Bruce wrote:
>Any idea how fast the sales have dropped? Slow and steady or fairly >rapid? It happened abruptly. These are the numbers from Norway but I believe its an international trend. The usual selling rate for MF cameras in Norway is 300 units/year; all brands combined. Last year 60 were sold; before the end of the year; the real number is probably slightly higher. Anyway, MF sales is reduced by 2/3 or more. Probably not that much in other markets but the trends are there. Around here, the 645 system has never been popular. The 67 outsells it by a considerable margin. I believe I've heard 10:1 but don't quote me on it since my memory is somewhat wonky. The reason MF is loosing sales is the uncertainty about digital. Expensive 35mm slr's suffers the same fate; a reduction in sales globally. Another problem MF faces more than 35mm is competition from the used market. Due to the slower upgrade rate of cameras and lenses many photographers choose a used camera or lens, which often is identical to the ones sold brand new, over a new lens/body. >When comparing film 35mm to MF we can easily compare negative size. >How about when comparing digital 35mm to MF? If the CCD and resulting >image are larger, won't the cost skyrocket? Since the high end SLR's >are currently in the $5K range (much of that CCD cost) wouldn't MF be >priced beyond anyone other than full-time professional photographers? Currently yes. However, I expect chips to come down in price as volume increases. I believe its only a matter of time before digital will be similar to film in that bigger size means better quality. P�l - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
