Some more Olympus news

[kdemas]

This little article opens up the idea of some interesting partnerships for Oly. Sony, Panasonic, Samsung or maybe Fujifilm.

Any thoughts about who would make a good teammate for Oly?

 

[Frontman]

As far as Olympus is concerned, anyone is okay, but only as long as they are Japanese. The company is trying to work out a plan to reorganize, but to do so without foreign investment; this way they can continue to run it as a Japanese-style company, where shareholders have little-to-no influence over the running of the company, and where the president and Board can do whatever they like, regardless of how the actual owners of the company feel.

Corporate Japan is behind the times, but it looks as though the scandal at Olympus will not change things. Perhaps it would be better if the company were delisted from the stock exchanged and forced into bankruptcy; this might actually get the attention of corporate Japan (where I happen to work), and bring about some actual change.

The only bright side is that former president Kikukawa and at least two members of the board will be criminally charged, and that charges against the Olympus itself are pending. Were this America or Europe, these people would already have arraigned and awaiting trial.

 

[maddoc]

As far as Olympus is concerned, anyone is okay, but only as long as they are Japanese. The company is trying to work out a plan to reorganize, but to do so without foreign investment; this way they can continue to run it as a Japanese-style company, where shareholders have little-to-no influence over the running of the company, and where the president and Board can do whatever they like, regardless of how the actual owners of the company feel.

Corporate Japan is behind the times, but it looks as though the scandal at Olympus will not change things. Perhaps it would be better if the company were delisted from the stock exchanged and forced into bankruptcy; this might actually get the attention of corporate Japan (where I happen to work), and bring about some actual change.

The only bright side is that former president Kikukawa and at least two members of the board will be criminally charged, and that charges against the Olympus itself are pending. Were this America or Europe, these people would already have arraigned and awaiting trial.

It would be interesting to see how TEPCO (the owner of Fukushima nuclear power plant) would have been treated if it would be a company outside of Japan ... 🙄

 

[pggunn]

This little article opens up the idea of some interesting partnerships for Oly. Sony, Panasonic, Samsung or maybe Fujifilm.

Any thoughts about who would make a good teammate for Oly?

I think Panasonic would be a good fit because of their shared format, M4/3's, and because of Panasonic's experience with Leica. Since Maitani had the Leica M system in mind when he designed the OM-1, it would be interesting to see what Olympus and Panasonic could do working together on a new M4/3's system camera that works more like an M or an OM, something along the lines of a refinement of the GF1, maybe something closer to the Fuji X100 but with interchangeable lenses.

It probably won't happen, but it would be nice.

 

[Livesteamer]

I read a longer version of the same article which said the Olympus camera section was not making money.

Joe

 

[Maiku]

maddoc,

I think the scenarios playing out now with TEPCO and Olympus would be striking similar in the western world. We just have look back over the past 3 or 4 years as proof. Was the punishment exacted on British Petroleum (BP) heavy or serve enough to deter other oil companies from taking short cuts in crude oil extraction? What penalties were handed down to the financial instiutions and wizards of Wall Street for the money movements that resulted in 2008 crash? I think many people believe that Japan is behind the times, but is it? How do Koreans, the Chinese and Russians protect it firms? Look at what is taking place in Europe right now?

Maybe I am pessimistic. I think other cultures would take different steps, but the results would be striking similar.

As for Olympus and collborations I could give a flying fart. It would be best if Panasonic struck out on its own to be the third big player in digital photography.

 

[shadowfox]

I prefer Fuji to acquire Olympus if it comes to that.
I'd be delighted to see Olympus designed camera with Fuji sensors.

I'd hate it if any of the electronic giants were to control Olympus.

 

[Mackinaw]

I read a longer version of the same article which said the Olympus camera section was not making money.

I read that too. Their cash cow is their medical division.

Jim B.

 

[TXForester]

...it would be interesting to see what Olympus and Panasonic could do working together on a new M4/3's system camera that works more like an M or an OM...

I read a rumor site that mentioned m4/3 camera that might be along the lines of a OM.

