Nikon discontinuing film cameras!!!

[Unimaxium]

Just from a Nikon press release a few hours ago:

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.

...

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.

The full press release is here

Looks like the end of an era for Nikon. At least they are still continuing the F6 and FM10.

 

[markc]

Wow.... *blink* *blink*

 

[Fate]

Really! wow.... well im glad ive got my F55 then

 

[Fate]

And my lenses i guess........ bye bye film... i still love you!!!

 

[KevinR]

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

Although I know alot of people love the enlarging lenses, there are many on the market and a few big players still, so I don't see a huge loss there. The large format market is so niche, that I'm surprised they still produced lenses for that.

The death of film cameras are a little exaggerated. The European market is where they are focusing the changes.