FILTERS
Q&A
solution, show it works, they say
HOLLYWOOD’S
“thanks, I’ll take it” or a customer
comes in a muddle and we sort it TIFFEN CHOICE
ROBIN AVELING
and off they go happy!
CAMPKINS CAMERA CENTRE
Q8) What was the best Tiffen fi lters have been used in the
selling product in store over making of blockbuster AVATAR,
the Christmas period? the 3D sci – fi box offi ce smash
Q1) How long have you Swarovski Optics. Maybe hit which has just won two
worked in retail? because of the great trip to awards at this year’s Golden
I’ve worked in this “lovely Austria I had? (big thanks to all Globes.
industry” for 25 years and 20 at Swarovski). Not that I’m easily Tiffen fi lters have previously been
as the store manager… I was bought! used on blockbuster movies such
underwhelmed by all (none!) of Q9) Favourite product in had been looking at a Leica as Harry Potter and Slumdog
the messages of thanks from all your shop? telephoto lens (300-400mm it Millionaire to name just a couple.
the suppliers … See above! was 20 years ago!) worth about This is handy for you, the dealer,
Q2) How has business Q10) What was your fi rst £3-4k in today’s money and because the same innovation,
changed over the last six job? just a whisker before the credit precision and quality is used in
months? Cleaning the dust from between card came out his index fi nger every fi lter the company makes,
“Lumpy” is our term for it. We the Durst accessories (not sure circumnavigates the standard so this Hollywood-favoured
can be quiet then “bustlingly what that is? Ask a grown up!). lens on his R4 with the “I DO technology can be sold to your
busy” and back to quiet, the The fi rst camera I sold on the take the Summicron-thingey off customer to use in their DSLR.
same with stock. Mon/Tues afternoon of my fi rst day was a don’t I?” Tiffen has been recognised
everybody wants product X then Pentax ME Super and about a ”Yes… that’s it…. you’ve got the numerous times for its product
you could go ten days without a week after my 25 year service hang of it” came the dead pan and engineering excellence
further request for same. It makes anniversary I sold a second hand reply! earning two Technical
having the right mix of stock so one! Q13) What’s the highest Achievement Awards and a
diffi cult! Q11) What has been the value sale you’ve ever Scientifi c and Engineering Award
Q3) Ever served anyone best way of attracting made? from the Academy of Motion
famous? (if so, who?) customers into the shop? £25,000 Picture Arts & Sciences, an Emmy
Quite a few, modesty prevents Getting the handsome staff to Q14) If you could be Pixel and many more.
me naming all. run around in small thongs and editor for a day, what The new Shop4fi lters website
Q4) What’s your favourite stopping the others from doing would you do? from Tiffen and Swains offers
thing about Pixel? same! I would get on the phone to get direct purchasing and Tiffen news
Reading all those shining wits Q12) Funniest/most a backseat ride in a WW II online.
and looking at all the “new embarrassing moment in Spitfi re. My life’s dream would
WEBSITE
suits” that are going to make our store? be fulfi lled ‘cos journos always
industry a goldmine... If you wrote a sitcom on life in a get good spivs.
Q5) What is your camera store some of the things Q15) “If it snows again, I
PIXEL ONLINE!
preferred product to sell that HAVE happened would will … You might have noticed a couple
and why? just look made up. The Texan …still make it to work on time. of days when Pixel live appeared
One that’s in stock and not who came in a loud voice said I cycle a twenty mile round trip to be out of action, but never
“cheaper on the internet” “Y’all do fanny packs?” to which every working day ever since I fear: we were working behind the
Q6) How do you promote I replied in my most po-faced moved to my current house 11 scenes to bring you a new and
your business? English accent, “sir we don’t use years ago. improved site. We’ve upgraded
By trying to sell the right stuff THAT sort of language here… Q16) Finally,what is the the site to enable quicker updates,
and trying to help customers get it’s bum bag.” He thought he’d best joke you know? more news and more interactivity
the best from their equipment at committed some great sin. I was Roy Sealy of Swains told me this so that you can get the most out
what ever level. serving Lord Winston and some one: ”Yes my friend, I’ll give you of Pixel Live.
Q7) What aspects of your student type comes up and says one of those Russian watches Sign up to the forum to discuss
job do you enjoy the most? “… aren’t you that bloke on the since you’re an employee of old industry news and gossip, or
I think the best bits are when telly..” he smiled politely and Tommy Howell, the Tottenham favourite this page for Pixel stories
someone comes in with a agreed! supporter”. I’m still waiting... ha and comment in one handy
“need”, we put together a Or there’s the one where the chap blinking ha! place. www.pixellive.co.uk
PIXEL 08
Pixel Feb 10e.indd 8 03/02/2010 18:45
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