Gargantuan Wide-Angle Lens with a £100,000 Price Tag Goes On Sale at Grays of Westminster

The rare Nikon fisheye lens is said to be able to ‘see behind itself’, it weighs 5.2kg and measures 171mm in length with a diameter of 236mm

London – One of the few 220º Nikkor fisheye lenses ever made is now available for purchase and is looking for a buyer at London’s Nikon-only reseller, Grays of Westminster.

Nikon stunned the photographic world at Photokina in 1970 by introducing the 220º fisheye Nikkor with an astonishing speed of f/2.8. It is the world’s most extreme wide-angle lens to cover the 24 x 36mm image area (at the time) with a massive glass dome which dwarfs the camera attached. The 6mm is for scientific and industrial applications and special effects when shooting portraits, architecture and interiors, etc.

Lens production began in March 1972 and it was only made available to special order. This lens’s technical specifications are:

• 6mm f/2.8 Fisheye-Nikkor lens
• Serial no: 628024
• Lens construction: 12 elements in 9 groups
• Picture angle: 220º
• Diaphragm: Automatic
• Aperture scale: f/2.8-f/22 on both standard and aperture-direct-readout scales
• Weight: 5200g
• Dimensions: 236mm dia. x 171mm long (overall); 160mm extension from lens flange
• Distance scale: graduated in metres and feet from 0.25m (0.9ft) to infinity (∞)
• Filters: built-in skylight (L1BC), medium yellow (Y48), deep yellow (Y52), orange (O56), and red (R60)
• Front lens cap: Slip-on, delivered in a rugged metal case.
• Condition: MINT
• Price: £100,000

Founder Gray Levett said, "The background of this immense lens is that our vintage camera buyer Toni Kowal spent six months tracking it down from overseas, and we were fortunate to be able to find this example in such pristine condition. The lens was photographed by master photographer Tony Hurst. It is a stunning example of the optical expertise of the engineers and designers at Nikon."

Grays of Westminster can be reached by telephone on +44 (0)20 7828 4925 or by e-mail: info@graysofwestminster.co.uk

About Grays of Westminster

The legendary award-winning Grays of Westminster is a charming period shop, specialising exclusively in Nikon. Grays of Westminster offers knowledgeable advice and information on Nikon equipment, whether new, second-hand or vintage. They can provide a fast and reliable mail-order service on any Nikon item which is available to all world-wide destinations.

From their very beginning over a quarter of a century ago, they aimed at offering their customers the very best service and the finest in Nikon equipment. This tradition continues today.

Grays of Westminster also provides a vast range of photographic training sessions for its customers including subjects such as Mike Maloney’s Photographic Workshop at the House of Lords; Heather Angel’s Wildlife & Natural History Workshops; Simon Stafford’s Definitive Flash, Portraiture, Landscape and Macro Training Sessions; Michael Eleftheriades’ panoramic and colour-calibration seminars.

Grays of Westminster is situated in a quiet location in central London yet within walking distance of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

For more information, please contact:

Gray Levett
Founder
Grays of Westminster Exclusively…Nikon
40 Churton Street
London
SW1V 2LP

+44 (0)20 7828 4925
info@graysofwestminster.co.uk
http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk

Submitted by: WorlWidePR.net

Grays of Westminster Wins Amateur Photographer 'Gold Winner' Good Service Award 2012

The Nikon-only camera shop received a large number of votes online via their Twitter profile, Facebook Page and blog

The esteemed Nikon-only dealer, Grays of Westminster, was presented with the What Digital Camera/Amateur Photographer 'Gold Winner' Good Service Award, as voted for by What Digital Camera readers and website visitors for the second year in a row.

This prestigious award was presented to Gray Levett, founder of Grays of Westminster, at the Amateur Photographer Annual Awards ceremony amid the glamorous surroundings of Quaglino's in London on 26th January.

Gray Levett said, "We were delighted to be honoured with this prestigious award last year and we are thrilled to have won it for a second year. Honours of course bring responsibilities, and that means we must continue to give our customers the very best service that we can. We are extremely grateful to everyone who voted for us; it is much appreciated. Thank you very much"


About Grays of Westminster

The legendary award-winning Grays of Westminster is a charming period shop, specialising exclusively in Nikon. Grays of Westminster offers knowledgeable advice and information on Nikon kit, whether new, second-hand or vintage, to customers who visit the shop in person, as well as a fast and reliable mail-order service on any Nikon item which is available to all world-wide destinations.

From their very beginning over a quarter of a century ago, they aimed at offering their customers the very best service and the finest in Nikon equipment. This tradition continues today.

Grays of Westminster also provides a vast range of photographic training sessions for its customers including subjects such as Mike Maloney’s Photographic Workshop at the House of Lords; Heather Angel’s Wildlife & Natural History Workshops; Simon Stafford’s Definitive Flash, Portraiture, Landscape and Macro Training Sessions; Michael Eleftheriades’ panoramic and colour-calibration seminars.

Grays of Westminster is situated in a quiet location in central London yet within walking distance of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

For more information, please contact:

Gray Levett
Founder
Grays of Westminster Exclusively…Nikon
40 Churton Street
London
SW1V 2LP

+44 (0)20 7828 4925
info@graysofwestminster.co.uk
http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk

Submitted by: WorldWidePR.net

Royal Photographer Julian Calder to Speak at Grays of Westminster Grand Christmas Dinner

Grays of Westminster Grand Christmas Dinner at The Institute of Directors, London with one of the world’s best portrait photographers, Julian Calder – 6.30pm, Friday 2nd December 2011

London – The exclusive London-based Nikon-only dealer, Grays of Westminster is to hold their Grand Christmas Dinner at the Institute of Directors, London on Friday 2nd December 2011.


The evening will be spent with one of the world’s best portrait photographers, Julian Calder. Following the superb three-course Christmas dinner in the magnificent period restaurant at the Institute of Directors (IoD) at 116 Pall Mall, there will be a rare opportunity to listen to Julian Calder’s extraordinary stories as he presents some of his magnificent portraits. This promises to be an exceptional experience.

HM The Queen by Julian Calder

About Julian Calder

Julian Calder has photographed numerous stories and assignments for leading national and international magazines. He specialises in portraits and his work has been published around the world and has been exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, London. His portraits of the Royal family formed the core of the Jubilee edition of Keepers of the Kingdom. Julian, who has been a professional photographer for over 30 years, was recently commissioned to take 16 official portraits of Her Majesty The Queen and HRH Prince Philip wearing the Orders of Great Britain and the Commonwealth, all taken on a D3X.

Julian Calder

“We are delighted to have booked Julian Calder to show some of his work and share some of his experiences with us at our Grand Christmas dinner,” says Gray Levett, founder of Grays of Westminster.

Institute of Directors (IoD) at 116 Pall Mall

The grand Regency building, 116 Pall Mall, with its sweeping marble staircase and vast walls covered in 18th and 19th Century canvases provides a spectacular backdrop for the evening, and the period restaurant is a most fitting venue for this elegant, traditional Christmas celebration.

• Venue: Institute of Directors (IoD) at 116 Pall Mall.
• Date: Friday, December 2nd, 2011
• Champagne reception: 6.30 p.m.
• Dinner: 7.15 p.m. (Traditional Christmas Dinner or a Vegetarian Option)
• Julian Calder's talk in the Morning Room: 9.15 p.m.
• Cost of the evening: £155 per ticket or £95 if you are a subscriber to Nikon Owner magazine

Booking Information
Grays of Westminster Christmas events are extremely popular and early booking is highly recommended. To book a place at the Christmas Event, please email Gillian Greenwood, gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk by email only with your full name, Nikon Owner subscription number if available, postcode, daytime mobile and landline, your menu choice (traditional or vegetarian) and the name of any guest you would like to bring with you. Please note there are limited places available, so do reply as soon as you are able to, in order to ensure you have a place. It is important to note that we are unfortunately unable to take telephone messages with regard to your booking.

For more information, please contact:

Gray Levett
Grays of Westminster
40 Churton Street
London
SW1V 2LP

+44 (0)20 7828 4925
info@graysofwestminster.co.uk
http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk

Nikon Awards Crystal Trophy to Grays of Westminster for 25 Years of Outstanding Contribution to Nikon Users

Nikon UK awards Nikon-only dealer, Grays of Westminster, for its outstanding contribution to Nikon users at the company’s gala luncheon at The Goring, the exclusive five-star hotel in Belgravia where Kate Middleton stayed before her marriage to Prince William

London - On Tuesday 26th July, Grays of Westminster, the legendary Nikon dealer, was presented with a stunning, heavy crystal trophy by the Managing Director of Nikon UK, Mr. Michio Miwa, during a celebratory luncheon at the exclusive Belgravia, London hotel, The Goring.

The trophy, which features a 3D image of the legendary Nikon F camera laser-etched into the award, reads:

“Presented to Grays of Westminster to celebrate their 25th Anniversary and their outstanding contribution to Nikon users.” – Nikon UK Limited

Grays of Westminster was founded a quarter of a century ago by Gray Levett who had the idea of creating a world-class camera store which would offer a service, second to none. The concept began to take shape and ultimately came to life as Grays of Westminster.

In a letter to Gray Levett, Mr. Makota Kimura, the President of the Nikon Corporation, Japan wrote: “Grays of Westminster is a well-known and respected business that has become almost a household name amongst professional photographers during the past twenty-five years. This is no doubt a result of your commitment to your customers and understanding of the Nikon brand.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on such a momentous occasion and would like to express our gratitude for your support of the Nikon brand. I am looking forward to a continued mutually beneficial relationship during the coming years.”

