In such a changing world, profits for camera and photo businesses worsened in recent years, and it became necessary to drastically reform business structure for the further growth of Konica Minolta. However, traditional silver-halide photographic market is shrinking astonishingly by the surge of the worldwide digitization. The minilabs contributed to the expansion of worldwide photographic market by making photos closer to consumers and amazingly shortening delivery time. In 1984, we introduced the world’s first compact washless photofinishing system known as a minilab system. In photo business, represented by the silver-halide photography such as color film and color paper, we have produced Japan’s first photographic paper in 1903, and Japan’s first color film in 1940, thus pioneering joy of photography for more than a century. However, in today’s era of digital cameras, where image sensor technologies such as CCD is indispensable, it became difficult to timely provide competitive products even with our top optical, mechanical and electronics technologies.
In 1962, our camera, well-accepted for its high reliability, boarded on the US’s first manned spaceship “Friendship 7.” Also, ever since introduction of the world’s first body-integral autofocus SLR camera, Maxxum/Dynax series, in 1985, SLR cameras have become more popular among picture-takers, and we have succeeded in selling 16 million units of interchangeable lenses since then. In camera business, we have expanded picture-taking opportunities by developing innovative technologies such as the world’s first autofocus cameras. In addition, we have provided inspiring products and services by fusing our unique technologies. Konica Minolta has long been a leading company in photo imaging business covering wide range of imaging from input to output. Press Release (Withdrawal): Konica Minolta Announces Withdrawal Plan for Konica Minolta cuts financial year forecast.Konica Minolta and Sony make D-SLR announcement.Konica Minolta to liquidate Canadian unit sees no financial impact.
KONICA MINOLTA CAMERA FOR SALE FULL
Full announcement and details of the Sony asset transfer inside. Konica Minolta it appears will continue to work with Sony (a relationship announced last year) in the development of digital SLR's and lenses but they will not be branded as or be sold by Konica Minolta. They will be transferring assets related to their camera business to Sony who will continue to develop digital SLR's based around the Konica Minolta lens mount. This has to be the biggest and most shocking news before the upcoming PMA show, Konica Minolta has today announced that it is withdrawing from the camera and photo business.