spring update

Two quick things. We got an update from Nikon, that most of their facilities are expected to resume production this week. (They sent out a press release, which you can find here.) Unfortunately they did experience a few personal tragedies, and our heart goes out to the families of the lost.

They went on to say,

Even after operation resumes, we have a concern that the situation may happen where our production cannot fully satisfy our customers’ requirement due to inability of full swing production caused by problems such as the planned blackouts of electricity and procurement of components from our business partners. While we will do our utmost effort to overcome such expected difficulties, we will be most grateful if our customers could understand such circumstances.

It's safe to say that the world of camera manufacturing may look a little different for a while, and we hope shortages don't have an adverse affect. Most of all, however, we send our continued sympathies to the people of Japan affected by the tragedy.

But, life continues apace, and the best thing we can do is keep living it. So for a little more cheerful note to end this, we're continuing our film developing and print scanning specials.

Life is too fleeting not to preserve your memories, your personal history, your family's moments. Turn those mystery negatives into pictures; turn those pictures into digital files you can share with the extended family.

So, until March 31st, a reminder:

Up to 1200 prints in a shoebox, scanned to CD for $99.

$1 to develop, $3 develop and CD, $5 develop and prints for color film, minimum of 3 rolls

Bring 'em in. The time is now. And enjoy spring. It's been a long, gloomy winter, and we're ready to celebrate life and sunshine and healing.

Crossing Our Fingers For Our Friends

As anyone involved in the imaging industry knows, the biggest powerhouse in the photographic market is Japan. Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Fuji, Tamron, Sigma: all, despite their global presence, are at their hearts Japanese companies. The earthquake and tsunami of March 11th, and its terrible aftermath, have left us holding our breath, waiting to hear from our manufacturers, suppliers, and friends.

Tamron e-mailed us to let us know that they sustained some damage to their manufacturing facilities but have so far had no reported injuries to their employees. They are shutting down for several days to deal with the rolling blackouts and assess their damage, but expect that they will be able to resume operations in the near future. A bulletin from their CEO and president, Morio Ono, concludes:

We would very much appreciate your understanding of the situation we are up against, and will definitely keep you abreast regarding the operations for rest of the week.

Last but not least, we sincerely appreciate your kind support and encouragement received right after the news hit the world. We will overcome this difficult time working together.

Sigma also contacted us, saying that while their Aizu manufacturing facility was damaged, it will be repairable; they likewise have not suffered any loss or injury of personnel. They expect to resume operations shortly but are not sure of the long-term implications of the disaster. (More here, if you can read Japanese or rely on Google Translate.)

Nikon has had an office in Tokyo since 1917. Delaware Camera has been a Nikon dealer since 1951. Nikon, known for their cameras but also involved in other precision optical applications, has manufacturing facilities in several countries, but in Japan they have five plants in four prefectures, and over 26,000 employees. There's a bulletin posted on their website explaining that there is damage to numerous of their facilities, and reports of injury to personnel, but the full impact is not yet known. Operations are suspended at their manufacturing plants and at their corporate office until the damage can be assessed. They have also posted a bulletin that they are making a cash donation of 100,000 yen to the Japanese Red Cross Society to provide immediate relief to those in the affected areas.

We heard from our NikonUSA representative, who is concerned but still waiting for more information. Undoubtedly there will be interruptions in business, but for how long, and to what extent, we just don't know yet.

This is a natural disaster of unprecedented scope, and the full impact is not yet known. All we can do is extend our sincerest condolences and sympathy, and hope for a good outcome.

Nikon D3100 Seminar!

Nikon is sending a representative to host a seminar on digital photography, featuring their new D3100 SLR camera, exclusively for Delaware Camera! This class, taught by a professional photographer from Nikon's stable of skilled and talented representatives, will cover many topics of digital photography, and will focus especially on the D3100. We're always excited when Nikon comes to visit; their pros are uniquely equipped to offer insights like no other into the workings of their cameras, along with being phenomenal and experienced photographers themselves.
This class will be different than the ones we teach in our stores, but we're offering it for the same low price of $25.

Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Place: Harlem Road Community Center, 4255 Harlem Rd Amherst NY
How to reserve your space: Call either of Delaware Camera's locations, either Delaware Ave. at 716-877-3317, or Transit Rd. at 716-631-5600.

Space is limited, so sign up now!