The distinguished actor David Suchet CBE and long-term customer sent a message with his regrets, “Thanks so much, but sadly can't be with you, filming Great Expectations for the BBC, playing Jaggers. Have a wonderful celebration. Congratulations!!! Love David.”

Amongst those taking part in the celebrations was Richard Young, the UK’s most successful celebrity photographer; Mike Maloney OBE, Britain’s most decorated press photographer; Andrew Main Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of the IoD (Institute of Directors); founder, Gray Levett; co-director, Uri Zakay; Gillian Greenwood, Nikon Owner magazine director and author of In the Company of Legends …a history of Grays of Westminster, as well as senior staff from Nikon UK.

Receiving this award, Gray Levett said: “This is a significant moment in our history. I am delighted and honoured to receive this beautiful crystal trophy from Nikon. Grays of Westminster started a quarter of a century ago from humble beginnings with just £100 and no stock to speak of; to be accepting this award in the grand surroundings of The Goring today is something I could have hardly imagined.

“Grays of Westminster has what is probably the widest range of new, second-hand and vintage Nikon in the world. From the very beginning we aimed at offering our customers the very best service and the finest in Nikon equipment. This tradition continues today. The fact that we have survived over the last twenty-five years has been made possible by our very loyal customers, the hard work of all of our staff and our strong relationship with Nikon UK and Nikon Japan.”

About Grays of Westminster

The legendary award-winning Grays of Westminster is a charming period shop, specialising exclusively in Nikon. Grays of Westminster offers knowledgeable advice and information on Nikon kit, whether new, second-hand or vintage, to customers who visit the shop in person, as well as a fast and reliable mail-order service on any Nikon item which is available to all world-wide destinations. Grays of Westminster also provides a vast range of photographic training sessions for its customers including subjects such as Mike Maloney’s Photographic Workshop at the House of Lords; Heather Angel’s Wildlife & Natural History Workshops; Simon Stafford’s Definitive Flash, Portraiture, Landscape and Macro Training Sessions; Michael Eleftheriades’ panoramic and colour-calibration seminars.

Grays of Westminster is situated in a quiet location in central London yet within walking distance of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

For more information, please contact:

Gray Levett
Founder
Grays of Westminster Exclusively…Nikon
40 Churton Street
London
SW1V 2LP

+44 (0)20 7828 4925
info@graysofwestminster.co.uk
http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk

Submitted by: WorldWidePR.net

Institute of Directors Expands its IoD Office Solutions at 116 Pall Mall

The fully managed office solutions service at the most prestigious business address in London has proved so popular that it is now undergoing an expansion programme due to increased demand

London - The Institute of Directors’ fully managed office solutions service -- IoD Office Solutions -- has been so successful since its launch in April last year, that it is expanding its services throughout 2011. By the end of the year, many more companies will be able to avail themselves of Address and Mail Forwarding, Virtual Office, Hot Desk Office or Platinum Office from the IoD’s prestigious Pall Mall SW1 address, all at highly competitive rates and with no set up costs or long term commitments.

All the new offices will be fully equipped with award-winning, ergonomically designed furniture including the Resolve Canopy which helps define space, modulate privacy and provide acoustic benefits by reducing noise distractions, and Aeron chairs with their innovative posture-fit design. The telephone switchboard has also just been updated to the most advanced system available.

“In today’s tough economic climate, managed offices are an attractive solution to businesses in that they provide flexible working and are a great way to reduce costs and avoid long term financial commitments,” says Andrew Main Wilson, IoD Chief Operating Officer. “I think the success of IoD Office Solutions which has prompted the current expansion is not only down to the office’s first class facilities but also because we treat all clients like VIPs and ensure they are provided with absolutely everything they need.”

IoD Office Services is an ideal solution for those who often travel and so have no need for conventional office space; for those who are looking to test the market before committing to permanent office premises; or those who wish to expand from a professional city centre location.

About IoD Office Solutions
IoD Office Solutions provides address mail forwarding, virtual office and hot desk managed office services at the Institute of Directors’ prestigious SW1 address. The service is available in a range of packages and comes complete with numerous office support facilities including a receptionist and telephone switchboard, broadband internet, fax-copier-printer, advanced phone features, conference calling, IT assistance and catering services. Other benefits include waived IoD membership (with IoD Platinum Office for term of contract), and attractive discounts on other IoD services and on food and drink. For further details, visit: http://www.iod.com/officesolutions



For further information, please contact:

Clare Jones
Senior Marketing Executive
IoD Office Solutions
116 Pall Mall
London
SW1Y 5ED

020 7451 3300
officesolutions@iod.com
http://www.iod.com/officesolutions

Submitted by: WorldWidePR.net