Weekly Nikon news flash #137

Here are the weekly links if somebody cares:

Nikon prices are raising in Japan (source: PEN weekly):

“According to Kakaku.com Inc., which operates an online price-comparison site, Nikon’s D3100 DSLR camera/double zoom kit is currently sold at around 55,100 yen (US$706), or 19% higher than in mid-October. And the price of D5100 model has risen 15% since early October to 83,800 yen (US$1,074).”

Interview with the creators of Nikon 1 (computer translated), some interesting points:
- Nikon started developing their mirrorless camera back in 2006 (shortly after the D200 was released)
- The Nikon 1 sensor has a 3.4μm pixel pitch
- Currently there are no plans to add phase detection AF in Nikon DSLR cameras
- Nikon expects to sale the V1/J1 in 20%/80% ratio
- No plans for Nikon 1 underwater housing
- VR will work with the FT1 adapter
- Older non-CPU Nikkor lenses can be used with the FT1 adapter – “You can shoot in aperture priority AE exposure. Center-weighted metering and spot only, multi-pattern metering is not available.“
Nikkor 6mm f/2.8 fisheye lens on eBay again.
Nikon 1 already discounted at B&H.
Thailand updates:
- Jorge Macedo tried to get to the Nikon factory in Thailand – read his story (with pictures) here
- Check also those images from the flooding in Thailand
- Companies consider leaving Thailand which could lead to an unemployment crisis
- Japanese government is issuing visas to Thai workers at Japanese firms affected by flooding.
News: Nikon commenced “Reconstruction Supports through the Power of Photography” in full scale to support the long-term reconstruction of areas stricken by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
RRS plate for Nikon 1 V1 are now available.
Nikon renting Nikon 1 cameras “at a restaurant popular with female customers” (Google translation).
X-ray Image of a Nikon Photographer:

Check out this time-lapse photography video taken with Nikon D3S and 17-35mm f/2.8, 14-24mm f/2.8 lenses: