Mark:
I have handled the E-1 here in Rochester, NY at one of the larger photo
retailers (Rowe), which has a strong relationship with Olympus. It may be that
due to their relationship with Oly, plus being in Kodak-ville, that might
dictate their decision. I will check with the other two or three major dealers
and see if they will be carrying it.
If what Doro reports about another major player jumping in to 4/3 is true, then
it may be just what the dealers in Central Florida need to move them.
I don't understand their opinion of the lens prices. From what I have heard,
very few users have complained about the price of the lenses with the exception
of the 300. If they compare them to Nikon and Canon's better glass, which is
what they should do, then it doesn't make sense. Plus the zoom ranges are
quite nice.
Earl
*********** REPLY SEPARATOR ***********
On 10/28/2003 at 1:36 PM Mark_Jennings@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
>Hello all!
>
>I only receive the digest these days because I seldom post to the list.
>But I thought this is important enough to share with everyone. Over the
>past couple of days I have called around and received feedback from the
>local pro-level photo retailers in the Tampa Bay area regarding the Olympus
>E-1. These are stores that are currently authorized Olympus dealers and
>currently stock Olympus digital cameras. All were candid with me about
>this and willing to talk about it..
>
>Not one of the stores will be stocking the E-1 body or any new Zuiko
>digital lenses. No cameras will be displayed in any store. They will only
>accept special orders for the system components. The reasons for this were
>consistent from the three stores I contacted.
>
>None is confident that the Olympus 4/3 system will be popular with serious
>amateur/professional photographers. Olympus requires a significant minimum
>investment in E-1 stock merchandise and marketing items, separate from
>Olympus' other digital photo equipment. None is comfortable with the
>minimum amount of investment. They all feel that the pricing of the lenses
>is too high. They stated the demand for pro digital equipment is for Canon
>and Nikon. Both those systems meet the demands of the vast majority of the
>market for pro digital equipment and they see no reason that will change.
>None of them wants to make the major investment in acquiring inventory of a
>new Olympus system they have serious reservations about. One of the stores
>is taking a wait and see approach. The other two don't think the 4/3
>system will be a widespread success.
>
>I was informed that the Olympus sales representative for this area has said
>only one photo retailer in central Florida has committed to stocking the
>E-1system and that single shop is in Orlando. That doesn't sound too good
>to me. I guess I won't be seeing an E-1 in person unless I drive to
>Orlando, which I'm not going to do.
>
>Mark Jennings
>Seminole, FL
>
>
>
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