Morris Photographic Blog

Morris Photo's Focus 2012 Service;

2012-03-03T10:23:00.001Z

Going to Focus On Imaging 2012? Why carry around heavy bags?

Give us a ring on 08454 302030, and get it sent direct to your door!

Or visit us on your way home - We're 13 miles south-west of Banbury M40 J11 - follow the signs for the A361 to Chipping Norton.

If you see a product you like give us a ring on 08454 302030 and we will do our best to price match.

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Focus On Imaging Weekend Deals!

To celebrate one of the biggest events of the year, we're cutting the price on hundreds of products across the range, and although I can't fit them all in, (we'd be here for a while!), I have popped a couple in for you!

We've been swimming in new deliveries; we've got plenty of the fantastic little Tamrac Digital 6's - in Blue AND Black;

Designed to carry the larger digital cameras and compact digital camcorders. The Digital 6 has Dual Foam Technology™ that combines closed-cell foam to provide maximum shock protection and provide complete protection. The open-cell foam is for vibration dampening and a custom fit. It features a Speed Flap top for quick access, a zipper-closing Speed Pocket on the lid and a Windowpane-Mesh pocket inside the top for filters and lens caps. A front accessory pocket with Universal Memory & Battery Pockets inside secures various types of memory cards and batteries. A special fitted pocket holds extra memory cards or any small accessories. In addition to the EasyGrip carrying handle, the Digital 6 has an adjustable, removable shoulder strap and belt loop to carry it hands-free on a belt.

Was; ~~£31.99~~
Now £19.99!!

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Slik SBH-200DQ Ball Head
The Slik SBH-200DQ is constructed from metal, which makes it durable and hard wearing. It comes with a Dual-axis bubble level so that you can ensure that your camera is level even on uneven ground. It uses one lever to adjust the tilt and pan so is perfect for sport or nature photography. It has a quick release plate to allow for quick attachment of the camera to the head. It also comes supplied with a 3/8th and 1/4 inch thread so is compatible with most tripods.

Was; £91.91
Now £45.95!!

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Giottos MML3290B 5 Section Pro Monopod
After a tripod, a monopod is the most effective way of increasing the stability of your camera and improving the sharpness of your photographs. Quite simply, the monopod “connects” your camera to the ground, supporting the weight whilst you concentrate on framing your shot and firing the shutter.

Manufactured from 6061 grade aluminium and featuring quick action lever leg locks, foam hand grip and a security wrist strap. The camera or lens can be mounted directly to the top of the monopod, or a head can be attached to improve camera positioning.

Was; ~~£44.95~~
Now; £39.95!!

Any questions, just give us a buzz on 08454 302030!

New Lowepro Bags - Event Messenger & Pro Roller Lite;

2012-02-18T13:31:00.000Z

Well, as the title suggests, we've got some new toys! :D

Warmer weather calls for lighter & sleeker camera bags, and once more Lowepro's stepped up to the challenge - and, I like to think, done rather well. The Event Messengers are based on a Grab N' Go method, featuring both quiet & 'security' modes by way of the velcro fasteners on the flap. The Pro Roller are perfect for those travelling 'Lite' - aah, see what they did there? - and hovering between just 8 - 13lbs (depending on your gear), I'd say it's one of their best yet.

I've popped in the following information for you, and I'm off to have a organise-the-gear-in-the-bag game with the E/Messenger 250 again! :D

Event Messenger 250

What Lowepro have to say about the Event Messenger's;

"Our Event Messenger offers the enthusiast photographer a discreet, modern bag with quick and quiet access in an innovative design," said Tim Grimmer, Lowepro director of marketing and product management.

The Event Messenger's Grab-and-Go design features a wide-access main compartment. A Dual-Mode Flap design allows the enthusiast to quickly switch from maximum security mode to quiet working mode by unfolding or folding the fasteners under the flap. The quiet working mode is ideal for capturing shots during an event where discretion is ideal.

Additional features include: padded laptop/tablet compartment (in the 250 and 150, respectively); comfortable shoulder strap with non-slip patch; stretch side pockets; and a grab handle for an extra carrying option.

