> 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.