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Nikon UK April 2010: For the third year in a row, Nikon has claimed the DSLR top spot in the TIPA (Technical Image Press Association) Best D-SLR Professional award - this year picking up the award for the D3S. The Best Professional Lens prize was claimed by the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II.

Robert Cristina, Manager, Professional Products at Nikon Europe, comments: “We are delighted that for the third time in a row, a D3 series camera has won the Best DSLR Professional award. We invested a huge amount of time implementing feedback from customers to ensure that the D3S keeps them ahead of the game.” He went on: “The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II builds on the success of the ground breaking AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8, which won the TIPA award in 2008. Both products continue to ensure that today’s photographers enjoy the best in the business”.

TIPA is Europe’s leading image press association. Its awards are chosen by Europe’s 29 leading photographic magazines in 13 countries and given to products that the jury consider to be the very best in their category in terms of overall quality, performance and benefit for the defined end-user. The awards further underpin Nikon’s leadership position in high-end photography and recognise the company’s continued pursuit of excellence.


Best D-SLR Professional: the Nikon D3S
The TIPA jury comments: “Taking up most of the functions that made the success of the Nikon D3, the D3S marks a milestone in the history of photography: it is indeed the first DSLR to feature the record "push” sensitivity of 102 400 ISO. Superbly constructed, with an excellent viewfinder and a top-level autofocus system, it is an ideal D-SLR for the pros, in particular for reportage and sport photography.”

Best Professional Lens: the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
The TIPA-jury comments: “The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II telephoto zoom lens has been developed for use with digital and film based Nikon SLR cameras. A number of unique Nikon technologies have been adopted for this lens, including the use of seven ED glass elements, Nano Crystal Coat, a vibration reduction (VR II) system that provides camera shake compensation equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps, and a Silent Wave Motor (SWM)”

About Nikon

Founded in Japan in 1917, Nikon has grown to become the world leader in digital and precision optics technology with a strong presence in all four corners of the world.

Through its award-winning product line-up, including entry-level and professional digital SLR cameras, interchangeable NIKKOR lenses and the consumer COOLPIX range, Nikon regularly raises the standard in product design and performance. With over 90 years of engineering expertise, it is no wonder that Nikon is the top choice for photographers around the world.

In 2009, Nikon celebrated two key milestones in the lens category – the 50th anniversary of its legendary F-mount SLR lens-mounting system, making it the only manufacturer to sustain its original lens mount for such a long period, and the production of its 50 millionth NIKKOR lens. Both highlight Nikon’s dedication to producing quality and functional products that can be used by photographers for years to come.

Nikon also produces equipment such as IC and LCD steppers and scanners, instruments such as microscopes and semiconductor inspection equipment. Other products include sports optics products such as binoculars, rangefinders and fieldscopes, ophthalmic lenses and surveying instruments. It is the only major optical company in the world that still controls and manufactures every aspect of its glass-making business, allowing it to finely tune Nikon lens specifications, quality and performance.

Nikon has consolidated net global sales of 879,719 million Japanese Yen (year ending 31 March, 2009) and Nikon Corporation is listed on the Tokyo stock exchange.


For more information please contact Nikon’s press office:

Jenny Grace / Claudia Armstrong
Jenny.grace@nikon.co.uk / claudia.armstrong@nikon.co.uk
020 8247 1797 / 020 8481 6838
www.nikon.co.uk

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Grays of Westminster
...Exclusively Nikon
40 Churton Street
Pimlico, London
SW1V 2LP
Tel: +44 (0)20 7828 4925
Fax: +44 (0)20 7976 5783
info@graysofwestminster.co.uk
www.graysofwestminster.co.uk
graysofwestminster.blogspot.com
@nikonatgrays
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RRP: £6,249.99
Sales start date: 28th May 2010

April 27th 2010: Nikon UK today announces a new super telephoto zoom lens – the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II. This lens replaces the highly acclaimed AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED VR and features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II), Nano Crystal Coat and a new A/M mode, making it an ideal, versatile choice for sports and wildlife photographers.

This type of super telephoto zoom lens remains unique on the market and reflects Nikon’s continued dedication to innovation and quality in the industry. The evolution of this lens underlines Nikon’s commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers’ needs, and strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: "Rapid advancements in optical technology and Nikon’s continued dedication to provide class-leading products have resulted in recent updates of pro grade lenses. Through its additional features and improved specifications, the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II delivers the ultimate results and enables even the most demanding of pro photographers to shoot without compromise.”

Sharper images with improved handling
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II features second generation built in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved.

In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting.

Reduced ghosting and flare
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II now incorporates Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, which drastically reduces ghosting and flare, along with four ED glass elements to minimise internal reflections and aberrations. This delivers rich, high contrast images even under testing lighting conditions.

The new lens features an autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure fast and quiet focusing. The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II has a tough magnesium body, incorporating weather and dust sealing and lens protective glass, to withstand the effects of dust and moisture in the toughest of shooting conditions.