Event Messenger 250 Fits: (£50.00)

    - Pro DSLR without grip, with attached lens
    - 3-4 extra lenses (up to 70-200mm f/2.8) or a flash and 3 lenses
    - Up to a 13" laptop
    - Accessories and personal items

Event Messenger 150 Fits: (£40.00)

    - DSLR with attached lens
    - 2-3 extra lenses (up to 70-200mm f/2.8) or a flash and 2 lenses
    - Tablet
    - Accessories and personal items

Event Messenger 100 Fits: (£30.00)

    - Compact DSLR with attached 18-55mm lens
    - 1-2 extra lenses or a flash with 1 lens
    - Accessories and personal items

    OR

    - CSC with attached lens
    - 2-3 extra lenses or a flash and 2 lenses
    - Accessories and personal items

Pro Roller Lite 150

The Pro Roller Lite Series;

Both bags are designed to fit the standard international carry-on size requirements and measure less than 45 linear inches. The 150 AW weights less than 8 lbs. (without gear); the 250 AW weighs less than 10 lbs.

Pro Roller Lite 250 AW: (£220.00)

Fits: 2 pro DSLRs with grip, 1 with attached lens; 4-5 extra lenses (such as a fisheye, 24-70mm f/2.8 or 70-200mm f/2.8); 2 flashes; spare batteries and memory cards; Up to a 15" laptop or tablet; Extra accessories or personal items

Pro Roller Lite 150 AW: (£260.00)

Fits: Pro DSLR or 1-2 pro DSLRs without grip with attached 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens; 3-4 extra lenses; 1 flash; Spare batteries and memory cards; Up to an 11" laptop or tablet; Extra accessories or personal items

See? :D

We've limited stock at the moment, but keep your eyes peeled, or for stock enquiries, just give us a buzz on 08454 302030, and we'll be more than happy to help you!

GWR 2012 photographic competition in aid..

2012-02-18T12:01:00.002Z

..of the Emergency Appeal!

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Plc (the GWR) and thecharitable Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Trust Ltd (theGWRT) are appealing for £1million in shares purchases/donations tohelp fund the repair of the embankment collapses at Gotherington(now complete) and Chicken Curve and associated preventativedrainage works.

Morris Photo are proud to sponser this competition - it's wonderful to see our country's heritage and history open to the public, and we'd love to keep it that way!

Get snapping for a chance to win one of the attractive prizes onoffer and help the Emergency Appeal fund.

During 2012 the GWR is running a photography competition insupport of the Emergency Appeal. The winning photographs willreceive one of the fantastic prizes on offer, the chance of beingreproduced in railway publicity material and may even appear in afuture GWR calendar.

The competition is open to all ages and all you need to do istake or have taken a photograph at the GWR or a similar railwaylocation.

Budding photographers can interpret the themes as they see fit,with entries falling into any one of six categories.

ENTRY CATEGORIES AND CORRESPONDING PRIZES:

Category number	The competition categoriesare:	The prizes are:
1	Best photo of the Gloucestershire andWarwickshire Railway	1 x Ricoh compact camera
2	Best photo of any heritagerailway	1 x Manfrotto 190CX3 tripod
3	Best photo of a railway scene notcontaining a train	1 x Manfrotto Veloce VII camerabag
4	Best photo of a steam loco	1 x Lowepro Pro-Runner camera bag300w
5	Best photo of a diesel loco	1 x Lowepro Slingshot camera bag202aw
6	Best photo age 15 and under (anycategory)	1 x Lowepro Flipside camera bag200

There will also be second and third place prizes making this acompetition well worth winning.

The closing date for all entries is Sunday 30^thSeptember 2012. To view full details of the prizes, entry criteriaand an entry form click on the icon below.

New UltraSharp Steiner Binoculars;

2012-02-11T13:25:00.007Z

For more than 60 years, the name Steiner-Optik has been synonymous with highest-quality precision and craftsmanship from the city of Bayreuth. They have yet to disappoint with their new range of Safari UltraSharp binoculars - setting a new standard in the performance of compact outdoor binoculars.

