In an rather off-message slip at Olympus?s EP-1 launch at Jessops? New Oxford Street, London branch on 25 June, David Bailey said he still prefers 10×8 photography. However, during light-hearted banter with Olympus?s general manager of consumer marketing, Mark Thackara, he conceded that digital cameras are great for reportage photography. He went on to say that he has also shot a book using the Olympus E-3 exclusively.
During the James Bond-themed event, David Bailey, or Bailey as we are now told to refer to him, was presented with the very first production model of the Olympus Pen E-P1. The silver version presented to Bailey had the appropriate serial number 001. Upon opening the box Bailey expressed his delight at the design and the fact that his kit came complete with the accessory viewfinder.