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Image Resource is running with a story that Pentax is preparing to stop making both compact and SLR film cameras later this year. The News has come from messages posted by Pentar (the Official Russian Distributor of Pentax) on their website in a message to dealers of Pentax products.
Following is part of the initial message translated from Russian to English:
'Due to the rapid expansion of the worldwide digital market, and the sharp decline in the film camera segment, Pentax announces plans to reduce manufacture of compact and single-lens reflex film cameras in the coming months. Pentax will continue production of professional medium-format film cameras. Pentax will also continue production of binoculars.With this announcement, Pentax becomes the first company from the so-called "Big Five" photographic brands, which will completely focus on digital cameras of various types (including professional SLR and consumer digital cameras), and also production of hybrid photo/video cameras.'
A second clarifying message was later posted saying:
'Pentax plans to completely phase out film cameras, but this will happen gradually. Compact zoom film cameras, SLR film cameras, lenses and accessories will still be sold until the end of 2004.' - Source
It will be interesting to watch this story to see if it is just a localized move from Pentax in Russia, or if it is a policy that is about to be rolled out globally. We'll keep you up to date on this breaking story as up to date information comes to hand.
UPDATE - Pentax Head office in Japan have denied this story to be true. As of yet there is no explanation of how or why the information was posted on the Russian site.
Similar news is also just in that Nikon are planning to withdraw from segments on the film market.
Posted by Darren in our News category on June 02, 2004