Ever since we started carrying the Go Pro HD Heros at Foto Care two things have happened. One, everyone has been sticking the mini sized 1080p cameras on everything, and two, we’ve realized that some of our co-workers are crazier than we thought. From ripping through Manhattan traffic on a track bike to deep sea fishing for marlin off the coast of Jersey, we’ve been doing our best to wreck one of these things and have had no success. We culled down some of our favorite Go Pro videos from around the internet to share with you.
Foto Care Rental was recently interviewed by ProductionHUB, a search engine for media & entertainment serving film, television, video, live event and digital media production. Developed in 1998, ProductionHUB serves as a tool for anyone with an Internet connection to find production products, equipment, services and professionals. Exceeding 3.5 million user sessions annually, this vertical B2B and entertainment industry portal has grown to become the world’s largest and most active production community search site.
Here is the interview with our very own Fred Blake:
Q: How and when did Foto Care begin as a resource for production professionals?
A: Foto-Care was born in 1968 right here in NYC. At Foto Care, we are extremely passionate about photography but even more passionate about the lifelong journey that photographers embark on. We will do absolutely everything we can to support that journey. It is for this very reason that our commitment to the photographic community we serve extends well beyond a purchase. Or two. Or three. We believe the better we know our customers, (their needs, desires and goals) the better we are able to support them (guide them, educate them, celebrate their accomplishments) no matter what their experience level or where they are in the world.
We have held this belief since 1968 and to this day, not a day goes by where we don’t strive to over-deliver on it.
Q: What types of products does Foto Care offer?
A: We carry EVERYTHING and anything a professional photographer or videographer could want or need for either sale or rent.
Q: What are some of your latest or most-popular products?
A: The Canon XA10 HD camcorder has been getting a lot of attention along with the new Fuji Finepix X100.
Q: How do you differentiate from your competition?
A: Although we can’t say for sure how our competition operates, we pride ourselves on offering our clients exceptional customer service and follow-up. When you come to Foto-Care, we do not shuffle you through like a big-box store. We invite you to bring your questions, and will spend the time you deserve to make sure you leave here with the right answers. We know most of our customers on a first name basis – come to think of it, they are not customers, we consider them friends.
Q: What changes in this industry have you witnessed over the last couple years?
A: Over the past few years there has been a tremendous shift from film to digital cameras but as of late the shift is leaning towards cinematography.
Q: Where is DSLR filmmaking heading?
A: Well, technically, we see it evolving to a more simplistic design. A Box (with a sensor in it) and a lens. The Ipad, smart pad that will be out new platform to reach our audience. Some may not like it, but that seems to be the best way to the new audience.
Q: Will Foto Care be attending any upcoming trade shows or events?
A: Our next event will be Photo-East.
Q: Who can our users contact to inquire about your company and/or products?
A: They can either call our store directly to speak to one of our sales or rental experts at 212-741-2990 or send us an e-mail at info@fotocare.com
Q: Are you offering any special deals for members of ProductionHUB?
A: Yes, say you saw us on ProductionHub and receive 5% off any order in our retail store or 10% off any rental order. Also, buy a new Canon 5D Mark 11 and receive a Foto-Care anniversary addition messenger bag FREE.
It has been a long time waiting for us but we finally have them in stock, the GoPro Helmet Hero. The response has been amazing, they are being rented, tested and sold! We would love to feature some of your videos as you begin shooting. Please share by sending us your videos, contact elizabeths@fotocare.com for more information. We will be featuring the videos over the next few months.
Below are examples from GoPro TV of what you can do with this incredible camera system.
Speed Flying in France
Neil Amonson soars in Chamonix over the French Alps with his GoPro wing.
Kayak Chutes
Rush Sturges takes on an incredible line. There’s no going back once you dive down a chute like this.
If you are interested in renting or purchasing please contact us at 212-741-2990 and have fun!
Posted by Elizabeth Stacy | Posted in Foto Care Rental
Posted on September 15, 2010
Don’t miss out on this exclusive rental special for Kobold HMI lighting! It ends on October 30th so make sure to reserve your rental today at Foto Care Rentals.
