Konica Minolta withdraw from Digital Photo Market

[Steve Randles]

Konica Minolta Announces Withdrawal Plan for

Camera Business and Photo Business

http://konicaminolta.com/releases/2006/0119_03_01.html

 

Konica Minolta has long been a leading company in photo imaging business covering wide range of imaging from input to output. In addition, we have provided inspiring products and services by fusing our unique technologies.

 

In camera business, we have expanded picture-taking opportunities by developing innovative technologies such as the world’s first autofocus cameras. In 1962, our camera, well-accepted for its high reliability, boarded on the US’s first manned spaceship “Friendship 7.” Also, ever since introduction of the world’s first body-integral autofocus SLR camera, Maxxum/Dynax series, in 1985, SLR cameras have become more popular among picture-takers, and we have succeeded in selling 16 million units of interchangeable lenses since then.

 

However, in today’s era of digital cameras, where image sensor technologies such as CCD is indispensable, it became difficult to timely provide competitive products even with our top optical, mechanical and electronics technologies.

 

In photo business, represented by the silver-halide photography such as color film and color paper, we have produced Japan’s first photographic paper in 1903, and Japan’s first color film in 1940, thus pioneering joy of photography for more than a century. In 1984, we introduced the world’s first compact washless photofinishing system known as a minilab system. The minilabs contributed to the expansion of worldwide photographic market by making photos closer to consumers and amazingly shortening delivery time.

 

However, traditional silver-halide photographic market is shrinking astonishingly by the surge of the worldwide digitization. In such a changing world, profits for camera and photo businesses worsened in recent years, and it became necessary to drastically reform business structure for the further growth of Konica Minolta. Ever since we decided and announced restructuring guidelines of our businesses on November 4, 2005, we have been considering practical and detailed plan, and we would like to announce our decision made today as follows: Read more at above link

 

 

Partial Transfer of Certain Assets Related to Digital SLR cameras

http://konicaminolta.com/releases/2006/0119_02_01.html

Edited January 19, 2006 by Steve Randles

[rabster]

Having recently purchased a Konica Minolta 5D dslr , I've now got my fingers crossed that Sony are committed to providing a good aftersales service for KM dslr owners and also that, as indicated, they continue to develop & produce lenses with Konica Minolta's lens mount system.

 

I'm not going to lose any sleep over this announcement (well not yet at least), because I still feel I've got a terrific camera at what was a good price. Also, with these digital gizmos, it seems to follow that in two or three years I'd be looking to swap it for something with better spec anyway - I just hope it lasts that long.

 

Regards

 

Cliff