There is this fabled land of myth and lore where Nikons live, and it really exists! If you’re into Nikon, I mean really, really, really into Nikon, you know Grays. It was either back in 1980 or ’81 when I first talked with Gray Levett of Grays of Westminster about an eclectic, obscure piece of Nikon gear. We have talked and emailed throughout the years enjoying a delightful friendship. Today, Sharon & I had the great fortune to actually spend time with Gray and Gillian at what can only be called, the Disneyland of Nikon. You see here the ever dapper Gray, holding his F36 Cordless he shot rocks bands with back in the 60s, with the same passion he had back in the day. His knowledge of the Nikon system, the entire system from its very beginning up to the very latest is simply stunning.
While Grays has all the current gear, what they are so well known for is their service, knowledge and inventory of some of the classic Nikon gear which includes some of the first ever manufactured in the days of Nikon Rangefinder and first SLR. In this case before us are some amazing historic pieces, some one of a kind or very rare. I found a rare, 10OP that I had back in the day, a gorgeous circular fisheye that required the mirror up to attach to a body. It was a marvelous day going through old gear and memories and to come to know so much dearer someone I’ve known and respected since the first days of my career. And to find new, in the box, original DK-2 eyecups was the icing on the cake! One of the highlights of our London adventure, meeting the Levetts and spending time with them at the store will never be forgotten. It has been an amazing week all from the blessings of photography further proving the power of the click to change our world!
