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Nikon N65 Service Bulletin.

Nikon has announced that some N65 cameras sold with the quartz data back have a problem where the batteries for the data back only last 3 to 6 months.  A minor modification to the data back is necessary to correct the problem and can be performed by one of the Nikon service centers listed in the bulletin.

This problem affects only those N65s with the Quartz Data Back (N65QD models) and does not affect the standard N65.  Also, this problem does not affect normal picture taking so if you're planning a trip or you'll need the camera for a special event, wait until afterwards to send it in for service.  Nikon estimates the recall will involve approximately 55,000 units sold worldwide.

For complete details on click here.

Kodak Acquires Ofoto

Kodak signed a definitive agreement to acquire online photo service Ofoto Inc. of Emeryville, CA.  Ofoto will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Kodak and will be led by its existing management team, which will report to Willy Shih, president of Kodak's Digital and Applied Imaging unit.

Ofoto will serve as a connection between Kodak's film scanning and uploading services and Kodak's output capabilities through labs operated by its Qualex subsidiary. "These capabilities will give customers and consumers unlimited flexibility in storing, sharing, enhancing and printing pictures", Kodak said.  Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1999, Ofoto has 1.2 million registered members. The company employs 121 people.  Kodak indicated that no layoffs are planned at Ofoto.

Kodak said they plan to use Ofoto mainly to make prints of the digital images uploaded by consumers or with the help of retail photofinishing partners.  Said Kodak's Shuh "Online photofinishing is still a nascent market and emerging category. We're not at a point where all the pieces are assembled, but that's our goal. It takes a company like Kodak to put the system together."

Kodak, which provides print services for Ofoto competitor Snapfish.com, said it plans to maintain that and similar partnerships.

According to a report by Nielsen/Net Ratings, Kodak's current Web offerings - kodak.com, Kodak PhotoNet Online, the Kodak Picture Center online at CVS.com and the Kodak-sponsored "You've Got Pictures" service offered on America Online - averaged more than 782,000 unique visitors per month for the first quarter of 2001.

Epson Announces Price Drop on Printers and Scanners

Epson America Inc. reduced the price of five of its scanners and one of its photo printers. The Epson Perfection 1640SU, 1640SU Photo, and 1640SU Office scanners were previously priced at $299, $399, and $499, respectively. After the reductions, they now carry estimated street prices of $249, $369, and $449. The Perfection 1240U and 1240U Photo models, originally $179 and $269, are now priced at $199 and $299, respectively. The Epson Stylus Photo 780, a six-color photo printer that is the letter size version of the 1280, was previously priced at $199. It now carries an estimated street price of $149.
    The Epson Perfection 1640SU models feature 1,600 dpi optical resolution, 42-bit color depth and a maximum hardware resolution of 1,600-by-3,200 dpi. The Perfection 1240U models offer 42-bit color depth and 1,200-by-2,400 dpi maximum hardware resolution. The Epson Stylus Photo 780 features up to 2,880-by-720 dpi and Epson's Micro Piezo inkjet technology. 

Kodak releases new versions of 400 and 800 Max films

Kodak has announced updates to it's highly successful Max line of films.  Max Versatility Plus 400 & 800 speed films have been reformulated to provide better sharpness and finer grain.  Colors are now more saturated, while Kodak claims that color accuracy,  consistency, and skin tones are improved.

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N65 Recalled

Kodak buys Ofoto

Kodak updates Max 400 & 800

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