Amazing clarity even into the edge zones, unbelievable colour brilliance even under difficult lighting conditions and vivid images are the features of the newly developed high-contrast optics.

Best Optical Performance
- High Quality Optics for detailed images and high contour sharpness.
- 3 Dimensional brilliance Impressive vivid images with fantastic natural colour reproduction.
- Extraordinary Robustness NBR long-life rubber armouring Shock-absorbent, non-slip and robust.
- Stable Construction Manufactured to last. Designed for regular use thanks to the internal focusing and axially-cushioned folding mechanisms.
- Robust Design Resists extreme temperatures, dirt and water.

Innovative Ergonomics & Functionality
- Ergonomic Eyecups Protect the eyes against side light and drafts.
- Eyecups For Glasses wearers By folding the eyecups back, spectacle wearers can use all the available field of view.
- Ergonomic Design Fits perfectly in the hand, non-slip grips and focus wheel offer secure handling, even if you're wearing gloves.

The new models are available through our website now!

- - -

Steiner Safari UltraSharp 8x22 Binoculars;

Objective Diameter - 22mm
Magnification - 8X
Weight - 228g
Width - 110mm
Height - 103mm
Depth - 48mm
Exit Pupil - 2.75mm
Luminosity - 7.56
Twilight Factor - 13.27
Field of View 1000m - 125m
Focusing Sysytem - Fast close focus
Close Focus Yange - 3m
High Performance Optics - High Contrast
Waterproof - Yes
Eyecups - Ergonomic Rubber
Armouring - NBR-Longlife
Carry Strap - Comfort
Strap Attachment - Mounted
Bag - Yes

Normal Price: ~~£130.00~~ £109.99!

Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10x26 Binoculars;

Objective Diameter - 26mm
Magnification - 10X
Weight - 297g
Width - 116mm
Height - 120mm
Depth - 46mm
Exit Pupil - 2.6mm
Luminosity - 6.76
Twilight Factor - 16.12
Field of View 1000m - 101m
Focusing Sysytem - Fast close focus
Close Focus Yange - 3.5m
High Performance Optics - High Contrast
Waterproof - Yes
Eyecups - Ergonomic
Rubber Armouring - NBR-Longlife
Carry Strap - Comfort
Strap Attachment - Mounted
Bag - Yes

Normal Price: ~~£155.00~~ £129.99!

Steiner Safari UltraSharp 8x30 Binoculars;

Objective Diameter - 30mm
Magnification - 8X
Weight - 611g
Width - 166mm
Height - 120mm
Depth - 57mm
Exit Pupil - 3.75mm
Luminosity - 14.06
Twilight Factor - 15.49
Field of View 1000m - 120m
Focusing Sysytem - Sports Auto Fast close focus
Close Focus Yange - 2m
High Performance Optics - High Contrast
Waterproof - Yes
Eyecups - Ergonomic
Rubber Armouring - NBR-Longlife
Carry Strap - Neoprene
Strap Attachment - Clicloc
Objective Cover - Yes
Rain Protection Cap - Yes
Bag - Yes

Normal Price: ~~£250.00~~ £199.99!

Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10x30 Binoculars;

Objective Diameter - 30mm
Magnification - 10X
Weight - 611g
Width - 166mm
Height - 120mm
Depth - 57mm
Exit Pupil - 3mm
Luminosity - 9.00
Twilight Factor - 17.32
Field of View 1000m - 105m
Focusing Sysytem - Sports Fast close focus
Close Focus Yange - 2m
High Performance Optics - High Contrast
Waterproof - Yes
Eyecups - Ergonomic
Rubber Armouring - NBR-Longlife
Carry Strap - Neoprene
Strap Attachment - Clicloc
Objective Cover - Yes
Rain Protection Cap - Yes
Bag - Yes

Normal Price: ~~£274.99~~ £229.99!

Mountain King gets 10/10 Review;

2012-02-11T12:57:00.003Z

Country Walking Magazine has reviewed 10 of the leading Walking Poles; this vital piece of equipment will come into it's own for anybody who's walked over rough terrain for a fair amount of time! Factors to look for in walking poles vary according to preference, but all could be counted as nessecary for maximum comfort during your hikes.

