FID: Canon Stops Development of Film Cameras

Not surprising actually, and I question if further development is necessary. Think about it, auto focus, metering, flash control, processing and electronics will continue to be developed for use in DSLRs. What more do you need in a film SLR than what is offed in the Elan, 3 or 1v? Correct me if I am wrong, the only components of an SLR that are specific to a film camera is a means of film transport and the shutter.
 
Oldprof said:
Anyone who wants to buy a Canon film-based camera should be able to find a used one in good shape ... there are millions of them out there. And there will be plenty of parts cameras available if you need repairs. Still, it is sad to see the continuing decline in film camera manufacturing.
Click to expand...

Agreed - but one problem which we will be seeing in the near term is quality repairs being available. Like watch collecting - another money-sucking hobby of mine (has gone neglected since I bought my first Yashica Electro), those who are competent are retiring and passing away, and not many see 'camera repair' as a viable career path.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks
 
Quote:
'Canon.Nikon/whoever launch the new CKX-6000 - has the lightest strap lug of any
camera...ever! And your cat could use it!'

Fred has the little known problem of not posessing opposing thumbs, and those lugs don't help. 🙂

I think its true though that the focus on digital will expand the number of useless behind the menu features that few will either care for ur understand. I remember the introduction to fanfares of 'subject based program modes' that most camera producers went for. Never used them myself. Most novices just used the auto everything point and shoot mode.

Bottom line is that they are still trying to emulate the qualities of film. I'm unsure who will use these modes when PS will do most things.
 
The Reuters article was corrected an hour ago, Bill.
awais.gif


OFFICIAL CORRECTION: please see change in headline to read "Canon considers halt to film camera development." Also in first paragraph please read ....that it would consider halting development.... instead of ....that it would halt.... and in second paragraph please read ....it would consider whether it needs to continue developing.... instead of ....it made the decision to freeze.... and in fourth paragraph please read ....Canon's statement.... instead of ....Canon's decision....
Click to expand...

source: http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/new...IDST_0_TECH-JAPAN-CANON-DC.XML&archived=False

R.J.
 
bmattock said:
Fascinating! The rewording was not on Google News when I posted, but I see it there now as well. I would not have knowingly posted an incorrect article.

I wonder what caused them to 'reword' their statement? A misquote, mis-translation, or did they get instant and angry backlash?

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks
Click to expand...

Probably a translation error or maybe they wanted to see what kind of reaction they would get. 😕


R.J.
 
I take the discontiuation of film cameras with a grain of salt. I shoot with both Rangefinders and 35mm SLR's on average about 35-40 years old and they are still working fine and will last another 80 years at least. All the old cameras that show up on Ebay are headed somewhere, they are not being landfilled or all sitting on a shelf in shrink wrap. With the amount of vintage hardware out there. I am not that worried, in fact I want to get all my gear before prices head back up. Fuji and Kodak are introducing new film emulsion. I am holding my breath for Kodak but Fuji and Ilford are going to be around for a long time.
The camera manufacturers are looking for rapid obselecence and they are getting it with digital.

Bill
 
Ever so slightly OT, but...

The owner of my FLCS tells me that he is seeing an increase in sales of 35mm equipment again (not least in our kind of sector - funky used gear), and has recently started stocking a greater range of film, and has also resumed sale of paper and chemistry.

Which is not to say that I see the lifetime of film extending again, but simply to ponder that there may be more people like us out there than we think...
 
Whoa! Original report was incorrect!

Whoa! Original report was incorrect!

It's now being reported that the original stories were in error: Canon is only "considering" halting future development of film cameras, not that it definitely has decided to do so.

See this item on Imaging Resource (click here for link.)
 
Goodyear said:
Ever so slightly OT, but...

The owner of my FLCS tells me that he is seeing an increase in sales of 35mm equipment again (not least in our kind of sector - funky used gear), and has recently started stocking a greater range of film, and has also resumed sale of paper and chemistry.

Which is not to say that I see the lifetime of film extending again, but simply to ponder that there may be more people like us out there than we think...
Click to expand...

This is not to downplay your friend's observations, but it may be a bounce effect to be expected as more and more local dealers are squeezed out or bought out - the remaining demand gets concentrated on the remaining players, which is temporarily seen as an increase in sales. I no longer post stories about local camera shops going out of business - there are too many of them. The trend in a local district or shop may well be up - but the overall trend is down and to the right, sadly.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks
 
I see AP is still reporting the original version of the story. Either way, it's no surprise as the current model line has been out for several years with no hint of replacements. I expect they will continue to manufacture as long as there is sufficient demand. It really rather reminds me of what I've read of Canon's cut-over from RFs to SLRs, though they seem to be managing it better this time.

As for film, I expect it to come down to Ilford, one of the Eastern European companies (I'd prefer Foma, but we'll see) & Fuji. Unless Kodak spins off the film division and they hire a clueful management, I don't think we'll see Kodak film all that much longer. Interesting times, as the saying goes... 😀

William
 
wlewisiii said:
I see AP is still reporting the original version of the story. Either way, it's no surprise as the current model line has been out for several years with no hint of replacements. I expect they will continue to manufacture as long as there is sufficient demand. It really rather reminds me of what I've read of Canon's cut-over from RFs to SLRs, though they seem to be managing it better this time.

As for film, I expect it to come down to Ilford, one of the Eastern European companies (I'd prefer Foma, but we'll see) & Fuji. Unless Kodak spins off the film division and they hire a clueful management, I don't think we'll see Kodak film all that much longer. Interesting times, as the saying goes... 😀

William
Click to expand...
CEOs come and go. Corporations tend to keep their momentum.

That is unless you are Enron, or Anderson Consulting.

Maybe there is hope for Kodak, CEO are judged by Boards who can often have a broader vision. I'm going to look up who's on Kodak's board. Just for my own edification.
 
It would be fun to find out whether Canon is backpedaling based on unfavorable reactions. But I had basically assumed some time ago that they would be introducing no more film cameras, and certainly no pro-level SLRs to compete with the F6.
 
I remember an 80's ska tune-

"Enjoy Yourself, It's later than you think." Was it the Specials?

Anyway, I think it expresses how I'm feeling about film. Use it and enjoy it while it's here.
 
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