 

[Trius]

maddoc,

I think the scenarios playing out now with TEPCO and Olympus would be striking similar in the western world. We just have look back over the past 3 or 4 years as proof. Was the punishment exacted on British Petroleum (BP) heavy or serve enough to deter other oil companies from taking short cuts in crude oil extraction? What penalties were handed down to the financial instiutions and wizards of Wall Street for the money movements that resulted in 2008 crash? I think many people believe that Japan is behind the times, but is it? How do Koreans, the Chinese and Russians protect it firms? Look at what is taking place in Europe right now?

Maybe I am pessimistic. I think other cultures would take different steps, but the results would be striking similar.

As for Olympus and collborations I could give a flying fart. It would be best if Panasonic struck out on its own to be the third big player in digital photography.

Exactly. We are (all) headed to a cliff. Unless those in charge are turfed so that enlightened people hold sway.

 

[Trius]

I read a rumor site that mentioned m4/3 camera that might be along the lines of a OM.

A contradiction in terms since the OM is mirror-based. Not a contradiction, however, if an m4/3 camera eschews an interface that places stupid functions ahead of direct control of focus, aperture, shutter speed and ISO. I doubt that will happen. No, I say it won't happen. How many would they sell? Enough to cover cost of development and production? If I'm wrong I'll be VERY happy. As long as the viewfinder is as big and bright as an OM-4 with the brightest focusing screen available.

 

[kosta_g]

maddoc,

I think the scenarios playing out now with TEPCO and Olympus would be striking similar in the western world. We just have look back over the past 3 or 4 years as proof. Was the punishment exacted on British Petroleum (BP) heavy or serve enough to deter other oil companies from taking short cuts in crude oil extraction? What penalties were handed down to the financial instiutions and wizards of Wall Street for the money movements that resulted in 2008 crash? I think many people believe that Japan is behind the times, but is it? How do Koreans, the Chinese and Russians protect it firms? Look at what is taking place in Europe right now?

Maybe I am pessimistic. I think other cultures would take different steps, but the results would be striking similar.

As for Olympus and collborations I could give a flying fart. It would be best if Panasonic struck out on its own to be the third big player in digital photography.

what he said!

 

[Jamie Pillers]

Kodak. Two halves make a whole.

 

[TXForester]

A contradiction in terms since the OM is mirror-based. Not a contradiction, however, if an m4/3 camera eschews an interface that places stupid functions ahead of direct control of focus, aperture, shutter speed and ISO. I doubt that will happen. No, I say it won't happen. How many would they sell? Enough to cover cost of development and production? If I'm wrong I'll be VERY happy. As long as the viewfinder is as big and bright as an OM-4 with the brightest focusing screen available.

I'm betting when they say similar to an OM, they mean the body's form with a built in EVF. Similar to the Panasonic G series. Looks like a small SLR, but it isn't one. I'd like it if it was similar to OM 1, 2 or 4, with a big EVF that has focus assist in the EVF. Parts of the finder flash when in focus, similar to what you get on a LCD that show highlight clipping.

 

[Trius]

Do you really think it will happen? Who is "they" in "they said"?

 

[TXForester]

They would be a rumor website. I think one for m4/3 cameras.

As far as producing one, maybe but they certainly would not listen to me. I want a simple "photographer's" camera. One without all the bells and whistles, but then I'm just odd. 🙂

 

[f6andBthere]

Maybe they could release a special commemorative digital version of the OM-1 ... signed by the head of the Yakuza!

This company is a long way from the vision Maitani instilled in it in his time there ... better gone IMO.

 

[TXForester]

Maybe they could release a special commemorative digital version of the OM-1 ... signed by the head of the Yakuza!

Will it come with one of those tantōs they use for cutting off a finger? 😀

 

[nighstar]

I think Panasonic would be a good fit because of their shared format, M4/3's, and because of Panasonic's experience with Leica.

agreed. 🙂

 

[celluloidprop]

Fuji doesn't make sense, given they're releasing a line that's a competitor to m43, with no overlap in technology/lenses.