NPS: A photographer's best friend

Le Mans, France -- Imagine that you are a photographer on assignment at Le Mans, having arrived here from one of many locations around the world. Saturday afternoon your camera goes on the frizt. What do you do?

If you are using a Nikon camera the answer is easy -- call on Nikon Professional Services -- known as NPS. NPS offers to professional photographers complimentary repair of equipment (when possible) and the ability for photographers to be able to borrow equipment at major events.

This program, started in the US more than 30 years ago, and copied by many other camera manufacturers who are competiting for users in the professional photography market, is another example of of Nikon's continuing support of professional photographers around the world.

At Le Mans the service is managed by Nello Zoppe' (at left) and also staffed by Phillipe Moreau (at right, below), who lists his title as technician, but who is much more than that. He is able to take apart, repair, and put back together a pranged Nikon as well members of the Audi, Puegeot, or Porche teams can repair a pranged race car.

These two Nikon knights in shinning armor have saved the bacon of many photographers and have also helped many with a loan of equipment get shots that perhaps thehy otherwise would not have been able to make.

They do not go to every event -- only the most important and Le Mans with what seems like 500 photographers registered, is one of those races.

Photographers around the world say "Merci" to Nello and Philippe and other members of the NPS staff for their service.