Photography Thailand Forum

[Marc Schultz]

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Canon Inc. said on Thursday (5/25/06) that it would consider halting development of new film cameras as it focuses resources on digital models, the latest sign of the rapidly fading role of film in photography.

A spokesman at Canon, the world's largest digital camera maker, said it would consider whether it needs to continue developing both compact and single lens reflex (SLR) film models because the markets for both are shrinking.

Canon said it would continue to produce and sell existing models and make a final judgment on the business in the future while monitoring market demand.

Canon's statement follows an announcement earlier this year by rival Nikon Corp. that it would stop producing most of its film cameras, expect for a few professional products.

Konica Minolta Holdings Inc., meanwhile, has said it would exit the camera and photo film markets, where it has been losing money amid stiff competition and weak demand.

The photographic film and film camera markets have been shrinking rapidly in the past few years due to the rising popularity of digital cameras, which can take and store photos without the need for film.

[Renato]

Hi Mark,
Konika-Minolta stopped their camera production on March 31, 2006. Their factory in Malaysia has been closed down. I have been using Minolta for many years and in fact I did buy my first DSLR (Made In Malaysia)  end of last year as I can use my other lenses with it.
when I heard the announcement, it was too late. Lucky me.

[Renato]

Mispelled your name again didn't I? I have two buddies named Mark and I guess my fingers got used to it when sending messages to the PC.Sorry.

[gregoire]

Also, Mamiya's camera division sold out to "Cosmo Digital Imaging" (some IT company) in April.

[bjorn slis]

Never mind, F6