Canon and Nikon suspend operations following Japanese earthquake

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Canon, Nikon suspend operations at certain facilities in Japan
Monday, March 14, 2011 | by Rob Galbraith
Canon has suspended operations at eight of its facilities in Japan, all in areas affected by last week's earthquake and resulting tsunami, and is reporting 15 injuries at its factory in Utsunomiya. In statements released yesterday and today, the company indicates that damage was most significant at its EF lens production plant in Utsunomiya as well as in Fukushima, where inkjet printers are manufactured. At both facilities, says the company, "time will likely be needed before operations resume."

Nikon has also suspended operations at various facilities in Japan, including at its higher-end digital SLR and F6 factory in Sendai (which we visited in 2007). At least four Nikon facilities are affected, and the company is reporting an unspecified number of injuries to employees as well.

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-11314-11352
 
I think alot of Japanese companies have done this today - if nothing else to help preserve available power in the country, although if even plants could operate, its debatable if they could transfer goods and people in and out.
 
I will start by saying that the whole situation is horrific, and my thoughts go to the people affected.

From a logistical point of view, this could well push up the prices of lenses and bodies as they become harder to get hold of from the manufacturers.
 
Absolutely horrendous in terms of human suffering my heart goes out to them, having worked for a Japanese company I am hoping no-one I know was involved or lost their loved ones. The threat of nuclear meltdown and the risk to their economy are also very worrying as these issues will overshadow Japan for years to come. I work for a company that has offices in Japan all electronics companies will be affected by factory closures but to be honest the cost and shortage implications pale into insignificance when you see the footage of the devastation to one of the most forward thinking countries on the planet.
 
I'm a cynical old git who's seen just about all the Bad that can be in this world over the years, (And even been involved with some of it) and nothing much moves me any more..... But this did.
Watching Lorrys get washed away, and people running for their lives before being swept away by the relentless wave. The futility of it all, and the shattered piles of rubbish left behind.
Yes.......I'll give a bit. Send the tin round. (And if you knew me, you'd know just what a monumental thing it is for me to give money to charity).

Perhaps the one saving grace is watching the news today, shock and even horror on the faces of people, but also I got a sense of "OK its bad but come on, roll up your sleeves and re build. Save what you can and start tidying up".

They say what doesn't break you, makes you stronger. By Christ, (And I choose those words carefully), by Christ those people will be so strong after this!
 
One can't even begin to think of the way these poor people are affected by all this. First the earthquake, ok they have had earthquakes before, and will fight back. Next a crushing tsunami, how on earth can you fight back from that. Now the nuclear threat. These people must think Armageddon has finally arrived. My heart goes out to them all.
 
I'm just waiting for the European branches of the companies to hike their prices due to supply problems!
 
Dale_d3100 said:
I read this and thought well done to the companies involved....

http://via.pulsene.ws/15ggb
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It's excellent to see them helping like this. We've managed to setup a hotline.

Despite the 63 UK team out there (which includes two dogs) I get the feeling that David Cameron isn't showing Japan the same attention as he is Libya. :thinking:


DemiLion said:
I'm just waiting for the European branches of the companies to hike their prices due to supply problems!
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Most likely for sure but I guess you can't blame them as they'll all have large financial losses in the parent companies to recover. I just bought a new Canon 24-70mm, perhaps just in time some may say but that sounds very mercenary.

Horrible tradegy but I'm quietly confident they will bounce back stronger from this so long as those power plants stay under control.
 
Paying a bit more for a pro lens is a small price to pay when some people have lost absolutely everything they hold dear, including family members.
 
If that's in reply to me then it doesn't make sense?
 
Japan is a country that has had such a huge impact on the world with its forward thinking. I've often thought of Japan on a simular scale to the GB being an island and as ambitious in its growth and pride. Over time Japan will settle down from the international gaze, and rebuild with the courage of its people at its heart. This is where we will truely see the courage of these amazing people.

Rog
 
Unfortunately I don't think any of us will be uninvolved in this tragedy.

The news has just stated that Japanese stocks have lost £700 BILLION in the last two days and since many of our own companies and banks have both primary and secondary exposure in Japan this will affect us all.

In addition to the radiation danger.

.
 
gman said:
If that's in reply to me then it doesn't make sense?
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It was a general reply to those moaning that thier lenses might cost more.
 
TCR4x4 said:
It was a general reply to those moaning that thier lenses might cost more.
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I wasn't moaning in the slightest. I was making an observation that the European arms of Nikon and Canon will use the situation to their advantage by raising prices, claiming disruption in the supply chain. If they don't, then the retailers will almost certainly pursue that course of their initiative.
 
I know I've mentioned it once or twice - but I run a Japanese restaurant here in east London, and we've today set up a 'Just giving' page that links into a wider appeal aiming to raise over a million pounds. We set it up for our local businesses, and will be in the press tomorrow to raise its awareness, but geographical location shouldn't stop anyone from contributing.

If anyone is thinking about making a donation to the relief funds out there, you are more than welcome to add one through our page:

Just Giving Tsunami & Earthquake appeal

Or click the link on our webpage - Oishi Restaurant Barking

Luckily none of our people are affected, and neither are our direct suppliers, however the tragedy is still very real, and the thousands affected still need urgent help.
 
TCR4x4 said:
It was a general reply to those moaning that thier lenses might cost more.
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Terrible isn't it, worrying about five or so pounds.... ;)
 
TCR4x4 said:
It was a general reply to those moaning that thier lenses might cost more.
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If I did own a camera which took lenses, then I might be pushed to by the lens today to support the Japanese companies. I could then make a donation to one of the various charities that have been set up to help the people affected , using the money I will have saved after the prices go up.

I'm not being cynical about the price increase, but seeing as any increase in price is unlikely to filter directly back to those affected, informing people at least gives them a choice of what to do with the extra money.

I do agree with you though, in the wider scheme of things, buying a new lens is not in the same conversation as what is being experienced out there.
 
i think what has happened there is beyond what most of us here can imagine! its sheer scale beggars belief!
 
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