Weighing in at only 3,360g, while providing great flexibility in telephoto shooting, this new lens is a practical alternative to carrying several large telephoto lenses. The lens is supplied with a high quality Ballistic, backpack style carry case, allowing for easy and safe transportation.

Specifications

Focal length	200-400mm
Aperture	f/4
Lens construction	24 elements in 17 groups
Picture angle	12°20´- 6°10´ (8°- 4° for Nikon DX format)
No. diaphragm blades	9 (rounded)
Closest focusing distance	2.0m/6ft. (AF); 1.95m/6.4ft. (MF)
Filter/attachment size	52mm
Diameter x length	Approx. 124 x 365.5mm
Weight	3,360g

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A translated excerpt of the article on Grays of Westminster that appeared in the Danish photographic magazine Zoom, Denmark’s Professional Photo magazine, number 1, 2010


Grays of Westminster in London is so unique as a shop that it is well worth a visit.

Few European cities attract the Danes like London, either as a holiday or a shopping destination. Experiences merge seamlessly with one another in London. Museums, theatres, cinemas, markets with antiques – some real, some not so real…..

Shopping is an experience whether you visit Fortnum & Mason, Harrods or any of the many renowned department stores.

Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchant, Berry Bros and Rudd, the cigar dealers Robert Lewis & James J. Fox and the many shirt makers in Jermyn Street all attract the cognoscenti.

All this can be found in the relatively small area of London called Westminster. Photographers – at any event Nikon users - should also make their way to Pimlico and Grays of Westminster, only a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace.

Grays of Westminster is a wholly unique Nikon dealer which has the most complete stock of Nikon products in the world – both new and second hand.

From the outside, Grays could be mistaken for any of the other traditional shops in Westminster with one window for display and a dark blue façade with hanging baskets around the door.
No neon or brash signage. The name is discreetly painted over the window and inscribed on a polished brass plate. In a previous life, the premises was a barber’s saloon.

Like a Club for Gentlemen

Inside around 100 square metres is divided between two floors and it’s amazing to think that this small shop sends Nikon equipment all over the world.

The British tradition is inescapable. A pair of mahogany leather-topped desks, where you expect to find the staff writing in double-entry accounting books with their Mont Blanc or Parker fountain pens. Mahogany glass cabinets line the walls.

It is the contents of these cabinets which will exhilarate every Nikon user and, indeed, any other photographic enthusiast. The cabinets bulge with the very latest from Nikon. Cameras, lenses and every known accessory to tug at your wallet. When you have had your fill on this floor, you can venture downstairs where you will find a showcase and more glass cabinets. There are very few places where you will find a selection of second hand equipment to match what you see here.

You get goose pimples when you see a Nikon F just like the one you once exchanged for an F2. Everything oozes English tradition and when you walk through the narrow rooms you get a feeling of entering a gentlemen's club. This is also the way in which you are treated when you enter as a customer. Whether you are there to buy a D3s body, a manual for an older camera or something for a few pounds, you are treated as though the world revolves around you for that moment.

The Idea Nobody Believed In

Although the shop feels like something from another century, it actually originated in 1985 when a young man decided to try an unusual business idea. There was a lot of head shaking particularly when the one-make (Nikon) idea was proposed.

Gray Levett was born soon after the Second World War and into a rather bleak world. The 60s and 70s turned this world upside down. Gray Levett, the son of a Royal Air Force Officer, had tired of discipline and order and, in his youth, worked in the developing fashion industry in London’s Carnaby Street. It was here that he and his colleagues were often used as photographic models though he would have preferred to be on the other side of the camera. It was his combination of artistic temperament and technical skill, together with idealism and good business sense, which were the foundations of the institution which is Grays of Westminster.

Service Is All

In no time, the business idea was flourishing because, in addition to a quality product, the service to every customer is first class. If, on rare occasions, an item is not available every effort will be made to source it.

On one occasion, a customer from the north of England ordered a camera for an imminent trip abroad. The camera was not in stock and that day’s delivery from Nikon was delayed. To avoid disappointment a member of staff took the first train north and delivered the camera in person. The round trip took 8 hours but the Grays of Westminster slogan, “the kind of service of which legends are made”, was fully vindicated.

Among the clientele you find famous names such as film director Stanley Kubrick, David Suchet (television’s Hercule Poirot), The Duchess of York and many more.

In recognition of the international nature of the clientele, Grays of Westminster has established the Nikon Owner subscription service which publishes a quarterly photographic magazine with images, articles and workshops.

To visit this very special camera shop in Pimlico is a unique experience in the world of photographic retailing and is enhanced by the feeling that you are a valued guest, whether you make a purchase or not.

If you are a Nikon user and spending a couple of days in London, you must take the tube to Pimlico or Victoria and visit Grays of Westminster at 40 Churton Street. Should you use another camera make, visit anyway – just for the experience.
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