Nikon retires most of its film camera lineup

Iria

Nikon has announced that they are exiting most of the analog film camera market. In a Nikon UK press release, the company said that it is stopping production of most film camera bodies and their associated lenses. Nikon will still offer support to discontinued models and will also sell two high-end film cameras.

In the press release Nikon UK says, "Nikon Corporation has made the decision to focus management resources on digital cameras in place of film cameras." While the company will still sell their flagship F6 film body and the manual FM10, all other film cameras will be discontinued. Owners of discontinued models will still be able to get support for years to come.

We cannot say with absolute certainty that this UK press release refers to Nikon's global business, but the release makes several references to Nikon's global business such as the firm's sales performance.

Nikon is not the only photography giant that is switching to digital. Two years ago, Kodak restructured into a mostly digital company and dropped out of the 35 mm camera business. Several thousand people were laid off as the company struggled to set sail into the digitalk photography age and improve its image. Since the transition, Kodak has released several digital camera models including the wireless EasyShare and renamed their Ofoto online photo printing service to a more recognizable Kodak EasyShare Gallery. The company has also leveraged its brand name to install Kodak digital photo kiosks around the nation.

According to Nikon UK's press release, the discontinued cameras and accessories will still be in retail distribution until Summer 2006. Nikon USA and Nikon Corporation were not available for comment.
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Source: TG Daily