In the ever changing world of professional photography, have you come across the need for continuous light but don’t know what to use? Well, forget the rest, and “Test the Best”!
For a limited time only, receive 50% off your first time rental on the world class Kobold HMI system of continuous lights from Foto Care! Also receive 50% off your accessories and grip equipment.
• 50% off rental discount applies to first time user rentals on Kobold outfits at Foto Care NYC.
• 50% off any accessories or grip equipment rented for use with the Kobold outfit (up to $100.00)
• There is no time limit on how long the rental can be on either the Kobold or grip equipment.
• Promotion runs until October 30th.
Call our rental department at 212-741-2991 for more details or to reserve equipment.
We are happy to announce we now have the Zeiss Compact Prime CP.2 lenses available in our rental department.
The Compact Prime CP.2 lenses’ improved functionality means improved ergonomics compared to standard SLR lenses. Differences include standard housing dimensions, standard focus and iris gear positions, a consistent front diameter, a robust construction, longer focus rotation and a manual focus. All in all, Zeiss compact primes provide the perfect tool for Independent filmmakers, and still photographers using HDSLR’s for TV and feature film productions.
Posted by Foto Care | Posted in Foto Care Rental
Posted on June 8, 2010
We are excited to share this Foto Care interview published by BronImagingBlog.com. We hope you enjoy Fred’s tips on how to maximize your experience renting photo equipment to ensure a smooth, efficient shoot.
Today, we’re interviewing Fred Blake, Business Partner and Manager of Foto care Rentals. Fred, having been in the photo industry for many years, has a particularly broad knowledge base incorporating both the shooting, manufacturing and retail sides of the photo industry. Fred has been with Foto Care for fifteen years.
First off, why would a photographer consider renting equipment?
Many reasons:
For the professional, if they’re in need of a product they may not currently own, or perhaps a piece may be too expensive for them to purchase at that time; this is where we can help out. Other times, we may have a photographer that’s called to do a very particular type of job where they may only need specific equipment once.
For passionate amateurs, renting allows them to take various gear out for test-drives to see what works for them. While at the same time, it gives them access to a broader range of gear when special occasions like vacations, weddings, births or graduations come up.
Most of the time it’s more economical, technology moves faster than the time it takes some equipment to pay for itself (especially digital and hybrid video cameras)
How do I choose a good Rental Facility?
Honestly, price shouldn’t be the primary consideration. Most rental houses are in the same ballpark. For us, we pride ourselves on working with our customers based on their budget restrictions or working within the specific budget for the project at hand.
Proximity and accessibility should be factored in as well. There may be times where on site training on a product may be the best way to learn. Most importantly, a facility’s breadth and depth of its equipment is the leading reason as to where one should rent. Can a facility support what it rents? Can a facility suggest the best tools for the job? At Foto Care, this is what we pride ourselves on.
Talk to us about your staff’s knowledge:
Our staff has been with us an average of eight years, with some having been here for decades. The fact that we’re all passionate techies makes this not seem like work. We go out of our way to test drive every piece of equipment. It’s amazing how eager everyone is to get to know the hardware as soon as it comes in. Plus, part of our job is to be able to troubleshoot with our customers over the phone so we all need to understand the ins and out of each piece of gear we rent.
All of us have our particular areas of expertise but everyone seems to have jumped on the video bandwagon in a big way. We are becoming video hybrid experts. Things have been moving so fast that keeping up is critical. Video is just exploding. We’re adding microphones, special lighting and lenses that we’ve never had before based on demand and interest.
Talk to us more about the depth of equipment you offer?
Having the newest/latest equipment available for our customers is critical. And not just one or two either. Our depth of equipment and inventory (usually having 10 or more of something) is key. For example: We have more then 90 Broncolor powerpacks; more than anyone in the country.
Foto Care has built a reputation on Outstanding Customer Service. How does that apply to Rentals?
