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Hire Pursuits - part 3 of 1 2 3

Published 01/12/2012

And, talking of cameras offering rapid focus, further new hire arrivals include the Sony A99 full frame 'SLT' (Single Lens Translucent). "That looks really interesting; we've got pros who have Alpha 900s looking to try it, but also serious amateurs too who own loads of compatible Minolta lenses. And that's before you consider the fact that it's also well set up for shooting video - a faculty of the latest DSLRs that people ignore at their peril."

A totally new equipment strand for HireaCamera.com meanwhile is the fact that it is now stocking Bowens lighting.

"We've become one of Bowens' preferred specialist hire partners," Guy divulges, adding that it will be stocking the manufacturer's range of still studio lighting plus the new, highoutput Limelite Mosaic LED panels popular with videographers and photographers alike. "We're investing in that quite heavily because, until now, it's been one missing part of our business."

HireaCamera.com will be stocking the most popular Bowens' lights, such as the Gemini 400RX kits, as a starting point, with the option of batteries as well for outdoor shooters. "We're not trying to replace the Flash Centre but a lot of our customers do want high-quality basic lighting. It's purely down to our customers turning around and saying they wanted us to be more of a one-stop destination."

For those looking to get the best value on their rentals, HireaCamera.com is still offering its reduced rate 'Flyaway Thursday' scheme - offering 25 per cent off whatever stock is available for hire that coming weekend, and, as part of its customer loyalty card package is also offering 25 per cent off the hire of mirror-less compact system cameras plus high-end compacts. The latter includes the Leica M9P and the Sigma DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill, along with the Sony full-frame RX1.

"Pros are really interested and want to get a feel for whether they're actually worth buying," Guy reasons. "We now have two lists in place: a pre-booking list for normal customers and a separate list for loyalty card holders so they get the chance to try kit first - that's in addition to a discount on all of their hires. For example a Gold loyalty scheme member gets nigh on 40 per cent off hire of a Leica M9P which makes it really rather affordable."

The loyalty scheme offered to regulars is a bit like British Airways'. It has a blue, a silver and a gold card, for after five, 10 and 15 hires respectively.

Finally, in terms of insurance for the kit you take out on hire, HireaCamera.com now offers a 'collision damage waiver' of up £10,000, and thereafter an insurance option. "We've done that to offer some way of reducing deposits to make it affordable for people," Guy reasons. "What it basically means is that any damage that occurs we will cover, but if anyone wants full theft cover we can arrange it. It's cheaper than the old insurance option we used to have and it reduces the deposit required down to 10 per cent of the value rather than the original 25 per cent required."

As we mentioned at the outset of this article, HireaCamera.com is also reaching out to SWPP members by offering 15 per cent off. Just mention HACSWPP12 when making your first hire order at www.HireaCamera.com. Delivery is nationwide and normally the day before your shoot, with collection the day after.

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1st Published 01/12/2012
last update 21/07/2022 08:46:24

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