360Photography

Canon Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. have announced their plans for the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic games. Canon will set up a photo service center for professional photographers at the Main Press Center (MPC). The MPC is where international press gathers during Tokyo 2020.

Canon’s photo service center will ensure professional photographers are well-equipped to capture iconic imagery during the games. In addition to providing Canon’s best cameras and lenses, the photo service center will offer photographers a network of service and support.

’Thus far, Canon has provided on-site support for press photographers, including camera and lens maintenance and technological support, behind the scenes at major sporting events around the world,’ Canon said. ‘The Tokyo 2020 Games are no exception—there too, Canon will apply its professional support know-how acquired over its long history to provide flexible and appropriate support for photographers and the various requests and equipment troubles they may have.’

Credit: Canon

Located at the Tokyo Big Sight Convention Center, Canon’s photo service center will be the largest photo service center during the event. Canon is a Gold Partner for Tokyo 2020, supplying still cameras and printers.

The photo service center will operate under a principle of ‘zero downtime,’ ensuring photographers won’t miss their opportunities to capture iconic moments during the games. Canon writes, ‘Canon will provide speedy maintenance service, equipment repairs and loaning of replacement equipment so that photographers can always be ready and in the best possible condition.’

Canon 1DX Mark III

Equipment on hand will include DSLR and mirrorless cameras and lenses, including EOS-1DX III and Canon EOS R5 and R6 cameras. Many lenses will be available, including Canon’s telephoto and super-telephoto optics, ideal choices for sports photography.

Spectators will be sure to see many white lenses in photographer bays and around the events. Canon’s white lenses are iconic, and their origins are traced back to the 1970s. Canon writes, ‘Canon developed the signature white of its lens barrels as a tool for photographers at international sporting events. The first such lenses* produced by the company, the FD600mm f/4.5 S.S.C. and FD800mm f/5.6 S.S.C. large-diameter super-telephoto lenses, were released in June 1976.’

Credit: Canon

White paint reflects heat better than black paint. This is especially important on large lenses, such as telephoto optics. When a lens heats up, the increasing temperatures can adversely affect optical performance.

To learn more about Canon’s services at Tokyo 2020, including Canon’s robotics, read the company’s announcement.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)