A Measured Response…
Sekonic are the most prominent light and flash meters available in the UK. At least, certainly since the demise of Minolta and it’s range.
There are certainly some fine prodcuts in the line-up.
And for those contemplating a purchase, there is now an extended warranty included by the UK distributers. Here are the details:
All UK Sekonic Meters Will Now Carry A 5 Year Warranty
Image © Sekonic Corp
With immediate effect, all Sekonic meters supplied via JP Distribution and its authorised UK dealer network, will carry a 5 year warranty.
JP Distribution and its in-house service partner, JP Service Solutions, will now honour a 5 year warranty for any UK sourced* meter purchased from May 1st 2012 onwards.
This warranty covers labour and spares for units, which develop any issue due to manufacturers fault or malfunction, but does not cover accidental damage or customer misuse.
Registration for any authorised UK unit must be made via the Sekonic website, www.sekonic.com
*The extended 5 year warranty will only be honoured for units supplied by an authorised UK dealer, where a unit has been registered via the Sekonic website,
End. (03/05/12).
Next Portable Flash Workshop…
Next Thursday we have our Understanding Portable (Strobe) Flash From The Ground-Up workshop @ Calumet’s Drummond Street store.
So if you shoot with Canon, Nikon or another brand, this not only takes the mystery out of how to use your flash unit(s) with clear explanations, but as many often comment, far more by way of real world guidance. For more information and or to book: Click Here.
End. (20/03/12).
Nikon Speedlight Course…
Image © Nikon Corporation
A course that comes round regularly due to it’s popularity is our official Nikon Speedlight stage 1 workshop.
This sets people up for a lifetime of good flash usage, or is a fine reminder for those wanting a refresh.
The next date for this is April 5th @ Nikon UK LTD’s training facilities.
There are a handful of spaces left.
For more information or to book: Click Here.
Maximise Your Nikon (Manchester)…
It has been a while since we offered our ‘extended crash course’ seminar for Nikon users. This aims to provide practical information for real world photography in minimum time.
The first of these updated event takes place in conjunction with Calumet in Manchester on March 29th. Glasgow (May 9th) and London (date to be advised).
But it is not just cameras, lenses and Speedlights also get the once over in this informative event.
For more information please click the links below:
Calumet Manchester (March 29th).
Calumet London (Date to be confirmed).
End. (20/03/12).
New Nissin Flash Potential…
Image © Nissin
Nissan is one of the more prominent third party flash unit brands in the UK. The new MG8000 unit sounds particularly impressive. Here are the details:
Kenro announces the Nissin MG8000 Extreme Flash Gun
Kenro has announced the launch of the Nissin MG8000 Extreme, the manufacturer’s latest flash gun, featuring the world’s fastest “Machine Gun” strobe.
Nissin has developed a new ceramic insulation for the inside of the gun as well as a unique quartz-based flash tube which ensures the unit remains cool, even in extreme use conditions. When tested, the Nissin MG8000 can produce over 1000 full flashes without any fear of overheating; that’s three times more than a general flash. More…
Manchester Bound…
We have two workshops in Manchester coming up soon. Both are taking place at Calumet. On March 13th we have our very popular ‘Mastering Portable (Strobe) Flash’ workshop.
Image © Canon Inc.
Image © Profoto
So anyone who wants or needs to understand Speedlights or Speedlights, will find this very rewarding. From the ground up we move onto some significant techniques and pro level capabilities. For more information or to book: Click Here.
Then on March 14th, we switch to studio lighting with our ground up course. So if you wish for a proper introduction, explanation and a chance to shoot some nice shots, this ticks the boxes. Showing repeatable and understandable solutions, it enables anyone to achieve rewarding studio results regardless of shooting for pleasure or professional needs. This course will be based around various kinds of people photography. For more information or to book: Click Here.
End. (01/03/12).
Official Nikon Speedlight Course…
Just a reminder that next Monday (Feb 13th) we are hosting our very popular Nikon Speedlight Workshop (Stage 1) at Nikon UK LTD.
Image © Nikon Corporation
This often fills to or near capacity, but we have a few spaces left. So if you really wish to understand your Speedlight, and the skills that go with it, this is an ideal solution for many from the beginner to the pro.
