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Showing posts with label london. Show all posts
Showing posts with label london. Show all posts
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Friday, 20 May 2011
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."
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
Labels:
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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.
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
- 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
- A practical demonstration of setting up and shooting a still-life photograph, using a single Nikon Speedlight and the few simple lighting accessories
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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, 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)

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
Labels:
amateur photographer,
AP,
Gray Levett,
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magazine,
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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
- 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
- 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
Friday, 25 March 2011
Grays of Westminster Customer Feedback
"...the whole 'Grays experience' made my re-entry
into photography such a joy."
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!
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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
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
The Definitive Simon Stafford General Photographic Techniques Seminar
Saturday, 26th March - 2.00 p.m. - 5.30 p.m.
Simon Stafford's General Photographic Techniques Seminar will be held in central London, at Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX on Saturday, 26th March 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.

The seminar will be presented by one of the world's foremost Nikon experts, Simon Stafford, the technical editor of Nikon Owner magazine and best-selling author of numerous Magic Lantern Guides to the Nikon camera system.Simon Stafford's General Photographic Techniques Seminar will be held in central London, at Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX on Saturday, 26th March 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.

Agenda for the session
Part one: Camera skills
- Understanding f/numbers & shutter speeds
- Learn how to optimise white balance and ISO
- Mastering camera menu settings
- JPEG versus RAW: the pros and cons of both
- How to achieve accurate exposures
- Understand how your camera’s metering system works
- Learn the benefits of digital histograms
- Improve your focus techniques with AF and manual focus
- Learn good camera handling
- Camera support systems, tripods, monopods and alternatives
- Understanding and using depth-of-field
- Choosing and using filters
- Imaginative use of shutter speed
- Creative use of white balance
- Planning and visualising the picture
- Techniques of composition
- Transporting photographic equipment
- Tips for location shooting
Please note that there will be ample opportunity to ask questions throughout the seminar.
Nikon Owner Subscription
If you are not already a subscriber to Nikon Owner, and would like to enrol on this course at the special price, you can apply for the standard, silver, or gold subscription to Nikon Owner below, by sending me, Gillian Greenwood (gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.com), an email with your full name, daytime mobile and landline. Alternatively, please call between 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday on 020 7828 8971 (or 020 7828 4925 if that line is busy) to speak to me or any of my colleagues.

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
- 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
- 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
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.
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%.
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.
Thursday, 17 February 2011
"My Grays of Westminster 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 18-200mm 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
Labels:
18-200mm,
camera shop,
customer service,
D7000,
dslr,
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Monday, 14 February 2011
The Definitive Panoramic Workshop Saturday, February 26th, 2011
Grays of Westminster presents
The Definitive Panoramic Workshop by Michael Eleftheriades
The Definitive Panoramic Workshop by Michael Eleftheriades
Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX
Saturday, February 26th, 2011
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
- Benefits & How To Shoot
- Using Tilt & Shift lenses
- Benefits & How To Shoot
- Image processing
- Stitching using Photoshop and more advanced tools
- Photographing in public spaces (dealing with movement)
- Printing Considerations
- 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
- Examples of recent work, including panoramas from Japan, Thailand and Cambodia.
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.

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.
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.ukRichard 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.
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.

"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

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

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.

Nikon D7000

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.

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

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.


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.

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.
Monday, 24 January 2011
Photography Workshop: Simon Stafford Nikon Speedlight Workshop - London

Grays of Westminster is proud to present
The Definitive Simon Stafford Nikon Speedlight Workshop
Saturday, 12th February 2011 at Fitzroy House,
37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX
The Definitive Simon Stafford Nikon Speedlight Workshop
Saturday, 12th February 2011 at Fitzroy House,
37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX

As it is a workshop, please do bring kit, but please would you kindly keep it simple because of space issues - such as one camera, one flash (SB-600, SB-800, or SB-900), and a lens that you would normally use for portraiture images.
Agenda for the session
Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) offers level of flexibility and control that provides a huge range of creative possibilities for off-camera flash and portable on-location lighting. Simon will share his in-depth knowledge of the CLS and 30-years of photographic experience, so that you can achieve professional looking portraits easily and swiftly using a minimum of equipment.
Simon will show you how to set-up, position, and control simple lighting that will have an immediate impact on your photography. He will lead you through a variety of lighting set ups with live demonstrations, so you will be able to observe first-hand how to improve your lighting techniques. Starting with a single Nikon Speedlight you will learn how to progress from the uncompromising light of direct, on-camera flash to well crafted lighting that complements your subject to best effect, then building on this foundation Simon will show you how you can introduce additional Speedlights and other lighting control accessories to expand your lighting repertoire.
Session 1
The simplest and most effective way to improve lighting with a Speedlight is to take it off the camera, as this enables you to direct the light at will. In this session you will learn how to:
- Understand the relationship between the TTL metering of your camera, ambient light and the interaction with the Speedlight and camera settings for flash.
- Work with flash output controls and flash sync options, so you can mix light from a Speedlight with ambient light for more balanced, natural lighting effects.
- Modify the light from a Speedlight to emulate the "soft box" look without actually using a sophisticated lighting accessory.
- Direct and control light from your flash on to the subject and avoid light spill by using some simple accessories
Session 2
Adding a second Speedlight will increase options and elevate the lighting possibilities to a greater level. In this session you will learn how to:
- Set up and control your Speedlights wirelessly from the camera position for effective and efficient shooting
- Establish a lighting set up starting with a single flash as a key light, and then introduce a second, or even third Speedlight as fill-lights
- Use lighting ratios for creative off-camera lighting effects on both your subject and background
- Set up multiple flashes on location quickly and easily using the minimum of equipment
- Use light modifying accessories to improve the colour, direction and quality of the lighting
Session 3
Exploring a few of the more advanced flash techniques will help you expand your lighting creativity even further. In this session you will learn how to:
- Apply Front -curtain, Rear-curtain, Slow-flash sync to achieve special effects when mixing flash with ambient light
- Adjust the zoom head of your the flash manually to further refine the light output from a Speedlight
- Understand and use the Auto FP High-Speed sync mode which will enable you to shoot with flash beyond the normal maximum sync speed of your camera
- Exploit the FV Lock feature for consistent flash results
Session 4
The final session will be an opportunity for delegates to practice setting up their own camera and flash under Simon's supervision, while asking questions about the tools and techniques discussed during the previous sessions.
Tutorial Details
The availability of places for each tutorial is very limited, so that each attendee will benefit from very hands-on personal tuition.
The tutorial is from 12 noon until 4.00 p.m., and includes a light lunch and mid-afternoon tea and biscuits. The fee for each attendee is £155.00 with a special price of £95.00 for Nikon Owner subscribers. Please contact Gillian Greenwood on 020 7828 8971 Monday to Friday 1.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m..
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