Extra Post today - A Timely Reminder

Folks, the camera makers have been offering cashbacks for the last few months to boost Christmas sales.

Some have already finished, and congratulations to those customers who benefitted thereby...but some are still going for a very short period of time.

Those interested in Nikon, Canon, Panasonic and Instax should make time today to place an order to take advantage of these last few days of grace.

And you might also keep a screen eye peeled for the main Camera Electronic notices - we're due to have a Friday the 13th sale here at the end of this current week. I'm a little uncertain what they intend to list out but if you go to our main page or if you are a Facebook or email reader you should get some idea.

I don't think that that the management went with my suggestion of a free curse with every purchase but I shall be making up little parcels of them and taking them round to my friend's doorsteps on the day. I am a sucker for tradition...

Uncle Dick

Bargain Alert - Dawn Patrol

This is an extra late-night bonus weblog post for Tuesday, the 29th of November. The heading picture shows what was happening in the Stirling Street store this morning at about 11:00.

I recognise the activity. The staff are either setting out a stack of Cullmann tripods for a once-in-a-lifetime clearance sale or are constructing an anti-aircraft mounting for a Lewis gun. Given that this is one of centennial years of WW1 either conclusion is possible.

If you need a tripod for your DSLR or mirror-less camera at a bargain price, or would just like a shot at a passing Halberstadt you should repair to 230 Stirling Street early in the morning and get in while the getting is good.

I use a Concept 622T tripod with my Fujifilm outfits and it has been one of the best purchases of my digital career. I note there are some of them in the stack and also some of their heavier brothers. No idea what the prices are likely to be but they are going to go and the people they go to are going to be happy.

Three Days Warning - Pentax K1

There is an End-Of-Financial-Year sale email going out right now from Camera Electronic - you may be on the list that receives it. Normally I do not interfere with that section of the business or comment on the offers, but today another staff member pointed out that there is an exceptional good deal in there. So I grabbed an example of the camera, photographed it, and am adding the blog imprimature to it.

This blog post is chiefly aimed at someone who up until now has been shooting crop-frame cameras, but has not advanced to the full-frame models yet. If you are the possessor of purely-crop frame lenses you can read on - if you have a mixed bag of crop and full frame lenses you must proceed with caution.

Here's what I mean - if you have some crop or full frame lenses for the Canon or Nikon system, you will probably think of investigating the full-frame cameras from those makers. By all means - and you may find one of them in the same EOFY ad. Pass further down the car...

If you have ONLY crop-frame lenses and are contemplating the switch to full-frame...well you might as well consider shifting to a different camera system, as you'll be buying new full-frame lenses anyway. And you can do yourself some good by shifting to the Pentax K-1.

The specs are all in their own websites, or you can dial back to earlier issues of this blog that were posted just after the K-1 launch. Massive mega-pixelage, massively capable AF, weather sealing, high ISO...all the newer attributes of top of the line cameras. Plus the ability to achieve pixel shift recording in studio situations to add even more resolution to still life shots. The convenience of one of the best LCD touch screens in the business and all the electronic connectivity bells and whistles that people expect these days.

Days is the operative term - you've got 3 more days to secure an in-store or on-line bargain of the age with the offer on this camera. $2699 for a camera that rivals medium format performance.

You'll need a full-frame lens for it. I've included one in the illustration as a suggestion, and you can choose others if you wish. It is superb, but obviously you'll have to pay for it as a separate thing.

Personally, I would be utterly tempted if I wanted to make large landscapes, or if my studio work involved large prints. This blog just needs little images, but if you are more ambitious or better connected with commercial clients, but if you are more ambitious, or artistic, or better connected to commercial clients, you want the K-1.

Flash News - Day Four Of the Madness

If you are studio flashing it or speed-lighting it it out at an Easter party, drop by the shop today for bargains up to 78% off of selected lighting sets and accessories.

Theres some quirky bits on offer, as well as some standard flash units. Heavy-duty professional stuff, light shapers, portable continuous lighting, speed lights, etc. Even the video people are catered for.

In store goods, one sale one day...today's the day.