What to think about when shopping for your Walking Pole;

1) Material; Many come in Aluminium or a similar alloy, although you can buy them in Carbon Fibre too. While Carbon Fibre is a lighter material, and stronger, you'll find that it's also higher priced.

2) Straps & Handles; A way of supporting most of the weight so you don't have to keep on gripping the handles. A high quality strap or handle will also have the padding so it's comfortable to hold for long periods of time. Adjustment is also a plus if possible; pulling it tighter can produce the correct swinging action, and some poles may even feature left and right handed straps for maximum stability and comfort.

3) Grips; Ergonomically shaped grips are considered essential for hiking long distances - combined with decent straps or handles will enable you to plod along quite happily without having to grip too tightly.

4) Shock Or Anti-Shock; More complex poles may come with built-in suspension - normally taking form on an internal spring that helps absorb judder if you're walking over harder grounds, although they do tend to be heavier than the standard poles.

5) Baskets & Tips; This is the disc of plastic on the tip of the pole - it'll prevent the pole from sinking too far into soft and damp ground. For use on snow, the basket will need to have a wider diameter. Tips are usually made from a hard metal material, but softer rubber stoppers can be slipped over the tip for walking on harder grounds.

Country Walking reviewed such brands as Mountain King, Blacks, TrekMates, CragHoppers, Vango, Black Diamond - but Mountain King's 'Super Trekker' edged it's way to the top with the following review;

"..A lightweight pair of poles with great padding. Although strong, there is a bit of flex in the shaft when fully extended. The anti-shock system is one of the most pleasant to use, with little noise when compressed and a firm, smooth action when weight is applied. The twist-lock machanism works well enough without slipping, even in wet conditions. The poles sit well in the hand with a dense sponge grip that works well even when wet. The foam grip also extends down the shaft of the pole for use when climbing, which avoids fiddling with the twist-locks. The wrist straps are comfortable with enough padding to support your wrists without chafing.."

The review in a nutshell; A great pair of poles at a great price - and they're made in the UK. The best in the test - 10/10!

We're still open for business as usual!

2012-02-10T08:52:00.001Z

So, once again, we've been blessed with this annoying white stuff - but don't worry! We're open :D
The tractors are once again clearing the Worcester Road Industrial Estate, although as always, I'd exercise caution if you're driving here today. The main roads are clear, and of course it's a wonderful chance for some incredible photos! If you're reading this later on today, feel free to give us a call on 08454 302030 for an update on the weather, just in case!

Thanks for reading!
(Don't worry, it'll be spring soon, I'm sure of it..)

Morris Photo; Snow Part II

2012-02-06T08:39:00.001Z

Saturday evening saw the gorgeous town of Chipping Norton (and the rest of the country by the sounds of it), receive a heavy fall of snow - today, Monday, the snow is either melting or has been ploughed away and is under control.

However, I will say that we do need to be careful of a cold night - it could ice the roads and pavements over, and of course I won't know personally until I try it myself, so I'll keep you updated. Our Industrial Estate is being cleared by tractors as I type, so by mid-morning I'd say it'll be clear enough for cars. There is still snow on the ground though, so I'd recommend caution nonetheless.

I'll do my best to keep you updated, but if you have any questions, we're open for business as usual, and that means you can call us on 08454 302030 :)

If you see or hear of something that could affect the flow of traffic through Chipping Norton, or if it's something you think our customers should know about regardless of where you are, you can email me at rowenna@morrisphoto.co.uk.

Safe driving!

Snow? We don't have any snow here!

2012-02-04T09:17:00.000Z

Morris Photo - Open for Business As Usual!

I'm sure you've all heard that we're getting ~~two~~, ~~three~~, four inches of snow - well, it hasn't arrived, so we're open from 9am to 5pm as usual. It's rather chilly but it's not snowing, so feel free to pop on up and come in out of the cold! If we see any snow, or a hint of it, we'll let you know straight away :)