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

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

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

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

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


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

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.

The weather turned out fine for yesterday's workshop at Saint Hill Manor, hosted by Grays of Westminster.

It looks like it's going to be a nice day for today's workshop too.
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