Never mind the chocolate eggs - stock up on lighting now. Surprise the bunny.

Step On The Gas And Get That Glass

Day 3.

You've got the filter and the memory card and the tripod and the bag and the camera body. Now at last you can get the lens and take some darned pictures!

March Madness moves amongst the lenses today. It's Wednesday the 23rd and all day they'll be selling selected lenses for all sorts of camera mounts at discounts ranging from 13% off to 45% off.
You don't get that sort of thing haggling in the vegetable markets...

Lenses from Leica, Nikon, Fujifilm, Canon, Mitakon, and Olympus are on offer.

In-store, in stock only. Bring your card and get the optic that you have been hanging out for.

SNAP SALE! Staff Decision - Get 'Em While We Can Get Away With It

We've come to momentous decision down here to put up a SNAP SALE for Vanguard camera bags and cases. The pricing guns are chattering away like Maxims and the bags are piling up like...umm....oh let's just say we're having a sale.

25% off all new Vanguard. And Vanguard are good bags. They are an imaginative accessory company who have devised camera and lens carriers in all sorts of sizes and shapes.

Some are dull and professional and some are bright and fun. Backpacks, slingers, messenger bags, video boxes, belt and pocket bags. Black, blue, red, green, orange...Hey, take your pick and take 25% off while you do.

Score.

PLUS.....25% off selected Think Tank Bags. Not everything - selected. But come down a browse and se if your desire is in our selection - and score again.

No Mo LOMO Sale - Come In Comrades!

Is Camera Electronic calling. Hello.

Is having special sale of Lomo camera and accessory. To be got rid of for making new space.

All new goods. Not sold yet. Now is time to becoming glorious film artist and achieve new heights also new depths.

Lomo can do this to you. I mean for you. Disregard former phrase - all is good.

Now Lomo in special radiation-proof bin at front of store for 50% off. Do not gulag behind - rush in and take advantage of us.

Special recommendation from Central Committee: buy Holga. Holga is good. Holga come in many colours including Red Army Green and Spetznaz Black. Also Glorious Red.

Is Socialist Realism at its best.

PS: we sell film to make for operations with Lomo.

Software Sale - Things In Boxes

Software is a hard subject to cover in small blog - particularly when it is constantly changing.

 By the time you finish reading this page someone in Silicon Valley or Mumbai will have written two generations on in whatever image-editing program you use and someone in Khazaksan will be frantically pirating it. If you pop out to the newsagent tomorrow you can get a free copy in a plastic baggy stapled to the front cover of  " Knitters And Crocheters Weekly ".

Nevertheless, if you are immune from the dizzying pace, we do have a number of boxed editions of useful Adobe and DxO material that may be what your system needs to succeed. We'll be doing half price on boxes of :

LR3 upgrade to LR4
Photoshop Elements 13
Premiere Elements 13
DxO Viewpoint 2
DxO Filmpack 4
DxO Optics Pro 9 Elite and Standard

Make sure your computer system is new enough to make use of these and then go for it. I use the Photoshop Elements program and find it excellent for screen work and printing.

Beat Me Daddy - Eight To The Bar - With Nikon AW 110

Those of you who are into retro swing music will know that line. Those of us who knew the song when it was not retro can smile and nod.

The reason it is introduced today is to remind people with a spare $ 149 that we know a good reason for you to come in and give it to us - the Nikon AW110 underwater camera.

We've got a swag of demo units from Nikon and this tough little customer can go out at a knock-out price. Those people who might pass it by because they do not do underwater photography might consider its:

1. It is dust proof as well as water proof. If you are determined to take pictures in a paddock  outside of Dalwallinu at seeding time this is the camera for you. Also it is steam proof, fog proof, and stink proof, so your chances of taking artistic images in odd environments increase.

2. You can wipe the exterior down with strong antiseptics. Can't do that with a D750 or 750D.

3. It is shock-resistant. ie. it can survive bouncing around in the glove box of your ute together with your binoculars and unpaid rego. Dalwallinu take note...

4. It is orange.

5. It is flat and about the same size as a hip flask. Dal...

6. It does take pretty good looking pictures and videos. It has a GPS function to tag your pictures. It has a 5 x zoom lens.

