Japan coverage

[Marcus Hawkins]

We’ve been asked why PhotoRadar hasn’t written anything about the supply problems that photographers will face when trying to get a camera from Japan this year.

Seeing as the humanitarian toll is so catastrophic, we don’t think it’s a priority to find out when we can expect imports of DSLRs to resume right now.

Like the majority of sites, we’ve only covered press releases that have been issued, rather than calling manufacturers to chase headlines.

It’s an angle that needs to be addressed, but in time.

We’d like to know your thoughts on this...

[silversnapper1]

I agree that the Japanese people have enough to contend with at the present time without worrying when they are going to be supplying us with cameras or lenses or whatever. I noted that Nikon have updated the news section of their site with their present position.

They are a resilient people and will be back on their feet as soon as they can.

[HinFrance]

I agree too Marcus. It's a time to reflect and sympathise with the loss of life, not to worry about toys.

[Jediboy]

I agree. There is much more important things to worry about at the moment. My thoughts, hopes and best wishes are with the people of Japan.

[chris-p]

Like most normal humans, I agree as well. I have been mildly disturbed to see sites reporting about the shut down of manufacturing plants.

[donoreo]

I agree. There are more important things. Just pass on the press releases. Lets not forget that people outside of Japan could lose their jobs as well because of this.

[PolaroidSky]

Totally agree.

How about donating half the £10 entry fee or even £1 for this years POTY to aid Japan?

Maybe not viable (in any profit/business model) but it would surely cease the endless whining about fees and hopefully encourage more participants giving entrants the knowledge their money was also being spent for a purpose that transcended that of simply a competition.

Originally Posted by PolaroidSky

Totally agree.

How about donating half the £10 entry fee or even £1 for this years POTY to aid Japan?

Maybe not viable (in any profit/business model) but it would surely cease the endless whining about fees and hopefully encourage more participants giving entrants the knowledge their money was also being spent for a purpose that transcended that of simply a competition.

The business model of the National Lottery puts a little something back into the community (even if I do not generally buy tickets as priorities are relevant to situation ) In fact there are a few business projects that assist communities in unfortunate circumstance beyond the wealthier nations overcoming disasters. It's a nice idea Jim; and I also hope coverage of the situation in Japan is ever mindful of the hearts and minds suffering in their personal emotional turmoil such disaster in events undoubtedly unfolds.

Lets hope that the situation in Japan is swiftly back on an even keel.

and in a PS. re POTY - Just my opinion; As it courts on an International level it ought to remain free with the option to donate to the funding of costs, there in taking into account participants in geograhically based areas of hardship in relationship to the strength of the British pound..

[PolaroidSky]

@ Andy

It's a shame that the Lottery gives a hell of a lot less than it would have done if Branson had got that gig

I've no objection to the POTY having a fee, without a sponsor, where else could the money come from?... and giving that all revenue for the running of POTY's will be made via a fee this and potentially subsequent years too the factoring in of a percentage for charity would, to me, just be really cool.

I do agree that taking into consideration global economic climates is very important - is the fee £10 everywhere in the world?... there is a pretty dire climate in the UK too, for the average individual but it's nothing compared to other countries...

I think a mindful amendment to this years POTY, to use some revenues to donate, on behalf of entrants and the magazine would be such a wonderful gesture, place the mag in such great light and set such a standard for other businesses etc not just nationally but globally too.

[KeithT]

I think common sense will tell us that there is going to be a shortage of all products manufactured in Japan. This catastrophe is on a scale that we couldn't possibly imagine. My heart goes out for the elderly and confirmed and for the children who must be scared witless. This will definitely not be the last disaster in that 'Ring of Fire' that we will hear about, and it will come sooner than we think. After the Chiliean earth quake of 8.8 on the Richter scale in March 2010, the earth moved off its axis enough for us to lose 1.26 micro seconds in a 24 hour day. It doesn't sound a lot, but it was enough to knock planet earth off balance by 3 inches. This has caused the Tectonic plates to readjust and thus cause further earthquakes. It wouldn't take much more imbalance to flip the poles, and many scientist are now expecting this to happen. In view of that, who cares that our beloved gear might be in short supply. Perhaps the old war time saying of 'Make do and Mend' will be the new philosophy of the decade.