Nikon Corp. pares back film camera production
By
Mike Tomkins
(Wednesday, January 11, 2006 - 19:34 EST)
A press release published today by Nikon UK Ltd. announces plans by Nikon Corp. in Japan to reduce its production of film cameras and related products to just a handful of items.
The press release notes that more than 95% of Nikon UK's current business relates to digital products. The company will apparently cease production of enlarging lenses and all lenses for large format cameras immediately, with only such stock as is remaining in these items to be sold. The company will also cease production of most film camera bodies, interchangeable manual focus lenses and related accessories. Existing stock is expected to continue to be available at retail through this summer, although obviously that will vary by the exact product.
Only two film bodies and nine manual lenses will continue to be manufactured by Nikon. The Nikon F6 and FM10 bodies will remain in production, but the FM10 will no longer be sold in Europe. Manual lenses that will remain in production include the Nikkor 20mm f/2.8, Nikkor 24mm f/2.8, Nikkor 28mm f/2.8, Nikkor 35mm f/1.4, Nikkor 50mm f/1.2, Nikkor 50mm f/1.4, Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8, Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8, and PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D lenses.
More details can be found in the press release below.
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Original Source Press Release:
| Nikon prepares to strengthen digital line-up for 2006 Following the success of our digital line-up over the last seven years, which has resulted in more than 95% of Nikon's UK business being within the digital area, Nikon Corporation has made the decision to focus management resources on digital cameras in place of film cameras. This decision will allow Nikon to continue to develop products that match the demands of an increasingly competitive market place.
Despite this growing competition Nikon Corporation has continued to outperform the market, and has recently reported positive financial results which saw group net profit climb by 20% in the fiscal first half which ended in September. Group sales also increased by 9.8% to 342.85 billion yen in the same period. Sales of high end digital SLR cameras and the success of products like the D70s and D50 have helped contribute to these positive figures.
As the film camera market shrinks and the popularity of compact digital cameras increases, demand for products that offer advanced features and extra value is continuing to grow. High performance digital SLR cameras are performing well as users shift from film-based SLR cameras or upgrade from compact digital cameras to digital SLR cameras.
As a result of the new strategy Nikon will discontinue production of all lenses for large format cameras and enlarging lenses with sales of these products ceasing as soon as they run out of stock. This also applies to most of our film camera bodies, interchangeable manual focus lenses and related accessories. Although Nikon anticipates that the products will still be in retail distribution up to Summer 2006.
In recognition of Nikon's commitment to professional photographers we will continue to manufacturer and sell the F6, our flagship film model, as well as a number of manual interchangeable lenses. Sales of the manual FM10 will also continue outside Europe.
Notes to editor - As well as the F6 film body and the manual FM10 Nikon will continue to manufacturer and sell the following Interchangeable manual lenses:
Nikkor 20mm f/2.8
Nikkor 24mm f/2.8
Nikkor 28mm f/2.8
Nikkor 35mm f/1.4
Nikkor 50mm f/1.2
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8
Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8
PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D - After-sales service will continue to be provided as before, according to the policy for each product.
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