8. If you are not able to poke tiny buttons with big fingers, you can change settings on it by shaking the thing up and down - and then confirm the thing by shaking the thing sideways. Honest. It actually works.

9. It has WiFi so you don't have to prise it apart to extract the images - you can leave it sealed up if you are sitting in a hoochy in the rain.

Might be the perfect thing to give to children, teenagers, and strange relatives.

World Record Paid For Photograph

DP Review has just reported that a fine art photograph produced by Peter Lik has been sold to an undisclosed private buyer for $ 6,500,000.

This gives us all hope that we may, with the proper equipment and opportunity, emulate this success. Unfortunately the report does not state which camera and lens was used, nor the aperture or shutter speed. Apparently the original file is a colour one and has been converted to monochrome for this sale.

The photograph was taken in Arizona in a place called Antelope Canyon. It shows sunlight filtering down through what may be dust or smoke. Or it could be from some form of vapour rising from the sand floor of the canyon. Unfortunately the highlight that shows the floor of sand is so bright that it obscures whatever is lying there - hard to tell what might be releasing the vapour.

Perhaps there had been a recent visit from antelopes. Or zebras.

Well, The Roof Is Still On...

Not a bad thing at all, considering the wind last night. I noticed that one homeowner along Leach Highway who forgot to trim his palm trees last week need not worry this week...and all the natives downwind of his property can now thatch their huts.

Apart from this windstorm - and I blame the government - the other news this morning is good. I advised you to read the paper to see our offer of Olympus E-Pl5 camera kits for a blazing $ 399. We got 'em, you need 'em, and now is the time to get 'em. Before the next windstorm comes through.

While you are here pick up a tripod bargain - we're selling a number of the Cullmann models on a three legs for the price of two basis.  In other words we have dropped the prices on quite a few of the Magnesit models and bargain binned the Magic tripods and Nanomax models. The stocks are running out so run in.

More news from the party circuit - as you'll see tomorrow, the Fuji X 100 series of cameras are surprising machines. Couple them with a suitable flash and....but that is tomorrow.

Note: if last night was Bin Night, today may be Find The Bin Morning.

* Windier than I thought...boy, are BHP going to be mad...

Getta Good - Getta Gitzo

The Gitzo is the best. No arguments. It is also the most expensive. No arguments. It sells for mining money...or legal money, if you are employed by a mining firm. Normal mortals can't afford them...

Unless those normal mortals need the absolute precision of the heavy studio Systematic 3, 4 or 5, or the featherweight of the Traveller series. Then they find the money somehow. I know, I own a Studex  Series 5 in the studio and it can not be faulted. It can't actually be moved unless you eat spinach.

Now you too can approach the sacred mountain ( of tripods ) by taking advantage of the EOFY sale of the Gitzo GK1380VQR set.

It is the last one we have, or are ever likely to get. It is retro repro, styled from the 70's. It has a jet-set 70's leather travellers bag. It has a ball head and quick release and absolute precision. It is going out UNDER cost - to make room for new stock.

Bring in your $ 350 and grab it and run. It is your best chance ever for a classic, unless you can find a gold...or iron...mine.

Wow! Junk In The Trunk Sale

Or Wow! Loot In The Boot, if you prefer.

In addition to the EOFY special list that went out today into the newspaper - and if you have ever wanted an Olympus camera and lens now is your time, Maitland -  we have decided to make use of one of the bargain bins here to clear out strobist accessories.

$ 15 a pop gets you great goods that will make your field flash work so much better. It's now old stock and the best value you'll ever find. Treat yourself.

Wow!

Enter The Bargain Zone For $ 5

Those of you who remember our shop a few years ago...indeed a few decades ago...remember that we often had large amounts of strange equipment jumbled about. it could be like a voyage of discovery to find a long-dead civilisation. Sort of an Indiana Jones movie but without the big rock that rolls down on you...

Things have changed here on the sales floor with the advent of new cabinetry and the more ordered display of cameras and lenses. This is welcomed by most of the customers and all of the staff.