For more information and or to book: Click Here.
End. (07/02/12).
Shoot A Portfolio In A Day…
Our ‘Shoot A Portfolio In A Day’ workshop next Monday at Nikon UK Ltd has a few spaces left.
Designed as a practical follow on from our ‘People Photography From The Ground-Up’ workshop, this event is of course, all about maximising your Nikon system.
So this stage 2-3 event combines real world solutions, fun and stacks of advice, for the pro or enthusiast who really wants to maximise their skills across various types of people photography.
From portraits in the home, office or wedding shots, too fashion and others, delegates go away with plenty to push their photography forward, with answers that keep it productive and as stress free as possible.
All is of course based around genuine answers I have used over the years with planning, shooting and post capture advice and demonstrations throughout the day.
For more details or to book: Click Here.
End. (31/01/12).
Portable Flash @ Park Cameras…
Next Friday will see our popular ‘Mastering Portable (Strobe) Flash workshop return to Park Cameras. From the basics to a high level of result in a day, and for any camera or flash brand.
For more information and or to book: Click Here.
End. (27/01/12).
Calumet London Portable Flash…
Just a reminder that we have our ‘Pro Portable (strobe) Flash’ workshop at Calumet’s Drummond Street on Saturday.
Although the information is suitable for any, we will be using both the Canon and Nikon systems on the day.
For more information and or too book: Click Here
End. (26/01/12).
Nikon SB-910 – First Thoughts…
On face value many may take little more than a cursory glance at the details following this announcement.
Image © Nikon Corporation
That is understandable as the updated flagship Speedlight for Nikon users, is still remarkably similar to the original, and may appear ‘unexciting’.
But if I put on my ‘working hat’ for a moment, that’s the point, it is just a tweak or two. Most seasons pro’s are happy with that.
No major change in operation means a better seamless integration with any existing SB-900’s, without a new learning curve, but also without having too wait even longer for a completely new model.
And not needing a radical overhaul, it should put those users minds at rest that the current product is pretty sound.
Image © Nikon Corporation
A better interface is nice, and the small changes like slightly more accessible buttons look very practical in day-to-day use, especially if you need to work rapidly, or under low light situations.
That said, I think for me even slightly deeper button would have been preferable, as I would prefer a little more contact pressure.
I remember about twenty years ago while working for Nikon, suggesting such things as being better low light controls, with illuminated button options or paint.
The now far simpler access to the Speedlight’s custom settings, will encourage more users to set up their gun to suit, than with the SB-900/Ok button design. I wonder though if it is going to get knocked in real use changing the expected display? Time will tell.
The ‘improved’ sensing of temperature and potential overheating will be welcomed, and probably follows the SB-700‘s design which is different to the original SB-900.
Likewise, the harder supplied plastic gels are a step forward.
Great power and stacks of features, while the SB-910 is not cheap, it still seems good value for money too me if you are a heavy user.
But if none of the above ‘improvements’ are significant to your flash use, then the SB-900 will do just fine.
Image © Nikon Corporation
Of course I will be integrating this model into the official Nikon Speedlight workshops, alongside the SB-900, SB-700, SB-800, SB-600 and earlier Speedlights, that I run on behalf of the company.
End. (30/11/11).
New Nikon Pro Speedlight…
Nikon have today announced the SB-910, an update on the SB-900 Speedlight. I have a few comments of my own to follow, but here are the official details.
London, UK, 30 November 2011: Nikon today introduces a brand-new flagship i-TTL Speedlight; the Nikon SB-910 that replaces the highly regarded SB-900.
RRP: £449.99 / €522.00
Sales start date: 15th December 2011
Image © Nikon Corporation
Fast, versatile and powerful, with re-designed menus and controls, the SB-910 offers extensive opportunities for on-camera or wireless flash photography. A powerful tool for professionals who demand studio quality lighting, the new model combines enhanced operation with an extended zoom range of 17-200mm and three illumination patterns for total control over flash coverage.
“The SB-900 cemented its position as a class-leading flash”, says Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager, Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe. He goes on: “and now the new SB-910 is set to continue this legacy, taking operability to the next level with improved ergonomics and more intuitive control.”
Light Control
The SB-910 is a powerful portable light source that delivers precise flash exposures and seamless fill-flash performance—even in challenging lighting situations. Perfect for professionals seeking complete control over the quality of light, it offers Centre-weighted, Even and Standard illumination patterns to accommodate any shooting environment and can cover a zoom range of 17-200mm while maintaining an even light distribution. Bounce flash capability is provided through a head that can be tilted up to 90º, down to 7º and rotated horizontally through 180º to the right and to the left. The thermal protection system has been improved allowing more optimal heat detection and recycling time management.
Smooth Operator
The SB-910 boasts refined ergonomics and re-designed menus for more intuitive control, with the same reliability as its predecessor. Menus are clearer and the selector dial incorporates a groove so you can feel when you change settings. Illuminated buttons offer better visibility in the dark and the SB-910 includes hard cover (plastic) colour filters that are more durable and easier to attach.
Part of the acclaimed Nikon Creative Lighting System, the SB-910 is easily incorporated into multiple-flash lighting set-ups.
Major Features
· Professional i-TTL (intelligent TTL) Speedlight: compatible with FX- and DX-format SLR cameras. Part of the Nikon Creative Lighting System, it offers total control over flash coverage.
· Guide number: 34 (STD)/39 (CW)/31 (EVEN) (FX-format, ISO 100, m, at 35 mm)
Maximum guide number: 54.5 (CW, FX-format, ISO 100, m, at 135 mm)
· Centre-weighted, Even and Standard illumination patterns: Centre-weighted mode concentrates illumination to the centre of the frame, useful when using a telephoto lens. Even mode diffuses light evenly across the frame, useful when taking group shots. Standard mode offers a standard balance of power and light distribution.
· Multi-step auto zoom covers wide 17-200mm zoom range.
· Refined ergonomics for intuitive operation. Boasts a large LCD screen, clear menu systems, conveniently placed controls and illuminated buttons that offer more comfortable operation in low light.
· Automatic detection of sensor format: automatically recognizes FX- or DX-format cameras.
· High-speed recycling time of 2.3 seconds when using LR6 NiMH batteries.
· AF-Assist illumination: compatible with Multi-CAM 3500 FX/DX AF sensor module.
· Bounce capability: rotates 180º horizontally to the right and to the left; tilts up to 90º and down to 7º.
· Thermal protection system: warns of excessive heat buildup during high intensity firing.
· Hard-type incandescent and fluorescent colour filters included.
· Automatic filter detection: Speedlight automatically adjusts the attached camera’s colour temperature settings according to the colour of the filter being used.
· Firmware can be upgraded via the storage media in the attached camera.
End. (30/11/11).
Image © Nikon Corporation
Nikon Speedlight Course Last Call…
Just to let those interested know, that our Nikon Speedlight workshop next week (Monday December 5th) at Nikon UK’s Kingston Upon Thames home is very nearly full.
Only the last couple of places remain.
For more information or to book: Click Here.
End. (29/11/11).
Advanced Portable (Strobe) Flash…
Many Canon and Nikon users in particular, but not exclusively, have enjoyed over the years our ‘Mastering Portable (Strobe) Flash workshops.
This starts from the basics, then moves on too some advanced capabilities, surprising many in it’s scope and the information that sets them up for a lifetime of flash shooting.
I am very pleased to say that the next level, for the advanced enthusiast or pro, is taking place at Park Cameras on Friday (25th November).
Taking a real world approach, using my decades of off camera portable flash as a professional photographer, it is invaluable for those who understand the basics, but want or need to turn that into everyday pro quality results.
Based on real situations, I share lighting knowledge, how I use third party accessories including radio release systems, and light shaping tools to make it all work.
For more information and or to book: Click Here.
Bristol Bound…
Next Wednesday (November 16th) we are hosting the next of our People Photography Lighting workshops in conjunction with Profoto. This already acclaimed event still has a few spaces free.
So no matter your lighting choice, there are numerous aspects of technique covered that only come from decades of use. For more information: Click Here.