireland residents only and purchases made prior to or following the offer dates will not qualify for the discount voucher.

Prices excluding this deal and any other offers are as follows:

D700 SLR Body - £1689.00

D7000 SLR Body - £959.00

D7000 + AF-S 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR - £1,115.00

All prices include VAT at 20%.



Sample image taken with D700 + 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S


Sample image taken with D7000 + 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S

Other discounts, kit prices and vouchers are available with a combination of lenses - please contact a member of staff or reply to this email if you would like the latest prices on any Nikon equipment.

Kindest Regards,

Becky Danese

Grays of Westminster
40 Churton Street
Pimlico
London
SW1V 2LP

Tel 020 7828 4925

Sample images courtesy of Nikon USA.

Monday, 21 February 2011

Nikon Deals: The Nikon Professional Line-Up

Nikon D700

The first day of spring draws ever closer and with it an abundance of new photographic opportunities. Whether you are considering that new camera body that you have always wished for, a long lens for wildlife or a macro lens to capture the minute details of insects or plants newly in blossom, Grays of Westminster are here to advise you on your photographic needs and requirements.

The D700 is still one of the most popular cameras in Nikon's line up. And now that the price is the lowest it will ever be, it ' s the perfect time to invest in a full-frame body if you are considering upgrading from DX, or looking for a backup for your own FX camera. The D700 has boasted fantastic quality at low-light levels since its release and continues to be a camera of choice for many professionals who want to travel light

Despite rumours of a replacement (and at the moment, yes, they are still just rumours) for the D700, it is still one of the most popular cameras in Nikon's line up. And now that the price is the lowest it will ever be it's the perfect time to invest in a full-frame body if you are considering upgrading from DX, or looking for a backup for your own FX camera. The D700 has boasted fantastic quality at low-light levels since it's release and continues to be a camera of choice for many professionals who want to travel light.
Body Only = £1689.00 Incl. VAT
Please see below for kit prices.


Nikon D3S


The D3S provides an ISO range like never before, so with high-quality shooting options and full-frame HD video shooting all in one body - ideal for photographers who need an all-singing-all-dancing camera for their photographic needs. Ideal for everything from weddings to sports, landscape to wildlife, the D3S handles every situation perfectly in a weather-sealed magnesium-alloy casing.
Body Only = £3469.00 Incl. VAT
Please see below for kit prices.

Sample Image taken on D3S with AF-S 400mm f/2.8G VR IF-ED

Nikon D3X

For landscape and studio photographers the D3X provides one with incredible FX quality over a 24.5 million pixel sensor. Perfect for the rough and tough outdoor work or those in the studio needing to print large poster-size prints.
Body Only = £4969.00 Incl. VAT
Please see below for kit prices.

Sample Image taken on D3X with AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G


The Professional Lens Range

AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G
AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G
AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G VRII

Sample Image taken with AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G

All of the above lenses are recommended both by Nikon and professionals alike, and are available in kit form with the professional range of camera bodies. If you require any advice about which lens might be right for you, please do not hesitate to drop us an email or telephone the shop and speak to a member of sales staff.

Prices of bodies and lenses are currently as follows:

Nikon D700 + 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S + 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S KIT
(RRP - £5,300.00) £4,160.00

Nikon D700 + 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Kit
(RRP - £3,883.00) £2,965.00

Nikon D700 + 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Kit
(RRP - £3,781.00) £2,885.00

Nikon D3s + 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S + 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Kit
LIMITED STOCK! (RRP - £7,459.00) £5,940.00

Nikon D3s Pro Digital SLR + 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Kit
LIMITED STOCK! (RRP - £5,824.00) £4,665.00

Nikon D3s body + 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Kit
LIMITED STOCK! (RRP - £5,926.00) £4,745.00

Nikon D3X body + 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Kit
(RRP - £7,600.00) £6,245.00

Nikon D3X + 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Kit
(RRP - £7,500.00) £6,165.00

Nikon D3X + 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S + 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Kit
(RRP - £9,100.00) £7,440.00

AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II
(RRP - £1999.00) £1639.00

Please note that other kits are available with alternative lenses on discount - please speak to a member of staff or send an email if you are interested in any other lens with a DSLR body.


Nikkor AF-S 35mm f/1.4G
LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE


If you have been interested in obtaining this lens please do get in touch - we have a handful of these in from Nikon today and cannot reserve or hold stock.
The price is £1599.00 including VAT.

Grays of Westminster
40 Churton Street
London, SW1V 2LP
+44 207 828 4925
www.graysofwestminster.co.uk
info@graysofwestminster.co.uk

Nikon News: Jim Brandenburg goes back to Nikon


"Jim typically does not like to talk equipment but thought we should share some exciting news with you. After shooting with Nikon equipment most of his professional career, then being lured away to become a Canon Explorer of Light, Jim has now gone back to his 'photographic roots' and is proud to announce that he is once again - a Nikon shooter!"

Excerpted from Jim Brandenburg's Quarterly Newsletter

About Jim Brandenburg
Jim Brandenburg travelled the globe as a photographer with National Geographic Magazine for several decades. His extensive body of work has been published throughout the world and his photographs have won a multitude of national and international awards. He was the recipient of the ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ award by the Natural History Museum-London and BBC Wildlife Magazine, and twice was named ‘Magazine Photographer of the Year’ by the National Press Photographer's Association (NPPA) for his National Geographic work. Brandenburg was presented with the ‘World Achievement Award’ from the United Nations in recognition of his use of nature photography to raise public awareness for the environment.

Sunday, 20 February 2011

Nikon Deals: If you haven't seen the Double-Page Nikon Advertisement in Amateur Photographer Magazine


Specialising in the Exceptional


The Vintage Department at Grays of Westminster seeks out only the very best mint or near mint examples of early Nikon cameras, lenses and accessories. For example, on this Advertisment is a very unusual Nikon F camera with the serial number 6500000 fitted with a 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor-S Auto, scalloped focusing barrelled lens. if you have Nikon equipment you wish to dispose of, then kindly contact us by telephone 020-7828 4925 of if you prefer, you can email us at info@graysofwestminster.co.uk for our highest offer.

Thursday, 17 February 2011

"My Grays of Westminster experience made my re-entry into photography such a joy"

Grays of Westminster at 40 Churton Street

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 18-200mm zoom and all the peripherals and the whole "Grays experience" made my re-entry into photography such a joy.

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.

Please feel free to use this short note as you wish and pass on my thanks to all the team. I will be back to purchase all my additional requirements from you.

With kind regards,

Andrew R.R. Vickers

Monday, 14 February 2011

The Definitive Panoramic Workshop Saturday, February 26th, 2011

Grays of Westminster presents
The Definitive Panoramic Workshop by Michael Eleftheriades
Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX
Saturday, February 26th, 2011

For a number of years, Grays of Westminster has presented and hosted a number of comprehensive photographic seminars and workshops.


Following on from Michael Eleftheriades' very popular Definitive Panoramic Seminar (October 2010), Grays of Westminster is delighted to announce the Definitive Practical Panoramic Workshop on Saturday, February 26th, 2011. Whilst the first seminar provided a general overview, the second workshop will go through the practical processes in detail and is aimed at all photographers who are interested in improving their practical skills in shooting panoramas.

Photographers are welcome to bring their own laptops (either Mac or PC) so they can follow the tutorials. A list of recommended software and demo files will be sent via email to all attendees a week before the workshop. As a minimum requirement, attendees should have a recent copy of Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements installed.



We are also pleased to announce that 360Precision has donated two Atome heads for this event, worth over £200 each. The Atome is a lightweight and compact head which is ideally suited to hiking, travel or back-packing. The draw for the two Atomes will take place at the end of the workshop.

This panoramic workshop will be held in central London, at Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX.

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 your full name, daytime mobile and landline to Gillian Greenwood at: gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk or call between 12.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday on 020 7828 4925 - for International calls telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925 - and ask to speak to Gillian Greenwood or Katrin Ruckert. There are limited places available, so please book as soon as you are able to, in order to avoid disappointment.

Panoramic Workshop Agenda

The aim of the workshop is to give attendees first-hand experience in setting up their equipment, shooting successfully in demanding environments, and guidance in the post production and final output of panoramic files for the web and mobile devices.

Part 1: The General Principles
  • Panoramic theory & principles
  • Selecting the right camera and lenses
  • Finding the lens nodal point
  • How to set the exposure
  • White Balance Tools
Part 2: Shooting Planar Panoramas
  • Benefits & How To Shoot
  • Using Tilt & Shift lenses
Part 3: Shooting Cylindrical Panoramas
  • Benefits & How To Shoot
  • Image processing
  • Stitching using Photoshop and more advanced tools
  • Photographing in public spaces (dealing with movement)
  • Printing Considerations
Part 4: Shooting Spherical Panoramas
  • Benefits & How To Shoot
  • Stitching using advanced tools
  • Creating the illusion (capping the nadir)
  • Creating photospheres
  • Publishing on the web (virtual tours)
  • Playback on portable devices
Part 5: Panorama showcase
  • Examples of recent work, including panoramas from 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 Nikon UK

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
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.

Fitzroy HouseFitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX

Subscribe to Nikon Owner and receive £60 discount off the course

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.

Nikon Owner standard subscription benefits 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.
The cost of a standard annual subscription to Nikon Owner is currently at the special price of £59. (Quote ME2 59 when you email.)



Saturday, 12 February 2011

Corinne Manches: Lumière Féminine at the Richard Young Gallery

The Richard Young Gallery is delighted to present this series of sensual photographic images from multi-disciplined artist Corinne Manches, which will be on display from 1st February to 9th March 2011.


In this, her first photographic exhibition, Manches’ work highlights the beauty of the female through the striking contrast between shadow and light.

The female body is presented in its natural state with light accentuating its form, shape and substance. The images are soft and fluid, suggested rather than defined. These photographs evoke sensuality through subtlety providing the viewer a glimpse into a private moment in time.

Manches studied art and design at Goldsmith’s College. As an illustrator, designer, art teacher, sculptor and photographer, she has gained exposure through a variety of artistic outlets. Manches lives and works in Surrey. www.corinnemanches.co.uk

Richard Young Gallery

The Richard Young Gallery is dedicated to exhibiting innovative and contemporary fine art photography.

Founded in 2008 by Susan and Richard Young and located in the heart of Kensington, the Richard Young Gallery has quickly become the foremost contemporary photography gallery in West London.

Richard Young Gallery
4 Holland Street
London W8 4LT

+44 (0)20 7937 8911
office@richardyoungonline.com
http://www.richardyounggallery.co.uk

Gallery Hours:
Monday – Thursday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm

Previous exhibitions include:

Thursday, 10 February 2011

Jim Brandenburg at the Institute of Directors

Grays of Westminster and Nikon Owner magazine featured on Jim Brandenburg's blog.

(l to r) Uri Zakay, Grays of Westminster Financial Director, Gillian Greenwood, Nikon Owner features editor/events coordinator, Neil Lucas, Jim Brandenburg, Gray Levett, Grays of Westminster founder/Nikon Owner editor, and Andrew Main Wilson, IoD Chief Operating Officer

The internationally renowned nature photographer and filmmaker, Jim Brandenburg, has just published a post on his blog which contains details and photos of our hugely successful sold-out Christmas dinner evening held at the Institute of Directors (IoD), London, last December. On the post, he describes Grays of Westminster as “the greatest camera store in the world.”

We were honoured to have had Jim Brandenburg speak at our event, which was introduced by Neil Lucas, the distinguished BBC televison producer.

Visit Jim Brandenburg's blog to see the full post, including photos, of this never-to-be-forgotten occasion: http://jimbrandenburg.blogspot.com/2011/02/jim-and-nikon.html

Wednesday, 9 February 2011

Nikon Deals: Second-hand Nikon Satisfaction

Grays of Westminster have become world-renowned for the quality of their used equipment, and have set a standard to which other dealers aspire. Second-hand equipment is covered by a full year guarantee. Mail order customers can buy in the knowledge and assurance that the equipment they receive will match and often exceed the grading description given.

Nikon D3S

"I have bought and sold on here quite a few times now. The items I have bought have been spot on, and I hope my buyers share the same opinion. Buying second hand is really all about where/who you buy from. If the reputation is good, you can rest assured the chances of getting a bad deal/transaction are slim indeed A plug for Grays of Westminster... Utterly exceptional service, and described down to the detail if consulted by phone. Bought my F5 from them. Couldn't be happier "

"I have received the Nikon D100 today and I would like to express my great satisfaction with the superb condition and the completeness of all the original bits-CDs-books and so on, not always with used cameras, and to have everything is very rare. I think the condition of the D100 could only be bettered with one straight off the production line. Once again thank you for a super camera. You may use this e-mail if you wish."

- Clarence Thorpe, Customer Email

"I ordered a 70-300 mm VR sold as second hand on Thursday after 2.00 p.m. To my surprise it arrived on Friday morning. My surprise was even greater on unpacking the lens. It was advertised as mint- and that was reflected in the price. There is not a mark on the lens, the soft case has never been out of its folds and the lens was still in the original packing. On the camera it handles beautifully with a smooth action and fast silent focus, just what I expected and wanted. What excellent service ; once again I am a satisfied customer making the right choice using Grays of Westminster."
- Michael Shaw, Customer Email
AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f4G ED VR

Delivery to The Goring Hotel: "I have just collected the charger and I wanted to thank you for the flawless service and the trouble you went to at very short notice. It makes being a Nikon owner really worthwhile."
Robin James, Customer Email

Grays have many items in stock that don't feature on their web site... Well worth a visit... You can also let them know of a specific 'want' and they'll notify you as and when they have it... total trust and exemplary service... Last time a shop gave me that particular feeling was about 30 years ago and it was called Hamleys... Grays are really friendly and knowledgeable, if you want something Nikon there is nowhere better in London, possibly the UK... I know everything will be exactly as expected.

Excerpted from GeoffR's comments on the Amateur Photographer forum

Monday, 7 February 2011

Nikon Deals: Winter Nikon Special offers from Grays of Westminster

With the worst of winter hopefully over we are pleased to announce our very special offers on some very popular items while stocks last.

Nikon D90
The Nikon D90 body has by far been one of the most popular Nikon SLRs, both for beginner and intermediate photographers, and as back-up bodies for professionals choosing a DX sensor alternative to their usual kit. We are now able to offer the D90 body only at £579.00 including VAT, and with the 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX kit lens at £749.00 including VAT.

We also offer the body in kit form with several other lenses at special bundle prices - please contact a member of staff for the updated list.

Image taken with Nikon D90 + 60mm f/2.8G AF-S Micro NikkorImage taken with Nikon D90 + 60mm f/2.8G AF-S Micro Nikkor


Nikon D7000
Nikon's D7000 body is the latest intuitive DX SLR to hit the shelves, geared towards intermediate, semi-professional and fully professional photographer. It combines a full 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor with 1080p full-HD video recording function, all on an Expeed II processor chip, but jargon aside this camera has been praised by many a photographer wanting to take high quality photographs and video on a DX crop sensor.

We can now offer this body at £979.00 including VAT, or with a wide choice of lenses starting with the 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX kit at £1,129.00 including VAT. Please contact a member of staff for the latest bundle prices with alternative lenses.

Image taken with Nikon D7000 + 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S NikkorImage taken with Nikon D7000 + 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Nikkor

Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR

This long-awaited full-frame zoom is the perfect one lens solution for anyone who doesn't want to take their entire arsenal of lenses, but still wants fantastic shots in all shooting environments. Highly versatile and, in our humble opinion, worth the wait.

We are now offering this lens in kit form with the D700 and the D3S, and individually at the very special price of £739.00 including VAT while stocks last.

Image taken at 28mm at f/8Image taken at 28mm at f/8

Stock update on the Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.4G



This sought after lens, and also Winner of the Amateur Photographer Fixed Focal Length of the Year award for 2010, will be in stock (limited number) next week. If you have been waiting for one we do recommend that you pre-order to avoid disappointment. The price of this lens is now £1530.00 including VAT and orders can be made by email or telephone to the contact number below.

Image taken at f/1.6 - 1/200s shutter speedImage taken at f/1.6 - 1/200s shutter speed

As always, if you have any questions, wish to place an order or require any further information about Nikon products, do not hesitate to contact a sales advisor on +44 (0) 207 828 4925.