To cater for the explorers, however, we have unearthed a seemingly endless supply of small camera bags and oddly assorted filters. There are four easy-access bins at the front of the sales area near the Fujifilm cabinet that we have designated as the Bargain Zone. These are filled with the rich harvest of new little pouches and you are welcome to take all you wish at $ 5 apiece.

Think outside the square and inside the case...memory cards...car keys...change and credit cards...small sandwiches...ammunition...accessories for strobists...well you could use these little guys for just about anything. I am thinking of making a utility belt for myself out of the more colourful ones. When guests come over I'll wear it round the house. That'll ensure they don't stay too long.

$ 5 never bought a better bargain...

The Three Stories Of O

We are perfectly safe. The danger of running out of Olympus E-PL5 cameras with 14-42 lenses has been averted. Supplies have arrived and the troops are shoring up the parapets with boxes of them.

Actually, they are filling up the shop. Already we have lost a staff member behind a wall of boxes and all we can hear is a muffled voice asking for coffee.

Members of the camera buying public - and their friends - are urged to come in and help us regain some control of the storeroom by buying a kit. There are also many many lenses as well, so if you have a spare pocket you can take a couple of those home too.

The E-PL5 is the small hand version of the OM-D mirror-less cameras with all the goodies packed tight. The image quality is superb and the convenience of use is unbeatable. We are also offering the 45mm f:1.8 lens and the 14-150 lens as well on special deals so the portraitist or traveller is directly catered for.

The E-PL5 kit with the 14-42 lens is going out at $ 499.

The 45mm f:1.8 lens is going out at $ 399.

The 14-150 mm lens is going out at $ 599.

Now here's the BIG PART. Olympus currently has a cash-back offer for these camera kits and lenses that goes until the end of this month - that's 12 days away. You go on-line and here is what you get:

1.  Olympus E-PL5 and 14-42 kit..........................$ 100

2. Olympus 45mm f:1.8 lens....................................$ 50

3. Olympus 14-150mm lens......................................$ 100

So the Camera Electronic prices have been cut to the bone already and then Olympus gives you money back. How good is that!

Note: If you are already a photographer and use an Olympus or any other fine camera system you probably are always getting asked by your friends for photographic advice. You are probably getting asked to do free weddings and print out their holiday snaps but that is a separate issue...For the moment think about telling your mates to come in and get one of the Olympus kits and some lenses - They'll get a good deal with gear that will be able to do the job and you'll look good when they succeed.

Boost your rating. You might even be able to skin out of doing their family portraits if they get good enough at it.

Big Boxes O Bargains This Week With Ilford Paper

Those of you, and us, who use Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl paper for a standard image carrier will be gratified by the March Madness Sale that is going on this week here at the shop.

In addition to big discounts on cameras, lenses and equipment, we have dropped the Ilford Galerie Smooth Pearl paper considerably. Thus:

A4................ 1oo-sheet box........................................$ 59

A3+.............. 25 +10 sheet box..................................$ 47

A2.................25 sheet box...........................................$ 82

This is a super-cheap way to get good printing paper. Already the boxes are flying out the door and this is just the first day.

Please note that while we call it the March Madness Sale we ain't going to be crazy for the entire month. Sanity will prevail after this coming Saturday, so get in THIS WEEK if you hope to score a bargain.

After Saturday we will chew through the straps and escape.

Moving Right Along - With The Panasonic Lumix

This advertisement is the right price - we have just made sure of that!

The Panasonic Lumix GX-7 is a beauty of a mirror-less camera - it is one of the best handed cameras in this sensor size - the controls fall to your fingers without strain and the multi-angle viewfinder and LCD screen mean that you can operate it in any position - close to the ground for macro flowers or high above your head for event shots.

The files it produces are clean and clear - it handles low light very well.

It takes all the micro 4/3 lenses from Panasonic and other manufacturers. And here is where this deal gets sweeter. We have the perfect family party and tourist lens for it  -the Panasonic 20mm f:1.7 lens.

