Olympus Imaging has launched an inventive marketing campaign: a chance to win an all expenses paid trip to the remote southern island of Tanegashima for the purpose of photographing a total solar eclipse under the guidance of a professional.
Customers who spend over ¥500,000 ($4,750) will be entered into the lottery for a chance to win one of 30 spots on the three day, two night trip. Considering that the eclipse, the first total one visible in Japan in 46 years, doesn’t take place until July 22 of next year, Olympus is giving itself plenty of time to rack up big spending customers.
¥500,000 is conveniently the price for the top Olympus E-System DSLR kit, including lens and flash. The E-System line includes pro and high-end consumer models. An additional 15 customers whose bills total ¥300,000 ($2,850) to ¥500,000 and 5 who spend ¥150,000 ($1,425) to ¥300,000 will also be invited to join, though obviously the odds aren’t as good.
This literally once in a lifetime opportunity is a tempting incentive for the legions of serious photography hobbyists who might be considering one of several brands for an equipment upgrade in the coming year. In case you are wondering if Olympus can sell enough of these expensive cameras to cover the cost of the extravagant prize, remember that they don’t call the country’s major all-purpose electronics chains Yodabashi Camera and Bic Camera for nothing.