It’s always been important, I remember one time Avedon Studios called from India with a problem: They were shooting the Dalai Lhama in 8 x 10 format with very limited time restrictions so every piece of film needed to be usable. With exposures all over the map, they needed to process the film by inspection so we ended up finding them night vision equipment to help them process their film.
These days, some of our newer customers will call to discuss various lighting scenarios they are considering and ask for our recommendations. Helping problem solve with them is one of the highlights of our day. In fact, often we’ll set up lights here at our facility to show them a particular setup. Fortunately, our facility is quite large and allows us to show a variety of setups to our customers. The time investment for us is important because this is their job at stake, and we see ourselves as a trusted partner in their business. And this doesn’t just apply to the working professional. We want all of our customers to be comfortable with the gear they rent from us. That’s why they keep coming back.
What can a customer do to ensure they get the best results?
1. Call orders in advance:
Most errors are made when under pressure. If this is unavoidable, check your equipment before you leave. Ten minuets at the counter can save you two hours in set.
2. Ask questions:
We’re not just handing out a box with no support. We expect our customers to ask us questions. In fact, we encourage it. We’d rather help answer all your questions when you’re placing an order or when you pick it up as opposed to when you are out on location or back in your studio. And b all means, keep asking questions until you are comfortable and satisfied. In photography there is more than one way to achieve most goals.
What do you recommend for customers consistently ordering over the phone?
If you start an order over the phone, get the name of the rental technician. This way, if you call to follow up with questions, there is continuity by dealing with the same person. We also except orders via email. Really, its whatever works best for you as a customer.
When picking up an order, what should customers know and do?
Go through your equipment. Look at it. We try to pack orders as accurately as possible but there can be misunderstandings. Sometimes funny ones: Someone the other day asked for a “Gary Coleman” C-Stand. Huh? Hadn’t heard that one before. What they wanted was a short 20” C-stand versus a 40” stand. With all the slang in our industry, it’s easy to misunderstand what folks are sometimes looking for.
What are some of the things to keep an eye out for?
Clean, maintained equipment, especially clean sensors. It’s a matter of pride with us. You can tell a lot about a rental facility by how clean and well maintained their inventory is.
Anything else people need to know?
All rental houses in NYC require deposits, valid identification, and, in some cases, proof of insurance. It’s a very good idea for photographers to have insurance. This not only protects the photographer but the rental department can take a reduced security deposit for the value of the deductible.
Is there anything else you want customers to know?
Posted by Elizabeth Stacy | Posted in Foto Care Rental
Posted on May 9, 2010
Try the best from Hasselblad for the Price of a DSLR
New Hasselbald H4D 50 at Foto Care Rental
Limited Time offer of $350/day
Hasselblad’s newest addition to their digital systems, the H4D 50 is now available in our Rental deparmtent. The rental kit includes the new camera system with the 80mm lens, firewire cables for tethered shooting, extra batteries, Hasselblad Phocus software and a small cleaning kit. If you have never used the system before you will also get a free training session with our in house digital technician before taking it out for a test drive.
The H4D 50 sets a new standard for camera handling and image quality. With the new True Focus feature it makes auto–focus substantially easier and more accurate. Without multi‐point auto‐focus a typical auto-focus camera can only focus on a subject that is in the center of the image. When a photographer wants to focus on a subject outside the center area, they have to lock focus on the subject and then re‐compose the image. In short distances especially, this re‐composing causes focus not be sharp because the plane of focus changes with the movement of the camera. True Focus corrects for the movement and the focus point remains in focus after re‐composing.
Other new features of the H4D includes the updated 3” display now with 24bit color and a larger viewing angle than the original Hasselblad digital system, new electronics which make focusing even faster, increased custom profiling options for camera settings and higher read‐write speed of 80 mb/sec. With all the new features of the camera along with the always improving Phocus software the Hasselblad H4D 50 is made to fit all your needs.
Don’t miss your chance to rent this system at an unbeatable price! Contact our rental department today to reserve your order.
Foto Care Rentals
212‐741‐2991
rental@fotocare.com
42 W22nd Street
New York, NY 10010
