Digital BW, The Print

> From a recent conversation with a big photo retailer:
> 
> Apparently Nikon US has made an agreement with Nikon Japan that does 
not 
> allow it to exceed a certain number of units per month for the 
medium format 
> Nikon scanner. As a result, said distrbutor,  showed me a list of 
some 20 
> people who had paid deposits or full price for the Nikon when the 
dealership 
> was allocated maybe 3 units a month from Nikon USA!!! 
> Meanwhile, he had a Polaroid Sprintscan in stock, just sitting there 
for the 
> next taker. I bet someone at Polaroid is popping a vintage 
champaigne right 
> about now.

Really????  The Japanese economy has been in the tank for a decade 
now.  Are we to believe that there is big demand here in the US for 
this scanner but Nikon Japan is going to limit sales?  To what end?  

It's seems more likely that Nikon Japan just hasn't been able to 
manufacture units fast enough to meet demand.  Or that Nikon Japan has 
agreements with Japanese distributers to supply/meet their demand 
first before selling overseas.

Meanwhile, the US dealer just happens to have a nice Polaroid in the 
stockroom for immediate sale?

I know you're just reporting what they told you.  But, the skeptic in 
me can't help thinking it's more likely the local dealer has a deal 
with Polaroid than Nikon US has a deal with Nikon Japan.