Canon suddenly opened a photography service center to support photojournalists despite the Covid-19 pandemic

Last week, photographer Jeff Cable revealed he’s been told photographers will need to bring their own cameras and lenses to cover the 2020 Olympic Games. If so, this could be the first time. First, there are no longer stores that display cameras and lenses from companies specializing in photographic equipment to support sports reporters.

Just last week, Cable shared with PetaPixel how he was bringing all his own gear to Japan. However, Cable also expressed his wish that Canon had enough equipment to support him and his colleagues in case the camera or lens was unfortunately broken. This request is said to be because the IOC wants to prevent the loss of equipment if unfortunately there is an outbreak of Covid-19 at the congress.

But the rules or regulations seem to have changed in the past two days. Canon has just announced that it will open a booth full of lenses and supporting cameras for press photographers.

Canon, one of the main sponsors of the Olympics, would not have made such a big announcement without the permission of the IOC. This means that the rules for photographers have changed over the past few days.

Canon representative shared: “Canon has provided on-site support to press photographers, including camera and lens maintenance, tech support, and behind-the-scenes at major sporting events around the world. Tokyo 2020 Olympics Here, Canon will also apply the know-how of professional, flexible and tailored support to photographers or the various requirements and equipment problems they may encounter.” .

The photo center will operate on what Canon calls a “zero downtime” model, meaning photographers will be provided with extremely fast camera service, equipment repair and replacement equipment loans. so photographers are always ready and in the best possible condition.

Canon said: “The Canon Photo Service Center will provide equipment such as the company’s flagship, professional camera line, the EOS-1D X Mark III or the EOS R5 and EOS R6 mirrorless models and a range of super telephoto lenses. In addition, highly trained and elite staff will work on-site to support the photographers until the conclusion of the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.”

Canon said the service center will take “radical precautions against the spread of Covid-19” and ensure photographers and staff can safely use and operate the booth. In the photo, plastic dividers and barriers are visible around the booth to separate those who are queuing and working inside.

Cable shared: “This is the first Olympics where I need to bring everything, because Canon is not allowed to lend products to photographers because of the epidemic, unless it is an emergency. This gives me a little extra money. stress during this period”.

For photographers, the main concern so far seems to be related to communication and support from the organizers.

Changing the rules around last-minute equipment rental is a rather confusing media decision, although it’s quite helpful for photographers in the meantime.

Refer to Petapixel