Nikon job loss - nikon rumors

nikonpup

nikonpup

Senior Member
This just in from Nikkei - "Nikon to cut 1,000 jobs in Japan":
Nikon plans to eliminate about 1,000 jobs in Japan, or 10% of its domestic workforce, as the company shifts resources away from once core businesses to medical devices and other growth areas.
The cuts over the next two to three years will mostly affect Nikon's money-losing semiconductor equipment operations and its shrinking digital camera business.
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From Reuters - "Nikon drops sales forecast as high-end camera market stalls":
Nikon Corp cut its full-year unit sales forecast for high-end cameras for the second quarter in a row on Thursday, as a dramatic fall in demand among photography hobbyists that began last year accelerated faster than expected.
The company posted a 41 percent drop in operating profit to 21.9 billion yen ($222 million) for the six months ended September, saying overseas demand for pricy single-lens reflex models had remained depressed.
It cut its unit sales projection for interchangeable lens cameras to 6.20 million from a previous forecast of 6.55 million, which had predicted the first fall in sales of the format since Nikon's first digital SLR in 1999.

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Fortkentdad

Senior Member
I was just at a Photographer Exhibition. Looking for an extra wide lens. In the case of the DX version the Nikon lens was just not competitive - not even close. At the show I looking at the price difference between their DX 10-24 at $1050 vs Sigma's 10-20 at $550 I have to wonder if the Nikon is twice the lens? Tried them both and didn't really notice any difference. The FX 20mm was about the same price, except that Sigma was offering 1.4 vs Nikon's 1.8

Now having bought a Nikkor 200-500 5.6 this spring I was pleased that the price point on that lens was competitive - more than the Tamron and lower end Sigma, but less than the Sigma "Sport" - and a better lens. Nikon needs to price it's product more competitively. How they do this? Maybe they need to reduce workforce? Yes they can charge a premium - but not 100% more - maybe 10-20% premium over third parties.

I've tended to buy Nikon lenses but do not shy away from Tamron at all.

And what is up with charging over $100 for a battery?

IF I were starting all over again I wonder if I would have taken the Nikon path?
 
nikonpup

nikonpup

Senior Member
NIKON STATEMENT:
In unprecedented move, Nikon issued a statement that they have not made any decisions on cutting 1,000 jobs in Japan - a story reported by Nikkei just few hours ago. Here is the full text: Statement Regarding Today's Media Reports
There were media reports such as in The Nikkei this morning regarding Nikon's restructuring plan centering on headcount reduction during several years. Nikon has made no announcement in this regards.
Although Nikon is constantly studying various management options including headcount rationalization for strengthening company’s profitability mainly of Semiconductor Lithography and Imaging Products Businesses, nothing has been decided at this time.
Should any facts pertaining to this matter are decided, Nikon will immediately make an announcement.


 
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Bikerbrent

Senior Member
OH OH! This scares the heck out of me. Sounds just like a statement a company would make just before shutting down or selling off a division. I believe Saturn Automobiles made a similar announcement before they shut down so they could sell a few more cars.
 
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mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Bikerbrent said:
OH OH! This scares the heck out of me. Sounds just like a statement a company would make just before shutting down or selling off a division. I beliver Saturn Automobiles made a similar announcement before they shut down so they could sell a few more cars.
Click to expand...

This thread needs a best answer button,no manufacture is safe,the ones most likley to survive are the ones that take decisive action in time,dont think they will shut down but downsize maybe.
 
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Bikerbrent

Senior Member
Yep, phone cameras are getting too good and since most people (who are NOT photographers, anyway) are carrying their phone, why should they bother with a lugging around a decent camera (be it Nikon or Sony or Canon). Yes, there will always be a small niche market for DSLRs (just as there still is a small market for film SLRs), but we are likely to see a reduction in available models. Plus the prices for these cameras and their accessories (lenses, flashes, etc) will climb. and finally, the camera manufacturers will do everything possible to prevent 3rd party accessories from operating correctly with their cameras to protect their profit. We are already seeing this happen with the D500 and the new 70-200 f2.8 lens (prices are up and compatibility is down). Definitely a sign of the times.
 
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