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Posts Tagged ‘supplier’

Report: Japanese camera makers could see supply chain constraints due to supplier factory fire

07 Dec
An overview of the aftermath at AKM Semiconductor factory following a three-day fire, captured by Nikogorio and used with permission.

Australian imaging publication, Inside Imaging, is reporting that some camera manufacturers could see supply chain issues following an October fire at an AKM Semiconductor audio chip factory in Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.

According to the report, the fire started on October 20 and burned uncontrolled for three days, effectively destroying the entire factory, which products various audio chip components used by ‘most Japanese camera makers.’ Inside Imaging stops short of stating what components in particular camera manufacturers source from AKM Semiconductor. It does mention AKM produces analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), but there’s no confirmation whether or not these ADCs are used by any camera manufacturers.

A close-up of the burned AKM Semiconductor factory, captured by Nikogorio and used with permission.

Inside Imaging claims to have been told by a source that Canon, Nikon and Sony ‘[had] pulled back support for Black Friday promotions’ due to a shortage of supply, but that is yet to be confirmed elsewhere and we have yet been able to confirm that ourselves. We have contacted representatives from Canon, Nikon and Sony for comment and clarification on the matters and will update this article accordingly when we receive responses.

According to other reports, there were no casualties from the fire and all 400 employees were safely evacuated before the fire spread. Repairing the factory will take at least six months, according to SemiMedia, who also notes the audio industry is panic buying to ensure manufacturers’ supply chain isn’t affect in the near future.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon delays its D6 DSLR until May 2020, due to supplier issues caused by COVID-19

10 Mar

Nikon USA has announced it is delaying the release of its new D6 DSLR due to issues caused by COVID-19.

In a short announcement on its website, embedded below, Nikon USA says the D6 has been delayed ‘As a result of delays in the procurement of parts and components from a third-party cooperating company due to measures implemented in response to the spread of COVID-19.’ Nikon says the new release timeframe is May 2020 and notes it ‘announce the new release date once it has been determined.’

This delay will further push the release date closer to the 2020 Olympics, which is set to take place in Tokyo from July 24 through August 9. However, as coronavirus cases and mortalities due to the virus ramp up, the likelihood of the Olympics being delayed or downright canceled increases as well.

Apology and Notice of Delay in the Release of the Nikon D6 Digital SLR Camera

MELVILLE, NY – Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.

As a result of delays in the procurement of parts and components from a third-party cooperating company due to measures implemented in response to the spread of COVID-19, the release of the new Nikon D6 digital SLR camera, originally planned for March 2020, will be delayed. We sincerely apologize to our customers and all those concerned for any inconvenience this may cause.

We are now planning to release the Nikon D6 in May 2020 and will announce the new release date once it has been determined.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and do our utmost to deliver this new camera as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and patience in this matter.


About Nikon
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Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo and video capture technologies; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enable visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products, as well as the revolutionary Nikon Z series of mirrorless cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses, which achieve a new dimension in optical performance. In 2018, Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., announced the production of 110 million NIKKOR lenses, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Vimeo and Flickr.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Photo chemistry manufacturer and supplier Tetenal Europe faces closure

30 Jan

Photo chemistry manufacturer and supplier Tetenal Europe GmbH is reportedly set to close up shop after a prolonged search for new investors failed to secure its future. Under voluntary insolvency protection since last October, the German-based firm is set to complete its current production run and close its doors at the end of the financial year on April 1st, according to a report on the German imaging + foto contact website.

The closure could have serious consequences for the film processing industry as Tetenal manufactures chemicals under its own name as well as for many third party brands across Europe. It is also the main supplier of materials for the Kodak Express chain across the continent and the only supplier of consumables and service for Konica Minolta minilabs. It is also the distributor of Kodak Aerial Imaging Films and Chemicals in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The company can trace its roots back to 1847 when drug wholesaler Theodor Teichgraber started distributing chemicals for wet collodion plates. Since then it has moved into the production of film chemistry for professional, high street and home users. It also has branched in to other chemical areas, such as agriculture, but has also become an important distributor for Epson, Eizo, Kodak and a range of inkjet and dye sub media.

The company had a change of management in April 2017 when Matthias Hübener stepped down from the day-to-day running of the firm for make way for Daniel Middendorf, who was still MD until this month. Hübener, who remains the business’ main shareholder, managed Tetenal for 24 years from 1993, taking over from his father Fritz who had become CEO and the main shareholder in 1960.

It isn’t clear at this stage how the closure of the Europe HQ will impact subsidiary companies in France, Poland and the UK. For more information see the Tetenal Europe GmbH website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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