Today and tomorrow we have four of these camera body/lens combinations available - silver body and silver lens - with all the accessories for a snip price of:

                                        $ 1189.00

The lens alone sells for $ 450 so it looks as though this is the bargain of the day. We're trading until 5:30 today and until 3:00 tomorrow. Ring us up with the credit card and secure one.

A Christmas Carol And We all Go To The Dickens...

Whet the knife and boil the oil
Someone here has screwed up royal.
Grab a throat and twist it tight
The advertisement is not right.

If you read the newspaper today you may be astonished to see that 24-70 mm lenses from Canon and Sigma are at an all-time low price. An eye-poppingly low price. An unsustainable send-us-to-the poorhouse price. It is not just a clever marketing ploy by devious minds. It is a monumental proof-reading mistake by tired minds. The first casualty of Christmas 2013.

This is in the true Australian tradition of something coming seriously adrift around the 25th - you'll remember the ILLAWARA and the Tasmanian bridge and Darwin and the cyclone and all the bushfires. Well, this is the Camera Electronic Christmas disaster.

Don't contribute money to the Red Cross for us - no-one is homeless yet. We are about to have a couple of days of irate phone calls but we are trained in how to handle these; we burst into tears and howl like husky dogs. It seems to work.

The REAL PRICE of the lenses:

1. Sigma 24-70 lens    RRP $ 1049    Christmas Special $ 744

2. Canon 24-70 lens   RRP $ 1699     Christmas Special $ 1222

Apart from the advertisement passing 4 proof readers...(!)...we do apologise for the inconvenience to our customers. It is just a mistake, not a deliberate piece of meanness.

We reserve that for our relatives at the end of Christmas Day...Ho Ho Ho.

Kindly Old Uncle Dick

Hark The Herald Tribune Cries " Come In Here And Buy, Buy, Buy "

With apologies to Tom Lehrer…but it is the last Saturday before Christmas and it is traditional that you come in to the shop and buy something. We would prefer that you ask for photographic equipment but if you insist on hammers or plates of liver, we will do what we can to oblige…

It is also traditional in Western Australia to panic when it comes to the holidays. People look forward to one day of the year when the shops are shut and calculate that they will not be able to get bread or milk and rush out and empty the shelves and service station tanks…and in this spirit we would like to remind you that we will be shut from 3:00PM on the 24th until after New years. So rush in here and empty the shelves - you never can tell when you will wake up in the middle of the night and need a telephoto lens. Play it safe - buy several.


Merry Christmas from Uncle Dick

Coming Soon To A Computer Near You

I opened the emails at home this morning and found an advertisement for an antique sales company. I do not buy antiques but I opened it anyway - it turned out to be from some firm that is trying to sell antique photographic gear at auction - or what may purport to be an auction.

I like antique photographic gear - I could look at it all day. Sigh... I DO look at it all day...Either at home in the studio or here at the shop - there it is. I have no desire to augment the collection but still I looked at the list.

One item on offer was a Spirograph. The blurb said that it was similar to one in the Smithsonian Institution and that it was expected to fetch $ 10,000. I am glad that I was not eating at the time I read this as I would probably still be cleaning cornflakes off the the computer screen right now....Reading further I saw a long address in Chinese at the bottom, leading me to the cynical speculation that there must be someone who thinks that the Chinese people are either seriously rich or seriously stupid.

Then I remembered Nürnberg and a visit I made to that city in 1995. I wandered through the business district, pretzel in hand, and passed a camera shop. In it were a vast collection of ex-Soviet cameras and 50's film cameras at eye-watering prices. It was a nice set of premises until you considered the premise that the owner - Boris  - was trying to sell the unworkable to the unwitting. I think he must have succeeded because he pops up in eBay all the time doing the same thing from Germany, and has lately established an outpost in Hong Kong. I can only presume business is brisk, but I cannot say whether this makes me happy or sad, nor for whom...

As it is, I shall pass on the $ 10,000 Spirograph. If there is one in K-Mart for $ 9.95 I might be tempted as the swirly patterns that they make can be quite lovely. I wonder what would happen if you put it on a Wacom Intuous computer tablet and traced up a storm. It would probably look like some of the computer-generated patterns you get as screen savers. I wonder if you could use it to draw a picture of Boris?